Weakpoint coupling of selectively adjustable load bearing capacity
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorL. Michael McKee
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A coupling to serve as a logging head or other downhole weakpoint assembly. The coupling is configured with a variety of internal tensile members. The individual members and load bearing capacities of each may be selectively engaged in a variety of combinations so as to provide a host of different load bearing capacities to the weakpoint coupling. Such selectable engagement is achieved through the dialing of a key by the user without the need to add or remove any load bearing features from the coupling. Thus, the user-friendly nature of the coupling is enhanced and the possibility of the user leaving behind supplemental load bearing tensile members for change-out is eliminated.
Claims22
A weakpoint coupling for a downhole tool, the coupling comprising:
- a first portion for accommodating a plurality of tensile members;
- and
- a second portion for selective engagement of a combination of the tensile members to provide one of a variety of different load bearing capacities to the coupling without adding or removing any tensile members and wherein at least one combination of the tensile members comprises engagement of less than all of the plurality of tensile members.
A downhole tool assembly for use in a well, the assembly comprising:
- a well access line;
- a weakpoint coupling comprising a plurality of load bearing components and secured to said well access line, said coupling defining a plurality of increments of load bearing capacity thresholds, the increments selectable without a change in an amount of the components;
- and
- a downhole tool secured to said coupling.
A method of employing a weakpoint coupling, the method comprising selectively adjusting a load bearing capacity thereof, the coupling having a given amount of load bearing components, said adjusting achieved without change to the given amount, wherein said adjusting comprises dialing a load bearing capacity for the coupling with a rotatable key thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.