Patent · US Active

Pressure locking device for downhole tools

US9976413B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
83References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 20, 2015
Grant dateMay 22, 2018
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 10, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B7/06
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A system and method for pressure locking a downhole tool in position during a drilling operation includes rotating the drill string to drill a borehole. A fluid is pumped through a passage of a drill string in the downhole direction wherein fluid undergoes a pressure drop at the downhole end of the drill string such that fluid in the passage of the drill string is under higher pressure than the fluid outside the drill string. While fluid is flowing, an uphole portion of the downhole tool, such as a MWD tool, is exposed to the higher pressure fluid and a downhole portion of the downhole tool to the lower pressure fluid, thereby seating the downhole tool in a receptacle member attached to the drill string in the passage. Ceasing flow easily eliminates the locking force created by differential pressure allowing the tool to be retrieved.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.