Automatic Tool Release
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsJoe Hromas, Larry Grigar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A release tool and method of use for releasing tools (such as perforating guns) from tool strings (such as perforating strings) after use in well bore operations. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
Claims19
Apparatus adapted to be connected between a perforating apparatus and a tubing for releasing the perforation apparatus from the tubing in a wellbore, comprising:
- a sealing mechanism arranged between the tubing and the perforating apparatus, the sealing mechanism adapted to isolate the tubing having a tubing pressure from the wellbore having a wellbore pressure;
- and
- an equalizing mechanism adapted to establish communication between the tubing and the wellbore to substantially equalize the tubing pressure and the wellbore pressure.
Apparatus adapted to be connected between a device and a tubing having a hollow interior in a wellbore for releasing the device from the tubing, a pressure differential being formed between the interior of the tubing and the wellbore, the release apparatus comprising:
- a frangible apparatus having a hollow interior;
- a detonating cord disposed within the hollow interior of the frangible apparatus for conducting a detonation wave, said detonation wave shattering the frangible apparatus when the detonation wave conducts through the frangible apparatus;
- connection means for maintaining a connection between the device and the tubing before the frangible apparatus shatters and disengaging the connection between the device and the tubing after the frangible apparatus shatters;
- and
- balancing means for substantially eliminating the pressure differential between the tubing and the wellbore to allow the device to disengage from the tubing.
A method of automatically releasing a perforating apparatus from a tubing for use in a wellbore containing a wellbore fluid under a wellbore pressure, the method comprising:
- connecting the perforating apparatus to a tubing, the tubing containing a tubing fluid under a tubing pressure;
- detonating the perforating apparatus to disengage the perforating apparatus from the tubing;
- and
- balancing the tubing pressure and the wellbore pressure to displace the perforating apparatus away from the tubing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.