Patent Description:
To gravel pack a completion, a screen is lowered on a workstring into the wellbore and is placed adjacent the subterranean formation. Particulate material, collectively referred to as "gravel," and a carrier fluid, is pumped as slurry down the workstring. Eventually, the slurry exits through a "cross-over" into the wellbore annulus formed between the screen and the wellbore.

The carrier fluid in the slurry normally flows into the formation and/or through the screen. However, the screen is sized so that gravel is prevented from flowing through the screen. This results in the gravel being deposited or "screened out" in the annulus between the screen and the wellbore to form a gravel-pack around the screen. Moreover, the gravel is sized so that it forms a permeable mass that allows produced fluids to flow through the mass and into the screen but blocks the flow of particulates into the screen.

Due to poor distribution of the gravel, it is often difficult to completely pack the entire length of the wellbore annulus around the screen. This can result in an interval within the annulus that is not completely gravel packed. The poor distribution of gravel is often caused by the carrier liquid in the slurry being lost to more permeable portions of the formation. Due to the loss of the carrier liquid however, the gravel in the slurry forms "sand bridges" in the annulus before all of the gravel has been placed around the screen.

Such bridges block further flow of the slurry through the annulus, thereby preventing the placement of sufficient gravel below the bridge in top-to-bottom packing operations or above the bridge in bottom-to-top packing operations. Alternate flow conduits, called shunt tubes, can alleviate this bridging problem by providing a flow path for the slurry around such sand bridges. The shunt tubes are typically run along the length of the screen and are attached to the screen by welds. <CIT> proposes spring clips for a tubular connection.

There is a need for a jumper tube connection assembly to provide connectivity between the shunt tubes of each screen joint.

In one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a connection assembly according to the features specified in the wording of claim <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a shunt tube connection assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the shunt tube connection assembly <NUM>. The connection assembly <NUM> includes a first pin <NUM> attached to a first shunt tube <NUM> on a tubular string, such as a screen, a jumper tube <NUM>, a second pin <NUM> attached to the jumper tube <NUM>, and a movable sleeve <NUM> disposed around the second pin <NUM> and engageable with the first pin <NUM>. Another connection assembly is provided at the other end of the jumper tube <NUM> for connection to a second shunt tube on the tubular string. The connection assembly <NUM> may be used to couple the first shunt tube to the second shunt tube and form a sealed passage from the first shunt tube to the second shunt tube. In one embodiment, the pins <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to the shunt tube <NUM> and the jumper tube <NUM>, respectively, by welding.

<FIG> are different perspective views of the first pin <NUM> according to one embodiment. <FIG> are different cross-sectional views of the first pin <NUM> of <FIG>. The first pin <NUM> includes a pin bore <NUM> for fluid communication therethrough. The back portion <NUM> of the first pin <NUM> includes an enlarged bore <NUM> for receiving the shunt tube <NUM>. In this example, the pin bore <NUM> and the enlarged bore <NUM> are rectangular shaped. The outer perimeter of the back portion <NUM> is larger than the outer perimeter of the front portion <NUM> such that a shoulder <NUM> is formed. The outer perimeter of the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> may be oval shaped. A first recess <NUM> is formed on the outer surface of the front portion <NUM> for receiving a sealing member <NUM> such as an elastomeric o-ring, non-elastomeric ring, a thermoplastic polymer ("PEEK") ring, and other suitable sealing members. A second recess <NUM> is formed on the outer surface of the front portion <NUM> for retaining a locking member <NUM> such as a snap ring, a garter spring, an o-ring, and other suitable locking members. In this embodiment, the first recess <NUM> for the sealing member <NUM> is disposed in front of the second recess <NUM> for the locking member <NUM>.

<FIG> are different perspective views of the second pin <NUM> according to one embodiment. <FIG> are different cross-sectional views of the second pin <NUM> of <FIG>. The second pin <NUM> includes a pin bore <NUM> for fluid communication therethrough. The back portion of the second pin <NUM> includes an enlarged bore <NUM> for receiving the jumper tube <NUM>. The pin bore <NUM> is substantially the same size as the bore of the jumper tube <NUM>. In this example, the pin bore <NUM> and the enlarged bore <NUM> are rectangular shaped. The outer perimeter of the second pin <NUM> may be oval shaped. A recess <NUM> is formed on the outer surface of the front portion for receiving a sealing member <NUM> such as an elastomeric o-ring, non-elastomeric ring, a thermoplastic polymer ("PEEK") ring, and other suitable sealing members. Optionally, a locking recess may be formed on the second pin <NUM>, in addition to or instead of the locking recess <NUM> on the first pin <NUM>, to receive a locking member.

<FIG> are different perspective views of the sleeve <NUM> according to one embodiment. <FIG> are different cross-sectional views of the sleeve <NUM> of <FIG>. The sleeve <NUM> includes a tube bore <NUM> for housing the second pin <NUM> and the front portion of the first pin <NUM>. In this example, the tube bore <NUM> has an oval shape that is similar to the oval shape of the first and second pins <NUM>, <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is axially movable along the second pin <NUM>. A recess <NUM> formed on the inner surface of the tube bore <NUM> is configured to receive the locking member on the first pin <NUM>.

In operation, the first pin <NUM> is attached, such as by welding, to one end of a shunt tube <NUM>. The second pin <NUM> is attached to one end of a jumper tube <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is disposed around at least a portion of the second pin <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is moved axially along the second pin <NUM> until the sleeve <NUM> slides over the front end of the first pin <NUM>. The first pin <NUM> is moved until the locking member <NUM> of the first pin <NUM> engages the locking recess <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. In one embodiment, the front end of the sleeve <NUM> abuts the shoulder of the first pin <NUM>. The sealing members <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second pins <NUM>, <NUM> sealingly contact the tube bore <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a shunt tube connection assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an enlarged partial view of the connection assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the connection assembly <NUM> prior to connection. The connection assembly <NUM> includes a connection ring <NUM>, an adjustment ring <NUM>, a connection tube <NUM>, a manifold <NUM>, and one or more jumper tubes <NUM>. The connection assembly <NUM> is shown disposed on a tubular string <NUM>, such as a screen. The connection ring <NUM> is configured to sealingly couple a first shunt tube on the screen to the connection assembly <NUM>. Another connection assembly is provided at the other end of the jumper tube <NUM> for connection to a second shunt tube on the tubular string <NUM>. For clarity, in <FIG>, only a manifold 240A is shown at the other end of the jumper tube <NUM>. The connection assembly <NUM> may be used to couple the first shunt tube to the second shunt tube and form a sealed passage from the first shunt tube to the second shunt tube. While not shown, the shunt tubes may be similar to the shunt tubes <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the connection ring <NUM> includes a main bore for accommodating the screen <NUM>. The connection ring <NUM> may have an eccentric shape relative to the screen <NUM>. In one embodiment, the main bore of the connection ring <NUM> is an eccentric bore for accommodating the screen <NUM>. One or more shunt bores <NUM> are formed through the connection ring <NUM> for receiving a shunt tube of the screen <NUM>. The shunt bores <NUM> are formed between the main bore and the outer perimeter of the connection ring <NUM>. The connection ring <NUM> fluidly and sealingly connects the shunt tube of the screen <NUM> at one end and the connection tube <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM> at the other end. In this example, two shunt bores <NUM> are provided in the connection ring <NUM> for connecting two shunt tubes. The shunt bores <NUM> may have a rectangular shape or any suitable shape that matches the shape of the shunt tube.

One end of the connection tube <NUM> is configured for insertion into the shunt bore <NUM> and sealingly engages the shunt bore <NUM>. In one embodiment, one or more recesses <NUM> are formed on the outer surface of the connection tube <NUM> for retaining a sealing member <NUM> such as an elastomeric o-ring, non-elastomeric ring, a thermoplastic polymer ("PEEK") ring, and other suitable sealing members. The other end of the connection tube <NUM> is attached to the adjustment ring <NUM>.

The adjustment ring <NUM> includes a bore for accommodating the screen <NUM>. The adjustment ring <NUM> may have an eccentric shape relative to the screen <NUM>. The adjustment ring <NUM> is axially movable along the screen <NUM>. One or more shunt bores <NUM> are formed through the adjustment ring <NUM>. In this example, two shunt bores <NUM> are provided in the adjustment ring <NUM>. The shunt bores <NUM> may have a rectangular shape. One end of the adjustment ring <NUM> includes an enlarged bore for receiving and forming a seal connection with the connection tube <NUM>. The other end of the adjustment ring <NUM> sealingly contacts the manifold <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM>. The end of the adjustment ring <NUM> facing the manifold <NUM> includes a groove <NUM> disposed around each shunt bore <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The groove <NUM> is configured to receive a sealing member such as an elastomeric o-ring, non-elastomeric ring, a thermoplastic polymer ("PEEK") ring, and other suitable sealing members.

The manifold <NUM> is configured to sealingly couple the jumper tube <NUM> to the adjustment ring <NUM>. In this example, the manifold <NUM> has an arcuate shaped base <NUM> and two tube receivers <NUM> extending from the base <NUM> for receiving the jumper tubes <NUM>. In one example, the jumper tubes <NUM> are disposed inside the tube receiver <NUM> and attached thereto, such as by welding. The shunt bores <NUM> of the manifold <NUM> are aligned with the shunt bores <NUM> of the adjustment ring <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> can be attached to the adjustment ring <NUM> using a suitable fastener, such as a bolt, a screw, or a cam lock. After attachment, the manifold <NUM> sealingly engages the sealing members of the adjustment ring <NUM> to form a sealed passage.

In operation, the connection ring <NUM> is pre-attached to the screen <NUM>. The connection ring <NUM> is disposed around the screen <NUM> and the shunt tubes, such as shunt tubes <NUM>, of the screen <NUM> are inserted into the shunt bores <NUM>. The shunt tubes are sealingly attached to the connection ring <NUM> such as by welding.

The adjustment ring <NUM> is slid over the screen <NUM> and the connection tubes <NUM> are inserted into the shunt bores <NUM> of the connection ring <NUM>. The sealing members <NUM> of the connection tube <NUM> form a seal with the shunt bore <NUM>. The adjustment ring <NUM> is movable relative to the screen <NUM>. The manifold <NUM>, attached to the end of the jumper tube <NUM>, are then aligned with the shunt bores <NUM> of the adjustment ring <NUM>. Fasteners such as a cam lock are used to attach the manifold <NUM> to the adjustment ring <NUM>. During attachment, the adjustment ring <NUM> may move along the screen <NUM> to adjust for differences in the distance between the shunt tubes on the screen <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> engages the sealing member in the groove <NUM> to form a sealed passage.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a cam lock <NUM> for attaching the manifold <NUM> to the adjustment ring <NUM>. In this example, the cam lock <NUM> includes a dowel <NUM> and a cam receiver <NUM>. The dowel <NUM> may be inserted through the manifold <NUM> and the adjustment ring <NUM>. The cam receiver <NUM>, located in an opening in the adjustment ring <NUM>, is rotated to lock the dowel <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a shunt tube connection assembly <NUM>. <FIG> are different, partial cross-sectional views of the connection assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is perspective view of one end of the connection assembly <NUM>. The connection assembly <NUM> includes a first pin <NUM> attached to a first shunt tube <NUM> on a tubular string, such as a screen, a jumper tube <NUM>, a second pin <NUM> attached to the jumper tube <NUM>, and a movable sleeve <NUM> for engaging with the first pin <NUM>. Another connection assembly is provided at the other end of the jumper tube <NUM> for connection to a second shunt tube on the tubular string. The connection assembly <NUM> may be used to couple the first shunt tube to the second shunt tube and form a sealed passage from the first shunt tube to the second shunt tube. In one embodiment, the pins <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to the shunt tube <NUM> and the jumper tube <NUM>, respectively, by welding.

As shown in <FIG>, the first pin <NUM> includes a pin bore <NUM> for fluid communication therethrough. The back portion of the first pin <NUM> includes an enlarged bore for receiving the shunt tube <NUM>. In this example, the pin bore <NUM> and the enlarged bore are rectangular shaped. The outer perimeter of the back portion is larger than the outer perimeter of the front portion such that a shoulder <NUM> is formed. A first recess <NUM> is formed on the outer surface for receiving a sealing member <NUM> such as an elastomeric o-ring, non-elastomeric ring, a thermoplastic polymer ("PEEK") ring, and other suitable sealing members.

The second pin <NUM> includes a pin bore <NUM> for fluid communication therethrough. The back portion of the second pin <NUM> includes an enlarged bore <NUM> for receiving the jumper tube <NUM>. In this example, the pin bore <NUM> and the enlarged bore <NUM> are rectangular shaped. A recess <NUM> is formed on the outer surface for receiving a sealing member <NUM> such as an elastomeric o-ring, non-elastomeric ring, a thermoplastic polymer ("PEEK") ring, and other suitable sealing members.

The sleeve <NUM> includes a tube bore <NUM> for housing the second pin <NUM> and the front portion of the first pin <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is axially movable along the second pin <NUM> and toward the first pin <NUM>. The tube bore <NUM> can sealingly engage the sealing members <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second pins <NUM>, <NUM>. One or more fasteners, such as one or more set screws <NUM>, can be used to lock the sleeve <NUM> to the second pin <NUM> and/or the first pin <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a connection assembly for a tube includes a first pin attached to the tube, the first pin having a first sealing member; a second pin attached to a jumper tube, the second pin having a second sealing member; and a movable sleeve configured to sealingly engage the first sealing member and the second sealing member.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the connection assembly includes a locking member for locking the first pin to the movable sleeve.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the locking member engages a recess in the movable sleeve.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the locking member is disposed in a recess of the first pin.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the first sealing member is disposed in a first recess of the first pin.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the first recess is formed in a smaller outer perimeter portion of the first pin.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the movable sleeve engages the smaller outer perimeter portion of the first pin.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the connection assembly includes a locking member for locking the first pin to the sleeve.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the locking member is disposed in a second recess of the first pin.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the connection assembly includes a second locking member for locking the second pin to the sleeve.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the tube attaches to an enlarged bore of the first pin.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the jumper tube attaches to an enlarged bore of the movable sleeve.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, at least one of the tube and the jumper tube is welded to the first pin and the movable sleeve, respectively.

In some embodiments, a connection assembly for a tube includes a connection ring having a tube bore for receiving the tube; a connection tube attached to an adjustment ring having a tube bore, the connection tube sealingly engageable with the tube bore of the connection ring; a manifold attached to a jumper tube; and a sealing member disposed between the manifold and the adjustment ring.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the sealing member is disposed on an end of the adjustment ring.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the sealing member is disposed in a groove surrounding the tube bore of the adjustment ring.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the adjustment ring is movable relative to the connection ring.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the connection tube includes a sealing member for sealing engagement with the connection ring.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the first sealing member is disposed in a recess of the connection tube.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the connection ring has an eccentric shape.

In some embodiments, a connection system for connecting a first tube to a second tube includes a jumper tube disposed between a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly. The first connector assembly includes a connection ring having a tube bore for receiving the first tube; a connection tube attached to an adjustment ring having a tube bore, the connection tube sealingly engageable with the tube bore of the connection ring; a manifold attached to the jumper tube; and a sealing member disposed between the manifold and the adjustment ring. The second connector assembly includes a connection ring having a tube bore for receiving the second tube; a connection tube attached to an adjustment ring having a tube bore, the connection tube sealingly engageable with the tube bore of the connection ring; a manifold attached to the jumper tube; and a sealing member disposed between the manifold and the adjustment ring.

In one or more of the embodiments described herein, the connection ring includes a main bore for receiving a screen.

Claim 1:
A connection assembly (<NUM>) for a tube (<NUM>), comprising:
a first pin (<NUM>) attached to the tube, the first pin having a first sealing member (<NUM>);
a second pin (<NUM>) attached to a jumper tube (<NUM>), the second pin having a second sealing member (<NUM>);
a movable sleeve (<NUM>) having a tube bore configured to sealingly engage the first sealing member and the second sealing member and to receive at least a portion of the first pin, the movable sleeve disposed around at least a portion of the second pin and movable relative to the second pin from a first axial position to a second axial position to engage the first pin; and
a locking member (<NUM>) disposed in a first recess (<NUM>) of the first pin, the locking member configured to engage a recess (<NUM>) formed in an inner surface of the tube bore of the movable sleeve in the second axial position, to lock the first pin to the movable sleeve.