US 8,851,193 B1Granted

Self-centering downhole tool

OwnerCary A. Valerioinventor

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Abstract

A self-centering tool for use in a wellbore includes a centering mechanism, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The centering mechanism includes at least one arm that is configured to move from a first position to a second position. The arm urges a centerline of the tool towards a centerline of the wellbore when in its second position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the centering mechanism and urges the arm from its first position to its second position. The release mechanism is electro-mechanically actuated. In its locked position, the release mechanism prevents the arm from moving towards its second position, while in its released position the arm is able to move towards its second position. The release mechanism is a split-spool type mechanism. A control system that includes one or more sensors controls the operation of the release mechanism.

Claims30

Dependent claims

A tool for use in a wellbore, said wellbore including a wellbore wall, a wellbore centerline, and a wellbore diameter centered upon and extending radially away from said centerline, said tool comprising:

a housing that includes:
a housing centerline;
an outer surface;
an inner surface spaced apart from said outer surface, said inner surface defining at least one interior space;
at least one opening that extends from said inner surface to said outer surface;
a centering mechanism that includes:
at least one arm configured to be received at least partly within said opening;
said arm including a first end and a second end, said arm including a first position and a second position;
a biasing mechanism coupled to said centering mechanism, said biasing mechanism configured to apply a first force that urges said at least one arm from at least one of (a) said first position towards said second position and (b) said second position towards said first position;
and,
a release mechanism coupled to said centering mechanism, said release mechanism being electro-mechanically actuated from (a) a locked position in which said release mechanism is configured to apply a second force that opposes said first force to maintain said at least one arm in at least one of said first position and said second position and (b) to a released position in which said release mechanism does not apply said second force, thereby allowing said biasing mechanism to urge said at least one arm towards at least one of said first position and said second position.

8 more elements

a housing that includes:
a housing centerline;
an outer surface;
an inner surface spaced apart from said outer surface;
a centering mechanism that includes:
an upper traveling head having a first position and a second position;
at least one arm having a first end and a second end spaced apart from said first end, said first end being pivotally connected to said upper traveling head, such that when said upper traveling head is in said first position said first end and said second end are proximate said housing centerline and when said upper traveling head is in said second position said first end is proximate said housing centerline and said second end is positioned radially away from said housing centerline;
a biasing mechanism including:
a first end coupled to said upper traveling head;
a second end spaced apart from said first end, said second end being fixed relative to said inner surface;
a biasing element coupled to said first end and said second end of said biasing mechanism;
and,
a release mechanism coupled to said upper traveling head, said release mechanism being electro-mechanically actuated from a locked position in which said release mechanism maintains said upper traveling head in said first position to a released position in which said release mechanism releases said upper traveling head, thereby allowing said biasing element to urge said upper traveling head towards said second position.

10 more elements

a centering mechanism that includes:
an upper traveling head;
at least one arm having a first end and a second end spaced apart from said first end, said first end being pivotally connected to said upper traveling head;
a biasing mechanism including:
a first end coupled to said upper traveling head;
a second end spaced apart from said first end, said second end being fixed relative to said inner surface;
a biasing element coupled to said first end and said second end of said biasing mechanism;
a union that includes:
a first rod coupled to said upper traveling head;
a second rod;
and,
an electro-mechanical release mechanism that grasps said second rod when said electro-mechanical release mechanism is in a locked position and that releases said second rod when said electro-mechanical release mechanism is in a released position.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 14/249,092Filed 9 Apr 2014
Granted: 7 Oct 2014
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

E21B 23/00
Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the
E21B 17/1021
Flexible or expansible centering means, e.g. with pistons pressing against the wall of the well: with articulated arms or arcuate springs
E21B 23/01
Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells: for anchoring the tools or the…
E21B 31/14
Grappling tools, e.g. tongs or grabs: with means deflecting the direction of the tool, e.g. by use of knuckle joints