TOOL FOR A COILED TUBING LOGGING PLUG

Abstract

 The invention relates to a tool comprising a sealing portion for downhole sealing a through hole of a coiled tubing logging plug and a retrieving portion for retrieving the coiled tubing logging plug from the downhole wherein the retrieving portion is connected with the sealing portion and wherein the sealing portion and the retrieving portion are configured and formed to be insertable into the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug..

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tool comprising a sealing portion for downhole sealing a through hole of a coiled tubing logging plug and a retrieving portion for retrieving the coiled tubing logging plug from the downhole. In addition, the invention relates to the use of said tool for sealing a through hole of a coiled tubing logging plug and for retrieving the coiled tubing logging plug.

[0002] A deployment of an electrical submersible pump in an oil or water well is common practice. Additionally, the use of an associated bypass-system is well known. The bypass system was designed to allow access to a well below an electrical submersible pump assembly in order that logging and/or well intervention operation could be performed without the removal of the completion, thus enabling work to be carried out under dynamic well conditions. Continual development of the system has maximized the operational benefits and includes permanent downhole monitoring of the well parameter and electrical submersible pump performance using a multi sensor system.

[0003] Bypass systems are available for an extensive range of casing weights and can be supplied to suit all well environments, using a wide range of materials to suit individual well chemistry and being internally coated to provide added protection and reduce friction as required. Each bypass system is individually designed to provide the optimum completion, affording full protection to the electrical submersible pump power cable and auxiliary service lines whilst providing uninterrupted access to the well below the electrical submersible pump.

[0004] Bypass-systems usually comprise a Y-Tool. The Y-Tool provides the facility by which the electrical submersible pump assembly is deployed with bypass tubing to allow access to the well in order that logging and/or intervention work may be carried out below without retrieval of the completion. The Y-Tool provides a single connection to the production string above and has a bypass connection below directly in line with the production string to allow the passage of logging tools to the well below via the bypass Tubing. The Y-tool comprises a fluid tubing and a further fluid tubing in which the electrical submersible pump is arranged.

[0005] A further connection at the base of the Y-Tool allows the electrical submersible pump assembly to be suspended. The Y-Tool has a groove on either side to allow the passage of the electrical submersible pump power cable, or other auxiliary service lines. These umbilicals are secured in the Y-Tool groove with clips thus ensuring full protection during deployment. The internal profile of the Y-Tool is designed to ensure a smooth flow path from electrical submersible pump discharge to production tubing.

[0006] Bypass-systems are designed and built to suit specific well completion. A well completion can be for example a cleanout logging operation and/or a means of running downhole samplers below the electrical submersible pump on horizontal reservoir sections. For performing such operations a coiled tubing logging plug is used.

[0007] The coiled tubing logging plug can be deployed in all standard bypass systems and is used as a means of sealing between the fluid tubing, in particular a tubing nipple bore, and the coiled tubing outside diameter. The plug can be used for various combinations of coiled tubing strings and tubing nipple sizes. It is utilized successfully for clean out operations, production logging runs and also as a means of running downhole samplers below the electrical submersible pumps on horizontal reservoir sections.

[0008] The plug is attached to the coiled tubing string via a retaining sleeve and collets, the latter being activated to a release position on engagement of the tubing nipple profile.

[0009] On release of the retaining sleeve from the holding collets the plug is automatically locked in the nipple profile. The plug cannot be released prior to engagement in the nipple. Once locked in place the plug can only be released or unseated if the retaining sleeve or sleeve is pulled into the plug from below and pin is sheared and/or a bottom crossover shoulders the bottom edge of the collet lock on the coiled tubing plug. This aligns up the collet locking fingers with the groove in the sleeve allowing them to collapse and to unseat. Only if the tool string is pulled into the plug it will be unseated.

[0010] When cleanout/logging operations are complete the electrical submersible pump is switched off, and after a short period to allow equalization across the pump, the tool string is pulled out of the hole. As the tool string with retaining sleeve or sleeve or crossover engages the bottom of the plug, a pin is sheared and/or the bottom crossover shoulders the bottom edge of the collet lock on the coiled tubing plug and in turn allows the locking mechanism to collapse and the plug to be retrieved to surface along with the tool string.

[0011] If the coiled tubing logging plug cannot be removed from the fluid tubing of the bypass system, it is not possible to continue with the fluid extraction from the well. It is necessary to remove the coiled tubing logging plug as otherwise a self-circulation situation occurs in which the fluid is pumped within the bypass-system. This can lead to self-circulating problems and, thus, to a damage of the electrical submersible pump.

[0012] In such situations it is known to stop the fluid extraction and exchange the bypass-system including the stuck coiled tubing logging plug. Said operation leads to high costs for the company because the fluid extraction has to be interrupted.

[0013] The object of the invention is to reduce the costs for situations in which the coiled tubing logging plug cannot be retrieved from the fluid tubing.

[0014] The object is solved by a tool comprising a sealing portion for downhole sealing a through hole of a coiled tubing logging plug and a retrieving portion for retrieving the coiled tubing logging plug from the downhole wherein the retrieving portion is connected with the sealing portion and wherein the sealing portion and the retrieving portion are configured and formed to be insertable into the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a method to reduce costs for situations in which the coiled tubing logging plug cannot be retrieved from the fluid tubing.

[0016] The invention is solved by a method for retrieving a coiled tubing logging plug from a downhole comprising the step of inserting a tool according to the invention into a through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug along an insertion direction to a position in which the retrieving portion is coupleable with an end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug and afterwards move the tool in an opposite direction to retrieve the coiled tubing logging plug.

[0017] According to the invention it was recognized that it is possible to retrieve the coiled tubing logging plug from the fluid tubing by usage of a tool. In particular, it has been recognized that it is possible to retrieve the coiled tubing logging plug if the tool is adapted and formed such that it can pass partly through the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug and that it comprises a retrieving portion that can be coupled with the end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug. Such a tool enables to release the stuck coiled tubing logging plug and enables to retrieve the coiled tubing logging plug. Thus, it is not necessary anymore to remove the complete bypass system when the coiled tubing logging plug is stuck so that the operator saves costs by using the tool.

[0018] Retrieving a coiled tubing logging plug from a downhole means that the coiled tubing logging plug that is arranged downhole in the fluid tubing is retrieved from the downhole by moving the tool along a removal direction. A fluid can be extracted via the downhole. The fluid can be gas or a liquid, in particular oil.

[0019] The inventive tool has also the advantage that the sealing portion seals the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. Thus, even for cases in which the coiled tubing logging plug cannot be retrieved by the tool it is possible to continue a fluid extraction operation by the electrical submersible pump without the risk that a self-circulation situation will occur.

[0020] The position to which the coiled tubing logging plug is moved can be a position in which at least a part of the retrieving element has passed through the end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug. In said position the retrieving element is in a state in which the coiled tubing logging plug can be retrieved. It is possible that the tool is moved to such a position in which the retrieving element, in particular a hook-shaped end of a collapsible element, is not in direct contact with the coiled tubing logging plug. This is explained below more in detail. The end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug comprises an outlet opening through which the tool or a tool part can leave the coiled tubing logging plug. The portion of the coiled tubing logging plug can have a sleeve-shape form.

[0021] The fluid can be a gas or liquid. The liquid can be oil or water.

[0022] According to an embodiment the sealing portion is formed such that it prevents a fluid flow through the through-hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. This means, no fluid can flow from the fluid tubing of the bypass-system through the coiled tubing logging plug arranged in the fluid tubing into e.g. a production tubing fluidically connected to the bypass-system. Thereto, at least a part of the outer contour of the sealing body is configured such that it has a complementary form with a part of the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. That means, the outer contour of said part of the sealing body is in contact with an inner part of the coiled tubing logging plug such that no fluid, in particular liquid, can pass through between said part of the sealing body and the part of the coiled tubing logging plug.

[0023] The sealing portion can be made from bulk or solid material. In particular, the sealing portion can be made from bulk material such that no fluid can flow through the sealing body. Thus, no fluid can flow along the axial direction of the tool between an end of the tool directed to the production tubing and another end offset to the producing tubing. In the end, an easy shaped and formed tool can be provided in order to ensure the sealing function.

[0024] The sealing portion can have at least partially a cylindrical shape. In particular, the sealing portion can have an outer contour that at least partially is complementary in form with the through-hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. Thus, it is ensured that the sealing portion can be inserted into the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug and to seal the coiled tubing logging plug.

[0025] The sealing portion can comprise a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion wherein the diameter of the first sealing portion differs from the diameter of the second sealing portion. The diameter of the first sealing portion can be greater than the diameter of the second sealing portion. The fist sealing portion can have a diameter in the range of 3,257 to 5,210 cm. The second sealing portion can have a diameter in the range of 3,175 to 5,080 cm.

[0026] The first sealing portion and the second sealing portion can be arranged adjacent to each other along the axis of the sealing tool. For sealing the coiled tubing logging plug the tool passes through sections of the coiled tubing logging plug that have different inner diameters. The tool enables to seal the coiled tubing logging plug at two sections of the coiled tubing logging plug having different inner diameter. This is possible as the outer contour of each of said two sealing body portions is complementary with the form of the respective part of the coiled tubing logging plug. The first sealing body portion can seal an upper part of the coiled tubing logging plug. The upper part can comprise an end of the coiled tubing logging plug. The second sealing body portion can seal another part of the coiled tubing logging plug that is arranged lower than the upper part of the coiled tubing logging plug. The other part of the coiled tubing logging plug can be arranged between the ends of the coiled tubing logging plug. "upper" and "lower" refer to gravity direction.

[0027] The first sealing body portion is arranged in portion of the tool that has an extension between 0-50% of the complete length of the tool. Said portion extends from an upper end of the tool, when the tool is inserted into the coiled tubing logging plug, and/or comprises the spacer portion and/or fishing portion.

[0028] The tool can comprise at least one sealing element arranged on the sealing portion, in particular the first sealing portion. In particular, the tool can comprise several sealing elements that are arranged on the sealing portion and that are arranged adjacent to each other along length direction of the tool. The sealing element can be an O-ring and/or can extend in circumferential direction of the sealing portion. In particular, the sealing element can be arranged in a groove of the sealing portion. The tool can comprise three sealing elements. The second sealing portion can be configured such that the sealing is achieved by the contact of the metal of the second sealing portion and the metal of the coiled tubing logging plug. The sealing portion, in particular the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion can be a portion of a tool body.

[0029] The tool body can comprise a fishing portion for fishing the tool. As fishing it is understood the operation of removing the tool from the coiled tubing logging plug and/or removing the tool and the coiled tubing logging plug by means of a fishing tool. The fishing portion is the part of the tool body which is coupled with a fishing tool during the fishing operation. The fishing portion can be arranged at an end of the tool body that is proximal to the production tube.

[0030] After the tool is inserted into through-hole of the coiled tubing logging plug the fishing portion is arranged outside the through-hole. This means, the fishing portion is not arranged inside the through-hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. Thus, a fishing tool can easily be connected with the fishing portion of the tool.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention the tool body can comprise a spacer portion for preventing that a sealing element gets into contact with a tubing wall during the movement of the tool towards the coiled tubing logging plug. Thus, it can be prevented in an easy way that the sealing element or sealing elements is or are damaged when the tool is moved towards the coiled tubing logging plug in order to insert the tool into the coiled tubing logging plug. The spacer portion can be arranged between the at least one sealing element and the fishing portion of the tool body. The tubing wall can be the wall of the production tubing.

[0032] The spacer portion can have a greater outer contour than the remaining part of the tool body. In particular, the diameter of the spacer portion can be greater than the diameter of the remaining part of the tool body. Thus, it can be secured in an easy way that the sealing element does not contact the tubing wall. The spacer portion can have a greater dimension than the through-hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. Thus, the spacer portion is not inserted into the through-hole of the coiled tubing logging plug but is arranged outside the through hole. That means, a part of the tool is arranged inside the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug whereas the spacer portion of the tool is arranged outside the coiled tubing logging plug. As the spacer portion is arranged outside the through-hole it can also be used for fishing the tool for the case that the fishing portion is damaged and/or cannot be coupled with the fishing tool

[0033] A particular advantageous tool is achieved if a distance between the spacer portion and a seating part of the tool is between 50% to 90% of the complete length of the tool. By choosing said length it can be secured that the sealing element does not come in contact with the tubing wall. The length of the tool is its extension in axial direction of the tool. The seating part of the tool is the tool part that comes in contact with the tubing wall during the movement of the tool in e.g. the production tubing. The retrieving portion can comprise the seating part.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention the retrieving portion can comprise other tool body and a retrieving element that is movable relative to the other tool body.

[0035] The retrieving element can surround the other tool body. This means that the other tool body is arranged within an interior of the retrieving element. In particular, the retrieving element can have a cylindrical shape.

[0036] The extension of the retrieving element in the length direction of the retrieving element can be shorter than the extension of the other tool body in the length direction. Thus, the retrieving element only surrounds a part of the other tool body in length direction of the retrieving element. The retrieving element can, in particular fully, surround the other tool body in circumferential direction of the other tool body. Thus, the retrieving element can be designed to be in form of a sleeve. The retrieving element can be translatorily movable relative to the other tool body and/or cannot rotate relative to the other tool body. In particular, the retrieving element can move along the length direction of the tool relative to the other tool body.

[0037] The retrieving element can be made from or comprise a solid body so that no fluid can flow through the retrieving element in axial or length direction of the tool. That means, the position of the retrieving element is not controlled by a liquid but a position change occurs mechanically as it is explained below more in detail.

[0038] The tool is not released or deactivated hydraulically to disengage it from the coiled tubng logging plug. In particular the tool is configured so that the tool does not allow fluid, in particular liquid, through or pressurized fluid, in particular liquid, to pass through with in the tool, as tool is from bulk or solid material. Additionally, in the tool there is no hydraulically connection or activation of parts but all connections between the parts can be mechanical.

[0039] The tool does not have any external ports or a meaning for hydraulics fluids movement to enter through the tool or interact with parts of the coiled tubing logging plug. The tool does not have any fluid chambers to help release the collects from the engagement area of the coiled tubing logging plug. Additionally, the tool does not allow annulus flow around it to pass through the coiled tubing plug due to the fact that it generates a seal in the upper sub of the coiled tubing plug. In addition, the tool does not have any holes, ports or cavities so that no fluid, in particular liquid, can pass through the tool. This is not possible as the tool is from bulk or solid material. "upper" and "lower" refer to a gravity direction.

[0040] The retrieving element can comprise an element body and a collapsible portion that is movable relative to the element body. The collapsible portion enables that the tool can partly pass through the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. As the cross section of the through hole can change along the length direction of the coiled tubing logging plug, the collapsible portion enables in an easy way that the retrieving element can be inserted into the through hole and pass through the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug without to stuck. This is possible because the collapsible portion can move in a radial direction relative to the element body in order to reduce its cross section and thus avoid that the retrieving element cannot move further within the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. The collapsible portion can be fixedly connected with the element body.

[0041] The collapsible portion and the element body can be a single piece component. This means, the retrieving element is formed as a single piece component. The collapsible portion can comprise at least one finger or a plurality of fingers that are arranged adjacent to each other in circumferential direction of the collapsible portion. The finger can be connected at one end with the element body.

[0042] If a plurality of fingers are provided, a space can be provided between the respective fingers in circumferential direction of the retrieving element. In particular, the fingers can be arranged such that they can move relative to each other.

[0043] The collapsible portion can have a hook-shaped end. In particular, another end of the finger that is distal to the element body can be hook-shaped. The hook-shape simplifies to couple the retrieving element and the coiled tubing logging plug when the coiled tubing logging plug is retrieved.

[0044] The collapsible portion can be formed such that a plane exists comprising the collapsible portion and the other tool body and in which the collapsible portion has an inner cross section, in particular an inner diameter, that is greater than an outer cross section of the other tool body, in particular an outer diameter. This enables that the collapsible portion can move towards the other tool body. In particular, the collapsible portion can move from a collapsed state to an expanded state or vice versa in radial direction of the tool. In the collapsed state the tool can be moved through the coiled tubing logging plug. In the expanded state the coiled tubing logging plug can be retrieved by the tool and/or cannot be moved within the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. In order to move through the through hole the collapsible portion has to be transferred to the collapsed state. This can be done by the end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug when the tool is moved within the through hole.

[0045] The tool, in particular the hook shaped end of the collapsible portion, can engage a lower sub end of the coiled tubing plug item which considered as external shoulder. In other words, the there is no internal engagement of the collapsible portion with an inner part of the coiled tubing plug which is arranged between the two ends of the coiled tubing logging plug.

[0046] In the retrieving process the tool has to pass through a specific geometry and dimensions, in particular changes of inner diameters, of the coiled tubing plug to reach the bottom lower sub which is the end of the coiled tubing plug. Then the tool can engage on the bottom shoulder of the lower sub of the coiled tubing logging plug on the way out in order to release the plug and retrieve it from the Y tool nipple.

[0047] According to an embodiment the retrieving element can comprises a recess for receiving a protrusion of the coiled tubing logging plug when the coiled tubing logging plug is retrieved. The protrusion can protrude from a remaining part of the coiled tubing logging plug. In particular, the protrusion can protrude into the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. The protrusion is arranged between the two ends of the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug.

[0048] The recess can be designed with specific dimensions to match the protrusion of the coiled tubing plug. Thus, while applying the required force in the retrieving direction, the protrusion can radially retract which releases the locking mechanism of the stuck coiled tubing logging plug hence releasing coiled tubing logging plug from its stuck position.

[0049] The recess can be arranged in the element body of the retrieving element. In particular, the recess can be within a certain and specific length from the top end of the tool to ensure that the protrusion can engage with the recess when a force is applied to retract the protrusion radially inward during the retrieval process. The provision of the recess has the advantage that a recess wall is in contact with the protrusion and transfers a force to the coiled tubing logging plug when the coiled tubing logging plug is retrieved. Thus, a retrieving force is applied by the retrieving element and by the element body on the coiled tubing logging plug.

[0050] The retrieving element can be moved into a retracted position when the tool is inserted into, in particular moved within, the coiled tubing logging plug. Additionally, the retrieving element can be arranged in a retrieving position when the tool retrieves the coiled tubing logging plug. In particular, the collapsible portion can be arranged in the collapsed state when the retrieving element is arranged in and/or moved to the retracted position. Thus, it is possible that the retrieving element being in the collapsed state can at least partly pass through the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug.

[0051] The retrieving element, in particular the collapsible portion, can seat on the other tool body, in particular on an abuting portion of the other tool body, when the retrieving element is in the retrieving position. The tool body prevents that the collapsible portion can be transferred to the collapsed state in which the tool cannot retrieve the coiled tubing logging plug. Thus, the tool can be formed such that the collapsible portion can only be moved into the collapsed state when the retrieving element is in the retracted position and/or is not in the retrieving position.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the invention the tool can comprise a shifting member for shifting the retrieving element from the retracted position to the retrieving position or vice versa. Thus, the transfer of the retrieving element from the retracted position to the retrieving position can occur easily. In particular, the shifting member can be tensioned when the retrieving element is moved from the retrieving position to the retracted position. This can happen when the tool is inserted into the through hole and the end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug prevents that the collapsible portion in its expanded position passes through the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. Thus, a further movement of the tool leads to that the end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug causes that the retrieving element is moved towards the retracted position when the tool is moved through the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. The shifting member can be a spring. The collapsible portion is transferred to the collapsible state by the end of the coiled tubing logging plug when the tool is further moved along the insertion direction.

[0053] The shifting member can apply a force on the retrieving element to move it from the retracted position to the retrieving position. The retrieving element can be moved by means of the shifting member when the collapsible portion is in the collapsed state.

[0054] The shifting member can only be operated mechanically, between the retrieving position and retracted position. Hence no fluid movement or pressurized fluid is required to activate the shifting member mechanism, as the retrieving element is from bulk or solid material.

[0055] The end of the coiled tubing logging plug can prevent that the retrieving element passes further when the collapsible portion is in the expanded position. This is possible because the inner diameter of the through hole of the end coiled tubing logging plug is smaller than the outer diameter of a part of the collapsible portion being in the expanded state.

[0056] The shifting member can be arranged between the retrieving element and the other tool body. In particular, the shifting member can be arranged in radial direction of the tool between the retrieving element and the other tool body. Thus, a compact formed tool is achieved.

[0057] The tool body and the other tool body can be connected to each other in a detachable matter and/or can be arranged coaxially to each other. This means that the tool comprises two parts that can be connected to each other. The provision of two parts simplifies to attach the retrieving element to the other tool body.

[0058] The retrieving element and the other tool body can be arranged coaxially to each other. In addition, the retrieving element can be arranged partially on the tool body and the other tool body. The hook shaped end of the finger of the collapsible portion can have a greater diameter than the other tool body.

[0059] The tool can be formed such that the shifting member can abut against one end on the tool body and against another end on the retrieving element. Additionally, the element body can abut against the other tool body when the retrieving element is in the expanded position and/or the element body cannot abut against the other tool body when the retrieving element is in the retracted position.

[0060] Of particular advantage is a well system that comprises a coiled tubing logging plug and a tool according to the invention.

[0061] The well completion system can comprise a bypass-system, wherein the coiled tubing logging plug is located at a seating element of a fluid tubing of the bypass-system. That means, the tool is in direct contact with the coiled tubing logging plug and/or is not in direct contact with the fluid tubing. The seating element can be a part of the fluid tubing that protrudes in a radial inner direction from the remaining part of the fluid tubing. The well system can be fluidically connected with the production tubing.

[0062] The bypass-system comprises a further fluid tubing. A pump of the well system, in particular an electrical submersible pump, can be arranged in the further fluid tubing and/or can be fluidically connected with the further fluid tubing. The further fluid tubing is arranged partially parallel to the fluid tubing. The two tubings are fluidically connected with each other at their upper and lower end.

[0063] An outer contour of a cross section of the tool is smaller than an outer contour of a cross section of the coiled tubing logging plug. In particular, an outer diameter of the tool is smaller than an outer diameter of the coiled tubing logging plug. Additionally, the outer diameter of the sealing body, in particular the first sealing body portion and the second sealing body portion, is smaller than an inner diameter of the fluid tubing. In other words, the tool cannot seal the fluid tubing. The same applies if the tool is used in the further tubing in which the electrical submersible pump is arranged. The tool can be coaxially arranged with the coiled tubing logging plug after the tool is arranged in the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug.

[0064] In the following, the method for retrieving the coiled tubing logging plug is described. After it is determined that the coiled tubing logging plug is stuck and cannot be removed from a fluid tubing of a bypass-system a tube passing through the coiled tubing logging plug can be cut. The tube passes completely through the coiled tubing logging plug. The coiled tubing logging plug is fixedly seated on the seating element of the fluid tubing.

[0065] As a result of the cutting step a part of the cut tube falls downward due to gravity force. The remaining part of the cut tube can be removed in the next step. Afterwards, the tool can be moved along the insertion direction until a part of the retrieving element has passed the coiled tubing logging plug. The end portion of the coiled tubing plug is adapted to act on the collapsible portion such that it moves from the expanded state to the collapsed state when the tool is moved within the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug. In particular, in a first step the retrieving element can move from the retrieving position to the retracted position when the end of the coiled tubing logging plug comes into contact with the collapsible portion. After the retrieving element is arranged in the retracted position the end of the coiled tubing logging plug can apply a force on the collapsible portion so that the collapsible portion is transferred into the collapsed state. Afterwards, the retrieving element can pass through the through hole, in particular through the end of the coiled tubing plug when the tool is further moved through the through hole. After passing the end of the coiled tubing plug, the collapsible portion is transferred to the extracted state. This is possible as the collapsible portion is tensioned when it is moved from the expanded state to the collapsed state.

[0066] In a next step the tool can be moved along the removal direction so that the retrieving element, in particular the hook shaped end of the collapsible portion, gets into contact with the end of the coiled tubing logging plug. The retrieving element applies a force on the end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug in order to retrieve the coiled tubing logging plug. The force is applied such that a protrusion of the coiled tubing logging plug inserts into the recess of the retrieving element when the coiled tubing logging plug is retrieved. After the protrusion is inserted within the recess the coiled tubing logging plug can be moved along the removal direction. The electrical submersible pump can be activated so that it pumps the fluid through the bypass system towards the production tubing after the coiled tubing logging plug is retrieved and a blanking plug has been inserted into the fluid tubing.

[0067] For the case that the tool cannot retrieve the coiled tubing logging plug, the tool is moved such along the insertion direction that the sealing portion seals the coiled tubing logging plug. In particular, at least one sealing element of the sealing portion is in contact with coiled tubing logging plug so that the coiled tubing logging plug is sealed. Thus, the tool shows the advantage that it ensures to restore the well production even though the coiled tubing logging plug could not be retrieved by the tool.

[0068] According to an embodiment the tool running procedures can be done using coiled tubing bottom hole assembly with standard ball drop hydraulic release disconnect, hence once the tool lands inside the coiled tubing, and fishing process deemed unsuccessful then a ball will be dropped to activate a disconnect to separate the tool from the coiled tubing bottom hole assemble leaving the tool inside the coiled tubing plug to seal it allowing the well to flow via ESP. The tool is not be made to drill pipe or tubing as it can be designed to be coupled with different connections as with the coiled tubing bottom hole assembly has a sealing portion, in particular a first sealing portion, made of steel to seal the coiled tubing plug should the retrieving or fishing process deemed not possible. As well the upper part of the tool in particular, the fishing portion and the tapering end portion can be arranged at opposite ends of the tool. The fishing portion can be connected with a fishing tool when the tool retrieves the coiled tubing logging plug. The tool can be designed for specific oil producing wells with Y tool completion design (artificial lift completion) and meant to fish and retrieve the coiled tubing plug or if not possible then to seal the flow through coiled tubing plug and allow production through production tubing and ESP pump side.

[0069] In the figures, the subject-matter of the invention is schematically shown, wherein identical or similarly acting elements are usually provided with the same reference signs. Here shows:

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of the tool according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2

shows a cross section of the tool shown in fig. 1,

Fig. 3

shows a part of a well system in a state in which the coiled tubing logging plug is stuck,

Fig. 4

shows the well system according to fig. 3 after a tube is cut,

Fig. 5

shows the well system according to fig. 3 after the tool is inserted into the through hole of the coiled tubing logging plug,

Fig. 6

shows the well system according to fig. 3 when the tool retrieves the coiled tubing logging plug,

Fig. 7

shows the well system according to fig. 3 after the tool removed the coiled tubing logging plug from the fluid tubing,

Fig. 8

shows a well system with a bypass-system, the tool according to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and the coiled tubing logging plug.

[0070] The tool 1 shown in fig. 1 is used to retrieve a coiled tubing logging plug 2 from a downhole that is stuck in fluid tubing 21 of e.g. a bypass system. The tool 1 comprises a sealing portion 29 for downhole sealing a through hole 15 of a coiled tubing logging plug 2. The sealing portion 29 has a first sealing portion 29a and a second sealing portion 29b wherein the first sealing body portion 29a and the second sealing body portion 29b are arranged adjacent to each other along the axial direction of the tool 1. The first sealing portion 29a has a greater diameter than the second sealing portion 29b.

[0071] Additionally, the tool 1 comprises a retrieving portion 30 for retrieving the coiled tubing logging plug 2 from the downhole wherein the retrieving portion 30 is connected with the second sealing portion 29b. The sealing portion 29 and the retrieving portion 30 are configured and formed to be insertable into the through hole 15 of the coiled tubing logging plug 2.The coiled tubing logging plug 2 and the fluid tubing 21 are shown in fig. 3.

[0072] The sealing portion 29, in particular the first sealing portion 29a and the second sealing portion 29b, is part of a tool body 3. The retrieving portion 30 comprises other tool body 32 and a retrieving element 4. The retrieving element 4 is movable relative to the other tool body 32 along a length direction L of the tool 1 and can be coupled to the coiled tubing logging plug 2 in order to retrieve the coiled tubing logging plug 2. The length direction L corresponds with the axial direction of the tool 1.

[0073] The retrieving element 4 surrounds the other tool body 32 in circumferential direction of the other tool body 32. In length direction L of the tool 1 the other tool body 32 is longer than the retrieving element 4. The retrieving element 4 is formed as a one part component and comprises an element body 5 and a collapsible portion 6. The collapsible portion 6 comprises a plurality of fingers 7 that are arranged adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction of the retrieving element 4. One end of the fingers 7 is connected with the element body 5, respectively. The other end of the finger 7 has a hook-shape 8. The collapsible portion 6 can be moved relative to the element body 5. in particular, the collapsible portion 6 moves in radial direction R of the tool 1 relative to the element body 5.

[0074] The retrieving element 4 comprise a recess 9 that is arranged in the element body 5. The recess 9 is used to receive a protrusion 10 of the coiled tubing logging plug 2. The protrusion 10 is shown in fig. 6.

[0075] The tool 1 comprises a tapering end portion 17 arranged at one end of the tool 1. The tapering end portion 17 decreases in a direction away from the retrieving element 4. The tool 1 comprises a fishing portion 18 that is arranged at another end of the tool 1. In particular, the fishing portion 18 and the tapering end portion 17 are arranged at opposite ends of the tool 1. The fishing portion 18 is connected with a non-shown fishing tool when the tool 1 retrieves the coiled tubing logging plug 2.

[0076] The tool 1 comprises a spacer portion 19 that is arranged between the fishing portion 18 and the retrieving element 4. The spacer portion 19 has a greater diameter than the remaining part of the tool 1. As can be seen in fig. 5 the spacer portion 19 remains outside the through-hole 15 when the tool 1 is inserted into the through-hole 15 of the coiled tubing logging plug 2.

[0077] The tool 1 comprises a plurality of sealing elements 31. The sealing elements 31 are formed as O-rings and are arranged in grooves of the sealing portion. Additionally, the sealing elements 31 are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction L of the tool 1. The sealing elements 31 are arranged on the first sealing portion 29a. The sealing between the second sealing portion 29b and the corresponding part of the coiled tubing logging is realized by a metal to metal connection.

[0078] Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the tool shown in fig. 1. The tool body 3 and the other tool body portion 32 are connected with each in a removable manner. The tool body 3 comprises the spacer portion 19, the sealing portion 29 and the fishing portion 18. The other tool body 32 comprises the tapering end portion 17.

[0079] The retrieving element 4 has the form of a sleeve. The element body 5 is partly arranged on the tool body 3 and partly on the other tool body 32. A shifting member 11 that can be a spring is arranged between the other tool body 32 and the element body 5. In particular, the shifting member 11 is arranged between the retrieving element 4 and the tool body 3 in radial direction R of the tool 1. The shifting member 11 is in contact with the tool body 3 and the retrieving element 4, in particular the element body 5.

[0080] The collapsible portion 6 and the other tool body 32 are designed such that a plane E exist comprising the collapsible portion 6 and the other tool body 32 wherein the collapsible portion 6 has a greater inner diameter than an outer diameter of other tool body 32. Thus, a space exists between the collapsible portion 6 and the other tool body 32 in radial direction R of the tool 1.

[0081] Fig. 2 shows a state of the tool 1 in which the retrieving element 4 is arranged in an expanded position. In the expanded position the collapsible portion 6 cannot be transferred in an collapsed state. This is prevented by an abuting part 20 of other tool body 32 as is explained below more in detail. In the expanded position of the retrieving element 4 the element body 5 abuts against the other tool body 32.

[0082] In the following, the method for retrieving the coiled tubing logging plug 2 by means of the tool 1 is described. The method is described under usage of fig. 3 to 7.

[0083] Fig. 3 shows a part of a well system 14 in a state in which the coiled tubing logging plug 2 is stuck. This means that the connection between the coiled tubing logging plug 2 and the fluid tubing 21 cannot be released so that the coiled tubing logging plug 2 cannot be moved in a removal direction O. The removal direction O is opposite to an insertion direction I of the tool 1.

[0084] The coiled tubing logging plug 2 seats on a seating element 22 of the fluid tubing 21. A tube 16 extends through the complete coiled tubing logging plug 2, in particular through the through-hole 15 of the coiled tubing logging plug 2. Fig. 3 shows only a part of the tube 16.

[0085] After, it has been determined that the coiled tubing logging plug 2 is stuck, the tube 16 is cut. The tube 16 can be cut at a portion that is arranged above the coiled tubing logging plug 2. Fig. 3 shows the cutting position 23 at which the tube 16 is cut.

[0086] One part of the cut tube 16 falls downwards due to gravitationally force. This part is shown in Fig. 4 whereas the other cut tube part has been removed by moving it along the removal direction O. The removal direction O is opposite to the insertion direction I.

[0087] By moving the retrieving element 4 along the insertion direction I the retrieving element 4, in particular the hook shaped end 8 of the finger 7 gets into contact with an end of the coiled tubing logging plug 24. As the hook shaped end 8 of the finger 7 has a greater diameter than the inner diameter of the end of the coiled tubing plug 24. Thus, the retrieving element 4 is moved in the removal direction O that is opposite to the insertion direction I of the retrieving element 4 by means of the end of the coiled tubing logging plug 24. This is not shown in fig. 5.

[0088] After the retrieving element 4 is moved to the retracted position a further movement of the tool 1 leads to that the collapsible portion 6 is transferred into the collapsed state by means of the end of the coiled tubing logging plug 24. Afterwards the collapsible portion 6 being in the collapsed state and, thus, the retrieving element 4 can be moved through the end of the coiled tubing logging plug 24.

[0089] The shifting member 11 shifts the retrieving element 4 to the retrieving position after the collapsible portion 6 is transferred to the collapsed state. After the collapsible portion 6 has moved out of the end of the coiled tubing logging plug 24 the collapsible portion 6 moves back into the expanded state. The tool 1 is moved to such a position in which the hook shaped end 8 of the finger 7 is not in contact with the end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug 24. This state is shown in fig. 5.

[0090] The tool 1 is moved relative to the coiled tubing logging plug 2 until the spacer portion 19 abuts against the coiled tubing logging plug 2. Said state is shown in fig. 5. In said state the retrieving portion 30 and the sealing portion 29 are arranged within the through hole 15 of the coiled tubing logging plug 2. Due to the sealing portion 29, in particular the sealing elements 31, it is secured that no fluid can flow through the through hole 15 of the coiled tubing logging plug 2. Fig. 5 shows the well system according to fig. 3 after the tool 1 is inserted into the through hole 15 of the coiled tubing logging plug 2.

[0091] Afterwards, the tool 1 is moved in a removal direction O that is opposite to the insertion direction I. The retrieving element 4, in particular the hooked shaped end 8 of the finger 7 comes into contact with the end of the coiled tubing logging plug 24. At said state the spacer portion 19 is not in contact with the coiled tubing logging plug 2. Said state is shown in Fig. 6. The collapsible portion 6 cannot be transferred into the collapsed state as the collapsible portion 6, in particular the hook shaped end 8 of the finger 7, abuts against the abuting part 20 of the other tool body 32. That means, the abuting part 20 prevents that the collapsible portion 6 moves to the collapsed state. In said state at least a part of the sealing portion is still arranged within the through hole. Thus it is secured that the no fluid can flow during the removal of the coiled tubing logging plug 2.

[0092] By further moving the tool 1 in removal direction O the retrieving element 4 applies a force against the end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug 24. This force causes that protrusion 10 of the coiled tubing logging plug 2 is moved radial inwards in the through hole 15. The protrusion 10 is mechanically connected with the end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug 24. In particular the protrusion 10 is moved into in the recess 9 of the retrieving element 4. This movement is necessary as otherwise the coiled tubing logging plug 2 cannot be removed from the fluid tubing as the protrusion 10 would otherwise abut against a wall of the fluid tubing 21.

[0093] Fig. 7 shows the well system 14 according to fig. 3 after the tool 1 retrieves the coiled tubing logging plug 2 from the fluid tubing 21. The tool 1 can be moved into a production tubing 28 of the well system 14 shown in fig. 8.

[0094] Fig. 8 shows a well systems 14 with a bypass-system 25, the tool 1 and the coiled tubing logging plug 2. The tool 1 is arranged inside the coiled tubing logging plug 2. In particular, fig. 8 shows the tool 1 in a state of sealing the coiled tubing logging plug 2 in case the plug was not retrieved as e.g. the spacer portion 19 is locked against the upper sub of the coiled tubing logging plug 2 allowing the sealing elements 31 to seal the fluid tubing 21 and well production to be restored.

[0095] The bypass-system 25 comprises a Y-tool. The Y-tool comprises the fluid tubing 21 discussed above. Additionally, the bypass-system 25 comprises a further fluid tubing 26 that is arranged parallel to the fluid tubing 21. A pump 27 is arranged in the further fluid tubing 26 wherein the pump 27 can be an electrical submersible pump. The bypass-system 25 is fluidically connected with a production tubing 28. The production tubing 28 is arranged above the bypass system 25. Additionally, the production tubing 28 is fluidically connected to the bypass system 25, in particular to the fluid tubing 21 and the further fluid tubing 26.

[0096] The tool 1 has an outer contour, in particular such a diameter, that there is always a fluid connection between the production tubing 28 and the further fluid tubing 26. However, the tool 1 also seals the fluid tubing 21 by sealing the coiled tubing logging plug 2 so that there is no fluidic connection between the fluid tubing 21 and the production tubing 28 via the coiled tubing logging plug 2. As is evident from fig. 8, the spacer portion 19 is arranged on one end of the coiled tubing logging plug 2 and thus is not arranged within the through hole 5.

Reference signs

[0097] 

1

Tool

2

coiled tubing logging plug

3

tool body

4

retrieving element

5

element body

6

collapsible portion

7

finger

8

hook shaped end of finger

9

recess

10

protrusion

11

shifting member

14

well system

15

through hole

16

tube

18

fishing portion

19

spacer portion

20

abuting portion

21

fluid tubing

22

seating element

23

cutting position

24

end of the coiled tubing logging plug

25

bypass-system

26

further fluid tubing

27

pump

28

production tubing

29

sealing portion

29a

first sealing portion

29b

second sealing portion

30

retrieving portion

31

sealing element

32

other tool body

E

plane

I

insertion direction

L

Length direction

O

removal direction

R

radial direction

Claims

1. Tool (1) comprising a sealing portion (29) for downhole sealing a through hole (15) of a coiled tubing logging plug (2) and a retrieving portion (30) for retrieving the coiled tubing logging plug (2) from the downhole wherein the retrieving portion (30) is connected with the sealing portion (29) and wherein the sealing portion (29) and the retrieving portion (30) are configured and formed to be insertable into the through hole (15) of the coiled tubing logging plug (2).

2. Tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that

a. the sealing portion (29) is formed to prevent a fluid flow through the through hole (15) of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) and/or in that

b. the sealing portion (29) is made from bulk or solid material and/or

c. the sealing portion (29) is made from bulk or solid material such that no fluid can flow through the sealing portion (29).

3. Tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

a. the tool body (3) comprises a fishing portion (18) for fishing the tool (1) arranged at an end of the tool body (3) and/or in that

b. the tool body (3) comprises a spacer portion (19) that has a greater outer contour than the remaining part of the tool body (3) and/or in that

c. the tool body (3) comprises a spacer portion (19) that is arranged between the at least one sealing element (31) and the fishing portion (18).

4. Tool (1) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retrieving portion (30) comprises other tool body (32) and a retrieving element (4) that is movable relative to the other tool body (32).

5. Tool (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that

a. the retrieving element (4) comprises an element body (5) and a collapsible portion (6) that is movable relative to the element body (5) and/or in that

b. the collapsible portion (6) comprises at least one finger (7) or a plurality of fingers (7) that are arranged adjacent to each other in circumferential direction of the collapsible portion (6) and/or in that

c. the collapsible portion (6) has a hook-shaped end and/or in that

d. the collapsible portion (6) is designed such that a plane (E) exists comprising the collapsible portion (6) and the other tool body (32) and in which the collapsible portion (6) has an inner cross section that is greater than an outer cross section of the other tool body (32) and/or in that

e. the collapsible portion (6) is movable from a collapsed state, in which the tool (1) can be moved through the coiled tubing logging plug (2), to an expanded state, in which the coiled tubing logging plug (2) can be retrieved by the tool (1).

6. Tool (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that

a. the retrieving element (4) comprises a recess (9) for receiving a protrusion (10) of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) when the coiled tubing logging plug (2) is retrieved or

b. the retrieving element (4) comprises a recess (9) for receiving a protrusion (10) of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) when the coiled tubing logging plug (2) is retrieved wherein the recess (9) is arranged in the element body (5) of the retrieving element (4).

7. Tool (1) according to at least one of the claims 4 to 6, characterized in that

a. the retrieving element (4) is movable into a retracted position when the tool (1) is inserted into the coiled tubing logging plug (2) and/or in that

b. the retrieving element (4) is arranged in a retrieving position when the tool (1) retrieves the coiled tubing logging plug (2).

8. Tool (1) according to at least one of the claims 4 to 7, characterized in that

a. the collapsible portion (6) is arranged in the collapsed state when the retrieving element (4) is in the retracted position and/or in that

b. the retrieving element (4) seats on the other tool body (32) when the retrieving element (4) is in the retrieving position and/or in that

c. the collapsible portion (6) is only transferable into the collapsed state when the retrieving element (4) is in the retracted position or is moved to the retracted position.

9. Tool (1) according to at least one of the claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the tool (1) comprises a shifting member (11) wherein

a. the shifting member (11) is used for shifting the retrieving element (4) from the retracted position to the retrieving position or vice versa and/or in wherein

b. the shifting member (11) is tensioned when the retrieving element (4) is moved from the retrieving position to the retracted position and/or wherein

c. the shifting member (11) acts a force on the retrieving element (4) to move it from the retracted position to the retrieving position and/or wherein

d. the shifting member (11) is a spring and/or wherein

e. a shifting member (11) abuts at one end on the tool body (3) and on another end on the retrieving element(4).

10. Tool (1) according to according to at least one of the claims 4 to 9, characterized in that

a. the tool body (3) and the other tool body (32) are connected to each other in a detachable matter and/or in that

b. the retrieving element (4) is arranged partially on the tool body (3) and the other tool body (32) and/or in that

c. the element body (5) abuts at the other tool body (32) when the retrieving element (4) is in the retrieving position and/or the element body (5) does not abut against the other tool body (32) when the retrieving element (4) is in the retracted position.

11. Well system (14) comprising a coiled tubing logging plug (2) and a tool (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 10.

12. Well system (14) according to claim 11, characterized in that

a. an end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) is in contact with the retrieving element (4) when the coiled tubing logging plug (2) is retrieved and/or in that

b. the retrieving element (4) acts on an end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) such that a protrusion (10) of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) inserts into the recess of the retrieving element (4) when the coiled tubing logging plug (2) is retrieved.

13. Method for retrieving a coiled tubing logging plug (2) from a downhole comprising the step of inserting a tool (1) according to one of the clams 1 to 10 into a through hole (15) of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) along an insertion direction (I) to a position in which a retrieving portion (30) of the tool (1) is coupleable with an end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug (24) and afterwards move the tool (1) in an opposite direction to retrieve the coiled tubing logging plug (2).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that

a. the tool (1) is moved along the insertion direction (I) until a part of the retrieving element (4) has passed the end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) and/or in that

b. a tube (16) passing through the coiled tubing logging plug (2) is cut before the tool (1) is inserted.

15. Use of tool according to at least one of claims 1 to 10 for sealing a through hole (15) of a coiled tubing logging plug (2) and for retrieving the coiled tubing logging plug (2).

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. Tool (1) comprising a sealing portion (29) for downhole sealing a through hole (15) of a coiled tubing logging plug (2) and a retrieving portion (30) for retrieving the coiled tubing logging plug (2) from the downhole wherein the retrieving portion (30) is connected with the sealing portion (29) and wherein the sealing portion (29) and the retrieving portion (30) are configured and formed to be insertable into the through hole (15) of the coiled tubing logging plug (2), wherein the retrieving portion (30) comprises another tool body (32) and a retrieving element (4) that is movable relative to the other tool body (32), wherein the retrieving element (4) comprises an element body (5) and a collapsible portion (6) that is movable relative to the element body (5) and is arranged in a retrieving position when the tool (1) retrieves the coiled tubing logging plug (2) wherein the retrieving element (4) seats on the other tool body (32) when the retrieving element (4) is in the retrieving position.

2. Tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing portion (29) is made from bulk or solid material such that no fluid can flow through the sealing portion (29).

3. Tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tool body (3) comprises a spacer portion (19) that has a greater outer contour than the remaining part of the tool body (3).

4. Tool (1) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the collapsible portion (6) comprises at least one finger (7) or a plurality of fingers (7) that are arranged adjacent to each other in circumferential direction of the collapsible portion (6).

5. Tool (1) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the retrieving element (4) comprises a recess (9) for receiving a protrusion (10) of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) when the coiled tubing logging plug (2) is retrieved.

6. Tool (1) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the retrieving element (4) is movable into a retracted position when the tool (1) is inserted into the coiled tubing logging plug (2).

7. Tool (1) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the collapsible portion (6) is only transferable into the collapsed state when the retrieving element (4) is in the retracted position or is moved to the retracted position.

8. Tool (1) according to at least one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tool (1) comprises a shifting member (11) wherein the shifting member (11) is used for shifting the retrieving element (4) from the retracted position to the retrieving position or vice versa.

9. Tool (1) according to according to at least one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that

a. the tool body (3) and the other tool body (32) are connected to each other in a detachable matter and/or in that

b. the retrieving element (4) is arranged partially on the tool body (3) and the other tool body (32) and/or in that

10. Tool (1) according to according to at least one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the element body (5) abuts at the other tool body (32) when the retrieving element (4) is in the retrieving position and/or the element body (5) does not abut against the other tool body (32) when the retrieving element (4) is in the retracted position.

11. Well system (14) comprising a coiled tubing logging plug (2) and a tool (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 10.

12. Well system (14) according to claim 11, characterized in that the retrieving element (4) acts on an end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) such that a protrusion (10) of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) inserts into the recess of the retrieving element (4) when the coiled tubing logging plug (2) is retrieved.

13. Method for retrieving a coiled tubing logging plug (2) from a downhole comprising the step of inserting a tool (1) according to one of the clams 1 to 10 into a through hole (15) of the coiled tubing logging plug (2) along an insertion direction (I) to a position in which a retrieving portion (30) of the tool (1) is coupleable with an end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug (24) and afterwards move the tool (1) in an opposite direction to retrieve the coiled tubing logging plug (2).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the tool (1) is moved along the insertion direction (I) until a part of the retrieving element (4) has passed the end portion of the coiled tubing logging plug (2).

15. Use of tool according to at least one of claims 1 to 10 for sealing a through hole (15) of a coiled tubing logging plug (2) and for retrieving the coiled tubing logging plug (2).

Drawing