MX2012003765A

MX2012003765A - Anchor assembly and method for anchoring a downhole tool.

Info

Publication number: MX2012003765A
Application number: MX2012003765A
Authority: MX
Inventors: John P Rodgers; Jack Gammill Clemens; Wesley Neil Ludwig; Ed Eaton; Marco Serra
Original assignee: Halliburton Energy Serv Inc
Priority date: 2009-09-28
Filing date: 2009-09-28
Publication date: 2012-06-12
Also published as: MX369278B; EP2483517A4; EP2483517A1; WO2011037584A1; EP2483517B1

Abstract

An anchor assembly (400) for anchoring a downhole tool in a wellbore tubular. The anchor assembly (400) includes a plurality of slip arm assemblies each having first and second arms (412, 414) hingeably coupled together. The first and second arms (412, 414) each have teeth (418, 426) on one end. A first sleeve (402) is rotatably associated with each of the first arms (412) and a second sleeve (404) is rotatably associated with each of the second arms (414) such that the anchor assembly (400) has a running configuration in which the slip arm assemblies are substantially longitudinally oriented and an operating configuration in which the first and second arms (412, 414) of each slip arm assembly form an acute angle relative to one another such that the teeth (418, 426) of the first and second arms (412, 414) define the radially outermost portion of the anchor assembly (100).

Description

ANCHORING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD TO ANCHOR A TOOL BACKGROUND OF THE WELL TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates, in general, to the equipment used together with the operations carried out in an underground well and, in particular, with a downhole tool that is positioned in an underground well to isolate a lower portion of the well from an upper portion of the well.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The intermediate plugs are well tools that are typically lowered into an oil or coated natural gas well and fixed in a desired position within the casing to isolate the pressure between two zones in the well. Recoverable intermediate plugs are used during well drilling and rehabilitation operations to provide a temporary separation of zones. Permanent intermediate plugs are used when it is desired to permanently close the well above a lower zone or formation when, for example, that lower zone has become non-productive but one or more higher zones remain productive. In such cases, an intermediate plug through a pipe can be installed without the need to extract the production pipe or kill the well. Such intermediate plugs through the pipeline can be lowered through the production string into a conveying means such as a wire rope, spiral production line, or the like and then fixed by axially compressing the packing elements of the intermediate plug to through the pipe to expand them in contact with the inner surface of the casing to provide a seal.

Once in the sealing configuration, a significant differential pressure can be created through the intermediate plug through the pipe. Accordingly, conventional intermediate plugs through a pipe include one or more anchoring assemblies that are designed to support the intermediate plug through the pipe in the casing. More specifically, the anchor assemblies are required to hold the intermediate plug through the pipe in the casing for a sufficient period of time to allow cement to be added over the intermediate plug through the pipe and for the cement to be cured to form a permanent plug It has been found, however, that the use of intermediate plugs through the pipes is limited to wells that require only a relatively small expansion ratio between the sealing configuration of the intermediate plug through the pipe and the running configuration of the intermediate plug through the pipe. Consequently, a need has arisen for an intermediate plug through the pipeline that is operable to isolate the pressure between two zones in the well. A need has also arisen for such an intermediate plug through the pipeline which operates to anchor within the casing pipe for a sufficient period of time to allow cement to be added and for the cement to cure. In addition, a need for such an intermediate plug has arisen through the pipe that operates to be installed in wells that require a relatively large expansion ratio between the sealing configuration of the intermediate plug through the pipe and the intermediate plug running configuration. through the pipe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention described herein is directed to an intermediate plug through the pipe that operates to isolate the pressure between two zones in the well. In addition, the intermediate plug through the pipe of the present invention operates to anchor within the casing pipe for a sufficient period of time to allow cement to be added and for the cement to cure.

In addition, the intermediate plug through the pipe of the present invention is operable to be installed in wells that require a relatively large expansion ratio between the grip and seal configuration of the intermediate plug through the pipe and the running configuration of the pipe. intermediate plug through the pipe.

In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to an intermediate stopper through the pipe to provide a grip and seal coupling with a hole covering strand. The intermediate plug through the pipe includes a drive rod, an anchor assembly disposed on the drive rod, a pair of compression assemblies disposed on the drive rod, each including a support assembly and an anti-extrusion assembly and a packing assembly disposed on the drive rod between the compression assemblies. The intermediate plug through the pipe is operated in response to the longitudinal movement of the drive rod. This longitudinal movement is operable to drive the anchor assembly by fixing the grip coupling with the coating string. In addition, this longitudinal movement radially deploys the compression assemblies so that the anti-extrusion assemblies are operable to compress the packing assembly. In addition, this longitudinal movement is operable to drive the packing assembly by fixing the seal coupling with the coating string.

In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for attaching a gripping and sealing coupling of an intermediate plug to a lining strand of a pit. The method includes transporting the intermediate plug through a production string in the hole to an object location in the coating string, longitudinally displacing an intermediate plug driving rod, radially expanding an intermediate plug anchoring assembly for fixing the clamping coupling with the cladding string, radially deploying a pair of intermediate clamp compression assemblies so that an anti-extrusion assembly of each compression assembly and a support assembly of each compression assembly are deployed and radially expanding an assembly of packing arranged on the driving rod and between the compression assemblies by longitudinally compressing the packing assembly with the compression assemblies to secure the sealing coupling with the coating string.

In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a drive assembly for a downhole tool having a tool housing and a drive member. The drive assembly includes a downhole power unit having a housing of the power unit and a moving shaft. The drive assembly further includes a stroke extender having an expander housing and a spindle mandrel movable longitudinally within the expander housing. The housing of the power unit is operatively associated with the expander housing. The mobile axis is operatively associated with the spindle mandrel. The expander housing is operatively associated with the tool housing and the drive member. The extensor mandrel is operatively associated with the actuator member so that the oscillatory movement in the first and second longitudinal directions of the movable axis relative to the housing of the power unit causes oscillatory movement in the first and second longitudinal directions of the extensor mandrel in relation to the extensor housing that causes progressive movement in the first direction of the actuator member relative to the tool housing, thereby driving the bottom tool of the well.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for driving a downhole tool having a tool housing and a driving member. The method involves providing a downhole power unit having a housing of the power unit and a moving shaft, providing a stroke extender having an expander housing and an expander mandrel., operatively associating the casing of the power unit with the casing of the extender and operatively associating the mobile axis with the spindle extender, operatively associating the casing of the extender with the casing of the tool and the operating member and operatively associating the cassette of the Extender with the actuating member, oscillating the moving axis in the first and second longitudinal directions relative to the housing of the power unit, oscillating the extensor mandrel in the first and second longitudinal directions relative to the expander housing and progressively displacing the drive member in the first direction relative to the tool housing, thereby driving the bottom tool of the well.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a drive assembly for securing an intermediate plug through a pipe having an adapter and a drive rod. The drive assembly includes a downhole power unit having a housing of the power unit and a moving shaft. The drive assembly further includes a stroke extender having an expander housing and a spindle mandrel movable longitudinally within the expander housing. The housing of the power unit is operatively associated with the expander housing and the movable shaft is operatively associated with the spindle mandrel. The extensor housing is operatively associated with the adapter and drive rod. The extensor mandrel is operatively associated with the actuator rod so that the oscillatory movement at the wellhead and at the bottom of the shaft of the mobile shaft relative to the housing of the power unit causes the oscillating movement of the mandrel of the extender. in relation to the expander housing that moves the drive rod in the direction of the wellhead in relation to the adapter, thereby fixing the intermediate plug through the pipe.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to an anchor assembly for anchoring a downhole tool in a tube disposed in a hole. The anchor assembly includes a first slide assembly having a first sleeve and a plurality of first arms rotatably associated with the first sleeve. The first arms have teeth at a distal end of the first sleeve. A second slide assembly has a second sleeve and a plurality of second arms rotatably associated with the second sleeve. The second arms have teeth at a distal end of the second sleeve. At least one hinge member engages the respective first arms with the second arms so that the distal ends of the respective first and second arms are hinged to each other. The anchoring assembly has a ride configuration in which the first and second arms are substantially longitudinally oriented and an operation configuration in which the respective first and second arms form an acute angle to each other so that the teeth of the first and second arms define the radially outermost part of the anchoring assembly.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention is directed to an anchor assembly for anchoring a downhole tool in a tube disposed in a hole. The anchoring assembly 'includes a plurality of sliding arm assemblies each including the first and second arms coupled together hingedly. The first and second arms each have teeth at one end. A first sleeve is associated rotatively with each of the first arms. A second sleeve is associated in a rotary manner with each of the second arms. The anchor assembly has a ride configuration in which the sliding arm assemblies are oriented substantially longitudinally and an operating configuration in which the first and second arms of each sliding arm assembly form an acute angle with each other in a manner that the teeth of the first and second arms define the radially outermost part of the anchoring assembly.

In an eighth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for operating an anchoring assembly to create a grip coupling with a hole covering strand. The method includes transporting the anchor assembly through a production string in the hole to an object location in a coating string, applying a compression force between the first and second slide assembly of the anchor assembly, rotating a plurality of first arms with the teeth in relation to a first sleeve of the first sliding assembly and rotating a plurality of second arms with the teeth relative to a second sleeve of the second sliding assembly so that the anchor assembly changes from a running configuration in which the first and second arms are oriented substantially longitudinally to a gripping configuration in which the respective first and second arms form an acute angle to each other and the teeth of the first and second arms come in contact with the coating string to fix a coupling of grip with it.

In a ninth aspect, the present invention is directed to a compression assembly for driving the packing elements of an intermediate plug through a pipe in a lining string of a pit. The compression assembly includes a support assembly having a plurality of latching arm assemblies each that includes a short arm mounted rotatably on a long arm. The support assembly has a ride configuration in which the hinge arm assemblies are oriented substantially longitudinally and an operating configuration in which the short arms are rotatable relative to the long arms so that the short arms form a support platform. The compression assembly further includes an anti-extrusion assembly that is operatively associated with the support assembly. The anti-extrusion assembly includes a base member and a plurality of petals rotatably mounted on the base member. The anti-extrusion assembly has a gait configuration in which the petals are substantially perpendicular to the base member and are interconnected and an operation configuration in which the petals are arranged radially outward, substantially filling the gaps between the short arms.

In a tenth aspect, the present invention is directed to an anti-extrusion assembly for driving the packing elements of an intermediate plug through a pipe in a lining string of a pit. The anti-extrusion assembly includes a base member having a plurality of eccentrically extending pins and a plurality of petals rotatably mounted to the pins of the base member. The anti-extrusion assembly has a gait configuration in which the petals are substantially perpendicular to the base member and are interconnected and an operation configuration in which the petals are rotated so that the petals and the base member lie substantially in the same plane.

In an eleventh aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for driving packing elements of an intermediate plug into a lining string of a pit. The method includes transporting the intermediate plug through a string of pipe in the hole to an object location in the casing string, applying a compression force between a pair of intermediate plug assemblies, operating a support assembly of each casing assembly. compression from a ride configuration in which the hitch arm assemblies are oriented substantially longitudinally to an operation configuration in which the short arms rotate relative to the long arms of the hitch arm assemblies to form a platform of support, operating an anti-extrusion assembly of each compression assembly from a gait configuration in which the petals are substantially perpendicular to a base member and are linked together to an operating configuration in which the petals are arranged radially outwardly filling substantially the gaps between the short arms and driving the ele packing materials in sealed contact with the coating string.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention together with the accompanying Figures in which the corresponding numbers in the different Figures refer to the corresponding parts and in the which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an offshore oil and gas platform during the installation of an intermediate plug through a pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2A-2B are sectional views of the successive axial sections of an electromechanical adjustment tool mode used for the installation of an intermediate plug through a pipe according to the present invention; Figures 3A-3D are cross-sectional views of the successive axial sections of a mode of an intermediate plug through a pipe in its running configuration according to the present invention; Figures 4A-4B are cross-sectional views of one embodiment of an intermediate plug through a pipe in its grip and seal configuration according to the present invention; Figures 5A-5C are partial cross sectional views of a mode of a career expander positionable between a bottomhole power unit and an intermediate plug through a pipe according to the present invention in operating positions sequential Figures 6A-6C are several views of an anchor assembly for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6D-6H are various parts of the components of an anchor assembly for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6I-6N are various parts of the alternative embodiment components of an anchor assembly for use in a plug through a pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7A-7C are various views of a compression assembly for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7D-7G are various views of an anti-extrusion assembly and parts of the components thereof for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 8A-8C are various views of another embodiment of an anti-extrusion assembly for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe according to the present invention; Figure 9 is a top view of a further embodiment of an anti-extrusion assembly for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe according to the present invention; Figures 10A-10C are several views of yet another embodiment of an anti-extrusion assembly for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe according to the present invention, and Figures 11A-11P are views of various embodiments of packing elements for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Although the manufacture and use of the different embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be practiced in a variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of the specific ways of making and using the invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

Referring initially to Figure 1, an intermediate plug through a pipe of the present invention is installed on an offshore oil and gas platform that is schematically illustrated and is generally designated 10. A semi-submersible platform 12 centers on the formations of submerged oil and gas 14, 16 located beneath the ocean floor 18. A submarine conductor 20 extends from the deck 22 of the platform 12 to the ocean floor 18. A hole 24 extends from the ocean floor 18 and traverses the formations 14 16. The hole 24 includes a casing 26 that is supported therein by the cement 28. The casing 26 has two sets of perforations 30, 32 in the closely spaced formations 14, 16.

A production string 34 extends from the head of the well 36 to a location below the formation 16 but above the formation 14 and provides a conduit for the production fluids to travel to the surface. A pair of gaskets 38, 40 provide a fluid seal between the production string 34 and the casing 26 and direct the flow of the production fluids from the formation 16 towards the interior of the production string 34 through, for example, a pipeline auxiliary slotted coating. A wire cable 42 is disposed within the production string 34 and is used to transport a tool system that includes a bottom-hole power unit 44 and an intermediate plug through a pipe 46 as well as a pipe device. location such as a gamma ray tool and other tools (not shown). Although the bottomhole power unit 44 and the intermediate plug through the pipeline 46 are shown to be deployed in a wire rope, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the power unit of Well bottom 44 and intermediate plug through pipe 46 could be deployed in other types of transportation means, including, but not limited to, a retrieval cable, spiral production pipe, articulated pipe, a bottomhole robot or the like, without departing from the principles of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figure 1, an intermediate plug through a pipe 46 reaches its target location in the hole 24. As explained in greater detail below, an intermediate plug through a pipe 46 is operated from its configuration run to its grip and seal configuration using the downhole power unit 4. The bottomhole power unit 44 transmits a longitudinal force to an actuating rod within the intermediate plug through the pipe 46 via a movable shaft of the bottomhole power unit 44 so that an anchor assembly of the intermediate plug through pipe 46 expands radially outwardly in gripping contact with casing 26 and an intermediate plug packing assembly through pipe 46 expands radially outwardly in sealed contact with the casing 26. In one embodiment, the intermediate stopper through line 46 can be expanded from its running configuration having two and one eighth inches of outside diameter toward its grip and seal configuration in a casing having a diameter seven inch interior. As such, both the anchor assembly and the intermediate plug packing assembly through the pipe 46 must be operable to have a radial expansion ratio of approximately 3.3 (7 inches divided by 2,125 inches). Although a specific expansion ratio has been described, other expansion ratios both smaller and greater than specified are also possible using the intermediate plug of the production pipe of the present invention, including these expansion ratios, but not limited a, expansion ratios greater than about 2.0, expansion ratios greater than about 2.5, expansion ratios greater than about 3.0, expansion ratios greater than about 3.5, and expansion ratios greater than about 4.0.

As will be described in more detail below, a particular implementation of the bottomhole power unit 44 includes an elongated housing, a motor disposed in the housing and a sleeve connected to a motor rotor.

The sleeve is a rotational member that rotates with the rotor. A moving member such as the aforementioned moving shaft is received within the threaded interior of the sleeve. The operation of the motor causes the sleeve to rotate, which causes the mobile axis to move longitudinally. Accordingly, when the bottomhole power unit 44 is operatively coupled to the intermediate plug through the pipe 46 and the movable member is activated, longitudinal movement is imparted to the drive rod through the intermediate plug through the pipe 46 In one implementation, a microcontroller made of electrical components suitable for providing miniaturization and durability within the high pressure, high temperature environments that can be found in an oil or gas well, is used to control the operation of the power unit bottom of the well 44. The microcontroller is preferably housed within the structure of the bottom power unit of the well 44, however, it can be connected outside the bottom power unit of the well 44 but within the associated tool string moved within the hole 24. At any physical location that the microcontroller becomes available, it is operationally connected to the bottom power unit of the well 44 to control movement of the mobile member when desired. The microcontroller may include a microprocessor that operates under the control of a timing device and a program stored in a memory. The program in memory includes instructions that cause the microprocessor to control the downhole power unit 44.

The microcontroller operates under the energy of a power supply that may be on the surface or, preferably, contained within the microcontroller, the bottom-hole power unit 44 or within a bottom-hole part of the tool string of which these components are part of. The power source provides the electrical power to both the motor of the downhole power unit 44 and the microcontroller. When the downhole power unit 44 is in the target location, the microcontroller starts operation of the downhole power unit 44 as programmed. For example, in relation to the control of the motor operating the sleeve receiving the movable member, the microcontroller sends a command to energize the motor to rotate the sleeve in the desired direction to extend or retract the movable member at the desired speed. One or more sensors monitor the operation of the downhole power unit 44 and provide response signals to the microcontroller. When the microcontroller determines that a desired result has been obtained, it stops the operation of the downhole power unit 44, such as by de-energizing the motor. Alternatively, the operation of the downhole power unit 44 can be controlled from the surface where the command signals can be provided to the downhole power unit 44 via wired or wireless communication protocols. In the same way, the energy can be provided to the bottom power unit of the well 44 from the surface by an electrical conductor.

Although Figure 1 represents a vertical well, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the intermediate plug through a pipe of the present invention is equally suitable for use in diverted wells, slanted wells, horizontal wells, multilateral wells and Similar. As such, the use of directional terms such as above, below, top, bottom, up, down and the like are used in relation to the illustrative modalities as depicted in the figures, the upward direction is towards the top of the corresponding figure and the downward direction is towards the lower part of the corresponding figure. Also, while Figure 1 depicts an offshore operation, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the intermediate plug through the pipe of the present invention is equally suitable for use in land operations. In addition, although Figure 1 represents a coated pit, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the intermediate plug through a pipe of the present invention is equally suitable for use in open pit operations.

Referring now to Figures 2A-2B, there are represented the successive axial sections of an exemplary well bottom power unit which is generally designated 100 and which is capable of performing operations with the intermediate plug through the pipeline. of the present invention. The bottomhole power unit 100 includes a work assembly 102 and an energy assembly 104. The power assembly 104 includes a housing assembly 106 which comprises generally tubular casing members suitably formed and connected. An upper part of the housing assembly 106 includes an appropriate mechanism for facilitating the coupling of the housing 106 to a transport means 108 such as a wire cable, retrieval cable, electrical line, spiral production pipe, articulated pipe or the like. The housing assembly 106 further includes a clutch housing 110 as will be described in more detail below, forming a part of a clutch assembly 112.

In the illustrated embodiment, the power assembly 104 includes an independent power source, which eliminates the need for energy that is supplied from an external source, such as a source on the surface. A preferred energy source comprises a battery assembly 114 which may include a plurality of batteries such as alkaline batteries, lithium batteries or the like. Alternatively, however, the energy can be provided to the bottomhole power unit 100 from the surface by an electrical conductor.

The force generation and transmission assembly is connected to the power assembly 104. The force generation and transmission assembly of this implementation includes a direct current (DC) electric motor 116, coupled through a gearbox 118, to a screw assembly 120. A plurality of activation mechanisms 122, 124 and 126, as described, can be electrically coupled between the battery assembly 114 and the electric motor 116. The electric motor 116 can be of any suitable type . An example is an engine that operates at 7500 revolutions per minute (rpm) in no-load condition, and operates at approximately 5000 rpm in load condition, and which has a power characteristic of approximately 1/30 th of a horsepower. In this implementation, the motor 116 is coupled through a gearbox 118 which provides a gear reduction of approximately 5000: 1. The gearbox 118 is coupled through a conventional drive assembly 128 to the screw assembly 120.

The screw assembly 120 includes a threaded shaft 130 that moves longitudinally, rotates or both, in response to the rotation of a sleeve assembly 132. The threaded shaft 130 includes a threaded portion 134, and a lower extension 136 generally smooth , polished. The threaded shaft 130 further includes a pair of diametrically opposed keys 138 of general shape cooperating with a clutch block 140 which engages the threaded shaft 130. The clutch housing 110 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 142 extending as far as possible. length of at least part of the possible length of the race. The keys 138 extend radially outwardly from the threaded shaft 130 through the clutch block 140 to engage each of the slots 142 in the clutch housing 110, thereby selectively preventing rotation of the threaded shaft 130 relative to the housing 110.

The rotation of the sleeve assembly 132 in one direction causes the threaded shaft 130 and the clutch block 140 to move longitudinally upward relative to the housing assembly 110 if the shaft 130 is not at its upper limit. The rotation of the sleeve assembly 132 in the opposite direction moves the shaft 130 downward relative to the case 110 if the shaft 130 is not in its lowest position. Above a certain level within the clutch housing 110, as generally indicated at 144, the clutch housing 110 includes a relatively elongated inner diameter bore 146 so that moving the clutch block 140 above the level 144 prevents that the wrench 138 extending outwardly is restricted from rotational movement. Consequently, the continuous rotation of the sleeve assembly 132 causes the longitudinal movement of the threaded shaft 130 until the clutch block 140 rises above the level 144, in which the knitting rotation of the sleeve assembly 132 will result in rotation free of the threaded shaft 130. By virtue of this, the clutch assembly 112 serves as a safety device to prevent burning of the electric motor, and also serves as a stroke limiter. Similarly, the clutch assembly 112 can allow the threaded shaft 130 to freely rotate during certain points in the longitudinal travel of the threaded shaft 130.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bottomhole power unit 100 incorporates three discrete activation assemblies, spaced apart from the microcontroller or part thereof discussed above. Activation assemblies allow screw 120 to operate on the occurrence of one or more predetermined conditions. A depicted activation assembly is timing circuit 122 of a type known in the art. The timing circuit 122 is adapted to provide a signal to the microcontroller after a predetermined amount of time has passed. further, the bottomhole power unit 100 may include an activation assembly that includes a pressure sensitive switch 124 of a type generally known in the art that will provide a control signal, for example, once the switch 124 reaches Experience a depth at which a predetermined amount of hydrostatic pressure is found within the production string or experience a particular variation of pressure or a series of pressure variations. Still further, the bottomhole power unit 100 may include a motion sensor 126, such as an accelerometer or a geophone that is responsive to vertical movement of the bottomhole power unit 100. Accelerometer 126 may be combined with the timing circuit 122 so that when motion is detected by the accelerometer 126, the timing circuit 122 is reset. If so configured, the activation assembly operates to provide a control signal after the accelerometer 126 detects that the bottomhole power unit 100 has been held substantially immobile in the well for a predetermined amount of time.

The work assembly 102 includes a drive assembly 148 that engages through the housing assembly 106 to be movable therewith. The drive assembly 148 includes an outer sleeve member 150 that is threadably engaged at 152 to the housing assembly 106. The threaded shaft 130 extends through the drive assembly 148 and has a threaded end 154 for attaching other tools , such as a stroke extender or an intermediate plug through a pipe, as will be described later.

In operation, the bottomhole power unit 100 is adapted to cooperate directly with an intermediate plug through a pipeline by a stroke extender that depends on the particular implementation. Specifically, before going into operation, the outer sleeve member 150 of the bottomhole power unit 100 is operatively associated with a tubular joint of a running extender or intermediate plug through a pipeline as described below. Similarly, the shaft 130 of the bottomhole power unit 100 is operatively associated with a connecting component of a running extender or an intermediate plug through a pipeline as described below. As used herein, the term is operatively associated with, should embrace direct coupling such as by means of a threaded connection, a pin connection, a friction connection, a closely received relationship and may further include the use of fastening screws or other means of restraint. In addition, the term is operatively associated with, should encompass indirect coupling such as by a sub connection, an adapter or other coupling means. As such, an ascending longitudinal movement of the threaded shaft 130 of the bottom power unit of the well 100 exerts a longitudinally ascending force on the component to which it is operatively associated that initiates the operation of either a stroke extender or an intermediate plug to through a pipe that is associated with it as described later.

As can be seen from the previous discussion, driving the motor 116 by activating assemblies 122, 124, 126, and controlling the motor 116 by the microcontroller results in the required longitudinal movement of the threaded shaft 130. In the implementation where a stroke extender is used, the threaded shaft 130 is only required to move a corresponding short distance in the upward direction followed by a relatively short distance in the downward direction for the number of strokes necessary to install the intermediate plug through a pipe . In the implementation where a career extender is not used, the threaded shaft 130 is required to move a relatively long distance in the upward direction to install the intermediate plug through the pipe. In any case, the bottomhole power unit 100 can be preprogrammed to perform the appropriate operations prior to deployment into the well. Alternatively, the bottomhole power unit 100 may receive energy, command signals or both from the surface via an umbilical cord. Once the intermediate plug through the pipeline is installed, the bottomhole power unit 100 and the stroke extender, if present, can be recovered towards the surface.

Even though a particular embodiment of a downhole power unit has been described and described, it should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that other types of downhole power devices could alternatively be used with the through tubing bridge plug of the present invention such that the through tubing bridge plug of the present invention may establish a gripping and sealing relationship with the interior of a tubular downhole.

With reference now to Figures 3A-3D therein successive axial sections of a mode of an intermediate plug are represented through a pipe in its running configuration which is designated generally as 200. The intermediate plug through the pipe 200 includes an upper adapter 202 which is designed- to cooperate with the lower end of a downhole power unit described above or with the lower end of a travel extender that is described later. The upper adapter 202 is threadably coupled to the slide housing 204. Within the slide housing 204 a plurality of sliding members 206 are positioned which selectively grip an actuation member represented as a drive rod 208. At its upper end, the drive rod 208 has a threaded opening 210 which is designed to cooperate with the movable shaft 130 of a bottomhole power unit described above. An anchor assembly 212 is positioned below the slide housing 204. As described in more detail below, the anchor assembly 212 includes five hinged slide arms 214, only two of which are visible in Figure 3A, which provide a grip relationship with the wall of the casing when deployed. Although a particular number of hinged slide arms have been described in the present embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other numbers of hinged slide arms both greater and less than those specified are possible and are considered within the scope of the present invention. invention.

A support assembly 216 is positioned below the anchor assembly 212. As described in more detail below, the support assembly 216 includes ten hinged support arms 218, only two of which are visible in Figure 3A, which maintains the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 in the center of the hole during the fixing process. With the support assembly 216 an anti-extrusion assembly 220 is operatively associated which includes ten rotatably mounted petals 222 which are supported by the support arms 218 and substantially fill a cross-section of the pit when deployed. Although a particular number of hinged support arms and petals have been described in the present embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other numbers of hinged support arms and petals both greater than and less than those specified are possible and considered within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, however, the number of hinged support arms and the number of petals are the same.

A packing assembly 224 is positioned below the anti-extrusion assembly 220. The packaging assembly 224 includes a plurality of packaging elements 226 that are preferably formed from a polymeric material such as an elastomer, a thermoplastic, a thermoset or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the packing elements 226 are disposed directionally on a central element 228 to assist in the predictability of the expansion of the packing assembly 224 after activation of the intermediate plug through the pipe 200. As illustrated, the central element 228 is received closely around the driving rod 208. Furthermore, the central element 228 has bevelled ends so that its outermost parts have a radially reduced outer diameter. The other packing elements 226 have a separate relationship with the drive rod 208 and further have bevelled ends, however, one end is concave and one end is convex to allow the connection of the packing elements 226 during operation and movement. longitudinal between them during installation. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more washers or centralisers 229 are positioned in the area between the drive rod 208 and the interior of the packing elements 226. The centralizers 229 are preferably formed from a polymer material such as an elastomer, a thermoplastic, a thermostable or the like including inflatable polymers such as those described below. The use of the centralizers 229 further improves the predictability of the expansion of the packaging assembly 224.

The drive rod 208 includes an upper section 230 and a lower section 232 which are threadably coupled to each other at 234. The lower section 232 has a radially reduced section 236 which allows the recovery of the well bottom power unit and the upper part 230 of the driving rod 208 after the installation of the intermediate plug through the pipe 200. An anti-extrusion assembly 238 is positioned below the packing assembly 224. The anti-extrusion assembly 238 includes ten rotatably mounted petals 240 which They operate like those discussed above. With the anti-extrusion assembly 238 a support assembly 242 is operatively associated which includes ten hinged support arms 244, only two of which are visible in Figure 3D, which operate as discussed above. Below the support assembly 242 an end cap 246 is positioned which engages securely to the lower section 232 of the drive rod 208 in a threaded connection 248.

In operation, a string of tools that includes an intermediate plug through a pipe 200 reaches its target location in the hole through the pipe string in a transport means. The tool string can include a plurality of tools, for example, a location device such as a gamma tool and an electromechanical adjustment device such as a bottomhole power unit 100. Specifically, the upper end of the upper adapter 202 of the intermediate plug through the pipeline 200 is operable to receive the lower end of the outer sleeve member 150 of the bottomhole power unit 100. In addition, the drive rod 208 of the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 is threadably coupled to the shaft 130 of the bottom power unit of the well 100 so that the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 and the bottom power unit of the well 100 are clamped together. Once the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 is properly positioned at the desired location in the coating string, the activation process can begin.

The intermediate plug through the pipe 200 is operable from its running configuration, as best seen in Figures 3A-3D, to its grip and seal configuration, as best seen in Figures 4A-4B, by the bottomhole power unit 100. This is achieved by moving the shaft 130 upwardly which in turn causes the drive rod 208 to move upward, carrying with it the end cap 246. This upward movement generally compresses the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 when its upper end is fixed against the bottom power unit of the well 100. More specifically, this upward movement causes the sliding arms 214 of the anchor assembly 212 to expand radially outward and in contact with the wall of the casing creating a coupling with it. In addition, this upward movement causes the support arms 218, 244 of the support assemblies 216, 242 and the petals 222, 240 of the anti-extrusion assemblies 220, 238 to expand radially outward towards a location close to the surface of the wall of the casing pipe. When the drive rod 208 continues its upward travel the packing members 226 are compressed longitudinally and expand radially in contact with the wall of the casing pipe creating a seal coupling therewith.

One of the benefits of the present invention is that the process of radially compressing and radially expanding the packing elements 226 is a controlled process that proceeds slowly in comparison with the prior art of hydraulic and explosive adjustment techniques. The controlled nature of this process allows the packing elements 226 to be deformed in a more uniform manner and moved together so that stress and extrusion concentrations can be avoided. In addition, the use of support assemblies 216, 242 and anti-extrusion assemblies 220, 238 further enhance control over movement of the packing elements 226. Once the packing elements 226 are fully compressed, the upward movement of the rod ceases. 208. During this process, the sliding members 206 allow upward movement of the driving rod 208 but prevent any downward movement of the driving rod 208 after the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 is fixed in the pipe coating. The continued upward movement of the shaft 130 then causes the radially reduced section 236 of the drive rod 208 to fail in tension. At this point, the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 is fully installed and has established a bonding and sealing relationship with the casing. Subsequently, the bottom power unit of the well 100 and the superipr part 230 of the driving rod 208 can be recovered towards the surface and, in a permanent intermediate plug implementation, the cement can be placed over an intermediate plug to through a pipe 200 to permanently plug the well. Alternatively, in a temporary implementation of an intermediate plug, the sealing and gripping relationship of an intermediate plug through a pipe 200 with the casing pipe is adequate to provide the desired plugging function.

In certain implementations where the expansion ratio of an intermediate plug through a pipe 200 is relatively large, the length of the packing assembly 224 must be relatively long. In the above-discussed embodiment where the intermediate plug through the pipeline expands from an outer diameter gear configuration of two and one-eighth of an inch to a grip and seal configuration of seven-inch outer diameter, the length of the packaging assembly 224 can be six feet or more. In such cases, if the bottomhole power unit 100 is used to directly move the drive rod 208, the bottomhole power unit 100 may need to be at least three times the desired compression length of the packing assembly 224 or in this case approximately twenty feet long. In certain situations, it may be undesirable to have a bottomhole power unit of that length. As best seen in Figures 5A-5C, a stroke extender can be placed between the bottomhole power unit 100 and the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 to reduce the overall length of the tool system and particularly the length of the tool system. length of the bottomhole power unit 100.

The stroke extender 300 includes an outer casing 302 that is operable to receive the lower end of the outer sleeve member 150 of the bottom power unit of the well 100. Preferably, the travel extender 300 and the bottom power unit of the well 100 are securely coupled together using pins, set screws, a threaded connection or the like. The upper end of the upper adapter 202 of the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 is operable to receive the end 4 O bottom of the outer housing 302 of the travel extender 300. The travel extender 300 includes a mandrel of the expander shown as a drive tube 304 that is longitudinally movable within the outer housing 302. The drive tube 304 has a connector upper 306 which is threadably coupled to shaft 130 of bottomhole power unit 100. Drive tube 304 further includes a set of unidirectional slide elements. 308 that are operable to selectively secure the drive rod 208 therein. Also, a set of unidirectional slide elements 310 is disposed within the outer housing 302 to selectively secure the drive rod 208 therein.

In operation, the stroke extender 300 allows the use of a downhole power unit 100 with a stroke that is shorter than the required compression length of the packing assembly 224. Specifically, once the tool string is includes the bottomhole power unit 100, the runner 300 and the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 are at the target location in the pit, the oscillatory operation of the bottomhole power unit 100 can be Use to install the intermediate plug through the pipe 200.

As best seen in Figure 5A, the drive rod 208 of an intermediate plug through a pipe 200 is supported by the unidirectional slide elements 310, which prevent downward movement of the drive rod 208. When the shaft 130 of the power unit. from the bottom of the well 100 moves upwards, as best seen in Figure 5B, the unidirectional slide elements 308 are operable to lift the drive rod 208 in the upward direction when the unidirectional slide elements 310 provide little or no resistance to movement in this direction. Once the shaft 130 completes its upward stroke, the motor of the bottomhole power unit 100 can be reversed to cause the shaft 130 to travel in the opposite direction, as best seen in Figure 5C. During the down stroke, the unidirectional slide assembly elements 310 prevent downward movement of the drive rod 208 and the unidirectional slide members 308 are operable to travel to the bottom of the well around the drive rod 208 with little or no resistance to movement. This process is repeated until the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 is operated from its running configuration, as best seen in Figures 3A-3D, towards its grip and seal configuration, as best seen in the Figures 4A-4B, in the manner described above.

In certain embodiments, instead of inverting the motor of the downhole power unit 100 to allow a downward stroke, a clutch can be operated so that the shaft 130 can be moved mechanically or hydraulically downwards without the operation of the motor , thus reducing the duration of the downhill race. One of the advantages of using a career extender is the ease of adjusting its length. This is achieved by adding or removing tubular sections from the outer casing 302 and the drive tube 304. This modularity of the travel extender 300 eliminates the need to have different downhole power units of the same outside diameter with different stroke lengths.

Although a particular embodiment of a stroke extender has been depicted and described, it should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that other types of stroke extenders could alternatively be used in conjunction with the bottomhole power unit and the intermediate plug. through the pipe without departing from the principles of the present invention.

Referring now to Figures 6A-6H, there are represented various views of an anchor assembly and its component parts that is operable for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe of the present invention and which is generally designates 400. The anchor assembly 400 includes an upper sleeve 402 and a lower sleeve 404. As best seen in Figure 6D, each sleeve includes a cylindrical section 406 and five extensions 408 each having a receiving slot 410 in a inner surface of the same. The anchor assembly 400 further includes a set of five upper slide arms 412 and a set of five lower slide arms 414. As best seen in Figure 6E, each upper slide arm 412 includes a pair of oppositely disposed turning members 416 that they are designed to be received within the adjacent slots 410 of the upper sleeve 402. Each upper sliding arm 412 further includes a plurality of teeth 418 and one end of the pin 420. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper sliding arm 412 further includes a plurality of threaded openings. 422 on each side of it, only the three on the left side are visible in Figure 6E. As best seen in Figure 6F, each lower sliding arm 414 includes a pair of oppositely disposed turning members 424 that are designed to be received within the adjacent slots 410 of the lower sleeve 402. Each lower slide arm 414 further includes a plurality of teeth 426 and one end of bushing 428. In the illustrated embodiment, lower sliding arm 414 further includes a plurality of threaded openings 430 on each side thereof, only the three on the left side are visible in Figure 6F.

The anchor assembly 400 further includes an upper base member 432, visible in Figure 6C, and a lower base member 434, visible in Figure 6B. As best seen in Figure 6G, each base member includes five rotational surfaces 436, one for each respective sliding arm that rotates relative thereto during the operation of the anchor assembly 400. Each base member is received within the opening of a cylindrical section 406 of a sleeve. In this configuration, the base members not only provide the rotational surfaces 434 for the sliding arms but also block the pivoting members of the sliding arms within the receiving slots of the sleeve extensions. In this manner, an upper sleeve 402, an upper base member 432 and the set of five sliding arms 412 can be considered a superior sliding assembly. Also, a lower sleeve 404, a lower base member 434 and the assembly of five lower sliding arms 414 can be considered a lower sliding assembly.

One or more hinge members are used to connect a top anchor assembly with a bottom anchor assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower adjacent sliding arms 412, 414 are operatively coupled together with the two hinge members 438. In this manner, an upper sliding arm 412, a pair of hinge members 438 and a lower sliding arm 414 they can be considered a sliding arm assembly. The hinge members 438 are secured to each of the upper and lower sliding arms 412, 414 with a plurality of fasteners represented as three bolts. Although the bolts have been shown as fastening hinge members 438 for upper and lower sliding arms 412, 414, those skilled in the art will understand that other fastening techniques could alternatively be used, including, but not limited to, pins, rivets, welding and the like. As best seen in Figure 6H, the hinge members 438 are formed from in-line metal angles that have a V-shape and include a plurality of notches 440 that provide prential bending locations for guiding the upper sliding arms and lower 412, 414 during actuation. In an alternative embodiment, as best seen in Figures 6I-6K, the upper and lower adjacent sliding arms 442, 444 are operatively coupled together with a single hinge member 446. In this embodiment, each hinge member 446 is inserted into the hinge member 446. a complementary opening in each of the upper and lower sliding arms 442, 444 and can be fixed in its interior with a clamping device or held in place with compression. Each hinge member 446 is formed from an in-line metal angle having a U-shape and includes a plurality of notches 448 that provide prential bending locations for guiding the upper and lower sliding arms 442, 444 during actuation. In another alternative embodiment, as best seen in Figures 6L-6N, the upper and lower adjacent sliding arms 452, 454 are operatively coupled together with a rotary hinge member 456. In this embodiment, each hinge member 456 is inserted into a slot in each of the upper and lower sliding arms 452, 454 and secured thereon with pins 458, 460, respectively, which provide relative rotation therebetween during actuation.

In operation and with reference again to the primary mode, when the bottom power unit of the well 100 is operated to drive the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 as described above, the anchor assembly 400 is operated from its configuration of small diameter gear, where the outer surfaces of the upper and lower adjacent sliding arms 412, 414 lie substantially in the same plane so that the upper and lower sliding arms 412, 414 are oriented substantially longitudinally (see Figure 6A) towards its larger diameter grip configuration, where the upper and lower sliding arms 412, 414 form an acute angle to each other and the teeth 418, 426 come into contact with the wall of the casing pipe (see Figures 6B-6C) . More specifically, a compressive force is generated between the upper sleeve 402 and the lower sleeve 404. This compression force is transferred to the hinge members 438 by the upper and lower sliding arms 412, 414. The notches 440 in the members of hinge 438 preferably creates bending locations which cause the lower ends of the upper sliding arms 412 and the upper ends of the lower sliding arms 414 to move radially outwardly. At the same time, the upper ends of the upper sliding arms 412 rotate about the turning members 416 and the upper surfaces of the upper sliding arms 412 rotate against the rotational surfaces 436 of the upper base members 432. Likewise, the ends lower of the lower sliding arms 414 rotate around the rotating members 424 and the lower surfaces of the lower sliding arms 414 rotate against the rotational surfaces 436 of the lower base member 434. This rotational movement continues until the ends of the pin 420 of the upper sliding arms 412 are received inside the ends of the sleeve 428 of the lower sliding arms 414 and the teeth 418, 426 of the upper and lower sliding arms 412, 414 have been coupled with the wall of the coating pipe. In this configuration, the anchor assembly 400 has created a clamping relationship with the wall of the casing to secure the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 therein.

Although a particular embodiment of an anchor assembly has been depicted and described, it should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that other types of anchor assemblies could alternatively be used in conjunction with the bottomhole power unit and the intermediate plug. through the pipe without departing from the principles of the present invention. Also, the anchor assembly of the present invention could be used to secure other devices within a hole Referring now to Figures 7A-7G, there are represented various views of a compression assembly and parts of the components thereof that are operable for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe of the present invention and which is generally designated 500. The compression assembly 500 includes a support assembly 502 and anti-extrusion assembly 504 which cooperates to compress the packing assembly 224 of the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 during actuation and sealing against the pipeline. liner without allowing the extrusion of the packaging assembly 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the support assembly 502 includes an upper cover 506 having a cylindrical section 508 and ten extensions 510. The support assembly 502 further includes an upper backing member 512 Ten upper link arms 514 are positioned below the upper backrest member 512. The upper link arms 514 include ends of the pin 516 that are received between, and are supported in a rotational manner by the upper backing member 512 and the upper cover 506. The upper link arms 514 further include the ends of the slot 518. Ten lower link arms 520 are positioned below the link arms 514. The lower link arms 520 include ends of the pin 522 each of which are received within the slot end 518 of an upper adjacent link arm 514 and are rotatably supported thereon. The lower link arms 520 further include ends of the pin 524. As illustrated, the lower link arms 520 are longer than the upper link arms 514. At their lower end, the support assembly 502 includes a bottom cover 526 which it has a cylindrical section 528 and ten extensions 530. The support assembly 502 further includes a lower support member 532 cooperating with the lower cover 526 to rotatably receive and support the posts of the pin 524 of the lower tie arms 520.

As best seen in Figures 7D-7G, the anti-extrusion assembly 504 includes a base member 534 and ten petals 536 that are rotatably mounted to the base member 534. The base member 534 includes ten eccentrically extending pins 538. from the body of base member 534 and positioned to each other at 36 degree intervals. Each of the pins 538 has an opening 540 therethrough. The petals 536 each have an end of the slot 542 that includes an opening 544. The base member pins 538 are received within the ends of the slot 542 of the petals 536 so that a rod can be inserted through the petals 536. of the openings 540, 544, thereby allowing a rotary movement of the petals 536 relative to the base member 534. The eccentric pin arrangement 538 and the curvature of the petals 536 allow the petals 536 to be bonded together in the operating position to minimize the outside diameter of the 504 anti-extrusion assembly.

In operation, when the downhole power unit 100 is operated to drive an intermediate plug through a pipe 200 as described above, the clamp assembly 500 is operated from its small diameter running configuration, where the surfaces outer of the upper and lower adjacent tie arms 514, 520 lie substantially in the same plane so that the upper and lower tie arms 514, 520 are oriented substantially longitudinally and the petals 536 are bonded (see Figure 7A) towards its large diameter operation configuration, where the upper link arms 514 are substantially perpendicular to the wall of the casing pipe and the petals 536 substantially fill the gaps between the top link arms 514 (see Figures 7B-7C). More specifically, a compression force is generated between the upper cover 506 and the lower cover 526. This compression force is transferred to the upper and lower tie arms 514, 520, each pair of which rotate with each other so that the ends of pin 522 of lower link arms 520 and the slot ends 518 of the upper tie arms 514 extend radially outwardly. Due to the difference in the lengths of the upper and lower link arms 514, 520, when the support assembly 502 is fully deployed, the upper surfaces of the upper link arms 514 are substantially perpendicular to the casing. In this configuration, the upper tie arms 514 provide a support platform for the petals 536 when the petals 536 rotate in relation to the base member 534 in contact with the upper tie arms 514. Preferably, as shown in the embodiment illustrated, each of the petals 536 is supported by two upper tie arms 514 and the adjacent petals 536 overlap each other near their ends of the slot 542. In this configuration, the petals 536 lie substantially in the same plane and each petal 536 substantially fills the space between the two upper tie arms 514 so that the petals 536 and the upper tie arms 514 fill substantially the entire cross section of the pit to allow compression and prevent extrusion of the packing assembly 224 during installation and operation.

Although some particular embodiments of a compression assembly, a support assembly and an anti-extrusion assembly have been depicted and described, it should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that other types of compression assemblies, support assemblies and anti-extrusion assemblies are they could alternatively be used together with the bottomhole power unit and the intermediate plug through the pipeline described herein without departing from the principles of the present invention. For example, it may be desirable to have the petals forming a conical configuration instead of a substantially planar configuration in its fully deployed state. In this embodiment, the upper surfaces of the upper tie arms may also have a conical configuration to provide support for the petals. Alternatively, the petals could be supported by the wall of the casing pipe instead of the upper tie arms. As another example, each of the petals could alternatively be supported by one of the upper link arms instead of by two upper link arms. Furthermore, instead of rotating the petals from the marching configuration to the deployment configuration, the ends of the petal pin may alternatively be deformable to allow the petals to operate from the marching configuration to the deployment configuration. In addition, although a single layer of petals is depicted, the anti-extrusion assembly of the present invention could alternatively have two or more layers of petals, where the petals of each layer lie substantially in the same plane or where each of the layers form a configuration conical Referring now to Figures 8A-8C, various views of another embodiment of an anti-extrusion assembly for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe of the present invention and generally designated 550 are depicted therein. the anti-extrusion assembly 550 includes a base member 552 and ten petals 554 that are rotatably mounted to the base member 552. The base member 552 includes ten pins 556 extending eccentrically from the body of the base member 552 and positioned between the base member 552. Yes at 36 degree intervals. Each of the pins 556 has an opening therethrough. The petals 554 each have one end of the slot 558 that includes an opening. The pins 556 of the base member 552 are received within the ends of the slot 558 of the petals 554 so that a rod can be inserted through the openings of the pins 556 and the ends of the slot 558, allowing this way the rotary movement of the petals 554 in relation to the base member 552 as described above. In addition, each of the petals 554 includes a belt element 560. Preferably, the belt elements 560 are formed from a flexible material such as a metal foil, a composite fabric such as kevlar, a polymer or the like. The belt elements 560 may be attached to the petals 554 using any suitable means such as welding, riveting, bolting, gluing, or the like.

The eccentric arrangement of the pins 538, the curvature of the petals 536 and the flexibility of the belt elements 560 allows the petals 536 and the belt elements 560 to be bonded together in the running position to minimize the outer diameter of the anti-extrusion assembly 550, as best seen in Figure 8A. In the deployed position, as best seen in Figure 8C, each of the petals 554 is preferably supported by two upper tie arms of a support assembly, as described above. In this configuration, the petals 554 and belt elements 560 cooperate to fill substantially the entire cross section of the pit to allow compression and prevent extrusion of packing assembly 224 from an intermediate plug through a pipe during installation and operation. . In certain embodiments, the belt elements 560 may interfere with the wall of the casing to further ensure extrusion control. Although the strap elements are shown fixed to the upper part of the petals, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the strap elements could alternatively be positioned at the bottom of the petals. In addition, although the belt elements are superimposed on one another, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the belt elements could alternately overlap on one side of the adjacent petals.

Referring next to Figure 9, there is represented another embodiment of an anti-extrusion assembly for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe of the present invention which is generally designated 570. An anti-extrusion assembly 570 includes a member of base 572 and ten petals 574 that are rotatably mounted to base member 572. Base member 572 includes ten pins 576 extending eccentrically from the body of base member 572 and positioned to each other at 36 degree intervals . Each of the pins 576 has an opening therethrough. The petals 574 each have one end of slot 578 that includes an opening. The pins 576 of the base member 572 are received within the ends of the slot 578 of the petals 574 so that a rod or other member can be inserted through the openings of the pins 576 and the ends of the slot 578. , thus allowing the rotary movement of the petals 574 in relation to the base member 572 as described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, each petal 574 is independently coupled to its adjacent petals 574 by connecting the members represented as two radially spaced metal wires 580, 582. Alternatively, one or more wires could be woven through all of the petals 574 for extending circumferentially around the entire anti-extrusion assembly 570. As such, one or more cables extend circumferentially, one or more sets of connecting members or other similar systems can be considered as a stabilizing assembly. Although a particular number of radially spaced connecting members has been described in the present embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other numbers of radially spaced connecting members are possible both greater and less than those specified and are considered within the scope of the invention. scope of the present invention. As shown in the deployed position, each of the petals 574 is supported by two upper tie arms 514 of a support assembly, as described above, and each petal 574 substantially fills the space between the two upper tie arms 514 of support. As such, the petals 574 and the upper tie arms 514 cooperate together to fill substantially the entire cross section of the pit to allow compression and prevent extrusion of the packing assembly 224. In addition, the metal wires 580, 582 add to the ring the strength and stability of the petal system avoiding any unwanted movement of the individual petals 574, caused by, for example, stress concentrations during compression of the packing assembly 224.

Referring now to Figures 10A-10C, there is shown another embodiment of an anti-extrusion assembly for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe of the present invention which is generally designated as 590. The anti-extrusion assembly 590 includes three anti-extrusion elements 592. The anti-extrusion elements 592 may be used in place of, or in addition to, the petal-type anti-extrusion elements discussed above. Although a particular number of anti-extrusion elements have been described in the present embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other numbers of antiextrusion elements are possible both greater and less than those specified and are considered within the scope of this invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the anti-extrusion elements 592 is formed from a flexible material such as a metal foil, a composite fabric having metallic wire embedded therein for strength or the like. The anti-extrusion elements 592 have a slot 594 and a central opening 596. In the idle state, the anti-extrusion elements 592 take the form of a relatively flat ring-shaped element, as best seen in Figures 10B and 10C. The groove 594 and the central opening 596, however, allow the anti-extrusion elements 592 to be configured in a conical shape, as best seen in Figure 10A. In this configuration, the anti-extrusion assembly 590 can be run in the well as part of the intermediate plug through the pipe described above. In the unfolded position, the anti-extrusion elements 592 are supported by the upper tie arms of a support assembly or the petals of an anti-extrusion assembly described above. As such, the anti-extrusion assembly 590 fills substantially the entire cross section of the pit to allow compression and prevent extrusion of the packing assembly 224 during installation and operation. As best seen in Figure 1QC, the slots 594 of adjacent anti-extrusion elements 592 are preferably misaligned to maximize the strength of the anti-extrusion assembly 590.

Referring next to Figures 11A-11P, there are represented several embodiments of packing elements for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe according to the present invention. As discussed above, the use of the bottomhole power unit 100 for installing the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 allows the packing assembly 224 to be compressed in a controlled manner, unlike hydraulic adjustment techniques. and explosives from previous art. The use of this controlled compression process allows the packing elements to deform and move in a predictable manner with each other so that stress and extrusion concentrations can be minimized. As discussed above, the installation of the intermediate plug through the pipe 200 involves the upward displacement of the drive rod 208 that engages the end cap 246 at its lower end. This movement initially causes the anchor assembly 212 to expand radially outwardly in contact with the wall of the casing pipe creating a gripping engagement with it, thereby causing the support assemblies 216, 242 and the anti-extrusion assemblies 220, 238 expand radially outward to a location close to the wall surface of the casing. Once in this configuration, the further upward movement of the drive rod 208 causes the anti-extrusion assemblies 220, 238 to longitudinally compress the packing assembly 224, thereby compressing and expanding the packaging elements 226 radially in contact with the wall of the casing creating a sealing coupling in it. As shown in Figures 3A-3D, the packaging elements 226 may preferably have particular directional orientations and are preferably positioned around one or more centralizers 229 to aid in the compression process and promote their predictability. As best seen in Figures 11A-11C, a directional packaging element for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe according to the present invention is illustrated and is generally designated 600. The packing elements 600 have a generally cylindrical shape with an outer diameter 602 sized to allow passage of the packing elements 600 through the pipe. The packing elements 600 have a convex end 604 which is designed to be connected to a concave end 606 of an adjacent packing element 600 in the packing assembly 224. In addition, the packing elements 600 have an inner diameter 608 sized to have a separate relationship with the driving rod 208 that also allows the inclusion of optional centralizers between them. The combination of the sizing of the inner diameter 608 and the linking of the convex and concave ends 604, 606 allows the packing elements 600 to be longitudinally tilted one on top of the other during the controlled compression process.

Preferably, the packing elements 600 are formed from a polymeric material such as an elastomer, a thermoset, a thermoplastic or the like. For example, the polymeric material may be polychloroprene rubber (CR), natural rubber (NR), polyester urethane (EU), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene-propylene (EPR), ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) , a nitrile rubber, a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene (NBR), carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene (XNBR), hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene (HNBR), commonly referred to as highly saturated nitrile (HSN), carboxylated hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene (XHNBR), acrylonitrile hydrogenated carboxylated butadiene (HXNBR) or similar materials. Alternatively, the polymer material may be a fluorocarbon (FKM), such as tetrafluoroethylene and propylene (FEPM), perfluoroelastornero (FFKM) or similar materials. As another alternative, the polymer material may be polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherketone ketone (PEKK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polysulfone (PSU) or similar materials. In addition, the packing elements 600 may have an antifriction coating on its inner surface, its outer surface, or both to further improve the predictability or compression process.

As shown in Figures 3A-3D, the packing element 600 can be installed with some of the packing elements 600 pointing in a direction of the wellhead and some of the packing elements 600 pointing in a direction of the bottom of the well. A central packing element 610 can be positioned between these sets of directional packing elements 600, as best seen in Figures 11D-11F. The packing elements 610 have a generally cylindrical shape with an outer diameter 612 sized to allow passage of the packing elements 610 through the pipe. The packing elements 610 have a pair of convex ends 614 which are designed to be connected to a concave end 606 of an adjacent packing element 600 in the packing assembly 224. In addition, the packing elements 610 have an inner diameter 616 sized for having a closely received relation with the driving rod 208. The packing elements 610 can be formed from a material that is more rigid than the material used to form the packing elements 600. The combination of the dimensioning of the inner diameter 616, the linking of the convex ends 614 with the concave ends 606 and the stiffness of the material used for the packing elements 610 allows the packing elements 610 to maintain a generally central position during the controlled compression process.

In certain embodiments, the packing elements 610 are formed from a material that swells in response to contact with an activating fluid. Various techniques can be used to contact the inflatable material with the appropriate activating fluid to cause swelling of the inflatable material. For example, the activating fluid may already be present in the well, in which case the inflatable material preferably includes a mechanism to retard swelling of the swellable material such as a coating or membrane that retards or impedes absorption, retarding material compositions to the lynching or similar. Alternatively, the activation fluid can be circulated through the well to the inflatable material after the intermediate plug is installed through the pipe 200 in the well.

The inflatable material can be formed from one or more materials that swell when contacted by an activating fluid, such as an organic or inorganic fluid. For example, the material can be a polymer that swells multiple times its initial size upon activation by an activation fluid that stimulates the material to expand. In one embodiment, the inflatable material is a material that swells upon contact with and / or absorbing a hydrocarbon, such as an oil or a gas. The hydrocarbon is absorbed in the inflatable material so that the volume of the inflatable material increases creating a radial expansion of the inflatable material.

Some exemplary swellable materials include elastic polymers, such as EPDM rubber, butadiene styrene, natural rubber, ethylene propylene monomer rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate rubber, hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, rubber of isoprene, chloroprene rubber and polynorbornene. These and other inflatable materials swell in contact with, and by the absorption of hydrocarbons so as to expand the inflatable materials. In one embodiment, the rubber of the inflatable materials may also have other materials dissolved in or in mechanical admixture therewith, such as cellulose fibers. Additional options may be rubber in mechanical mixing with polyvinyl chloride, methyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, ethylacetate or other polymers that expand in contact with oil.

In another embodiment, the inflatable material is a material that swells upon contact with water. In this case, the inflatable material may be a water-swellable polymer, such as a water-swellable elastomer or a water-swellable rubber. More specifically, the inflatable material can be a water-swellable hydrophobic polymer or a water-swellable hydrophobic copolymer and preferably a water-swellable, hydrophobic porous copolymer. Other polymers useful in accordance with the present invention can be prepared from a variety of hydrophilic monomers and hydrophilic modified monomers. Examples of particularly suitable hydrophilic monomers that can be used include, but are not limited to, acrylamide, sulfonic acid 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane, N, N-dimethylacrylamide, vinylpyrrolidone, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, triraethylammonium ethyl methacrylate chloride , dimethylaminopropylmethacrylamide, methacrylamide and hydroxyethyl acrylate.

A variety of hydrophobically modified hydrophilic monomers can be further used to form the polymers useful in accordance with this invention. Particularly suitable hydrophobically modified hydrophilic monomers include, but are not limited to, alkyl acrylates, alkyl methacrylates, alkyl acrylamides and alkyl methacrylamides wherein the alkyl radicals have from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms, methacrylate bromide alkyl dimethylammoniomethyl, alkyl dimethylammoniomethyl methacrylate chloride and alkyl dimethylammoniomethyl methacrylate iodide where the alkyl radicals have from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms and dimethylammonium-propylmethacrylamide bromide, alkyl dimethyl ammonium propylmethacrylamide chloride and alkyl dimethylammonium-propylmethacrylamide iodide wherein the alkyl groups have from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms.

Polymers that are useful in accordance with the present invention can be prepared by polymerizing one or more of the described hydrophilic monomers with any one or more of the hydrophobically modified hydrophilic monomers described. The polymerization reaction can be carried out in various ways that are known to those skilled in the art, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,476,169 which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Suitable polymers can have an estimated molecular weight in the range of about 100,000 to about 10,000,000 and preferably in the range of about 250,000 to about 3,000,000 and can have molar ratios of the hydrophilic monomer (s) at (a) The hydrophobically modified hydrophilic monomer (s) in the range of about 99.98: 0.02 to about 90:10.

Other polymers useful in accordance with the present invention include hydrophobically modified polymers, hydrophobically modified water soluble polymers, and hydrophobically modified copolymers thereof. Particularly suitable hydrophobically modified polymers include, but are not limited to, modified polydimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide, and hydrophobically modified dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and vinyl pyrrolidone copolymers.

As another example, the inflatable material may be a salt polymer such as polyacrylamide or modified cross-linked poly (meth) acrylate which has a tendency to attract water from salt water through osmosis where water flows from an area of low concentration of water. salt, the formation water, towards a zone of high salt concentration, the salt polymer, through a semipermeable membrane, the interface between the polymer and the production fluids, which allows the water molecules to pass through the same but prevents the passage of dissolved salts through it.

Although with the controlled compression process and the directional orientation of the packing elements discussed above, it may be desirable to further design the deformation characteristics of the packing elements in the packing assembly 224. As best seen in Figures 11G-11H , the packing elements 620 have a generally cylindrical shape with an outer diameter 622 dimensioned to allow the passage of the packing elements 620 through the pipe. The packing elements 620 have a convex end 624 which is designed to be connected to a concave end 626 of an adjacent packing element 620 in a packing assembly 224. In addition, the packing elements 620 have an inner diameter 628 sized to have a separate relationship with rod 7 O of drive 208 that also allows the inclusion of the optional centralizers between them. Each of the packing elements 620 further includes a plurality of expansion slots 630 distributed over its outer diameter 622 and a plurality of expansion slots 632 distributed over its inner diameter 628. The expansion slots 630, 632 allow the expansion elements 630. packaging 620 expand radially more easily without placing undue stress on the material of the packing elements 620. Although a particular number and orientation of the expansion slots 630, 632 have been described in the present embodiment, it is to be understood that art experts that other numbers and orientations of the expansion slots 630, 632 are possible and are considered within the scope of the present invention. For example, in a packaging assembly 224, it may be desirable to have some packaging elements designed with fewer expansion slots or expansion slots deeper than other packaging elements. Also, it may be desirable to have some packing elements with expansion grooves in only the outer diameter or only the inner diameter. In addition, it may be desirable to use the packing element 620 together with the packing elements 600 within a given packing assembly 224.

As discussed above, it may also be desirable to have some of the packing elements formed from a material or having certain material properties with another of the packing elements formed from another material or having different material properties. In the following example, a central packing member 640 is described but, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that any of the packaging elements or groups of packaging elements could use different materials. The packing elements 640 are preferably formed from a rigid material such as a metal or a hard plastic. The packing elements 640 have a generally cylindrical shape with an outer diameter 642 sized to allow passage of the packing elements 640 through the pipe. The packing elements 640 have a pair of convex ends 644 which are designed to be connected to a concave end of an adjacent packing element in a packing assembly 224. In addition, the packing elements 640 have an inner diameter 646 sized to have a In addition, the packing elements 640 include a pair of perpendicular holes 648 that pass through the center of the packing element 640. Preferably, the inflatable polymer elements 650, formed from a material described above, are positioned within the holes 648. The combination of the rigid material and the inflatable elements helps to ensure predictable compression of the packing assembly 224 and a complete seal with the wall of the casing.

Referring next to Figures 11K-11L, there is another embodiment of a packing element 660 which is designed to have specific deformation characteristics. As shown, the packing member 660 is in its rest state undergoing no compression-induced deformation. In this state, the packing elements 660 have a double conical shape that includes an upper cone 662 and a lower cone 664. At its upper end and lower end 666, 668, the packing elements 660 have internal diameters 670 that closely receive a drive rod 208. As illustrated, the inner diameters progressively increase towards an intermediate section 672 of the packing elements 660. During travel, the middle section 672 is compressed radially inwardly so that its outside diameter is dimensioned to allow the passage of the packing elements 660 through the pipe. This can be achieved by longitudinally stretching the packing elements 660 or by applying a mechanical force to the packing elements 660. During the installation at the bottom of the well, the compression forces act on the packing assembly 224 causing each element packing 660 is longitudinally compressed by bending around its midsection 672 to form a two-layer discoidal element which is sealed against the casing.

As best seen in Figures 11M-11N, a directional packing member for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe in accordance with the present invention is illustrated and designated generally as 680. The packing elements 680 have a generally cylindrical shape with an outer diameter 682 sized to allow passage of the packing elements 680 through the pipe. The packing elements 680 have a convex end 684 which is designed to be connected to a concave end 686 of an adjacent packing element 680 in the packing assembly 224. The packing members 680 have an inner diameter 688 dimensioned to have a separate relationship with the driving rod 208. Furthermore, the packing elements 680 have an outer lid 690 which is preferably formed from a rigid material such as a metal. During installation, the outer caps 690 are operable to separate into petals that provide separation between the adjacent packing elements 680 so that each packing element 680 comes into contact with the casing to provide a seal therewith.

Referring now to Figures 11A-11B, there is shown a section of a packing assembly for use in an intermediate plug through a pipe of the present invention and which is generally designated 700. The assembly of package 700 includes four packing elements 702. Although a particular number of packing elements has been described in the present embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other numbers of packing elements are possible both greater and less than those specified. and are considered within the scope of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the packing elements 702 is formed from a material capable of sealing with the casing such as those polymeric materials discussed above. The packing elements 702 have a groove 704 and a central opening 706. In the idle state, the packing elements 702 take the form of a relatively flat ring-shaped element, as best seen in Figure 11B. The groove 704 and the central opening 706, however, allow the packing elements 702 to be configured in a conical shape, as best seen in Figure 11A. In this configuration, the packing elements 702 can be run in the well as part of the intermediate plug through the pipe described above. During installation, "a significantly lower compression force is necessary to create the desired seal when the preferred state of packing elements 702 fills substantially the entire cross-section of the hole." If desired, anti-extrusion elements 592 can be inserted between some or all packing elements 702.

Although this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, it is not intended that this description be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art when referring to the description. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims encompass such modifications or modalities.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention as above, it is considered as a novelty, and therefore, the content of the following is claimed as property: CLAIMS:

1. An anchor assembly for anchoring a downhole tool in a pipe arranged in a hole, the anchoring assembly comprising: a first sliding assembly having a first sleeve and a plurality of first arms rotatably associated with the first sleeve, the first arms each having teeth at a distal end of the first sleeve; a second slide assembly having a second sleeve and a plurality of second arms rotatably associated with the second sleeve, the second arms each having teeth at a distal end of the second sleeve; Y at least one hinge member engages respectively the first arms with the second arms so that the distal ends of the respective first and second arms are movable with respect to each other, wherein the anchoring assembly has a gait configuration in which the first and second arms are oriented substantially longitudinally and an operation configuration in which the first and second respective arms form an acute angle with respect to each other in a manner that the teeth of the first and second arms define the radially outermost part of the anchoring assembly.

2. The anchoring assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of the first and second arms has a pair of oppositely disposed pivoting members and wherein the first and second magiques each have a plurality of extensions with slots, the members of rotation of each of the first and second arms received within the slots of two of the extensions of the respective first and second sleeves.

3. The anchor assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the first and second base members, the first base member being operatively positioned within the first sleeve to provide a rotational surface for each of the first arms, the second member of base is operatively positioned within the second sleeve to provide a rotational surface for each of the second arms.

4. The anchoring assembly as set out in claim 1 wherein the distal ends of the first arms each includes a pin and wherein the distal ends of the second arms each include a socket so that when the anchor assembly is in the operation configuration, the respective pins are received inside the respective bushes.

5. The anchoring assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first and second respective arms are coupled together with a pair of oppositely arranged hinge members.

6. The anchoring assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the hinge members further comprise inline metal angles.

7. The anchor assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein the in-line metal angles further comprise a V-shape.

8. The anchoring assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the hinge members further comprise notches that create preferential bending locations to guide the movement of the first and second respective arms.

9. An anchor assembly for anchoring a downhole tool in a pipe arranged in a hole, the anchoring assembly comprising: a plurality of assemblies of sliding arms each including first and second arms coupled together hingedly, the first and second arms each having teeth at one end; a first sleeve associated rotatably with each one of the first arms; Y a second sleeve associated rotatably with each of the second arms; wherein the anchor assembly has a gear configuration in which the sliding arm assemblies are oriented substantially longitudinally and an operating configuration in which the first and second arms of each sliding arm assembly form an acute angle about with respect to others so that the teeth of the first and second arms define the radially outermost part of the anchoring assembly.

10. The anchoring assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein each of the first arms has a pair of oppositely disposed turning members that are rotatably received by the first sleeve and each of the second arms has a pair of members of oppositely arranged rotation that is rotatably received by the second sleeve.

11. The anchor assembly as set forth in claim 9 further comprising the first and second base members, the first base member being operatively positioned within the first sleeve to provide a rotational surface for each of the first arms, the second member of base is operatively positioned within the second sleeve to provide a rotational surface for each of the second arms.

12. The anchoring assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein the first arms each includes a pin and in. where the second arms each includes a bushing so that when the anchor assembly is in the operation configuration, the respective pins are received within respective bushes.

13. The anchoring assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein each of the sliding arm assemblies further comprises a pair of hinge members that hingedly engage the first and second arms.

14. The anchor assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein the hinge members further comprise inline metal angles having a V-shape and notches that create preferential bending locations to guide the movement of the sliding arm assemblies.

15. A method for operating an anchor assembly to create a grip coupling with a drill string in a hole, the method comprising: transporting the intermediate plug through a production string in the hole to an object location in the coating string; applying a compressive force between the first and second sliding assemblies of the anchor assembly; Y rotating a plurality of first arms with the teeth in relation to a first sleeve of the first sliding assembly and rotating a plurality of second arms with the teeth in relation to a second sleeve of the second sliding assembly, thereby carrying the anchor assembly from a gear configuration in which the first and second arms are oriented substantially longitudinally towards a grip configuration in which the first and second respective arms form an acute angle with respect to each other and the teeth of the first and second ones arms define the radially outermost part of the anchor assembly for securing a grip coupling with the drill string.

16. The method as set forth in claim 15 wherein applying a compressive force between the first and second sliding assemblies further comprises moving the first and second sliding assemblies longitudinally with respect to each other.

17. The method as set forth in claim 15 further comprising flexing the plurality of hinge members.

18. The method as set forth in claim 17 wherein flexing a plurality of hinge members further comprises flexing two hinge members that couple each first arm to a second arm.

19. The method as set forth in claim 17 wherein flexing a plurality of hinge members further comprises guiding the movement of the first and second arms.

20. The method as set forth in claim 19 wherein guiding the movement of the first and second arms further comprises flexing the hinge members in predetermined locations.