(12)
`
`United States Patent
`Collins et al.
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,185,700 B2
`Mar. 6, 2007
`
`US007185700B2
`
`(54) SEPARABLE PLUG FOR USE WITH A
`WELLBORE TOOL
`
`(75) Inventors: Ronald B. Collins, Edmonton (CA);
`Wayne Rlchard Jolly’ Ardrossan (CA)
`
`'
`
`_
`.
`(73) Asslgnee' WeatherfOrdILamb’ Inc" Houston’ TX
`(Us)
`_
`_
`_
`_
`Subject to any d1scla1mer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 278 days.
`
`*
`_
`) Not1ce:
`
`(
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/867,389
`
`(22) Filed;
`
`Jun_ 14, 2004
`
`1
`
`isc
`
`,
`
`,
`
`8/1991 Lessi
`5,042,297 A
`1/1992 Williams
`5,080,175 A
`5,172,765 A 12/1992 Sas-Jaworsky et a1.
`i
`$129011; et al'
`5,234,058 A
`8/1993 Sas-Jaworsky et a1.
`5,348,097 A
`9/1994 Giannesini et a1.
`5,373,906 A * 12/1994 Braddick ................... .. 175/67
`5,505,259 A
`4/1996 Wittrisch et a1.
`5,608,214 A
`3/1997 Baron et a1.
`5,636,686 A
`6/1997 Wimisch
`5,749,417 A
`5/1998 Delatorre
`6,098,713 A *
`8/2000 Ross ........................ .. 166/297
`6,157,761 A 12/2000 Wittrisch
`6,173,787 B1
`1/2001 Wittrisch
`6,179,058 B1
`1/2001 Wittrisch
`6,575,241 B2
`6/2003 Widney et a1.
`2003/0090390 A1
`5/2003 Snider et a1.
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2005/0274511 A1
`Dec. 15, 2005
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`FR
`
`2 652 160
`
`3/1991
`
`(2006.01)
`E21B 47/01
`(2006.01)
`E21B 17/06
`(52) US. Cl. ................. .. 166/254.2; 166/66; 166/242.6
`(58) Field of Classi?cation Search ........... .. 166/254.2,
`166/242.7, 242.6, 301, 98, 387, 66, 192,
`
`See application ?le for Complete Search history'
`
`166/242.2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,550,684 A * 12/1970 Cubberly, Jr. .......... .. 166/254.2
`3,559,905 A
`2/1971 Palynchuk
`4,064,939 A * 12/1977 Marquis ................ .. 166/254.2
`4,349,072 A *
`9/1982 Escaron et a1. ........ .. 166/254.2
`4,457,370 A
`7/1984 Wittrisch
`4,460,038 A
`7/1984 Clamens
`4,484,628 A * 11/1984 Lanmon, II ............ .. 166/254.2
`4,682,657 A
`7/1987 Crawford
`4,794,791 A
`1/1989 Wittrisch
`
`C1 e y exammer
`Primary ExamineriKenneth Thompson
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or F irmiPatterson & Sheridan, LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`.
`
`.
`
`~
`
`The present 1nvent1on generally relates to a tool for use 1n a
`Wellbore. In one aspect, a method of performmg an opera
`tion in a Wellbore is provided. The method includes running
`a selectively separable plug member accommodating a tool
`into the Wellbore on a continuous rod. Next, a ?rst portion
`of the plug member is separated from a second portion and
`then the continuous rod is used to position the second
`portion With the tool beloW the ?rst portion to perform the
`operation. In another aspect, a method of logging a Wellbore
`is provided. In yet another aspect, a plug assembly for use
`in a Wellbore is provided.
`
`25 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`MEGCO Ex. 1018
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 6, 2007
`
`Sheet 1 of4
`
`US 7,185,700 B2
`
`MW
`
`FIG. 1
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`MEGCO Ex. 1018
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 6,2007
`
`Sheet 2 M4
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`US 7,185,700 B2
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`§ \ \f 5
`
`FIG.2
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`?‘lIIIIITI 11.1 k I
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`‘_______.____
`"I'll!
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`MEGCO Ex. 1018
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 6, 2007
`
`Sheet 3 0f 4
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`US 7,185,700 B2
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`/
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`\
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`\
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`/..
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`\
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`10
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`N..
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`FIGJ
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`15o
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`0 mm
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`MEGCO Ex. 1018
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 6, 2007
`
`Sheet 4 0f 4
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`US 7,185,700 B2
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`7/4
`11/4
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`1
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`'
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`/
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`my
`DN- ,
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`.. my.
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`30—
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`35/
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`3
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`140
`55
`145
`110
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`l v’),
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`. - . llglliili
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`FIG.4
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`MEGCO Ex. 1018
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`

`

`US 7,185,700 B2
`
`1
`SEPARABLE PLUG FOR USE WITH A
`WELLBORE TOOL
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention generally relates to the operation of
`instrumentation Within a Wellbore. More particularly, the
`invention relates to a separable plug for use With a Wellbore
`tool.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`In the drilling of oil and gas Wells, a Wellbore is formed
`using a drill bit that is urged doWnWardly at a loWer end of
`a drill string. After drilling a predetermined depth, the drill
`string and the drill bit are removed, and the Wellbore is lined
`With a string of steel pipe called casing. The casing provides
`support to the Wellbore and facilitates the isolation of certain
`areas of the Wellbore adjacent hydrocarbon bearing forma
`tions. An annular area is thus de?ned betWeen the outside of
`the casing and the earth formation. This annular area is
`typically ?lled With cement to permanently set the casing in
`the Wellbore and to facilitate the isolation of production
`Zones and ?uids at different depths Within the Wellbore.
`Numerous operations occur in the Well after the casing is
`secured in the Wellbore. All operations require the insertion
`of some type of instrumentation or hardWare Within the
`Wellbore. For instance, Wireline logging tools are employed
`in the Wellbore to determine various formation parameters
`including hydrocarbon saturation.
`Early oil and gas Wells Were typically drilled in a vertical
`or near vertical direction With respect to the surface of the
`earth. As drilling technology improved and as economic and
`environmental demands required, an increasing number of
`Wells Were drilled at angles Which deviated signi?cantly
`from vertical. In the last several years, drilling horizontally
`Within producing Zones became popular as a means of
`increasing production by increasing the effective Wellbore
`Wall surface exposed to the producing formation. It Was not
`uncommon to drill sections of Wellbores horiZontally (i.e.
`parallel to the surface of the earth) or even “up-hill” Where
`sections of the Wellbore Were actually drilled toWard the
`surface of the earth.
`The advent of severely deviated Wellbores introduced
`several problems in the performance of some Wellbore
`operations. Conventional Wireline logging Was especially
`impacted. Wireline logging utiliZes the force or gravity to
`convey logging instrumentation into a Wellbore. Gravity is
`not a suitable conveyance force in highly deviated, horiZon
`tal or up-hill sections of Wellbores. Numerous methods have
`been used, With only limited success, to convey conven
`tional Wireline instrumentation or “tools” in highly deviated
`conditions. These methods include conveyance using a drill
`string, a coiled tubing, and a hydraulic tractor. All methods
`require extensive Well site equipment, and often present
`operational, economic, and logistic problems.
`Another problem that affects both a deviated Wellbore and
`a vertical Wellbore occurs When the Wellbore contains a high
`percentage of Water relative to the hydrocarbons in the
`surrounding formations. In this situation, ?uid tends to
`collect and remain static proximate the loWest point of the
`Wellbore because there is not enough hydrocarbon formation
`pressure to move the ?uid. For instance, ?uid tends to collect
`at the junction betWeen the vertical portion and the deviated
`portion in a deviated Wellbore. Without ?uid ?oW, produc
`tion logging tools can not operate properly to collect data. To
`overcome this problem, some form of arti?cial lift is typi
`cally employed to move ?uids through the Wellbore, such as
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`a submersible pump. The increased velocity of the ?uid
`provides an adequate ?oW rate for the logging tool to
`operate.
`Generally, the submersible pump is run into the Wellbore
`on production tubing With a Y block betWeen the production
`tubing and the submersible pump. The Y block alloWs the
`pump to be turned on and the Well produced While leaving
`an access point to the Wellbore for logging tools. Typically,
`the access point is a smaller string of tubing attached to the
`Y block Which is run along side the submersible pump. In
`operation, a logging tool is conveyed through the production
`tubing attached to a string of coiled tubing. As the logging
`tool passes through the Y block and the smaller string of
`tubing, a plug attached to the string of coiled tubing lands in
`a seat formed in the smaller string of tubing. The plug seals
`off the smaller string of tubing While alloWing the string of
`coiled tubing and the logging tool to continue to travel into
`the Wellbore. Although coiled tubing may be used in devi
`ated Wellbores, the coiled tubing and associated injector
`equipment are still physically large and present draWbacks
`similar to those encountered With drill string conveyed
`systems.
`A need therefore exists for a reliable and operationally
`e?icient system to convey and operate Wellbore tools, like
`logging tools, in Wellbores Which are deviated from the
`vertical.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention generally relates to a tool for use in
`a Wellbore. In one aspect, a method of performing an
`operation in a Wellbore is provided. The method includes
`running a selectively separable plug member accommodat
`ing a tool into the Wellbore on a continuous rod. Next, a ?rst
`portion of the plug member is separated from a second
`portion and then the continuous rod is used to position the
`second portion With the tool beloW the ?rst portion to
`perform the operation.
`In another aspect, a method of logging a Wellbore is
`provided. The method includes running a selectively actu
`atable plug member into the Wellbore on a continuous rod,
`Wherein the plug member accommodates a logging tool.
`Next the plug member is actuated, thereby separating a ?rst
`portion of the plug member from a second portion. There
`after, the continuous rod is used to run the second portion
`With the logging tool to a predetermined location beloW the
`?rst portion to collect data.
`In yet another aspect, a plug assembly for use in a
`Wellbore is provided. The plug assembly includes a ?rst
`portion With a pressure activatable ring member for sealing
`around a continuous rod. The plug assembly further includes
`a second portion for accommodating a Wellbore tool. Addi
`tionally, the plug assembly includes a releaseable member
`disposed betWeen the ?rst portion and the second portion to
`selectively alloW the second portion to separate from the ?rst
`portion While the ?rst portion maintains a sealing relation
`ship With the continuous rod.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`So that the manner in Which the above recited features of
`the present invention can be understood in detail, a more
`particular description of the invention, brie?y summarized
`above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of
`Which are illustrated in the appended draWings. It is to be
`noted, hoWever, that the appended draWings illustrate only
`typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not
`
`MEGCO Ex. 1018
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`

`

`US 7,185,700 B2
`
`3
`to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may
`admit to other equally effective embodiments.
`FIG. 1 is a sectional vieW illustrating a tool and a plug
`assembly being loWered into a Wellbore on a continuous rod.
`FIG. 2 is a sectional vieW illustrating the plug assembly
`being positioned in a receiver member.
`FIG. 3 is a sectional vieW illustrating the tool being urged
`through the Wellbore after the plug assembly has been
`actuated.
`FIG. 4 is a sectional vieW illustrating the tool and the plug
`assembly being removed from the Wellbore.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`4
`duction tubing 40 and the submersible pump 35. The Y block
`30 alloWs the pump 35 to be turned on and the Well produced
`While leaving an access point to the Wellbore 10 for logging
`tools. Typically the access point is an instrument tube 45
`positioned adjacent the submersible pump 35 and attached to
`the Y block 30.
`After the submersible pump 35 and the production tubing
`40 are positioned in the Wellbore 10, the plug assembly 100
`and the tool 180 are loWered through the production tubing
`40 on the COROD string 175 in the direction indicated by
`arroW 95. Generally, the COROD string 175 is loWered into
`the Wellbore 10 by an injector apparatus (not shoWn). The
`injector apparatus typically includes a depth encoder (not
`shoWn) to record the amount of COROD string 175 Within
`the Wellbore 10 at any given time thereby determining the
`position of the tool 180 Within the Wellbore 10. Additionally,
`the depth encoder may be used to determine the location of
`the plug assembly 100 in relation to the instrument tube 45
`as the plug assembly 100 is loWered through the production
`tubing 40.
`FIG. 2 is a sectional vieW illustrating the plug assembly
`100 being positioned in a receiver member 55. The plug
`assembly 100 generally comprises a ?rst portion 105 and a
`second portion 110. The ?rst and second portions 105, 110
`are operatively attached to each other by a selectively
`actuated release member 115. The release member 115 is a
`device that operates at a predetermined pressure or force. In
`one embodiment, the release member 115 is a shear bolt or
`shear pin disposed betWeen the ?rst portion 105 and the
`second portion 110 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The shear bolt is
`constructed and arranged to fail at a predetermined axial
`force. Generally, the shear bolt is a short piece of brass or
`steel that is used to retain sliding components in a ?xed
`position until su?icient force is applied to break the bolt.
`Once the bolt is sheared, the components may then move to
`operate the tool.
`Alternatively, other forms of shearable members may be
`employed in the release member 115, as long as they are
`capable of shearing at a predetermined force. For example,
`a threaded connection (not shoWn) may be employed
`betWeen the ?rst portion 105 and the second portion 110.
`Generally, the threads machined on the ?rst portion 105 are
`mated With threads machined on the second portion 110 to
`form the threaded connection. The threads on the ?rst
`portion 105 and the second portion 110 are machined to a
`close ?t tolerance. The threads are constructed and arranged
`to fail or shear When a predetermined axial force is applied
`to the plug assembly 100. The desired axial force required to
`actuate the release member 115 determines the quantity of
`threads and the thread pitch.
`The ?rst portion 105 includes a pressure activated ring
`120 substantially enclosed in a housing 125 at an upper end
`thereof. The pressure activated ring 120 creates and main
`tains a seal around the COROD string 175 during deploy
`ment of tool 180. The ring 120 is pressure activated,
`Whereupon the application of a predetermined pressure in
`the production tubing 40 a sealing relationship is formed
`betWeen the plug assembly 100 and the COROD string 175.
`In one embodiment, the ring 120 is constructed from an
`elastomeric material.
`Adjacent the housing 125 is an upper mandrel 130 With a
`ring member 135 disposed around the outer surface thereof.
`The ring member 135 secures and seals the ?rst portion 105
`Within the instrument tube 45. The ring member 135
`includes a plurality of pro?les formed on the outer surface
`thereof that mate With a receiver member 55 formed in the
`instrument tube 45. After the ring member 135 mates With
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`In general, the present invention relates to a selectively
`actuated logging plug for use With a continuous rod, such as
`a COROD string. The COROD string is a means and a
`method for conveying and operating a Wide variety of
`equipment Within a Wellbore. The COROD string Works
`equally Well in vertical and highly deviated Wells. When the
`COROD string is used in logging operations, the doWnhole
`tools record data of interest in memory Within the doWnhole
`tool rather than telemetering the data to the surface as in
`conventional Wireline logging. Data is subsequently
`retrieved from memory When the tool is WithdraWn from the
`Wellbore. The tool position in the Wellbore is synchroniZed
`With a depth encoder, Which is preferably at the surface near
`a COROD injector apparatus. The depth encoder measures
`the amount of COROD string Within the Well at any given
`time. Data measured and recorded by the doWnhole tool is
`then correlated With the depth encoder reading thereby
`de?ning the position of the tool in the Well. This information
`is then used to form a “log” of measured data as a function
`of depth Within the Well at Which the data is recorded. The
`COROD can be used for multiple runs into a Well With no
`35
`fatigue as compared to coiled tubing operations. COROD
`can be run through tubing thereby eliminating the additional
`cost and time required to deploy a drill string, coiled tubing,
`or tractor conveyed systems. It is also noted that the
`COROD string for conveying equipment is not limited to oil
`and gas Well applications. The system is equally applicable
`to pipeline Where pipeline inspection services are run. To
`better understand the novelty of the apparatus of the present
`invention and the methods of use thereof, reference is
`hereafter made to the accompanying draWings.
`FIG. 1 is a sectional vieW illustrating a tool 180 and a plug
`assembly 100 being loWered into a deviated Wellbore 10 on
`a continuous string, such as a COROD string 175. For
`purposes of discussion, the Wellbore 10 is illustrated as a
`deviated Wellbore. It should be understood, hoWever, that
`the plug assembly 100 may be employed in a vertical
`Wellbore, Without departing from principles of the present
`invention.
`As illustrated, the Wellbore 10 is lined With a string of
`steel pipe called casing 15. The casing 15 provides support
`to the Wellbore 10 and facilitates the isolation of certain
`areas of the Wellbore 10 adjacent hydrocarbon bearing
`formations. The casing 15 typically extends doWn the Well
`bore 10 from the surface of the Well to a designated depth.
`An annular area 20 is thus de?ned betWeen the outside of the
`casing 15 and the Wellbore 10. This annular area 20 is ?lled
`With cement 25 pumped through a cementing system (not
`shoWn) to permanently set the casing 15 in the Wellbore 10
`and to facilitate the isolation of production Zones and ?uids
`at different depths Within the Wellbore 10. Subsequently, a
`submersible pump 35 is run into the Wellbore 10 on a
`production tubing 40 With a Y-block 30 betWeen the pro
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`US 7,185,700 B2
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`the receiver member 55, a sealing relationship is formed
`between the plug assembly 100 and the instrument tube 45.
`If there is no sealing relationship betWeen the plug assembly
`100 and the instrument tube 45, the pump 35 Will only
`circulate ?uid around the Y-block 30 rather than pumping
`?uid up the production tubing 40. In one embodiment, the
`ring member 135 is constructed from a ?ber material.
`The ?rst portion 105 further includes a loWer mandrel 140
`attached to the upper mandrel 130 through a connection
`member, such as a lock nut assembly. Additionally, the loWer
`mandrel 140 is operatively attached to a housing 145, on the
`second portion 110 by the selectively actuated release mem
`ber 115.
`Adjacent the housing 145 in the second portion 110 is a
`connector 150. The connector 150 includes a ?rst threaded
`portion that mates With a threaded portion on the COROD
`string 175 to form a threaded connection 155 Which con
`nects the plug assembly 100 to the COROD string 175. The
`connector 150 includes a second threaded portion that mates
`With a threaded portion on the tool 180 to form a threaded
`connection 160 Which connects the plug assembly 100 to the
`tool 180. It should be understood, hoWever, that COROD
`string 175 and the tool 180 may be connected to the plug
`assembly 100 by any type of connection member, Without
`departing from principles of the present invention.
`As illustrated in FIG. 2, the plug assembly 100 is urged
`through the production tubing 40 and the Y-block 30 into
`instrument tube 45 until the ring member 135 contacts the
`receiver member 55 formed in the instrument tube 45. At
`that point, the ring member 135 mates With the receiver
`member 55 to form a seal betWeen the plug assembly 100
`and the instrument tube 45. As the COROD string 175
`continues to be urged doWnWard, a force is created on the
`release member 115. At a predetermined force, the release
`member 115 actuates, thereby alloWing the second portion
`110 of the plug assembly 100 and the tool 180 to move in
`relation to the ?rst portion 105 of the plug assembly 100
`Which is secured in the instrument tube 45.
`FIG. 3 is a sectional vieW illustrating the tool 180 being
`urged through the Wellbore 10 after the plug assembly 100
`has been actuated. For purposes of discussion, assume the
`tool 180 is a logging tool. It is to be understood, hoWever,
`that the tool 180 may be any type of Wellbore tool Without
`departing from principles of the present invention, such as a
`casing perforating “gun” for perforating the casing 15 in a
`formation Zone of interest. The tool 180 may also be a casing
`inspection tool, or a production logging tool to measure the
`amount and type of ?uid ?oWing Within the casing 15 or
`Within production tubing 40. The tool 180 can also be a
`?shing tool that is used to retrieve unWanted hardWare from
`the Wellbore 10, such as an overshot or a spear. It should be
`further noted that the tool 180 need not be retrieved When the
`COROD string 175 is WithdraWn from the Wellbore 10. As
`an example, the tool 180 could be a packer or a plug, Which
`is left positioned Within the borehole When the COROD
`55
`string 175 is WithdraWn. Thus, the COROD string 175 is
`suitable for delivering or operating completions tools.
`As shoWn in FIG. 3, the COROD string 175 continues to
`urge the second portion 110 along With the tool 180 through
`the deviated portion of the Wellbore 10 to conduct a logging
`operation. At the same time, the pressure activated ring 120
`maintains a seal around the COROD string 175 and the ring
`member 135 maintains a seal betWeen the plug assembly
`100 and the instrument tube 45.
`In one embodiment, the tool 180 contains a sensor pack
`age (not shoWn) Which responds to formation and Wellbore
`parameters of interest. The sensors can be nuclear, acoustic,
`
`6
`electromagnetic, or combinations thereof. Response data
`from the sensor package is recorded in a memory member
`(not shoWn) for subsequent retrieval and processing When
`the tool 180 is WithdraWn from the Wellbore 10. A poWer
`supply (not shoWn), Which is typically a battery pack,
`provides operational poWer for the sensor package and
`memory member. As the data is retrieved from the memory,
`it is correlated With the depth encoder response to form a
`“log” of measured parameters of interest as a function of
`depth Within the Wellbore 10.
`In another embodiment, the invention is equally usable
`With more traditional Wireline logging methods dependent
`upon a conductor to transmit data as logging operations are
`taking place. The COROD string 175 can be manufactured
`With a longitudinal bore therethrough to house a conductor
`(not shoWn) suitable for transmitting data. In one example,
`the conductor is placed Within the bore of the COROD string
`175 prior to rolling the COROD string 175 on a transpor
`tation reel (not shoWn). As the tool 180 and the plug
`assembly 100 are assembled at one end of the COROD
`string 175, a mechanical and electrical connection is made
`betWeen the conductor housed in the COROD string 175 and
`the tool 180 connected to the end of the COROD string 175
`prior to insertion into the Wellbore 10. In this manner, the
`COROD string 175 is used to both carry the tool 180
`doWnhole and transmit data from the tool 180 to the surface
`of the Wellbore 10.
`In another embodiment, the COROD string 175 itself can
`act as a conductor to transmit data to the surface of a
`Wellbore 10. For example, COROD string 175 can be
`covered With a coating of material (not shoWn) having the
`appropriate conductive characteristics to adequately trans
`mit signals from the tool 180. In this manner, no additional
`conductor is necessary to utiliZe the tool 180 placed at the
`end of the COROD string 175.
`Additionally, the COROD string 175 can be used to
`transport logging tools (not shoWn) that are capable of real
`time communication With the surface of the Well Without the
`use of a conductor. For example, using a telemetry tool and
`gamma ray tool disposed on the COROD string 175 having
`various other remotely actuatable tools disposed thereupon,
`the location of the tools With respect to Wellbore Zones of
`interest can be constantly monitored as the telemetry tool
`transmits real time information to a surface unit. At the
`surface, the signals are received by signal processing circuits
`in surface equipment (not shoWn), Which may be of any
`suitable knoWn construction for encoding and decoding,
`multiplexing and demultiplexing, amplifying and otherWise
`processing the signals for transmission to and reception by
`the surface equipment. The operation of the gamma ray tool
`is controlled by signals sent doWnhole from surface equip
`ment. These signals are received by a tool programmer
`Which transmits control signals to the detector and a pulse
`height analyZer.
`The surface equipment includes various electronic cir
`cuits used to process the data received from the doWnhole
`equipment, analyZe the energy spectrum of the detected
`gamma radiation, extract therefrom information about the
`formation and any hydrocarbons that it may contain, and
`produce a tangible record or log of some or all of this data
`and information, for example on ?lm, paper or tape. These
`circuits may comprise special purpose hardWare or altema
`tively a general purpose computer appropriately pro
`grammed to perform the same tasks as such hardWare. The
`data/ information may also be displayed on a monitor and/or
`saved in a storage medium, such as disk or a cassette.
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`US 7,185,700 B2
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`The electromagnetic telemetry tool generally includes a
`pressure and temperature sensor, a power ampli?er, a doWn
`link receiver, a central processing unit, and a battery unit.
`The electromagnetic telemetry tool is selectively controlled
`by signals from the surface unit to operate in a pressure and
`temperature sensing mode, providing for a record of pres
`sure versus time or a gamma ray mode Which records
`gamma counts as the apparatus is raised or loWered past a
`correlative formation marker. The record of gamma counts
`is then transmitted to surface and merged With the surface
`system depth/time management softWare to produce a
`gamma ray mini log Which is later compared to the Wireline
`open-hole gamma ray log to evaluate the exact apparatus
`position. In this manner, components, including packers and
`bridge plugs can be remotely located and actuated in a
`Wellbore using real time information that is relied upon
`solely or that is compared to a previously performed Well
`log.
`FIG. 4 is a sectional vieW illustrating the tool 180 and the
`plug assembly 100 being removed from the Wellbore 10.
`After the logging operation is complete, the COROD string
`175, tool 180 and second portion 110 are urged toWard the
`surface of the Wellbore 10 until the second portion 110 of the
`plug assembly 100 contacts the ?rst portion 105. At that
`time, the housing 145 of the second portion 110 aligns With
`the loWer mandrel 140 of the ?rst portion 105. Thereafter,
`the plug assembly 100 comprised of the ?rst and the second
`portions 105, 110 acts as one unit. As the COROD string 175
`continues to be urged toWard the surface of the Wellbore 10,
`the ring member 135 disengages from the receiver member
`55, thereby removing the sealing relationship betWeen the
`plug assembly 100 and the instrument tube 45. Subse
`quently, the plug assembly 100, the tool 180 and COROD
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`string 175 are pulled out of the Wellbore 10 in the direction
`indicated by arroW 60. At the surface of the Wellbore 10, the
`ring member 135 may be replaced and the plug assembly
`100 may be once again transported into the Wellbore 10 With
`another logging tool at the loWer end of a COROD string.
`In operation, a logging tool and a plug assembly are urged
`though a production tubing into a deviated Wellbore on a
`COROD string. Generally, the plug assembly comprises a
`?rst portion and a second portion operatively connected to
`each other by a selectively activated release member. The
`logging tool and plug assembly are urged through the
`production tubing until the ?rst portion of the plug assembly
`seats in the receiver member formed in an instrument tube
`at the loWer end of the production tubing. As the COROD
`string continues to be urged doWnWard, a force is created on
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`the selectively activated release member. At a predetermined
`force, the release member is activated, thereby alloWing the
`second portion of the plug assembly and the logging tool to
`move in relation to the ?rst portion of the plug assembly
`Which is secured in the instrument tube. Thereafter, the
`COROD string continues to urge the second portion along
`With the logging tool through the deviated portion of the
`Wellbore to conduct a logging operation. After the logging
`operation is complete, the COROD string urges the logging
`tool and second portion toWard the surface of the Wellbore
`until the second portion of the plug assembly contacts and
`aligns With the ?rst portion. Thereafter, the plug assembly
`comprised of the ?rst and the second portions acts as one
`unit. Subsequently, the plug assembly, the logging tool and
`COROD string are pulled out of the Wellbore.
`While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
`present invention, other and further embodiments of the
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`invention may be devised Without departing from the basic
`scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the
`claims that folloW.
`The invention claimed is:
`1. A method of performing an operation in a Wellbore,
`comprising:
`running a selectively separable plug member accommo
`dating a tool on a continuous rod into a tubular disposed
`in the Wellbore;
`locating the selectively separable plug member in a
`receiver member formed in the tubular;
`separating a ?rst portion of the plug member from a
`second portion; and
`using the continuous rod to position the second portion
`With the tool beloW the ?rst portion to perform the
`operation.
`2. The method of claim 1, further including applying an
`axial force to the plug member to separate the plug member.
`3. The method of claim 1, Wherein the second portion and
`the tool are positioned in a deviated portion of the Wellbore.
`4. The method of claim 1, Wherein the tool is a logging
`tool for use With in a logging operation.
`5. The method of claim 1, further including forming a
`pressure activated sealing relationship betWeen the plug
`member and the continuous rod.
`6. The method of claim 1, Wherein using the continuous
`rod comprises pushing the continuous rod from a surface of
`the Wellbore.
`7. The method of claim 1, Wherein the ?rst portion
`maintains a pressurized seal With the continuous rod as the
`second portion is positioned beloW the ?rst portion.
`8. The method of claim 1, Wherein the ?rst portion is
`operatively attached to the second portion by a selectively
`activated release member.
`9. The method of claim 8, Wherein the selectively acti
`vated release member comprises a shear pin.
`10. The method of claim 9, Wherein a predetermined axial
`force causes the shear pin to fail alloWing the sections to
`separate.
`11. A method of logging a Wellbore, comprising:
`running a selectively actuatable plug member into the
`Wellbore on a continuous rod, Wherein the plug mem
`ber accommodates at least one logging tool;
`actuating the plug member, thereby separating a ?rst
`portion of the plug member from a second portion; and
`using the continuous rod to run the second portion With
`the at least one logging tool to a predetermined location
`beloW the ?rst portion to collect data.
`12. The method of claim 11, further including forming a
`sealing relationship betWeen a tubular and the ?rst portion of
`the plug member.
`13. The method of claim 11, further including applying an
`axial force to the plug member to separate the ?rst portion
`from the second portion.
`14. The method of claim 11, further including forming a
`pressure activated sealing relationship betWeen the plug
`member and the continuous rod.
`15. The method of claim 11, Wherein using the continuous
`rod comprises pushing the continuous rod from a surface of
`the Wellbore.
`16. The method of claim 11, further including transmitting
`data from the logging tool to a surface of the Wellbore along
`the continuous rod.
`17. The method of claim 11, further including positioning
`the ?rst portion of the plug member in a receiver member
`formed in a tubular predisposed in the Wellbore.
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`MEGCO Ex. 101