Transition tool and method

Abstract

A throttling valve formed by introducing an elongate tubular body into a tubular member through which fluid is flowing. The tubular body is provided with first and second ends, the first end being adapted for engaging a flow control device and the second end having a beveled end that enables fluid communication between the tubular member and the tubular body. The tubular body is provided with a tapered stem, the outside diameter of the stem proximate the first end of the tubular body being greater than the outside diameter of the stem proximate the second end, for seating against the opening in the end of the tubular member and effecting a seal between the outside surface of the stem and the margin of the opening in the tubular member. An elastomeric or other seal may be mounted on the outside surface of the stem for this same purpose.

1 . Apparatus for transitioning an open end of a tubular member to a flow control device while maintaining a flow of fluid out of the open end of the tubular member comprising an elongate tubular insertion body, a first end of said tubular insertion body being provided with a tapered stem, a first end adapted for engaging a flow control device, and a second end for inserting into the open end of the tubular member, the tapered stem being adapted for engaging the open end of the tubular member, and one or more perforations through the insertion body located in the portion of the tapered stem positioned in the tubular member when the tapered stem engages the tubular member. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  additionally comprising a seal located on the outside diameter of said tubular insertion body for contacting the tubular member. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said tubular insertion body is provided with one or more perforations near the second end thereof for promoting fluid flow through said tubular insertion body as said tubular insertion body is inserted into the tubular member. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  additionally comprising means for forcing the second end of said tubular body into the tubular member. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first end of said tubular insertion body forms a flange that is adapted for engaging the flow control device. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus  claim 1  additionally comprising a seal located on said tubular insertion body for contacting the tubular member. 
     
     
         7 . A method for regaining control of the flow of fluid from an underground hydrocarbon reservoir after a loss of flow control that causes damage to the wellhead comprising the steps of:
 lowering the one end of an elongate insertion tool comprising a tapered stem into the wellhead;   seating the tapered outside surface of the stem of the insertion tool on the margins of the opening into the wellhead in a position in which one or more perforations through the tapered stem are positioned down in the wellhead for maintaining the flow of fluid from the underground hydrocarbon reservoir through the insertion tool;   mounting a flow control device to the other end of the insertion tool; and   closing a valve in the flow control device.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  additionally comprising drilling a relief well into the underground hydrocarbon reservoir. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the valve in the flow control device is closed after the relief well is drilled into the underground hydrocarbon reservoir. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  additionally comprising equalizing the flow of fluid from the underground hydrocarbon reservoir around the stem of the insertion tool while lowering the stem into the wellhead. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the flow of fluid around the stem of the insertion tool is equalized by routing the flow of fluid from the outside of the stem to the inside of the stem through the one or more perforations located in the tapered portion of the stem. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7  additionally comprising minimizing turbulence in the flow of fluid from the underground hydrocarbon reservoir into the insertion tool. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus for transitioning an open end of a tubular member having fluid flowing therethrough to a flow control device, said apparatus comprising an elongate tubular insertion body comprising first and second ends and a tapered stem, the first end of said tubular insertion body being adapted for engaging a flow control device, the second end of said tubular insertion body having a beveled end adapted for inserting into the open end of the tubular member, the stem tapering to a smaller outside diameter at the beveled end, the taper of the stem being adapted for engaging the margin of the open end of the tubular member for routing the flow of fluid into said insertion body. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 14  additionally comprising a seal located on said tubular insertion body for contacting the tubular member. 
     
     
         15 . Apparatus for transitioning an open end of a tubular member having fluid flowing therethrough to a flow control device, said apparatus comprising an elongate tubular insertion body comprising first and second ends and a stem, the first end of said tubular insertion body being adapted for engaging a flow control device, the second end of said tubular insertion body being adapted for inserting into the open end of the tubular member and having one or more perforations therethrough for maintaining a flow of fluid through said tubular insertion body, the perforations in the stem being located in the portion of the stem adapted for inserting into the open end of the tubular member, the stem tapering to a smaller outside diameter at the second end of said insertion body, the taper of the stem being adapted for engaging the margin of the open end of the tubular member. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  additionally comprising a seal located on the stem for contacting the tubular member. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein said seal is comprised of a material that deforms when compressed. 
     
     
         18 . A method for regaining control of the flow of fluid from an underground hydrocarbon reservoir after a loss of control of fluid flow out of the underground hydrocarbon reservoir through the wellhead comprising the steps of:
 lowering the smaller diameter end of an insertion tool comprising a stem that tapers from a first, larger outside diameter to a second, smaller outside diameter into the open end of the wellhead;   seating the tapered stem of the insertion tool on the margins of the opening into the wellhead while maintaining the flow of fluid out of the wellhead and into the insertion tool;   mounting a flow control device to the insertion tool; and   while maintaining the seat between the tapered stem and the wellhead, closing a valve in the flow control device.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  additionally comprising equalizing the flow of fluid from the underground hydrocarbon reservoir into the insertion tool while lowering the stem into the wellhead. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  additionally comprising minimizing turbulence in the flow of fluid from the underground hydrocarbon reservoir into the insertion tool.