Deformable release device for use with downhole tools

Abstract

A deformable release device is disclosed to be used with downhole setting tools. The deformable release device may provide a releasable detachment to any customary setting tool, such as electric line, hydraulic, hydrostatic, and mechanical setting tools, used to set a downhole packer-type device. The deformable release device allows for the automatic release of downhole setting tools at the application a predetermined force, similar to a shear pin or shear stud. However, since the deformable release device deforms rather than shears or breaks, the releasing device minimizes the debris or remnants of the device left in the wellbore.

1 . A system for selectively releasing from a set downhole tool having an inner diameter, the system comprising: 
 a deformable device having an opening, the deformable device being connected with the downhole tool;    a stinger having an upper end and a lower end;    a plunger on the lower end of the stinger, wherein a portion of the plunger is larger than the opening in the deformable device;    wherein the deformable device selectively retains the portion of the plunger functionally associated the stinger and plunger with the set downhole tool; and    wherein the deformable device deforms under a predetermined load releasing the portion of the plunger.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the stinger is connected to a setting tool or a running tool.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the stinger is threadably connected to the setting tool or the running tool.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3  further comprising a spring position between the stinger and the setting tool or the running tool.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the opening in the deformable device is circular.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the deformable device is a circular plate.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the deformable device includes a bevel adjacent the opening.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the deformable device includes at least one slot extending from the opening in the deformable device.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the deformable device includes at least four slots extending from the opening in the deformable device.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a bumper, the bumper being connected to the plunger.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the bumper is nylon.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the deformable device is connected to a mandrel of the downhole tool.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the opening in the deformable device is non-circular.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the deformable device is a non-circular plate.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the deformable device is metal.  
   
   
       16 . A system for selectively releasing from a downhole tool, the system comprising: 
 a deformable device having an opening, the deformable device being connected to the downhole tool; and    a member having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to a second tool and the second end being retained by the deformable device, wherein the deformable device deforms under a predetermined load releasing the second end of the member.    
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16  the member including a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is larger than the opening in the deformable device.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the deformable device deforms to allow the protrusion to pass through the deformable device.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the protrusion has a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein the trailing edge is tapered.  
   
   
       20 . A method of setting a downhole tool, the method comprising: 
 connecting a deformable device to a mandrel of the downhole tool, the deformable device including an opening;    preventing a portion of a plunger from passing through the opening of the deformable device, the plunger being connected to a lower end a stinger;    applying a force on a setting tool, the setting tool being connected to an upper end of the stinger, wherein the deformable device prevents movement of the setting tool; and    increasing the force on the setting tool to a predetermined force, wherein the deformable device deforms; and    releasing the running tool from the downhole tool.    
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the downhole tool is a packer assembly.  
   
   
       22 . An apparatus of selectively releasing a setting tool from a downhole assembly, the apparatus comprising: 
 a stinger having an upper end and a lower end, the stinger positioned within a bore of the downhole assembly;    a plunger having an upper end and a lower end also positioned within the bore of the downhole assembly, the upper end of the plunger being connected to the lower end of the stinger;    means for connecting the upper end of the stinger to the setting tool;    means for preventing upward movement of the plunger with respect to the downhole assembly, wherein the means for preventing upward movement is connected to the downhole assembly; and    means for allowing upward movement of the plunger with respect to the downhole assembly upon the application of a predetermined force on the setting tool, wherein the means for preventing upward movement remains connected to the downhole assembly.    
   
   
       23 . The apparatus of  claim 22  further comprising means for preventing the accidental detachment of the stinger from the setting tool.  
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 22  further comprising means for preventing the accidental detachment of the plunger from the stinger.  
   
   
       25 . The apparatus of  claim 22  further comprising means for minimizing damage to downhole components, wherein the means for minimizing damage is connected to the lower end of the plunger.  
   
   
       26 . An apparatus for releasing a downhole tool having an inner diameter, comprising: 
 a stinger passing through the inner diameter of the downhole tool;    a plunger functionally associated with the stinger;    a deformable device on a lower end of the downhole tool, the deformable device having an inner diameter less than the inner diameter of the downhole tool;    the plunger having a protruding section with a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the deformable device, wherein the diameter of the protruding section is less than the inner diameter of the downhole tool; and    wherein when a predetermined upward force is applied on the stinger, the protruding section of the plunger deforms the deformable device to allow the stinger and plunger to pass upwardly through the diameter of the downhole tool.    
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 26  wherein the plunger is an integral part of the stinger.