Patent ID: 12221839

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Brief Summary of the present disclosure above and in the Detailed Description of the disclosure described herein, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the disclosure described herein. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the disclosure described herein in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the disclosure described herein, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described herein, and in the disclosure described herein generally.

The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure described herein and illustrate the best mode of practicing the disclosure described herein. In addition, the disclosure described herein does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the disclosure described herein.

Phrases and terms similar to “software”, “application”, “app”, and “firmware” may include any non-transitory computer readable medium storing thereon a program, which when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform a method, function, or control operation.

Phrases and terms similar “network” may include one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modules. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer uses that connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media can also comprise a network or data links which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

FIGS.1A-2Billustrate various views for one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the SRT apparatus100of the present disclosure described herein. Here, SRT apparatus100can include a central housing, casing, or body that can be further connected to and suspended from an umbilical, communication line, or wireline130, wherein the SRT can receive and transmit instructions with respect to its remote operation via line130. SRT apparatus100can further include a plurality of extendable legs110, which can be attached to the central housing at one end, and further integrated with teethed or grooved curved foot pads120at the other end. Here, each pair of legs110may be supported by a fin, vane, or bracket between them for structural support. In particular, foot pads120can have generally curved outer surface with a plurality of teeth, fin, protrusions, spikes, or grooves for securement purposes. Here, extendable legs110can extend or retract to allow foot pads120to securely abut the interior wall surface of a conductor pipe, such as conductor pipe200.

Further,FIG.1Adepicts the extendable legs110in a fully retracted configuration, andFIG.1Bdepicts the extendable legs110in a fully expanded configuration. It is contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure described herein that SRT100apparatus may include any number of extendable legs110, depending on the application and deployment of the SRT apparatus. In addition, the size, length, and extendable range of the extendable legs110for SRT apparatus100can include length to cover the various tubular pipe inner diameter applications common in such operations. For example, the typical minimum size outside diameter of a conductor pipe (surface casing) common in well designs is about 20 in., and the typical maximum being about 36 in. outside diameter. Therefore, in one embodiment, for exemplary purposes, the extendable legs110could extend and retract at least about 16 in. in length to cover the range necessary to secure to the interior wall space of any size conductor pipe from a 20 in. outside diameter up to a 36 in. outside diameter and all sizes in between. Accordingly, the most common size for a conductor pipe having a 30 in. outside diameter would fall within the disclosed range.

Still referring toFIGS.1A-2B, SRT apparatus100is further shown with manipulator arm140. For example,FIG.2Aillustrates the arm140disposed within SRT apparatus100in a retracted and stowed configuration, andFIG.2Billustrates arm140in an extended and operational configuration. In addition, arm140further includes a stump block bracket300that is further secured to a lasso securement member320, wherein the lasso320can operate to open and close its opening to diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the old well stump in order to encircle and secure the old well stump. Here, lasso320can also be referred to herein as clamp320or gripper320. Further, the lasso320can be any type of a catch having a noose or a looped opening that can be constricted or reduced in size to secure an object. In particular, lasso320can be any type of a wire line, steel belt, rope, or clamp that can remain substantially horizontal while suspended, and wherein its opening is capable of being reduced in size, such as being wound in or wounded out. Lasso320may also be mechanically or electrically actuated and operated via mechanical geared spool, and a claw of the stump block holding it would have the ability to turn the gear of the spool.

FIGS.3-8illustrate one non-limiting exemplary embodiment for a method of operation of the SRT apparatus100of the present disclosure described herein, wherein the lasso320is secured to the outer surface of the old well stump400. Here, atFIG.3, the SRT apparatus100is shown subsea and secured to the inside of a conductor pipe200via its legs110extended and foot pads120abutting the interior wall of the conductor pipe, and connected at its uppermost region by an umbilical130. In particular, the curved foot pads120are in a secured position as they abut against the interior wall of the conductor pipe200by having the extendable legs110in the extended position. Further, the conductor pipe200has been prepared with a dovetail fin210of the SRT apparatus, passed vertically through a platform guide510which is supported by a platform500and having reached the old well stump400shown above the seafloor600.

Still referring toFIG.3, the conductor pipe200has been prepared and fitted with a dovetail fin210of the SRT apparatus on its outer exterior and passed vertically through a platform guide510which is supported by a platform500and having reached the old well stump400which is shown above the seafloor600. Here, platform guide510assists in positioning the conductor pipe near the general vicinity of (or centered with) the old well stump400. Next, as shown inFIG.4, the manipulator arm140can then be actuated, which further actuates the lasso320of stump block300in order to encircle and secure itself to the outer surface of old well stump casing400. Next, as shown inFIG.5, the manipulator arm140can then be actuated to articulate its arm in order to bend at a joint or elbow thereby moving and pivoting the conductor pipe200laterally, transversely, angularly, or sideways to clear and bypass the old well stump400. Next, as shown inFIG.6, the manipulator arm140can then actively pull the conductor pipe200in a downward angled direction to mate or engage the dovetail fin210with that of the dovetail cutout, groove, or channel310of the stump block300. Here, it is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that various cameras or proximity sensors may be deployed on the body of SRT100(or in the vicinity thereof) to allow an operator (or autonomous system) to accurately align the fin210with that of cutout310. Specifically, as shown inFIGS.9A-9B, dovetail cutout310can be comprised of a channel or groove female member having a triangular, trapezoidal, or spherical cross-section configuration that corresponds with a same or similar triangular, trapezoidal, or spherical configuration male member of fin210. Moreover, the opening of cutout310may also be slightly larger to allow for easier engagement with fin210, but still prevent fin210to be pulled or slid out of cutout310during the slot recovery operations disclosed herein.

Next, as shown inFIG.7, once the conductor pipe200with dovetail fin210is mated or secured to the dovetail cutout310of the stump block300, bypassing the old well stump400, then SRT apparatus100can then be retrieved. In particular,FIG.7shows arm140of the SRT apparatus100disengaged and decoupled from the stump block300. Next, its extendable legs110are retracted and the foot pads have detached or disengaged from the interior wall space of the conductor pipe200. Next, the SRT apparatus100body can then be pulled up and out of the conductor pipe200to the surface by the umbilical130. In particular,FIG.8shows the completed operation of the disclosure described herein of the conductor pipe200with dovetail fin210mated with the dovetail cutout of the stump block300, bypassing the old well stump400, and the SRT apparatus100is completely retrieved and no longer visible. Here, as shown inFIG.8, it is noted there will generally be an angle (inclination) to conductor pipe200at the completion of operations, because the new conductor cannot occupy the same space as the old well stump, among other reasons.

FIGS.9A-9Billustrate various views for the dovetail fin210engaged and secured to the stump block300of the present disclosure described herein, wherein the fin210is slid through opening cutout310of the stump block300. In addition, lasso320is shown encircling an securing the outer casing of stump well400, wherein well400is comprised of multiple tubular casings cemented together.

FIGS.10-15illustrate another non-limiting exemplary embodiment for a method of operation of the SRT apparatus100of the present disclosure described herein, wherein a clamp320or gripper320is secured to the inner and outer surface of the old well stump400. Here, atFIG.10, the SRT apparatus100is shown subsea and secured to the inside of a conductor pipe200via its legs110extended and foot pads120abutting the interior wall of the conductor pipe, and connected at its uppermost region by an umbilical130. In particular, the curved foot pads120are in a secured position as they abut against the interior wall of the conductor pipe200by having the extendable legs110in the extended position. Further, the conductor pipe200has been prepared with a dovetail fin210of the SRT apparatus, passed vertically through a platform guide510which is supported by a platform500and having reached the old well stump400shown below the seafloor600.

Still referring toFIG.10, the conductor pipe200has been prepared and fitted with a dovetail fin210of the SRT apparatus on its outer exterior and passed vertically through a platform guide510which is supported by a platform500and having reached the old well stump400which is shown below the seafloor600. Here, platform guide510assists in positioning the conductor pipe200near the general vicinity of (or centered with) the old well stump400. Next, as shown inFIG.11, the manipulator arm140(with stump block300connected thereto) can be moved and articulated such that clamp, grippers, or forceps330of SRT100grasp the outer and inner edge or lip of old well400, thereby securing clamp330to the old well stump400. Next, as shown inFIG.12, the manipulator arm140can then be actuated to articulate its arm in order to bend at a joint or elbow thereby moving and pivoting the conductor pipe200laterally, transversely, angularly, or sideways to clear and bypass the old well stump400. Next, as shown inFIG.13, the manipulator arm140can then actively pull the conductor pipe200in a downward angled direction to mate or engage the dovetail fin210with that of the dovetail cutout, groove, or channel310of the stump block300. Here, it is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that various cameras or proximity sensors may be deployed on the body of SRT100(or in the vicinity thereof) to allow an operator (or autonomous system) to accurately align the fin210with that of cutout310. Specifically, as shown inFIGS.16A-16B, dovetail cutout310can be comprised of a channel or groove female member having a triangular, trapezoidal, or spherical cross-section configuration that corresponds with a same or similar triangular, trapezoidal, or spherical configuration male member of fin210. Moreover, the opening of cutout310may also be slightly larger to allow for easier engagement with fin210, but still prevent fin210to be pulled or slid out of cutout310during the slot recovery operations disclosed herein.

Next, as shown inFIG.14, once the conductor pipe200with dovetail cutout210is mated or secured to the dovetail cutout of the stump block300, bypassing the old well stump400, then SRT apparatus100can then be retrieved. In particular,FIG.7shows arm140of the SRT apparatus100disengaged and decoupled from the stump block300. Next, its extendable legs110are retracted and the foot pads have detached or disengaged from the interior wall space of the conductor pipe200. Next, the SRT apparatus100body can then be pulled up and out of the conductor pipe200to the surface by the umbilical130. In particular,FIG.15shows the completed operation of the disclosure described herein of the conductor pipe200with dovetail fin210mated with the dovetail cutout of the stump block300, bypassing the old well stump400, and the SRT apparatus100is completely retrieved and no longer visible. Here, as shown inFIG.15, it is noted there will generally be an angle (inclination) to conductor pipe200at the completion of operations, because the new conductor cannot occupy the same space as the old well stump, among other reasons.

FIGS.16A-16Billustrate various views for the dovetail fin210engaged and secured to the stump block300of the present disclosure described herein, wherein the fin210is slid through opening cutout310of the stump block300. In addition, clamp, gripper, or forceps330is shown engaging and securing the inner and outer casings of stump well400, wherein well400is comprised of multiple tubular casings cemented together.

FIGS.17A-25Billustrate another embodiment of the SRT apparatus1000and related components of the disclosure described herein. Here, SRT apparatus1000can include a central housing, casing, or body that can be further connected to and suspended from an umbilical, communication line, or wireline1020(FIG.25A), wherein the SRT apparatus can receive and transmit instructions with respect to its remote operation via a wireline, cable, or cord1020. SRT apparatus1000can also include a ring component, centralizer, or stabilizer component1050having extended vanes that can allow the SRT apparatus1000to be aligned with the interior walls of conductor pipe200as the SRT apparatus is being lowered and raised within the conductor pipe. Further, depending on the size of the interior diameter of the conductor pipe200, stabilizer1050can have a total outer diameter (including the vanes) that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the conductor pipe, such as about 20 in. or 30 in. In addition, stabilizer1050can be secured (or threaded/screwed on) to a top region of a semi-conical mandrel component1030.

Still referring toFIGS.17A-25B, a plurality of slip components1060can be secured to the outer region of mandrel1030. Here, each slip component1060can include a dovetail-style elongated protrusion1062that is received within a corresponding dovetail-style groove or channel1032of mandrel1030. In addition, each slip component1060may also include its own dovetail-style channel on its opposing side for receiving gripping members1065(FIG.17B) which allow the ends of gripping members to engage and grip the interior walls of pipe200to prevent movement of the SRT apparatus1000inside pipe200. In addition, the slip components1060can further operate to release the gripping members1065from engaging the interior walls of pipe200. In addition, a cylindrical component1035(FIG.17B) can also be secured to the lower region of mandrel1030, wherein the cylindrical component1035allows a plate member1600to be secured to the main body or housing of SRT apparatus1000.

Still referring toFIGS.17A-25B, plate member1600can also be referred to herein as a plate, fin, slide, sliding member, vane, or the like. As shown inFIGS.21A-21C, plate1600can include vanes, fins, or brackets1604having openings1610that allow it to be secured via one or more fasteners to cylindrical member1035of SRT apparatus1000. In addition, plate1600can further include an elongated bracket1602having openings1612that allow another bracket or shearing mount1800to be secured and affixed thereto. Further, plate1600can include an elongated cut-out, groove, slot, or channel1620that allows an attachment member or sliding mount1700to slide along channel1620in any direction. In particular, the bottom surface of sliding mount1700can include a pair of angled protruding members1750that create an opening1752therein, wherein a portion or distal end region of a stump pipe or stump well400can be received therein, which will be later described within the disclosure described herein. However, it is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure described herein that protruding members1750can be at any angle such as at about 90-degrees relative to the bottom region of1700(or a horizontal plane) and be comprised of any length, depth, or width in order to securely couple to the upper top outer ring of a well stump or pipe.

Still referring toFIGS.17A-25B, the SRT apparatus can also include a shearing mount or bracket1800that is secured or affixed to elongated bracket1602of plate1600. Here, shearing bracket1800can include a first slot, groove, or channel1810and a second slot, groove, or channel1820. In operation, slot1810is adapted to receive therein the distal end tip portion of plate1600and slot1820is adapted to receive therein fasteners or bolts1720of sliding mount1700, such as shown inFIG.22G. Here, shearing mount1800is adapted to hold sliding mount1700until mount1700is engaged and coupled to well stump400. Once sliding mount1700is coupled to well stump400, then sliding mount1700can decouple, shear apart, or break-away from shearing bracket1800, such that the sliding mount1700can slide along channel1620of plate1600as the SRT apparatus is being lowered.

FIGS.23A-25Billustrate one non-limiting exemplary embodiment for a method of operation of the SRT apparatus. In one embodiment, SRT apparatus1000can be secured to the end of pipe200before pipe200is lowered into the ocean by an operator, such as via the slip components1060and gripping members1065deployed (e.g., gripping members1065moving laterally outwards) in order to engage the inner walls of pipe200, further such that the SRT apparatus is secured in place within pipe200and held via friction. Next, the pipe200and SRT apparatus1000are then lowered into the ocean, wherein pipe200is supported by platform500and platform guide510in order to reach an old well stump400positioned above the mudline on the bottom of the ocean floor (FIG.23A). In other embodiments, once the conductor pipe200as its desired depth, SRT apparatus1000can then be lowered down the conductor pipe via drill pipe or a cable to the bottom or shoe of the conductor pipe and further secured to the pipe200, such as via components1060and1065. Further, in other embodiments, the well stump400may also be below the mudline and an area around the well stump400can be cleared or dug out such that SRT apparatus can perform its operation. In addition, in other embodiments, SRT apparatus1000can also include any type (and number) of sensors or cameras1010(such as secured to plate1600) that allow an operator to remotely and wirelessly monitor and control the SRT apparatus' movements, such as by positioning sliding mount1700to engage the outer top ring of well stump400, wherein the sensors/cameras can send information and data wirelessly.

Still referring toFIGS.23A-25B, once the conductor pipe200and SRT apparatus1000have reached the desired depth, then sliding mount1700can then engage the outer top ring of well stump400and be secured thereto. Next, pipe200can be lowered further downwards which then causes sliding mount1700to decouple from shearing bracket1800and allow fasteners1720to slide along channel1620of plate1600at an upward sloped angle. Accordingly, at this stage, such as shown inFIG.24, pipe200begins tilting and moving laterally to its side as its being driven or lowered further downwards by the operator. Once the fasteners1720reach the upper end or upper limit1624of channel1620, then fasteners1720shear or break-apart due to the weight and force applied to the fasteners1720as it abuts against the upper end1624of channel1620. In particular, fasteners1720are desired and configured to shear or break upon reaching a certain pre-defined stress or strain points. Next, once fasteners1720have sheared, then the dovetail fin210secured to pipe200can at least partially engage sliding mount1700, such that fin210is at least partially slides (and is held) between the pair of upright plates1722of sliding mount1700.

Still referring toFIGS.23A-25B, once pipe200is coupled to well stump400via the sliding mount1700and fin210and angled away from the well stump, then the SRT apparatus can be retrieved. In particular, the SRT apparatus can release and decouple itself from the inner walls of pipe200by operating its slip components1060and gripping members1065in order to release it (e.g., pulling the gripping members laterally inward). Next, a drill pipe, cord, cable, or wireline can be lowered to couple to the top of the SRT apparatus100and then then SRT apparatus100retrieved from pipe200by an operator raising it within pipe200as pipe200is secured to well stump400, such as shown in FIGS.25A-25B. Once the pipe200is set in place next to the well stump400, any further oil and gas drilling operations may commence via pipe200.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the present disclosure described herein is one well adapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth, together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the invention.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, various modifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described herein, except insofar as such limitations are included in following claims. Further, it will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.