Patent Application
20250129677
Examples of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods associated with a centralizer for restimulation, refracturing, etc. of a well. More specifically, embodiments are directed towards a centralizer that is configured to land on the existing casing, be picked up, perform a cementing or recirculation operation, and slack weight to seal between the centralizing and the existing casing, which will eliminate the need to anchor a linear hanger within the existing casing. While providing a means for better casing breathing and tube movement that might be needed during re-stimulation for tubing shrinkage and elongation that takes place due to thermal changes in the well caused by pumping fluid/slurry from the surface.
Hydraulic fracturing is the process of creating cracks or fractures in underground geological formations. After creating the cracks or fractures, a mixture of water, sand, and other chemical additives, are pumped into the cracks or fractures to protect the integrity of the geological formation and enhance production of the natural resources. The mixture maintains the cracks or fractures open, allowing the natural resources within the geological formation to flow into a wellbore, where it is collected at the surface.
Refracturing is the process of fracturing a well after an initial fracturing operation and production period. Typically, for refracturing operations a liner hanger is positioned flush within the existing casing, and once the liner hanger has reached a desired depth mechanical slips grip inside of the casing. However, this process can be time-intensive and expensive. Furthermore, because conventional liner hangers grip the inner diameter of the existing casing, the outer diameter of the linear hanger must be substantially similar to the inner diameter of the existing casing, and the anchoring causes substantial stress points between the liner hanger and the existing casing during stimulation or refracturing that can fail the liner or the parent casing. Further, since the liner hanger is run in old wells, which are mostly depleted, the need for a packer is a must to provide liner top integrity and prevent cement from dropping in the backside before it sets. This makes the operation more expensive
Accordingly, needs exist for systems and methods for free-floating or semi-free-floating tubing with a centralizer to be positioned on the existing casing for refracturing operations, which may eliminate the need for a linear hanger. The system may also eliminate the need for the packer since the centralizer can be equipped with a one-way valve to prevent cement from falling back before it sets.
Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a centralizer for refracturing or restimulation operations within existing casing. In specific embodiments, the existing casing may be 4.5″ or any other size casing that has been run as part of the liner hanger string, and the centralizer may be a 3.5″ mandrel that connects to another tubing below that fits inside the 4.5″ existing casing, wherein the centralizer is configured to land on the existing casing top. However, any combination of sizes of centralizer and existing casing may be used as long as the centralizer can land on the top of the existing casing while its mandrel fits inside the same existing casing.
In embodiments, the centralizer may be configured to be run to a desired depth on a running or disconnect tool and tagged, aligned with, or positioned on a proximal end of the existing casing. The centralizer may then be raised, a cementing operation may commence, and the centralizer may slack weight to be once again positioned on the proximal end of the existing casing to form a seal against the proximal end of the existing casing. This may cause cement positioned above the centralizer to be trapped outside of the centralizer, and in open wells existing perforations may drink the cement, which may eliminate the need for a liner hanger to be anchored to the existing casing. In other embodiments, the centralizer may be seated on an existing liner top, and seal or prevent flow through in the first direction while allowing flow through the second direction via a check valve, flapper, or any other device that would allow one-way circulation.
In embodiments, the centralizer may include a mandrel and an outcrop, no-go, protrusion, etc.
The mandrel may be a tube with an open passageway. The mandrel may be configured to be run in a hole to a desired depth on the running tool, and subsequently disconnected. After the mandrel is disconnected, the centralizer may be a free-floating tool that is not anchored in place.
In embodiments, a proximal end of the mandrel may be coupled to a disconnect tool or running tool, which may allow the mandrel to be run in a hole to a desired depth and then disconnected from uphole tools. The distal end of the mandrel may be coupled to a collar, and positioned within the existing casing. Due to the size difference between the mandrel and the existing casing, an annular space may be formed between the mandrel's outer diameter and the existing casing's inner diameter.
The outcrop may be a no-go on the outer diameter of the mandrel. The outcrop may have a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the existing casing, which may restrict the downhole axial movement of the mandrel. Specifically, the outcrop may not be able to pass the proximal end of the existing casing. In embodiments, the outcrop may be a solid outcrop, an outcrop with a channel, a shearable outcrop, and/or an outcrop with an embedded check valve or other device that allows flow in a single direction.
In embodiments, where the outcrop is a solid piece, the outcrop may be configured to initially be positioned on a proximal end of the existing casing, and lifted off the proximal end of the existing casing while a cement operation is being performed, and then slacked off to be repositioned on the proximal end of the existing casing to form a seal or restrict flow across the proximal end of the existing casing. This may allow the external surfaces of the mandrel and the existing casing to be cemented in place.
In embodiments, where the outcrop includes a channel, the channel may extend from the upper end of the channel to the lower end of the channel. Furthermore, the channel may extend from the outer diameter of the outcrop towards the inner diameter of the outcrop, such that an outer surface of the channel is exposed. This may allow communications through the channel, across the proximal end of the channel, before a cementing operation.
In embodiments, where the outcrop is shearable, the outcrop may be configured to be temporarily coupled to the outer diameter of the mandrel, wherein the outcrop may be temporarily coupled to the outer diameter of the mandrel via a temporary coupling mechanism. The temporary coupling mechanism may be shear pins, threads, screws, pre-determined weak point, etc. that are configured to be sheared/decoupled after applying a predetermined force threshold is reached across the temporary coupling mechanism. In other embodiments, the temporary coupling mechanism may be adhesive, glue, dissolvable material, or any other chemical agent that is configured to secure the inner diameter of the outcrop to the outer diameter of a mandrel for a predetermined amount of time or until a predetermined chemical reaction takes place. The outcrop may be configured to land on the proximal end of the existing casing, and a fracturing operation may occur. The fracturing operation may cause forces across the temporary coupling mechanism to be greater than a predetermined threshold, which may shear/decouple the outcrop from the mandrel. The shearing/decouple of the outcrop may allow the mandrel to move axially in both directions relative to a fixed outcrop, wherein the mandrel may become a free-floating mandrel hence reducing any stress in the refracture string that has been run inside the existing casing.
In embodiments, where the outcrop includes a check valve, the outcrop may include a passageway that extends from an upper surface of the outcrop to a lower surface of the outcrop, and the check valve or any other one-way device including a flapper may be positioned within the passageway. The check valve may be any mechanism that is configured to allow fluid to flow in only a single direction, wherein in embodiments the direction may be from a distal end (below) of the centralizer to a closer end of the centralizer (above). This may allow for a cementing operation to take place. At the same time, the outcrop is positioned on the proximal end of the existing casing, wherein cement moves through the mandrel, out a distal end of the mandrel, into an annulus between the mandrel and the existing casing, through the passageway across the check valve, and outside of the mandrel and the existing casing. The check valve would then prevent the cement from falling below the centralizer after the cement job is commenced due to the depleted zone below, i.e.: the centralizer will restrict, and isolate the zone above from the zone below. This may facilitate having good cement above the centralizer ensuring good liner top integrity in case of a depleted well and ensuring the new refracture tubing is cemented properly. Further, suppose this centralizer check valve feature is coupled with the shearable/decoupling feature. In that case, if the cement job doesn't go as per design due to depleted zones drinking all cement while pumping it, the casing won't be exposed to extreme stresses during re-fracturing since the decoupling mechanism will enable the mandrel to free float, hence reducing stresses.
These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions, or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions, or rearrangements.
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described concerning the following figures, wherein reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.
In the following description, numerous specific details are outlined to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present invention. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention.
Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a centralizer for refracturing or restimulation operations within existing casing. Embodiments may utilize a centralizer that is configured to be positioned on the existing casing without anchoring the centralizer to the existing casing.
Existing casing 105 may be a casing that was utilized to perform a prior fracturing operation. To perform a refracturing operation, existing casing 105 may need to be bypassed or repaired via a cementing operation. In embodiments, existing casing 105 may be a casing with an inner diameter that is larger than mandrel 110. A proximal end 107 of existing casing may be an open end, existing casing top, and liner top, and be configured to receive outcrop 120 of centralizer 100.
Mandrel 110 of centralizer may be a tubular that can fit inside the existing casing's internal diameter. In embodiments, a fracturing or cementing operation may be performed through the open passageway of mandrel 110. Mandrel 110 may be configured to be run in a hole to a desired depth on a running tool, and subsequently disconnected from the running tool. After mandrel 110 is disconnected, centralizer 100 may not be anchored in place. A proximal end of mandrel 110 may be coupled to a disconnect tool or running tool or to a sleeve that connects to the running tool/disconnect tool. The distal end of the mandrel 110 may be coupled to a collar, other tubing, or casing, and positioned within the existing casing 105. Due to the size difference between mandrel 110 and existing casing 105, an annular space 109 may be formed between an outer diameter of mandrel 110 and an inner diameter of existing casing 105.
Outcrop 120 may be a no-go on the outer diameter of the mandrel 110. Outcrop 120 may have a larger outer diameter than the inner diameter of the existing casing 105, which may restrict the downhole axial movement of the mandrel 110. Specifically, outcrop 120 may not be able to pass the proximal end 105 of the existing casing 105. Outcrop 120 may be a solid outcrop, an outcrop with a channel, a shearable/decoupling outcrop, and/or an outcrop with an embedded check valve or any other device that allows one-directional flow.
In embodiments, where outcrop 120 is a solid piece, outcrop 120 may be configured to initially be positioned on a proximal end 107 of the existing casing 105 without slacking the centralizer 100 to the existing casing 105, and centralizer 110 may be lifted off the proximal end 107 of the existing casing 105 while a cement operation is being performed. Then, centralizer 110 slacked off to be repositioned on the proximal end 107 of the existing casing 105 to form a seal across the proximal end 107 of the existing casing 105.
At operation 210, a centralizer may be run in the hole on a disconnect tool to a desired depth. The centralizer may be run in the hole until an outcrop on an outer diameter of the centralizer lands on a proximal end of the existing casing.
At operation 220, the outcrop may be raised away from the proximal end of the existing casing.
At operation 230, a cementing or circulating operation may be performed through a mandrel of the centralizer, wherein the cement or fluid may flow into an annulus outside of the existing casing and the mandrel of the centralizer while the outcrop is raised away from the existing casing.
At operation 240, the centralizer may be disconnected from the disconnect tool, slack weight, and be repositioned on the proximal end of the existing casing, wherein the outcrop may form a seal between the existing casing and the centralizer. This process may eliminate the need for a liner hanger to be anchored to the existing casing.
As depicted in
In embodiments, an outer surface of channel 330 may not be a closed surface, such that the outer diameter of channel 330 is exposed.
Temporary coupling mechanisms 530 may be any device or element that is configured to temporarily or selectively couple outcrop 520 and mandrel 510. In embodiments, temporary coupling mechanisms 530 may be shear screws, threads, pins, collets, etc. that may be configured to activate, break, shear, etc. based on a predetermined threshold force across temporary coupling mechanisms. In other embodiments, temporary coupling mechanisms 530 may be a dissolvable material, chemicals, adhesives, etc. which may be configured to activate, break, etc. after a predetermined amount of time or after exposure to chemicals. Before temporary coupling mechanisms 530 are activated, outcrop 520 and mandrel 510 may be axially locked together. However, after activating temporary coupling mechanisms 530, mandrel 510 may be a free-floating element that may move axially independently from the movement of outcrop 520.
As depicted in
As depicted in
At operation 810, a centralizer may be run in the hole on a disconnect tool to a desired depth. The centralizer may be run in the hole until an outcrop on an outer diameter of the centralizer lands on a proximal end of the existing casing.
At operation 820, a fracturing operation may be performed. The fracturing operation may cause a pressure differential or forces across temporary coupling mechanisms to increase past a threshold, wherein the temporary coupling mechanisms selectively secure the inner diameter of an outcrop to an inner diameter of the mandrel.
At operation 830, the temporary coupling may be activated, decoupling the mandrel and the outcrop.
At operation 840, the mandrel may slide axially independent from the outcrop, or in another way, relative to the outcrop while the outcrop remains on the proximal end of the existing casing.
Channel 930 may be an open passageway extending from the upper end of outcrop 920 to the lower end of outcrop 920. In embodiments, when outcrop 920 is positioned on existing casing 105, the lower end of channel 920 may be positioned below the proximal end of existing casing 105. This may allow fluid, cement, etc. to flow out of a distal end 912 of mandrel 910, into an annular space 915 between mandrel 910 and existing casing 105 and channel 930. In another embodiment, the check valve 940 may be set to allow flow from proximal end 912 to the annulus 915
Check valve 940 may be a one-way valve, flapper, or any other device that is configured to allow fluid, cement, etc. to move in a single direction through channel 930 while restricting the movement of fluid, cement, etc. in the reverse direction. In embodiments, check valve 940 may be any type of one-way valve, such as a flapper, duckbill valve, umbrella valve, etc.
In embodiments, a cementing operation may take place. At the same time, the outcrop 920 is positioned on the proximal end of the existing casing 105, wherein cement moves through the mandrel 910, out a distal end of the mandrel 910, into the annulus 915 between the mandrel 910 and the existing casing 105, through the channel 930, across check valve 940, and outside of the mandrel 910 and the existing casing 105.
At operation 1010, a centralizer may be run in the hole on a disconnect tool to a desired depth. The centralizer may be run in the hole until an outcrop lands on a proximal end/liner top of the existing casing.
At operation 1020, a cement operation may be performed, by pumping cement through a mandrel of the centralizer.
At operation 1030, the cement may flow through a check valve positioned within a passageway of an outcrop of the centralizer. The check valve may allow the cement to flow in the first direction while restricting the flow of the cement in the second direction.
At operation 1035, the check valve may prevent the cement from dropping if there is a depleted zone below the centralizer while the cement is setting.
At operation 1040, the existing casing and the centralizer may be cemented in place.
At operation 1110, a centralizer may be run in the hole on a disconnect tool to a desired depth. The centralizer may be run in the hole until an outcrop on an outer diameter of the centralizer lands on a proximal end of the existing casing.
At operation 1120, the centralizer may be slacked off the existing casing to a sufficient weight to decouple the outcrop from the mandrel of the centralizer.
At operation 1130, due to the slacked weight, the outcrop may be decoupled from the centralizer.
At operation 1140, the mandrel may slide axially independent from the outcrop, or in another way, relative to the outcrop while the outcrop remains on the proximal end of the existing casing.
At operation 1210, a centralizer may be run in the hole on a disconnect tool to a desired depth. The centralizer may be run in the hole until an outcrop on an outer diameter of the centralizer lands on a proximal end of the existing casing.
At operation 1220, a temporary coupling mechanism coupling the outcrop from the mandrel may dissolve.
At operation 1230, due to the dissolution of the temporary coupling mechanisms the outcrop may be decoupled from the centralizer.
At operation 1240, the mandrel may slide axially independent from the outcrop, or in another way, relative to the outcrop while the outcrop remains on the proximal end of the existing casing.
At operation 1310, a centralizer may be run in the hole on a disconnect tool to a desired depth. The centralizer may be run in the hole until an outcrop on an outer diameter of the centralizer lands on a proximal end of the existing casing.
At operation 1320, the centralizer may be placed at a neutral or slight slack that doesn't exceed a decoupling threshold associated with the outcrop and the mandrel of the centralizer.
At operation 1330, a fracturing operation may occur to create forces against a temporary coupling threshold greater than the decoupling threshold to decouple the outcrop from the centralizer, which may protect the casing from falling.
At operation 1340, the mandrel may slide axially independent from the outcrop, or in another way, relative to the outcrop while the outcrop remains on the proximal end of the existing casing.
Downhole tool 1400 may be an expansion joint and a centralizer 1430 that is configured to absorb downhole forces by utilizing a free-floating inner mandrel 1410 that can be decoupled from the centralizer 1430. Downhole tool 1400 may include an inner mandrel 1410, housing 1420, centralizer 1430, and temporary coupling mechanisms 1440.
Inner mandrel 1410 may be a tubular that is configured to be run in a hole coupled with centralizer 1430 via temporary coupling mechanisms 1440. Before activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440 inner mandrel 1410 and centralizer 130 may be a fixed or locked system. After activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440, inner mandrel 1410 may be a free-floating mandrel relative to centralizer 1430 and be configured to act as an expansion joint to absorb tubing stresses caused by downhole forces. Inner mandrel 1410 may include outcrops 1412, indentations 1414, and seals 1460. In other embodiments, outcrop 1412 may be a ring or any other movement restrictor that can be mounted on the mandrel to prevent seals 1460 from moving axially free.
Outcrops 1412 may be located on a proximal end of inner mandrel 1410, and outcrops 1412 may increase the outer diameter of inner mandrel 1410 in size. After activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440, inner mandrel 1410 may slide in a first direction until outcrops 1412 are positioned on ledge 1422 of housing 1420.
Indentations 1414 may be grooves, slots, etc. on the outer diameter of inner mandrel 1410 that reduce the size of the outer diameter of inner mandrel 1410. When run in hole, indentations 1414 may be aligned with the proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430, and after activation of the temporary coupling mechanisms 1440 indentations 1414 may be misaligned with the proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430. Indentations 1414 may be configured to receive and retain projections 1426 on the inner diameter of housing 1420 before activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440 and while projections 1414 are supported by the proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430. Furthermore, a distal end of indentations 1414 may tapered outward to allow expandable members 1414 to slide in a first direction, while the proximal end of indentation 1414 may be orthogonal to a central axis of inner mandrel 1410.
Seals 1460 may be located between an inner diameter of housing 1420 and an outer diameter of inner mandrel 1410, and seals 1460 may be configured to limit communication between the internal diameter of the tool 1400 and external diameter of the tool 1400.
Housing 1420 may be a tubular that is configured to allow inner mandrel 1410 to slide within it after activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440. Housing 1420 may include ledge 1422, stem 1424, expandable members 1426, and overhang 1428.
Ledge 1422 may be located on an inner diameter of housing 1420, and decrease the inner diameter of housing 1420. After activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440, inner mandrel 1410 may move relative to housing 1420 until outcrops 1412 are positioned on ledge 1422.
Stem 1424 and expandable members 1426 may form collet fingers positioned on a distal end of the housing 1420. The collet fingers may be naturally biased outward. Thus, if the collet fingers are not supported and no forces are applied to the outer diameter of the collet fingers, then the outer diameter of the collet fingers may increase in size. This may allow the collet to couple inner mandrel 1410 and housing 1420 while expandable members 1426 are supported by and aligned with the proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430. After removing the support, the collet fingers may allow inner mandrel 1410 to axially move relative to housing 1420. In other embodiments, stem 1424 and expandable members 1426 can form a separate piece that is connected to the housing 1420.
In embodiments, stem 1424 may have different outer diameter than housing 1420 or expandable members 1426. Before activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440 an outer diameter of stem 1424 may be positioned adjacent to an inner diameter of centralizer 1430, and an inner diameter of stem 1424 may be positioned and retained against the outer diameter of inner mandrel 1410. After activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440, stem 1424 may move relative to inner mandrel 1410 to position the inner diameter of stem 1424 away from the outer diameter of inner mandrel 1410, which may no longer provide support to expandable members 1426. In other occasions, centralizer 1430 may be the part that moves axially up toward overhang 1428, hence causing expandable member 1426 to move from indentation 1414 and become unsupported. Either case can happen simultaneously
Expandable members 1426 may be located on the distal end of stem 1426. If no forces are applied to the outer diameter of the expandable members 1426, then the outer diameter of the expandable members 1426 may increase in size. This may allow the expandable members 1426 to couple inner mandrel 1410 and housing 1420 while expandable members 1426 are aligned with and supported by the proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430, and allow inner mandrel 1410 to axially move relative to housing 1420 when expandable members 1426 are no longer supported. In embodiments, expandable members 1426 may have an inner diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of stem 1424, wherein an abutment caused by the larger inner diameter is configured to be initially positioned within indentation 1414. This may initially couple inner mandrel 1410 and housing 1420 together. After activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440, expandable members 1426 may move relative to centralizer 1430 to position the inner diameter of expandable members 1426 away from indentations 1414, which will allow expandable members 1426 to radially expand.
Overhang 1428 may be positioned above stem 1428 and may have a larger outer diameter than that of stem 1428. Overhang 1428 may be configured to limit the axial movement of centralizer 1430 in the second direction. Specifically, the centralizer may move axially in the second direction until overhang 1428 is positioned on proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430. This movement may allow expandable members 1426 to no longer be supported or aligned with proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430.
Downhole tool 1400 may be configured to be run to a desired depth on a running or disconnect tool or as an integral part of casing string. and tagged, aligned with, or positioned on a proximal end of the existing casing. Centralizer 1430 may include a proximal end 1434, distal end 1450, and chamber 1432.
The proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430 may have an inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter across chamber 1432. This may allow the inner diameter of proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430 to restrict the radial expansion of expandable members 1425 away from indentations 1414 before activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440.
The distal end 1450 of centralizer 1430 may have communication channels on the outer diameter of centralizer 1430. This may allow communications through the channels around centralizer 1430 after centralizer 1430 has landed on the existing casing.
Chamber 1432 may be located between distal end 1450 and proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430 and may have an inner diameter that is larger than the inner diameter across proximal end 1434. Chamber 1432 may be configured to allow expandable members 1436 to radially expand when expandable members 1436 are aligned within chamber 1432. This may allow expandable members 1436 to be decoupled from inner mandrel 1410 to allow the relative axial movement between inner mandrel 1410 and housing 1420.
Temporary coupling mechanisms 1440 may be shear pins, screws, or any device that is configured to temporarily or selectively couple centralizer 1430 and inner mandrel 1410. Temporary coupling mechanisms 1440 may be configured to activate, break, shear, etc. based on a predetermined threshold force across temporary coupling mechanisms 1440. In other embodiments, temporary coupling mechanisms 1440 may be a dissolvable material, chemicals, adhesives, etc. which may be configured to activate, break, etc. after a predetermined amount of time or after exposure to chemicals. Before temporary coupling mechanisms 1440 are activated, centralizer 1430 and inner mandrel 1410 may be axially locked together. However, after activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440, inner mandrel 1410 may be a free-floating element. After activation, centralizer 1430 may move in a second (uphole) direction relative to housing 1420. The relative movement between centralizer 1430 and housing 1420 may position expandable members 1426 within chamber 1432 where expandable members 1426 may radially expand. In embodiments, temporary coupling mechanisms 1440 may be activated by any downhole stresses, such as slacking weight, downhole pressure, thermal changes, etc.
In embodiments, once centralizer 1430 is seated on a linear top of the existing casing, an axial force created by downhole tool 1400 may cause temporary coupling mechanisms 1440 to be activated. Responsive to activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440, centralizer 1430 may move in the second direction. This movement may align expandable members 1426 with chamber 1432, wherein expandable members 1426 are no longer supported by the inner diameter of proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430.
Furthermore, after activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440, centralizer 1430 may move in the second direction until overhang 1428 is positioned on the proximal end 1434 of centralizer 1430. This movement may be a small distance, such as six inches, which may assist in absorbing the stress of the tubing to prevent thread failure after activating temporary coupling mechanisms 1440. After that, any induced stresses in the tubing casing may be absorbed by the inner mandrel 1410 free floating relative to the housing 1420 within the space of outcrop 1412.
Responsive to axially aligning expandable members 1426 with chamber 1432, expandable members 1426 may radially expand. This may position expandable members 1426 outside of indentations 1414 due to expandable members 1426 no longer being supported. Once expandable members 1426 are positioned outside of indentations 1414, inner mandrel 1410 may no longer be coupled to housing 1420 allowing the free relative axial movement between inner mandrel 1410 and housing 1420 as stresses increase.
As depicted in
At operation 2210, a downhole tool with a centralizer may be run in the hole to a desired depth. The centralizer may be run in the hole until a distal end of the centralizer lands on a proximal end of the existing casing.
At operation 2220, weight associational with the downhole tool may be slacked creating an axial force that shears or activates temporary coupling mechanisms, wherein the temporary coupling mechanisms are configured to selectively couple the centralizer and a housing.
At operation 2230, after activating the temporary coupling mechanisms, the centralizer may move in a second (uphole) direction relative to the housing.
At operation 2240, the relative movement of the housing and the centralizer may cause collet fingers on the housing to no longer be supported, which may allow the collet fingers to radially expand.
At operation 2250, the radial expansion of the collet fingers may decouple the housing and an inner mandrel. After the decoupling of the housing and the inner mandrel, the inner mandrel may freely slide within the housing and the centralizer.
As indicated, these modifications may be made to the invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, while the invention has been described herein concerning particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment may be able to be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, components, systems, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention. While the invention may be illustrated by using a particular embodiment, this is not and does not limit the invention to any particular embodiment and a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments are readily understandable and are a part of this invention.
Although the present technology has been described in detail for illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above about specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63544675 | Oct 2023 | US | |
| 63550172 | Feb 2024 | US |
