IP Library Granted Patent US 9,777,569
Granted Patent B2
US 9,777,569 · App. 14/082,996 · Granted Oct 3, 2017

Running tool

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,777,569
App. No.
14/082,996
Granted
Oct 3, 2017
Kind
B2
Abstract

A running tool for deploying a tubular string into a wellbore and methods for operating a wellbrore using the running tool are disclosed. The running tool includes a tubular body and a latch for releasably connecting the tubular string to the body. The running tool further includes a lock to keep the latch engaged.

Claims (48)

1. A running tool for deploying a tubular string into a wellbore, comprising:

a tubular body;

a latch for releasably connecting the tubular string to the body and comprising:

a longitudinal fastener for engaging a longitudinal profile of the tubular string; and

a torsional fastener for engaging a torsional profile of the tubular string;

a clutch selectively connecting the latch to the tubular body;

a lock movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock keeping the latch engaged in the locked position;

an actuator operable to at least move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position; and

an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.

2. The running tool of claim 1 , further comprising an antenna disposed in the body and in communication with a bore of the running tool for receiving the command signal.

3. The running tool of claim 1 , wherein:

the longitudinal fastener is a nut torsionally connected to the body, and

the clutch for selectively torsionally connecting the torsional fastener to the body.

4. The running tool of claim 3 , further comprising a compression spring disposed between the nut and the clutch and biasing the nut into engagement with the body.

5. The running tool of claim 3 , wherein:

the actuator comprises an electric motor and a pump, and

the lock comprises a piston fastening the clutch to the body.

6. The running tool of claim 3 , wherein:

the latch further comprises a thrust cap having the torsional fastener,

the clutch comprises a gear fastened to the thrust cap and torsionally connecting the thrust cap to the body in an engaged position, and

the thrust cap further has a shoulder formed in an outer surface thereof for engaging the tubular string such that the clutch disengages in response to longitudinal movement of the body relative to the thrust cap.

7. The running tool of claim 6 , wherein:

the nut has a first thread formed in an outer surface thereof,

the thrust cap has a lead screw formed in an inner surface thereof,

the clutch further comprises a lead nut having a second thread formed on an outer surface thereof engaged with the lead screw, and

the second thread has a finer pitch, opposite hand, and greater number than the first thread.

8. A liner deployment assembly (LDA), for hanging a liner string from a tubular string cemented in a wellbore, comprising:

a setting tool operable to set a packer of the liner string;

the running tool operable to longitudinally and torsionally connect the liner string to an upper portion of the LDA, wherein the running tool comprises:

a tubular body;

a latch for releasably connecting the liner string to the body and comprising:

a longitudinal fastener for engaging a longitudinal profile of the tubular string; and

a torsional fastener for engaging a torsional profile of the tubular string;

a lock movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock keeping the latch engaged in the locked position;

an actuator operable to at least move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position; and

an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal;

a stinger connected to the running tool;

a packoff sealing against an inner surface of the liner string and an outer surface of the stinger and connecting the liner string to a lower portion of the LDA;

a spacer connected to the packoff; and

a plug release system connected to the spacer.

9. A running tool for deploying a tubular string into a wellbore, comprising:

a tubular body;

a latch for releasably connecting the tubular string to the body and comprising:

a longitudinal fastener for engaging a longitudinal profile of the tubular string;

a torsional fastener for engaging a torsional profile of the tubular string;

a release operable to disengage the longitudinal fastener from the longitudinal profile of the tubular string;

an actuator operable to engage the release with the longitudinal fastener; and

an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.

Assignments (9)
PATENT SECURITY INTEREST ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 26, 2023
From: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 063470/0629 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 1, 2021
From: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC; WEATHERFORD NETHERLANDS B.V.; WEATHERFORD NORGE AS; HIGH PRESSURE INTEGRITY, INC.; PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.; WEATHERFORD CANADA LTD.; WEATHERFORD SWITZERLAND TRADING AND DEVELOPMENT GMBH; WEATHERFORD U.K. LIMITED
To: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 057683/0706 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 1, 2021
From: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC; WEATHERFORD NETHERLANDS B.V.; WEATHERFORD NORGE AS; HIGH PRESSURE INTEGRITY, INC.; PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.; WEATHERFORD CANADA LTD; WEATHERFORD SWITZERLAND TRADING AND DEVELOPMENT GMBH; PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES ULC; WEATHERFORD U.K. LIMITED
Reel/Frame 057683/0423 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 28, 2020
From: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC; WEATHERFORD NETHERLANDS B.V.; WEATHERFORD NORGE AS; HIGH PRESSURE INTEGRITY, INC.; PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.; WEATHERFORD CANADA LTD.; WEATHERFORD SWITZERLAND TRADING AND DEVELOPMENT GMBH; PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES ULC; WEATHERFORD U.K. LIMITED
To: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 054288/0302 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 28, 2020
From: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC; WEATHERFORD NETHERLANDS B.V.; WEATHERFORD NORGE AS; HIGH PRESSURE INTEGRITY, INC.; PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.; WEATHERFORD CANADA LTD.; WEATHERFORD SWITZERLAND TRADING AND DEVELOPMENT GMBH; PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES ULC; WEATHERFORD U.K. LIMITED
Reel/Frame 053838/0323 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 26, 2019
From: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC; WEATHERFORD NETHERLANDS B.V.; WEATHERFORD NORGE AS; HIGH PRESSURE INTEGRITY, INC.; PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.; WEATHERFORD CANADA LTD.; WEATHERFORD SWITZERLAND TRADING AND DEVELOPMENT GMBH; PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES ULC; WEATHERFORD U.K. LIMITED
To: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 051419/0140 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 18, 2019
From: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC; WEATHERFORD NETHERLANDS B.V.; WEATHERFORD NORGE AS; HIGH PRESSURE INTEGRITY INC.; PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES INC.; WEATHERFORD CANADA LTD.; WEATHERFORD SWITZERLAND TRADING AND DEVELOPMENT GMBH; PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES ULC; WEATHERFORD U.K. LIMITED
To: WELLS FARGO BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 051891/0089 →
NUNC PRO TUNC ASSIGNMENT Recorded Feb 3, 2016
From: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
To: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
Reel/Frame 037653/0604 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 29, 2014
From: TURLEY, ROCKY A.; CAMPBELL, ROBIN L.; HEIDECKE, KARSTEN; GIVENS, GEORGE
To: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
Reel/Frame 032985/0837 →