Isolation tool release mechanism
AssigneeB J Services Company
InventorsGregg W. Stout, James T. Matte
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A release mechanism for use with setting wellbore isolation tools, such as packers or bridge plugs. The release mechanism typically includes a release piston which selectively isolates equalization ports extending from the interior to the exterior of a setting tool body. The release piston may be activated to allow equalization of pressure across the sealing elements of a set isolation tool, typically by applying pressure to the annular space above the isolation tool. The release mechanism may be used to allow a tool body (such as a setting or retrieving tool) to be removed from a set isolation tool under conditions in which high pressure differential exists across the isolation tool.
Claims28
A release tool for use with an isolation tool having an inner diameter, comprising:
- a tool body having first and second ends, a longitudinal axis and an inner diameter and an outer diameter, said tool body outer diameter being complementary to said inner diameter of said isolation tool such that said tool body may be received within said isolation tool inner diameter to form a first annular space between said isolation tool inner diameter and said tool body outer diameter;
- at least one equalizing port defined in said tool body between said first and second ends of said tool body, said equalizing port extending through said tool body from said tool body outer diameter to said tool body inner diameter;
- a hydraulically actuated release piston having an inner diameter complimentary to said tool body outer diameter and being concentrically and slidably disposed about said tool body outer diameter, said release piston being slidable along said longitudinal axis of said tool body between first and second positions, said release piston having an outer diameter complimentary to said isolation tool inner diameter such that said tool body may be received within said isolation tool inner diameter;
- a release piston first seal and a release piston second seal, said first and second release piston seals being disposed in sealing relationship between said release piston inner diameter and said tool body outer diameter, said first release piston seal being disposed toward said first end of said tool body and said second release piston seal being disposed toward said second end of said tool body, said first and second release piston seals being spaced apart to isolate said equalizing port from fluid communication with said first annular space when said release piston is in said first position and to allow fluid communication between said equalizing port and said first annular space when said release piston is in said second position.
A release mechanism for use with an isolation tool positioned within a wellbore and adapted to isolate a portion of the wellbore above the isolation tool from a portion of the wellbore below the isolation tool, comprising:
- a tool body adapted to be received within said isolation tool;
- a first port in the wall of said tool body enabling fluid communication between the portion of said wellbore above the isolation tool and the portion of the wellbore below said isolation tool;
- and
- a slide valve slideable in response to hydraulic annular pressure to move between a first seal position sealing said port and a second open position exposing said first port.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.