Element Pressure Release System
An element pressure release system includes a mandrel having at least one groove or recess and a retainer having at least one window passing through the retainer. The retainer extends around a perimeter of the at least one window. A lug is positioned in the at least one window of the retainer, and a wedge is configured to engage a casing slip and the lug such that, when the element pressure release system is in a coupled position, the lug is capable of transferring a force from the retainer to the wedge and the casing slip. The element pressure release system is positionable in a decoupled position in which the mandrel is moved to align the at least one groove or recess with the lug to allow the lug to become disengaged from the wedge and thereby no longer transfer the force from the retainer to the wedge.
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The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments is defined only by the appended claims.
Unless otherwise specified, any use of any form of the terms “connect,” “engage,” “couple,” “attach,” or any other term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to”. Unless otherwise indicated, as used throughout this document, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity.
As used herein, the phrases “hydraulically coupled,” “hydraulically connected,” “in hydraulic communication,” “fluidly coupled,” “fluidly connected,” and “in fluid communication” refer to a form of coupling, connection, or communication related to fluids, and the corresponding flows or pressures associated with these fluids. In some embodiments, a hydraulic coupling, connection, or communication between two components describes components that are associated in such a way that fluid pressure may be transmitted between or among the components. Reference to a fluid coupling, connection, or communication between two components describes components that are associated in such a way that a fluid can flow between or among the components. Hydraulically coupled, connected, or communicating components may include certain arrangements where fluid does not flow between the components, but fluid pressure may nonetheless be transmitted such as via a diaphragm or piston.
The present disclosure relates generally to an element pressure release system that allows retrieval of packer assemblies set in a wellbore. When installed with slips, packer assemblies are typically considered permanents installations, and removal of these assemblies from the well may require milling and other costly operations. The embodiments described herein allow release of a standard slip used to retain the packer in a set or permanent position. By moving a mandrel upon which the packer assembly is delivered downhole, the forces exerted against the slip are released, thereby allowing the packer assembly to be retrieved from the wellbore.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring more specifically to
Referring still to
In some embodiments, the window 311 of the retainer 313 passes through the retainer, and the retainer 313 may extend around a perimeter of the window 311. In some embodiments, the retainer 313 may surround the perimeter of the window 311. The presence of the window and the ability to cradle or surround the locking lug 305 is advantageous. The window 311 assists in containing the locking lug 305.
A face 315 of the window that engages a face 316 of the locking lug is used for bearing, and the geometry of the window and lug, or their respective faces 315, 316, could be adjusted to control load, tilt (negative or positive), or other parameters. For example, the faces 315, 316 may be substantially perpendicular to adjacent surfaces of the retainer 313 or locking lug 305 as illustrated in
The geometry or shape of the window 311 and the locking lug 305 contained within the window 311 may also vary. Although the window 311 illustrated in
The depth and other size parameters of the groove 303 of the mandrel 203 are such that the groove 303 is able to receive the locking lug 305 when the mandrel 203 is moved axially to place the element pressure release system 202 in the decoupled or release position illustrated in
Referring to
It is believed that the presence of windows 311 in the retainer 311, and one or more locking lugs 305 within each window 311 provides better containment and control over the locking (or “set”) and release capabilities of the element pressure release system 202. The independent locking lugs 305 are able to move freely relative to one another and do not suffer the same geometrical constraints as other components, such as a C-ring. If used in place of a plurality of lugs, the C-ring may provide less reliability in locking and releasing since the C-ring is circular in either its expanded or collapsed positions and elliptical in the other position.
It is important for well operators to be able to easily and cost effectively retrieve packers from a wellbore. The present disclosure describes systems, assemblies, and methods for setting and retrieving a packer assembly that includes opposed casing slips. In addition to the embodiments described above, many examples of specific combinations are within the scope of the disclosure, some of which are detailed below.
Example 1An element pressure release system comprising:
-
- a mandrel having at least one groove or recess;
- a retainer having at least one window passing through the retainer, the retainer extending around a perimeter of the at least one window;
- a lug positioned in the at least one window of the retainer; and
- a wedge configured to engage a casing slip and the lug such that, when the element pressure release system is in a coupled position, the lug is capable of transferring a force from the retainer to the wedge and the casing slip;
- wherein the element pressure release system is positionable in a decoupled position in which the mandrel is moved to align the at least one groove or recess with the lug to allow the lug to become disengaged from the wedge and thereby no longer transfer the force from the retainer to the wedge.
The element pressure release system of example 1, wherein the wedge comprises one or more teeth or grooves to engage the lug.
Example 3The element pressure release system of example 2, wherein the lug comprises complimentary one or more teeth or grooves to engage the one or more teeth or grooves of the wedge.
Example 4The element pressure release system of any of examples 1-3, wherein the element pressure release system in the decoupled position allows disengagement of the casing slip and retrieval of the element pressure release system from a bore.
Example 5The element pressure release system of any of examples 1-4, wherein, when the element pressure release system is in the coupled position:
-
- the lug is constrained between the wedge and the mandrel; and
- the lug is surrounded on any remaining sides by the retainer.
The element pressure release system of any of examples 1-5, wherein, when the element pressure release system is in the decoupled position:
-
- the lug is received by the groove or recess of the mandrel and is spaced apart from the wedge; and
- the lug is surrounded on any remaining sides by the retainer.
The element pressure release system of any of examples 1-6, wherein the at least one window comprises eight windows circumferentially spaced around the retainer.
Example 8The element pressure release system of example 7, wherein the lug in each of the windows is independently capable of moving into the groove or recess relative to the other lugs.
Example 9The element pressure release system of any of examples 1-8, wherein the retainer extending around a perimeter of the at least one window further comprises the retainer surrounding the perimeter.
Example 10The element pressure release system of any of examples 1-9, wherein the at least one window further comprises:
-
- a plurality of windows, each window being independent from other windows and each window being surrounded along the perimeter by the retainer;
- wherein the lug in each of the windows is independently capable of moving into the groove or recess relative to the other lugs;
- wherein, when the element pressure release system is in the coupled position, the lug is constrained between the wedge and the mandrel;
- wherein, when the element pressure release system is in the decoupled position, the lug is received by the groove or recess of the mandrel and is spaced apart from the wedge; and
- wherein, when the element pressure release system is in either the coupled position or the decoupled position, each of the lugs remain within the windows.
A method comprising:
-
- running an element pressure release system into a bore of a subterranean formation, the element pressure release system comprising:
- a wedge;
- a mandrel comprising at least one groove or recess; and
- one or more lugs in a window of a retainer, wherein the one or more lugs are located at least partially between the wedge and the mandrel;
- moving the mandrel to a release position where the at least one groove or recess in the mandrel receives the one or more lugs, wherein the wedge responds to the movement of the one or more lugs to release a force applied by the wedge to a slip.
- running an element pressure release system into a bore of a subterranean formation, the element pressure release system comprising:
The method of example 11, wherein:
-
- the wedge comprises one or more teeth or grooves to engage the one or more lugs; and
- the one or more lugs comprise one or more complimentary teeth or grooves to engage the one or more teeth or grooves of the wedge.
The method of example 11 or 12, further comprising removing the element pressure release assembly from the bore.
Example 14The method of any of examples 11-13, wherein the retainer, when the one or more lugs is positioned in the window of the retainer, surrounds a perimeter of the one or more lugs.
Example 15A packer assembly capable of being disposed in a bore in a subterranean formation, the packer assembly comprising:
-
- a slip; and
- a wedge capable of, in a set position of the packer assembly, exerting a force on the slip to cause the slip to engage a casing or other surface, the wedge being capable of, in a release position of the packer assembly, allowing the slip to disengage the casing or other surface;
- wherein the wedge is held in the set position by a lug positioned within a window of a retainer.
The packer assembly of example 15, wherein the packer assembly is retrievable from the bore subsequent to the packer assembly being positioned in the release position.
Example 17The packer assembly of example 15 or 16, wherein the lug is constrained by the window of the retainer in both the set position and the release position.
Example 18The packer assembly of any of examples 15-17, further comprising a mandrel comprising a groove or recess capable of receiving the lug in the release position, wherein the lug, when received by the groove or recess, releases the wedge.
Example 19The packer assembly of any of examples 15-18, wherein:
-
- the wedge comprises one or more teeth or grooves to engage the lug; and
- the lug comprises one or more complimentary teeth or grooves.
The method of any of examples 15-19, wherein the retainer, when the lug is positioned in the window of the retainer, surrounds a perimeter of the lug.
Example 21An element pressure release system as shown and described herein.
Example 22A method of setting or releasing a packer or element pressure release system as shown and described herein.
It should be apparent from the foregoing that embodiments of an invention having significant advantages have been provided. While the embodiments are shown in only a few forms, the embodiments are not limited but are susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.
Claims
1. An element pressure release system comprising:
- a mandrel having at least one groove or recess;
- a retainer having at least one window passing through the retainer, the retainer extending around a perimeter of the at least one window;
- a lug positioned in the at least one window of the retainer; and
- a wedge configured to engage a casing slip and the lug such that, when the element pressure release system is in a coupled position, the lug is capable of transferring a force from the retainer to the wedge and the casing slip;
- wherein the element pressure release system is positionable in a decoupled position in which the mandrel is moved to align the at least one groove or recess with the lug to allow the lug to become disengaged from the wedge and thereby no longer transfer the force from the retainer to the wedge.
2. The element pressure release system of claim 1, wherein the wedge comprises one or more teeth or grooves to engage the lug.
3. The element pressure release system of claim 2, wherein the lug comprises complimentary one or more teeth or grooves to engage the one or more teeth or grooves of the wedge.
4. The element pressure release system of claim 1, wherein the element pressure release system in the decoupled position allows disengagement of the casing slip and retrieval of the element pressure release system from a bore.
5. The element pressure release system of claim 1, wherein, when the element pressure release system is in the coupled position:
- the lug is constrained between the wedge and the mandrel; and
- the lug is surrounded on any remaining sides by the retainer.
6. The element pressure release system of claim 1, wherein, when the element pressure release system is in the decoupled position:
- the lug is received by the groove or recess of the mandrel and is spaced apart from the wedge; and
- the lug is surrounded on any remaining sides by the retainer.
7. The element pressure release system of claim 1, wherein the at least one window comprises eight windows circumferentially spaced around the retainer.
8. The element pressure release system of claim 7, wherein the lug in each of the windows is independently capable of moving into the groove or recess relative to the other lugs.
9. The element pressure release system of claim 1, wherein the retainer extending around a perimeter of the at least one window further comprises the retainer surrounding the perimeter.
10. The element pressure release system of claim 1, wherein the at least one window further comprises:
- a plurality of windows, each window being independent from other windows and each window being surrounded along the perimeter by the retainer;
- wherein the lug in each of the windows is independently capable of moving into the groove or recess relative to the other lugs;
- wherein, when the element pressure release system is in the coupled position, the lug is constrained between the wedge and the mandrel;
- wherein, when the element pressure release system is in the decoupled position, the lug is received by the groove or recess of the mandrel and is spaced apart from the wedge; and
- wherein, when the element pressure release system is in either the coupled position or the decoupled position, each of the lugs remain within the windows.
11. A method comprising:
- running an element pressure release system into a bore of a subterranean formation, the element pressure release system comprising: a wedge; a mandrel comprising at least one groove or recess; and one or more lugs in a window of a retainer, wherein the one or more lugs are located at least partially between the wedge and the mandrel;
- moving the mandrel to a release position where the at least one groove or recess in the mandrel receives the one or more lugs, wherein the wedge responds to the movement of the one or more lugs to release a force applied by the wedge to a slip.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein:
- the wedge comprises one or more teeth or grooves to engage the one or more lugs; and
- the one or more lugs comprise one or more complimentary teeth or grooves to engage the one or more teeth or grooves of the wedge.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising removing the element pressure release assembly from the bore.
14. The method claim 11, wherein the retainer, when the one or more lugs is positioned in the window of the retainer, surrounds a perimeter of the one or more lugs.
15. A packer assembly capable of being disposed in a bore in a subterranean formation, the packer assembly comprising:
- a slip; and
- a wedge capable of, in a set position of the packer assembly, exerting a force on the slip to cause the slip to engage a casing or other surface, the wedge being capable of, in a release position of the packer assembly, allowing the slip to disengage the casing or other surface;
- wherein the wedge is held in the set position by a lug positioned within a window of a retainer.
16. The packer assembly of claim 15, wherein the packer assembly is retrievable from the bore subsequent to the packer assembly being positioned in the release position.
17. The packer assembly of claim 15, wherein the lug is constrained by the window of the retainer in both the set position and the release position.
18. The packer assembly of claim 15, further comprising a mandrel comprising a groove or recess capable of receiving the lug in the release position, wherein the lug, when received by the groove or recess, releases the wedge.
19. The packer assembly of claim 15, wherein:
- the wedge comprises one or more teeth or grooves to engage the lug; and
- the lug comprises one or more complimentary teeth or grooves.
20. The method claim 15, wherein the retainer, when the lug is positioned in the window of the retainer, surrounds a perimeter of the lug.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 27, 2013
Publication Date: Sep 8, 2016
Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Inventor: Dennis Dean Rood (Carrollton, TX)
Application Number: 15/029,171