Downhole Tool

Abstract

A downhole tool, comprising: a mandrel having first and second opposing ends and an outer mounting surface, the first end comprising a male threaded portion; a tool component mountable on the mounting surface by sliding said tool component onto the mounting surface from the first end of the mandrel; and a load sleeve defining a torque shoulder, wherein the load sleeve is mountable on the mandrel and securable adjacent the male threaded portion of the first end of the mandrel such that the torque shoulder and the male threaded portion define a pin connector to facilitate connection with a box connector of a separate component.

Claims

1-25. (canceled)

26. A downhole tool, comprising: a mandrel having first and second opposing ends and an outer mounting surface, the first end comprising a male threaded portion; a tool component mountable on the mounting surface by sliding said tool component onto the mounting surface from the first end of the mandrel; and a load sleeve defining a torque shoulder, wherein the load sleeve is mountable on the mandrel and securable adjacent the male threaded portion of the first end of the mandrel such that the torque shoulder and the male threaded portion define a pin connector to facilitate connection with a box connector of a separate component.

27. The tool of claim 26, wherein the first end of the mandrel comprises the male threaded portion without a separate load-bearing shoulder.

28. The tool of claim 26, wherein the load sleeve is securable on the mandrel such that the load sleeve holds the tool component in place on the mounting surface.

29. The tool of claim 26, wherein a shoulder is defined at an edge of the mounting surface and is arranged to abut the tool component mounted on the mounting surface.

30. The tool of claim 26, wherein the load sleeve is separable with respect to the mandrel.

31. The tool of claim 26, wherein the torque shoulder comprises a load surface arranged to abut a load surface of the separate component and transfer axial and/or torsional loads therebetween, wherein the load surface is an axially-facing end face of the load sleeve adjacent the first end of the mandrel when the load sleeve is secured on the mandrel.

32. The tool of claim 26, wherein the load sleeve is prevented from at least one of: moving from the first end towards the second end of the mandrel when the load sleeve is secured on the mandrel; and rotating about the mandrel axis when the load sleeve is secured on the mandrel

33. The tool of claim 26, wherein the load sleeve is arranged such that it is secured on the mandrel when a separate component engages the pin connector of the tool.

34. The tool of claim 26, wherein the load sleeve is arranged such that, when the load sleeve is mounted on the mandrel and a separate component is engaged on the male threaded portion, a part of the load sleeve is trapped between a load surface of the separate component and a surface fixed with respect to the mandrel such that the load sleeve is secured.

35. The tool of claim 26, wherein the load sleeve comprises a split sleeve comprising two half-sleeves, the inner surface of the load sleeve and the outer surface of the mandrel each comprises an engagement surface arranged at an oblique angle to the axis of the mandrel such that, when the load sleeve is mounted on the mandrel and a separate component is engaged on the pin connector, the engagement surfaces and separate component prevent the half-sleeves from separating from the mandrel.

36. The tool of claim 35, wherein the load sleeve and mandrel each comprises a castellated profile providing the engagement surface.

37. The tool of claim 26, further comprising: a locking assembly arranged to engage the mandrel and the load sleeve when the load sleeve is mounted on the mandrel to secure the load sleeve.

38. The tool of claim 37, wherein the outer surface of the mandrel and the inner surface of the load sleeve are configured such that, when the load sleeve is mounted on the mandrel, the locking assembly secures the load sleeve and the locking assembly comprises a split sleeve comprising two half-sleeves; the inner surface of the split sleeve is configured to engage the mandrel; and the load sleeve is configured to engage the split sleeve, securing the load sleeve relative to the mandrel.

39. The tool of claim 38, wherein the mandrel comprises at least one of a groove and/or ridge; the inner surface of the split sleeve comprises at least one of a groove and/or ridge engageable with the groove and/or ridge of the mandrel; and the load sleeve comprises a circumferential flange arranged to engage an edge of the split sleeve.

40. The tool of claim 39, wherein the groove(s) and/or ridge(s) are arranged circumferentially and the grooves and/or ridges extend around only a part of the circumference of the mandrel and split sleeve so as to prevent relative movement between the split sleeve and the mandrel in an axial and a rotational direction.

41. The tool of claim 37, wherein the locking assembly comprises a key; one of the mandrel and the load sleeve comprises a cut-out matching the profile of the key; the other of the mandrel and the load sleeve comprises a keyway with an open first end and a closed second end; and the key and keyway are configured such that the key can be located in the cut-out and be received in and traverse the keyway as the load sleeve is slid onto the mandrel.

42. The tool of claim 26, wherein the tool component comprises an internal bore, which is located asymmetrically within the tool component.

43. The tool of claim 26, further comprising a connector sub, engageable with the first end of the mandrel wherein the outer surface of the connector sub is profiled for being engaged by assembly equipment for connecting the tool as part of a string.

44. A connector comprising: a mandrel having first and second opposing ends and an outer mounting surface, the first end comprising a male threaded portion; a load sleeve defining a torque shoulder; wherein the load sleeve is mountable on the mandrel and securable adjacent the male threaded portion of the first end of the mandrel such that the torque shoulder and the male threaded portion define a pin connector to facilitate connection with a box connector of a separate component.

45. A method for assembling a tool, the method comprising: mounting a tool component onto a mounting surface of a mandrel of a tool; mounting a load sleeve on the mandrel; and securing the load sleeve adjacent a male threaded portion of a first end of the mandrel such that a torque shoulder of the load sleeve and the male threaded portion define a pin connector to facilitate connection with a box connector of a separate component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool according to the disclosure;

[0087] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the tool of FIG. 1;

[0088] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a tool according to the disclosure;

[0089] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the tool of FIG. 3;

[0090] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional exploded view of the tool of FIG. 3;

[0091] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of a further tool according to the disclosure;

[0092] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the tool of FIG. 6;

[0093] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional exploded view of the tool of FIG. 6;

[0094] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the mandrel of the tool of FIG. 6;

[0095] FIG. 10 is a cross-section of the load sleeve of the tool of FIG. 6;

[0096] FIG. 11 is a cross-section of a further tool according to the disclosure;

[0097] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the tool of FIG. 11;

[0098] FIG. 13 is a cross-section of a further tool according to the disclosure;

[0099] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the tool of FIG. 13; and

[0100] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the tool of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0101] The present disclosure relates to downhole tools which can be assembled to define a pin connector to facilitate connection with a separate component. The pin connector may be provided in such a manner to facilitate assembly, maintenance etc. of the downhole tool, without or with minimal compromise to the ability of the tool to be connected to separate components in a robust manner.

[0102] The downhole tool of the present disclosure may comprise a wide range of tool components allowing the downhole tool to be used for a variety of purposes, as discussed above. In the below examples, the downhole tool is a roller reamer, however it is to be understood that the downhole tool of the disclosure is not limited as such. In the examples, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to corresponding features in different examples.

[0103] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a tool 10 according to an example of the disclosure. In this example, the tool is a roller reamer for use in a downhole drilling operation. The tool 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a mandrel 12 comprising a first 14 and a second end 16. The first end 14 has a male threaded portion 26. The mandrel has an outer mounting surface 20 and tool components 18 are mounted on the mounting surface 20. A load sleeve 22 is mounted on the mandrel 12, in this case on the mounting surface 20, and is secured adjacent the first end 14.

[0104] The mandrel 12 comprises an internal bore 13 for conveying fluid either to or from the well bore—for example for transporting drilling fluid from the surface to a drill bit.

[0105] In the arrangement of FIG. 1, a separate component is mounted on the male threaded portion 26 of the first end 14 of the tool 10. In this example the separate component is a connector sub 24; however in other examples the separate component may be another tubing string member, e.g. a further tool. The connector sub 24 is screwed onto the first end 14 of the tool and comprises a male threaded section at its free end.

[0106] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the tool components 18 are tubular roller reamer sleeves and, as such, the tool is a roller reamer. In a drill string, the roller reamer may be arranged behind a drill bit and may be used to help form the bore.

[0107] FIG. 2 depicts the tool 10 of FIG. 1 in an exploded arrangement. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the mandrel 12 comprises a first section 28 of a first diameter, towards the first end of the tool 14, and a second section 30 of a second, larger, diameter, towards the second end of the tool 16. The first section 28 comprises the mounting surface 20. The tool components 18 are slid onto the mounting surface from the first end 14. In this example, there are three tubular roller reamer sleeves, flanked on either side by two spacer rings 32. The internal diameters of the reamer sleeves are larger than the first diameter such that they can slide onto the tool 10, but smaller than the second diameter, such that they cannot slide off of the tool 10 via the second end 16.

[0108] The tool 10 components and spacer rings 32 slide onto the tool 10 and are located adjacent the interface between the first and second sections 28, 30, which forms a shoulder to hold the tool components 18 in position on the mounting surface 20.

[0109] The tool components 18 are secured on the mounting surface 20 by mounting features (not shown) present on both the mounting surface 20 and the internal surface of the tool components 18 and engage one another when the tool components 18 are slid onto the mounting surface 20.

[0110] The first end 14 comprises a male threaded portion 26. The male threaded portion 26 is tapered with a narrower diameter at its tip compared to its base. The threaded portion 26 is in accordance with an API standard, as would be found in a standard pin and box connector for used in downhole service connectors.

[0111] The load sleeve 22 defines a torque shoulder 36 and is provided to form part of the API standards-type pin connector formed by the tool 10. The torque shoulder 36 of the load sleeve 22 is for abutting the separate component and transferring loads therebetween.

[0112] The load sleeve 22 is mounted on the mounting surface 20 and is secured adjacent the male threaded portion 26 of the first end 14. In the present example the load sleeve 22 is slid onto the mounting surface 20 via the first end 14. As such, when a female box-connector of a connector sub 24 engages the male threaded portion 26 of the tool 10, an exposed, axially facing end surface of the torque shoulder 36—the load surface 34—abuts and engages a surface of the connector sub 24. This load surface 34 is arranged to transfer axial and rotational loads between the tool 10 and the connector sub 24.

[0113] In FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the connector sub 24 has a standard male pin connector portion at its end furthest from the tool 10.

[0114] FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate a further tool according to an example. FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the tool assembled and connected to a connector sub 24, FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the tool and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the tool. In FIGS. 3 to 5 the mandrel is connected to a connector sub 24 by means of the pin connector facilitated by the first end 14 of the tool and a box connector of the connector sub 24. Features of the tool of FIGS. 3 to 5 which are common to the tools of any of the preceding Figures will not be described in detail, but it is to be understood that the comments made above apply, mutatis mutandis.

[0115] As with the example of FIG. 1, the tool comprises a mandrel 12 with a mounting surface 20. A load sleeve 22 is mountable on the mounting surface 20 and securable thereon. The load sleeve 22 defines a torque shoulder 36 providing a load surface 34 which is arranged to engage a corresponding surface 35 of the box connector of the connector sub 24. The load surface 34 of the load sleeve 22 and the corresponding surface 35 of the connector sub 24 are largely responsible for the transmission of load (both axial and torsional) between the mandrel and the connector sub 24.

[0116] In the example of FIGS. 3 to 5, the load sleeve 22 is secured on the mounting surface 20 by means of a locking assembly 38. The locking assembly 38 comprises a split sleeve 40 comprising two half-sleeves 40a, 40b. The locking assembly 38 further comprises a plurality of keys 42.

[0117] The locking assembly 38 is arranged to engage the mandrel 12 and the load sleeve 22. When the load sleeve 22 is mounted on the mandrel 12, the locking assembly 38 secures the load sleeve 22 with respect to the mandrel. The locking assembly 38 is located substantially between the mounting surface 20 and the load sleeve 22 and extends partially into both—thus the locking assembly 38 is located across the interface of the load sleeve 22 and mounting surface 20.

[0118] The mounting surface 20 is configured to receive the locking assembly 38 such that the split sleeve 40 and keys 42 protrude therefrom. Accordingly, the mounting surface 20 comprises a plurality of grooves 44 arranged to engage with corresponding ridges 46 (or grooves) present on the inner surface of both halves of the split ring 40. In this example the grooves 44 and ridges 46 are arranged to extend around the full circumference of the mounting surface 20. As such, once the split sleeve 40 is connected and engaged with the mandrel 12, the grooves 44 and ridges 46 secure the split sleeve 40 by preventing it from moving axially along the mandrel 12.

[0119] Similarly, the mounting surface 20 comprises a plurality of parallel, circumferentially-spaced cut-outs 48 arranged to receive the keys 42. The cut-outs 48 are sized so as to allow the keys 42 to be received therein and protrude from the surface of the mounting surface 20. The cut-outs 48 prevent the keys 42 from moving circumferentially and axially with respect to the mandrel 12.

[0120] The load sleeve 22 is configured to slide over the top of the mandrel 12 and locking assembly 38 from the first end 14 of the mandrel 12. The inner surface of the load sleeve 22 is arranged to engage the locking assembly 40. This interaction between the locking assembly 40 and the load sleeve 22 secures the load sleeve 22 with respect to the mandrel 12. In the present embodiment, once the load sleeve 22 is secured on the mounting surface 20 it is prevented from moving axially towards the second end 16 of the mandrel 12 and prevented from rotating.

[0121] The inner surface of the load sleeve 22 is configured to engage the locking assembly 38 such that the split sleeve 40 and keys 42 can be partially located therein, thus securing the load sleeve 22 relative to the mandrel 12. To this end, the inner surface of the load sleeve 22 comprises an area of reduced thickness 50 for receiving the split sleeve 40. The area of reduced thickness 50 may form a first tubular section of the load sleeve 22 with the same outer diameter as the rest of the load sleeve 22 but an internal diameter which is larger than that of the rest of the load sleeve 22. The area of reduced thickness 50 defines an internal circumferential flange 52 arranged to abut the end face of the split sleeve 40. The inner surface of the load sleeve 22 also comprises a plurality of parallel, axially-aligned keyways 54 arranged to receive the keys 42.

[0122] To assemble the tool the split sleeve 40 and keys are located in the corresponding features of the mounting surface 20 as described above. The load sleeve 22 is then mounted on the mandrel 12 by sliding the load sleeve 22 onto the mounting surface 20 and locking assembly 38. As the load sleeve 22 is slid over the mandrel 12 and locking assembly 38 from the first end 14 towards the second end 16, the portion of the split sleeve 40 protruding from the mounting surface 20 enters the area of reduced thickness 50 of the load sleeve 22 until the axially-facing end face of the split sleeve 40 abuts the internal circumferential flange 52 of the load sleeve 22. At this point, the load sleeve 22 is secured on the mandrel 12 and cannot move any further towards the second end 16 in the axial direction. As the split sleeve 40 enters the area of reduced thickness 50 and approaches the internal flange 52, the parts of the keys 42 protruding from the mounting surface 20 enter corresponding keyways 54 and traverse the keyways 54. The interaction between the keyways 54, keys 42 and cut-outs 48 prevent relative rotation between the load sleeve 22 and the mandrel 12. In this example, the keys 42 are also arranged to prevent the load sleeve 22 from moving axially towards the second end 16 once the keys 42 abut against the end surface of the keyways 54.

[0123] The tool of FIGS. 3 to 5 also includes two circumferential seals 56 which are located in circumferential seal grooves 58. The seals 56 are arranged to prevent the ingress of fluid from the bore between the load sleeve 22 and mandrel 12.

[0124] FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate a further tool according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the tool assembled and including a connector sub 24, FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the tool and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the tool. In FIGS. 6 to 8 the mandrel is connected to a connector sub 24 by means of a pin and box connection facilitated by the first end 14 of the tool and a box connector of the connector sub 24. Features of the tool of FIGS. 6 to 8 which are common to the tools of any of FIGS. 1 to 5 will not be described in detail, but it is to be understood that the comments made above apply here, mutatis mutandis.

[0125] The tool of FIGS. 6 to 8 comprises a mandrel 12, load sleeve 22 and locking assembly, as with the tool of FIGS. 3 to 5. However, the locking assembly of the presently-described tool does not comprise a split sleeve. Instead, the locking assembly comprises a plurality of keys 42 and the mounting surface 20 comprises a plurality of corresponding parallel, circumferentially-spaced, axially-staggered cut-outs 49 for receiving the keys 42 in the manner described in relation to FIGS. 3 to 5. Likewise, the internal surface of the load sleeve 22 does not comprise an area of reduced thickness but instead comprises only a series of axially-aligned, parallel keyways 54. The keyways 54 are of varying length according to the axial stagger of the corresponding cut-out 48.

[0126] In this tool, as before, the keys 42 are partially located in the cut-outs 48 and the load sleeve 22 is mounted on the mounting surface 20 by sliding the load sleeve 22 over the mandrel 12 and locking assembly from the first end 14. The keys 42 enter the keyways 54 and traverse the keyways 54 as the load sleeve 22 slides over the mandrel 12. The interaction between the keyways 54, the keys 42 and the cut-outs 48 prevent the load sleeve 22 from rotating relative to the mandrel 12 as soon as the keys 42 enter the keyways 54, since the elongated sides of the keys 42 abut corresponding surfaces on the cut-outs 48 and the keyways 54. Once the keys 42 reach the end of the keyways 54, the load sleeve 22 is prevented from moving any further in an axial direction towards the second end 16 of the mandrel 12, since the curved axial ends of the keys 42 abut corresponding surfaces of the cut-outs 48 and the keyways 54.

[0127] FIGS. 9 and 10 show the mandrel 12 and load sleeve 22 of the tool of FIGS. 6 to 8, respectively.

[0128] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a further tool according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a cross-section of the tool. FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the tool and connector sub 24. Features of the tool of FIGS. 11 and 12 which are common to the tools of any of the preceding Figures will not be described in detail, but it is to be understood that the comments made above apply here, mutatis mutandis.

[0129] In the tool of FIGS. 11 and 12 the locking assembly comprises a split sleeve 60 comprising a first and second half-sleeve 60a, 60b. As in the tool of FIGS. 3 to 5, the mounting surface 20 comprises a plurality of grooves 62 arranged to engage with corresponding protrusions in the form of ridges 64 on the inner surface of the split sleeve 60. However, in the tool of FIGS. 11 and 12, the grooves 62 do not extend around the entire circumference of the mounting surface 20. Instead, the grooves extend 62 around the majority, but not all, of the mounting surface 20 (for example between 80% to 95%, or about 85% or 90%). Accordingly, as can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, an axially-oriented raised section/region 66 of the mounting surface 20 does not comprise any grooves 62. Accordingly, the inner surface of the split sleeve 60 has a corresponding profile and the ridges 64 do not extend around the entire circumference of the split sleeve 60. The inner surface of the split sleeve 60 therefore comprises an axial region which does not comprise any protrusions (ridges 64). This region is visible and the absence of any ridges 64 can be noted on the upper side of the split sleeve 60a as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0130] As noted above, the circumferential grooves 62 and ridges 64 are arranged to prevent relative axial movement of the split sleeve 60 relative to the mandrel 12. The grooves 62 and ridges 64 of the tool of FIGS. 11 and 12, however, are also configured to prevent relative rotation between the split sleeve 60 and the mandrel 12, since the end faces of the grooves 62 and ridges 64 abut and prevent relative movement in the rotational direction. As such, the split sleeve of FIGS. 11 and 12 is prevented from both axial and rotational relative movement with respect to the mandrel 12.

[0131] In this tool, the load sleeve 22 engages the split sleeve 60 by means of an internal flange 52 present on the inner surface of the load sleeve. This internal flange abuts an axial end face 70 of the split sleeve 60. Accordingly, the split sleeve 60 prevents further axial movement of the load sleeve 22 towards the second end 16 when the load sleeve 22 abuts the split sleeve 60.

[0132] Furthermore, a portion of the load sleeve 68 is axially located between the locking assembly (split sleeve 60) and the female box connector component of the connector sub 24. Accordingly, as the connector sub 24 is connected to the mandrel by screwing the connector sub 24 onto the male threaded portion 26, this portion of the load sleeve 68 becomes trapped/sandwiched/pinched between the axial end face 70 of the split sleeve 60 and an axial exposed end surface 35 of the connector sub 24. As the connector sub 24 is forced axially towards the tool 10, or rotated in a direction which acts to further engage the male threaded portion 26 and the box connector of the connector sub 24, axial forces are induced which act to force the load sleeve 22 against the locking assembly. The portion 68 of the load sleeve 22 is thus trapped and the frictional forces prevent the load sleeve 22 from rotating relative to the split sleeve 60, and hence the mandrel 12.

[0133] FIGS. 13 to 15 show cross-sectional, exploded and exploded cross-sectional views, respectively, of a further tool. As before, features of the tool of FIGS. 13 to 15 that are common to the tools of any of the preceding Figures will not be described in detail, but it is to be understood that the comments made above apply, mutatis mutandis.

[0134] In this tool, the locking assembly comprises only a split sleeve 40. The mounting surface 20 has circumferential grooves 44 which extend around the entire circumference of the mandrel. The locking assembly comprises a split sleeve 40 comprising two sleeve-halves 40a, 40b which have corresponding circumferential ridges extending around the entire circumference of the split sleeve 40. As such, the split ring 40 is as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, and the mounting surface 20 is as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, albeit without the cut-outs 42, since the locking assembly does not comprise any keys. The split sleeve 40 is therefore prevented from moving axially with respect to the mandrel 12, and the load sleeve 22 (which engages the split sleeve 40 by means of an internal flange 52) is prevented from moving axially with respect to the mandrel 12.

[0135] Although the split sleeve 40 (locking assembly) is constrained only in an axial direction, the split sleeve 40 and load sleeve 22 may be unable to rotate relative to each other and relative to the mandrel 12 due to friction forces during use. When the connector sub 24 is engaged on the male threaded portion 26, the load surface 35 of the separate component may abut the load surface 34 of the load sleeve 22, thus forcing the load sleeve 22 axially against the split sleeve 40 which, in turn, is forced against the mandrel 12. This interaction may create high friction forces which, in turn, may prevent the split sleeve 40 and load sleeve 22 from rotating relative to each other and relative to the mandrel 12. Accordingly, torsional forces may also be able to be transferred through this connection.

[0136] FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate a cross-sectional disassembled, partially assembled and fully assembled tool, respectively. In the tool of FIGS. 16 to 18, the load sleeve 22 is arranged to be secured on the mandrel 12 when a separate component 24 engages the pin connector of the tool, i.e. without the use of a separate locking assembly. As with the previous tools, the load sleeve 22 defines a torque shoulder 36 such that the torque shoulder 36 and male threaded portion define a pin connector to facilitate connection with a box connector of a separate component 24.

[0137] The load sleeve 22 is a split sleeve comprising two half-sleeves 22a, 22b. The inner surface of the load sleeve 22 and the outer surface of the mandrel 12 comprise complementary castellated profiles, each formed of a plurality of corresponding ridges and grooves. The surface 72, 74 of each ridge of the load sleeve 22 and groove of the mandrel 12 arranged closest to the second end 16 of the mandrel is an engagement surface. Each engagement surface 72, 74 is arranged at an oblique angle to the axis of the mandrel 12, towards the first end 14 (i.e. the engagement surfaces 72, 74 are arranged such that as the radial distance from the axis increases, the surface gets closer to the first end 14).

[0138] In FIG. 17 the load sleeve 22 is partially mounted on the mandrel 12. The two half-sleeves have been moved radially to engage the castellated surface of the mandrel 12. As can be seen, there is a small gap between the two engagement surfaces 72, 74.

[0139] In order to fully engage and secure the load sleeve 22 on the mandrel, the load sleeve 22 must be moved axially towards the second end, such that the two obliquely-angled surfaces abut. This is automatically achieved when the separate component 24 is engaged on the male threaded portion 26. As the separate component 24 is mounted on the male threaded portion 26 of the mandrel 12, it abuts the load surface 34 of the load sleeve 22 and urges the load sleeve 22 towards the second end 16 of the mandrel 12. This in turn urges the engagement surfaces 72, 74 into engagement. When the separate component 24 is fully mounted on the pin connector of the mandrel 12, the load sleeve 22 is as shown in FIG. 18 with the engagement surfaces 72, 74 engaged.

[0140] When the half-sleeves 22a 22b are fully engaged with the mandrel 12 as shown in FIG. 18, the radially-innermost tips of the ridges of the load sleeve 22 are located radially under a portion of the mandrel 12. As such, in order to disengage each half-sleeve 22a 22b from the mandrel, they must move axially towards the first end 14 to permit the load half-sleeves 22a, 22b to move radially away from the mandrel 12. When in this position, the two half-sleeves 22a, 22b of the load sleeve 22 are unable to disengage and leave the mandrel 12 moving only in a radial direction. When the separate component 24 is engaged on the pin connector of the tool, it prevents the load sleeve 22 from such axial movement. Accordingly, the load sleeve 22 is unable to disengage the mandrel 12 and is automatically secured on the mandrel 12 when a separate component engages the pin connector of the separate component 24.

[0141] The present invention has been described purely by way of example. Modifications in detail may be made to the present invention within the scope of the claims as appended hereto.