System, method and apparatus for well string clutch
AssigneeGeneral Downhole Tools, Ltd.
InventorsMike Harvey, Dave Devlin, Jovan Vracar
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system, method and apparatus for a clutch for a well string can include a tubular member, a mandrel, a top sub and a bottom sub. A sleeve can be located between the tubular member and the mandrel. The sleeve has an engaged position wherein an inner sleeve spline is coupled to the mandrel spline, and a disengaged position wherein the inner sleeve spline is uncoupled from the mandrel spline. The sleeve has an outer sleeve spline that is coupled to the tubular spline in the engaged position and the disengaged position. A spring in the tubular member can bias the sleeve from one position to another position. The sleeve can be configured to be moved between the positions to overcome the spring bias.
Claims19
A clutch for a downhole component in a well, the clutch comprising:
- a tubular member having an axis, a tubular spline and a tubular member connector on each end;
- a mandrel located in the tubular member, the mandrel having a mandrel connector for coupling with a well string on one end and a mandrel spline on an outer surface thereof;
- a sleeve located between the tubular member and the mandrel, the sleeve having an inner sleeve spline, an engaged position wherein the inner sleeve spline is coupled to the mandrel spline, and a disengaged position wherein the inner sleeve spline is uncoupled from the mandrel spline, the sleeve also having an outer sleeve spline that is coupled to the tubular spline in the engaged position, and the outer sleeve spline is uncoupled from the tubular spline in the disengaged position;
- a spring located in the tubular member for biasing the sleeve from the disengaged position to the engaged position;
- and
- the sleeve is configured to be biased from the engaged position to the disengaged position when axial compressive force acting on the clutch is lower than a set amount.
A method of engaging and disengaging a downhole component, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a well string with the downhole component and a clutch coupled to the downhole component;
- (b) operating the downhole component with weight on bit (WOB);
- (c) reducing WOB such that the clutch disengages the downhole component and the downhole component no longer rotates when the well string is rotated;
- and then
- (d) increasing WOB to re-engage the clutch with the downhole component and re-commencing operation with the downhole component,
- wherein step (c) occurs while no fluid is pumped.
A method of engaging and disengaging a downhole component, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a well string with the downhole component and a clutch coupled to the downhole component;
- (b) operating the downhole component with weight on bit (WOB);
- (c) reducing WOB such that the clutch disengages the downhole component and the downhole component no longer rotates when the well string is rotated;
- and then
- (d) increasing WOB to re-engage the clutch with the downhole component and re-commencing operation with the downhole component,
- wherein step (c) further comprises rotating the well string in at least one of a first direction to lock the clutch in a disengaged position and in a second direction to unlock the clutch from the disengaged position.
A system for engaging and disengaging a downhole component in a well, the system comprising:
- a well string comprising the downhole component and a clutch coupled to the downhole component;
- wherein the clutch comprises:
- a tubular member having an axis, a tubular spline and a tubular member connector on each end;
- a mandrel located in the tubular member, the mandrel having a mandrel connector for coupling with the well string on one end and a mandrel spline on an outer surface thereof;
- a sleeve located between the tubular member and the mandrel, the sleeve having an inner sleeve spline, an engaged position wherein the inner sleeve spline is coupled to the mandrel spline, and a disengaged position wherein the inner sleeve spline is uncoupled from the mandrel spline, the sleeve also having an outer sleeve spline that is coupled to the tubular spline in the engaged position, and the outer sleeve spline is uncoupled from the tubular spline in the disengaged position;
- a spring located in the tubular member for biasing the sleeve from the disengaged position to the engaged position;
- and
- the sleeve is configured to be biased from the engaged position to the disengaged position when axial compressive force acting on the clutch is lower than a set amount.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.