Multifunction downhole release tool mechanism with lost motion
AssigneeSondex Wireline Limited
InventorsJames David Ratcliffe, Timothy Gill, Peter Withers, Lee Strobel, Graham Chadwick
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Presented is a system and method for disconnecting a plurality of wireline tools from a string of wireline tools while maintaining operation of the wireline tools remaining with the string of wireline tools. The disconnection is non-destructive and allows a reconnection of the disconnected tools after retrieval from the well. The system also enables testing of the disconnection mechanism before deploying the wireline tool string into the well.
Claims20
A release mechanism system for disconnecting a plurality of wireline well tools from a wireline well tool string while maintaining operation of the plurality of wireline well tools remaining attached to the well tool string, the system comprising:
- (a) a disconnection device;
- (b) a multi-chambered shell comprising at least a drivetrain chamber and a release chamber;
- (c) a detachable fishing neck assembly for insertion in and connection to the release chamber and connection to a wireline tool;
- (d) a flooding valve for allowing well fluid into the release chamber after breaking electrical conductivity between the drivetrain chamber and the release chamber;
- and
- (e) lost motion in the disconnection device for preventing damage to elements of the disconnection mechanism as pressurized well fluid enters the release chamber.
A method for disconnecting a fishing neck assembly from a release chamber of a wireline tool release mechanism, the method comprising:
- (a) actuating a leadscrew to eliminate lost motion between a leadscrew nut and a reciprocating shaft;
- (b) retracting the reciprocating shaft into a drivetrain chamber and simultaneously disconnecting electrical conductivity to the fishing neck assembly and disengaging a plurality of latching dogs;
- (c) further retracting the reciprocating shaft to open a flooding valve allowing well fluid into the release chamber;
- (d) protecting the drivetrain from well fluid pressure force by driving the reciprocating shaft into a hard stop;
- and
- (e) pulling the wireline tool release mechanism away from the disconnected fishing neck.
A system for disconnecting wireline well tools without loss of functionality of any remaining connected wireline well tools, the system comprising:
- (a) means for actuating a disconnection device;
- (b) means for separating a multi-chambered shell comprising at least a drivetrain chamber and a release chamber;
- (c) means for inserting and connecting a detachable fishing neck assembly into the release chamber;
- (d) means for allowing well fluid into the release chamber after breaking electrical conductivity between the drivetrain chamber and the release chamber;
- and
- (e) means for allowing lost motion in the disconnection device for preventing damage to elements of the disconnection mechanism as pressurized well fluid enters the release chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.