WELL TOOL DEVICE WITH ACTUATION DEVICE IN THROUGH OPENING OF FRANGIBLE DISC

Abstract

A well tool device includes a housing with a through bore having a first end and a second end. A frangible obstruction device is provided inside the longitudinal bore, where fluid flow between the first end and the second end is prevented due to the frangible obstruction device. The frangible obstruction device includes a through opening. The well tool device further includes an actuation device extending fluid-tight at least into the through opening. The actuation device includes an actuation tool connection interface and a disintegration device. The disintegration device is configured to be at least partially moved into the frangible obstruction device and thereby provide disintegration of the frangible obstruction device, hence allowing fluid flow between the first end and the second end of the through bore.

Claims

1. A well tool device, comprising: a housing comprising a longitudinal through bore having a first end and a second end; at least one frangible obstruction device provided inside the longitudinal through bore, wherein fluid flow between the first end and the second end is prevented due to the frangible obstruction device; wherein the at least one frangible obstruction device comprises a through opening, wherein the well tool device further comprises an actuation device extending fluid-tight at least into the through opening, wherein the actuation device comprises an actuation tool connection interface, wherein the actuation device comprises at least one disintegration device, and wherein the at least one disintegration device is configured to be at least partially moved into the at least one frangible obstruction device and thereby provide disintegration of the at least one frangible obstruction device, hence allowing fluid flow between the first end and the second end of the longitudinal through bore.

2. The well tool device according to claim 1, comprising a sleeve provided around the actuation device, wherein an outer diameter of the sleeve is larger than a diameter of the through opening and wherein a shear pin is locking the sleeve to the actuation device.

3. The well tool device according to claim 2, further comprising a radial protrusion that is connected to a lower part or to a lower end of the actuation device.

4. The well tool device according to claim 1, further comprising a supporting element for supporting the actuation device in relation to the housing.

5. The well tool device according to claim 1, wherein a first section of the actuation device comprises the actuation tool connection interface and the at least one disintegration device, and wherein the actuation device is configured to be pushed downwardly in relation to the housing in order to provide disintegration of the frangible obstruction device.

6. The well tool device according to claim 1, wherein the first section of the actuation device comprises the actuation tool connection interface, wherein a second section of the actuation device comprises the at least one disintegration device, and wherein the actuation device is configured to be pulled upwardly in relation to the housing in order to provide disintegration of the frangible obstruction device.

7. The well tool device according to claim 1, wherein the actuation device comprises at least one radially protruding supporting section fixed to the housing by means of a shear pin.

8. The well tool device according to claim 1, wherein the disintegration device comprises protrusions protruding radially from the actuation device.

9. The well tool device according to claim 8, wherein the protrusions have a tapering or pointed shape.

10. The well tool device according to claim 8, wherein the protrusions are comprising pins, spikes, blades, knives.

11. The well tool device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a recess on its inner surface for receiving and supporting the at least one frangible obstruction device.

12. The well tool device according to claim 1, wherein the disintegration device is configured to be at least partially moved into the through opening of the at least one frangible obstruction device and thereby provide disintegration of the at least one frangible obstruction device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the enclosed drawings, where:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention schematically;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates the disintegration of the frangible obstruction device in the first embodiment schematically;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates well tool device after the disintegration of the frangible obstruction device schematically;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention schematically;

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates the disintegration of the frangible obstruction device in the second embodiment schematically;

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention schematically;

[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention schematically;

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the invention schematically;

[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates the invention used as a pressure equalizing device in a well tool;

[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the actuating device of FIG. 9;

[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates a plugging device, in which the invention is used as a pressure equalizing device;

[0031] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the pressure equalizing device of FIG. 10;

[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates a part of a production tubing, in which the invention is used as a removable pressure barrier;

[0033] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment to the one shown in FIG. 13;

[0034] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the actuating device and the frangible obstruction device of FIG. 14.

[0035] It is now referred to FIG. 1. Here, the cross section of a well tool device 1 is shown schematically. The well tool device 1 comprises a housing 10 comprising a longitudinal through bore 11 having a first end 11a and a second end 11b. The housing 10 could be a part of a well pipe, for example drill pipe, or it can be a part of an inner mandrel of a plugging device, such as a plug, a packer, etc. This will be explained more in detail below. Hence, the well tool device 1 is a part of a well tool.

[0036] The well tool device 1 further comprises at least one frangible obstruction device 20. The frangible obstruction device 20 is fixed inside the longitudinal bore 11. The housing 10 may for example comprise a recess 12 provided on its inner surface 13 (see FIG. 3) for receiving and supporting the frangible obstruction device 20.

[0037] The purpose of the frangible obstruction device 20 is to prevent fluid flow from the first end 11a to the second end 11b of the bore 11. The frangible obstruction device 20 is for example made of glass, such as hardened glass, ceramics, or other suitable materials. Such materials are well known for a skilled person.

[0038] The frangible obstruction device 20 comprises a through opening 21. Preferably, the opening 21 is made in the center of the obstruction device 20, in the axial direction of the well tool device, i.e. parallel with or coinciding with the longitudinal axis I shown in FIG. 1.

[0039] The well tool device 1 further comprises an actuation device 30 extending fluid-tight through the through opening 21 with a first section 30a provided on a first side of the frangible obstruction device 20 and a second section 30b provided on a second side of the frangible obstruction device 20. The actuation device 30 may for example comprise a steel rod with a circular cross section. Preferably, the center axis of the actuation device 30 is parallel with or coinciding with the center axis I of the well tool device 1. Axial displacement of the actuation device 30 in relation to the obstruction device 30 is possible when a downwardly or upwardly directed force above a certain threshold is applied to the actuation device 30.

[0040] Sealing elements, for example O-rings, are provided radially between the obstruction device 20 and the housing 10 in order to prevent fluid flow from the first end 11a to the second end 11b of the bore 11. In addition, sealing elements, for example O-rings, are provided radially between the actuation device 30 and the obstruction device 20 in order to prevent fluid flow from the first end 11a to the second end 11b of the bore 11. These O-rings are not shown in FIG. 1, but are indicated in FIGS. 9, 12, 13 and 14. The O-rings may provide that a certain threshold force must be applied to the actuation device 30 in order to displace it axially.

[0041] The actuation device 30 comprises an actuation tool connection interface 31 for connection to a connection interface (not shown) of an actuation tool (not shown). In FIG. 1, the actuation tool connection interface 31 is a fish neck type of connection interface. This and other types of connection interfaces are well known for the skilled person and will not be described here in detail. The actuating tool connection interface 31 is typically provided in the upper end of the actuating device. It should be noted that the term “upper” here means closest to the top of the well, and that the term “lower” here means closest to the bottom of the well, i.e. the well tool device 1 can also both in horizontal wells and in vertical wells.

[0042] In the drawings, the actuation device 30 is relatively short, having a height H30 being approximately 5-10 times the height H20 of the obstruction device 20. It is also shown that the outer diameter D30 of the actuation device 30 is smaller than the inner diameter D20 of the housing 10. Hence, an annular compartment is formed in the bore 11, radially between the actuation device 30 and the housing 10. As mentioned in the introduction above, debris and/or mud will also here be present above the obstruction device 20 when it is located in a oil and/or gas well. Hence, the height H30 of the actuation device 30 may in a preferred embodiment be substantially larger than the height H20 of the obstruction device 20, for example from hundred to thousand times larger. For example the obstruction device may have a height H20 of 2 cm, while the height H30 of the actuating device 30 may be 200-500 cm, or even longer, dependent of the expected amount of mud and debris. Hence, it can be achieved that the actuation tool connection interface 31 is not covered with debris and mud, and hence that the bailing operation can be omitted. At least, the bailing operation may be considerably reduced.

[0043] The actuation device 30 further comprises a disintegration device 35. The disintegration device 35 is configured to be at least partially moved into the frangible obstruction device 20, and thereby provide disintegration of the frangible obstruction device 20. In FIG. 1, the disintegration device 35 is illustrated as a radial protrusion on the actuation device 30, below the frangible obstruction device 20.

[0044] The disintegration device 35 may comprise protrusions protruding radially from the actuation device. The protrusions may have a tapering or pointed shape. They may comprise pins, spikes, blades, knifes etc.

[0045] In FIG. 2, it is shown that the actuation device 30 is pulled upwardly (arrow F), causing the disintegration device 35 to be moved into the frangible obstruction device and thereby provide disintegration of the frangible obstruction device 20. As shown, the material of the obstruction device 20 is broken into smaller pieces and will fall down or be guided away with the fluid flow (either upwards or downwards). In FIG. 3, it is shown that fluid flow is allowed between the first end 11a and the second end 11b of the through bore 11.

[0046] It is now referred to FIG. 4. This embodiment corresponds substantially to the above described embodiment. However, here the disintegration device 35 is illustrated as a radial protrusion on the actuation device 30 above the frangible obstruction device 20. Hence, there the actuation device 30 must be forced downwardly (arrow F) in order to provide disintegration of the frangible obstruction device 20, as indicated in FIG. 5.

[0047] It is now referred to FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the well tool device 1 further comprises a supporting element 40 for supporting the actuation device 30 in relation to the housing 10. In embodiments where the actuation device 30 is long, there is a risk that radial movement of the actuation device 30 may cause unintentional disintegration of the frangible obstruction device 20. By means of the supporting elements 40, such radial movement is prevented. The supporting element 40 may for example be a centralizer, such as a bow-spring centralizer shown in FIG. 6, having 3 or more bow-springs.

[0048] It is now referred to FIG. 7. Here it is shown that the well tool comprises two frangible obstruction devices 20a, 20b fixed inside the longitudinal bore 11. In FIG. 7 it is shown that there is a space between the obstruction devices 20a, 20b, but it is also possible that they are in contact with each other. In FIG. 7, there is one actuating device 30 provided through both of the frangible obstruction devices 20a, 20b and there is one disintegration device 35 which is used to provide disintegration of both of the frangible obstruction devices 20a, 20b.

[0049] It is now referred to FIG. 8. This embodiment substantially corresponds to FIG. 7. Here, the actuating device 30 comprises two disintegration devices; a first disintegration device 35a below the lower obstruction device 20a and a second disintegration device 35b below the second obstruction device 20b.

[0050] It is now referred to FIG. 9. Here, the well tool device 1 is used as an equalizing device in a plugging device. Again, the well tool device 1 is similar to the embodiments described above, with the housing 10 having a through bore 11, with the frangible obstruction device 20 and the actuating device 30. It should be noted that here, the actuating device 30 is not extending entirely through the opening 21. In FIG. 9 it is shown that the actuation device 30 is only extending fluid-tight into the through opening 21, the actuating device 30 is not protruding out from the lower side of the obstruction device 20.

[0051] Here, the O-ring 51 between the housing 10 and the frangible obstruction device 20 is shown and also the O-ring 52 in the opening 21 between the actuating device 30 and the obstruction device 20 is shown. Here, the disintegration device 35 comprises a knife element fixed to the actuating device 30 above the frangible obstruction device 20.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, a radially protruding supporting section 33 of the actuating device 30 is in contact with the housing 10. The well tool device 1 further comprises a shear pin 60 fixing the actuating device 30 to the housing 10. In this embodiment, the actuating tool connection interface 31 is a contact surface.

[0053] Here, the actuating tool is brought into contact with the contact surface 31 and a downwardly directed pressure is applied to the actuating device 30. When a predetermined pressure is applied, the shear pin breaks and hence, the actuating device 30 will move downwards and the knife element 35 will provide disintegration of the frangible obstruction device 20. In this way, the risk of unintentional disintegration of the frangible obstruction device 20 is reduced.

[0054] In FIG. 10, the actuating device 30 is illustrated. Here, it is shown that the device 30 comprises three such radially protruding supporting sections 33, each having an opening 33a for the shear pin 60. In this embodiment, the actuating device 30 itself is providing support against the housing 10, and hence, there is no need for the supporting device 40 of FIG. 6.

[0055] In FIG. 10, a radial recess 34 is indicated. The O-ring 52 may be provided in the radial recess 34. An opening 35a for the knife element 35 is also shown.

[0056] In order to prevent the actuating device 30 from falling into the well, the diameter D11a in the upper part of the bore 11a is larger than the diameter D11b of the lower part of the bore 11b.

[0057] It is now referred to FIG. 11, where a plugging device 2 with a well tool device 1 is shown. The housing 10 of the well tool device 1 is a part of the mandrel of the plugging device 2. The plugging device 2 comprises an anchoring device 3 for anchoring to the inner surface of a well, and a sealing device 4 for sealing against the inner surface of the well. These parts of the plugging device 2 are considered known for a skilled person. The well tool device 1 is provided in the upper part of the plugging device 2.

[0058] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of the well tool device 1 of FIG. 11. Again, the well tool device 1 is similar to the embodiments described above, with the housing 10 having a through bore 11, a frangible obstruction device 20 and an actuating device 30.

[0059] Here, the O-ring 51 between the housing 10 and the frangible obstruction device 20 is shown and also the O-ring 52 in the opening 21 between the actuating device 30 and the obstruction device 20 is shown. Here, the disintegration device 35 comprises a knife element 35 fixed to the actuating device 30 below the obstruction device 20.

[0060] In order to avoid unintentional disintegration of the frangible obstruction device 20, a sleeve 36 is provided around the actuating device 30 below the obstruction device 20. The outer diameter of the sleeve 36 is larger than the diameter of the opening 21. A shear pin 37 is locking the sleeve 36 to the actuation device 30. A radial protrusion 38, for example a cup or flange, is connected to the lower part or end of the actuating device 30.

[0061] If there is a high pressure below the obstruction device 20, there is a risk that the pressure would force the actuating device 30 and hence the knife element 35 upwardly and hence cause an unintentional disintegration of the obstruction device 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the sleeve 36 fixed to the actuating device 30 by means of the shear pin 37 will prevent such a movement. However, a pulling force above the threshold given by the shear pin will break the shear pin 37. Now, the actuating device 30 with the knife 35 can be pulled upwardly and disintegrate the obstruction device 20. The purpose of the radial protrusion 38 is to prevent that the sleeve 36 is falling into the well.

[0062] Initially, the plugging device 2 is in its radially retracted or run state in which it is run to the desired location in the well. At the desired location the anchoring device 3 and sealing device 4 is brought to its radially expanded or set state. Fluid flow between the upper side of the plug 2 and the lower side of the plugging device 2 is now prevented. A pressure difference between the upper and lower side of the plugging device 2 may now build up.

[0063] By using an actuating tool (not shown), the obstruction device 20 can be disintegrated, as described above. The pressure difference will now be equalized, which often is desired or even required before retrieval of the plugging device.

[0064] It is now referred to FIG. 13. Again, the embodiment is similar to the above embodiments. Here, the housing 10 is a part of a production tubing. The upper part of the pipe is shown to the left in FIG. 13. Similar to FIG. 12, the knife element 35 is located below the obstruction device 20. Also here, sleeve 36, shear pin 37, and radial protrusion 38 are provided to prevent unintentional disintegration of the frangible obstruction device. The radial protrusion 38 is here a T-shaped element fixed into an opening in the lower end of the actuating device 30.

[0065] It is now referred to FIG. 14. The embodiment is similar to the one shown in FIG. 13. However, the well tool device 1 here comprises two frangible obstruction devices 20a, 20b.

[0066] It is now referred to FIG. 15. Here the actuating device 30 from FIG. 14 is shown in perspective, with the two frangible obstruction devices 20a, 20b provided radially outside. The sleeve 36 is also shown below the frangible obstruction devices 20a, 20b.

[0067] It is also shown openings 37a for the shear pins and openings 35a for the knife elements 35.

[0068] It should be noted that a layer of a sheet material, a fluid or another type of leveling material can be provided on the surface of the obstruction device 20, for example between the two obstruction devices 20a, 20b in FIG. 7 or FIG. 14, in order to level out an uneven surface of the obstruction devices caused by the hardening process of glass.

[0069] It is also possible that the length of the actuation device 30 is considerably longer than the above example. If the well tool device 1 is used in a completing pipe, the actuation device 30 may comprise joints so that when an additional section of completing pipe is added to the pipe string, a additional length of the actuation device is also added. In this way it can be achieved that the frangible obstruction device 20 is located in a horizontal part of the well, while the connection interface 31 is located in the vertical part of the well and hence be readily available for the actuation tool.

[0070] It is also possible to use a sealing element in the form of a compression seal fitting between the actuating device 30 and the obstruction device 20 instead of O-rings to prevent fluid flow between the upper and lower parts of the bore 11.

[0071] It should also be noted that it is possible to provide a disintegration device 35 on both sides of the frangible obstruction device 20. In such an embodiment, the obstruction device 20 will be disintegrated if the actuation device 30 is pushed downwardly or if the actuation device 30 is pulled upwardly.

[0072] It is also possible to use a sleeve 36 above the obstruction device 20 or on both sides of (i.e. above and below) the obstruction device

[0073] In the above embodiments, a cylindrical obstruction device has been used. Of course, the obstruction device may be half-spherical, spherical or have other shapes.