Devices and methods for translating tubular members within a well bore

Abstract

Devices and methods for translating tubulars within a wellbore and, as a result, effectively freeing a stuck tubular string within a wellbore. One or more vibrator devices are incorporated into a tubular string, such as a drill string. Each of the vibratory devices may be turned on or off independently, as needed, to help effectively free the tubular string from a stuck condition.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates generally to devices and methods for releasing a stuck portion of a tubular string from within a wellbore and thereby translating tubular members within a wellbore. In particular aspects, the invention relates to tubular string arrangements which incorporate vibratory devices within the string itself. In other aspects, the invention relates to the use of rotational vibration devices in association with tubular strings in wellbores to help prevent and respond to sticking conditions.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]The process of drilling through open hole at bottom of cased wellbore requires that the drill string pass through multiple layers, or zones, of formation. Depending upon the composition, some of these layers are problematic because they do not hold their drill diameter well. They are prone to caving in and sloughing off. The drill string tends to becomes stuck in these areas. T...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The invention provides devices and methods for translating casing within a wellbore and, as a result, effectively freeing a stuck tubular string within a wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, multiple vibrator devices are incorporated into a tubular string, such as a drill string. Each of the vibratory devices may be turned on or off independently, as needed, to help effectively free the tubular string from a stuck condition.

Problems solved by technology

Depending upon the composition, some of these layers are problematic because they do not hold their drill diameter well.

They are prone to caving in and sloughing off.

The drill string tends to becomes stuck in these areas.

This problem is complicated when portions of the wellbore are deviated or even horizontal as lower portions of the drill string will tend to contact the side of the wellbore and the weight of the drill string will create increased friction and drag to inhibit movement of the drill string along the wellbore, increasing the likelihood that the drill string will become stuck.

However, if the sticking zone is significantly distant (i.e., above) the location of effective jarring, the jar attempt may fail.

However, there are practical difficulties in placing an effective vibration device close to the stuck location.

The flowbore defined within a drill string is generally too small to run in an effective vibration device.

However, this system may not be sufficient in all situations to free a stuck string.

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