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 having fluid flowing therethrough to a flow control device, said apparatus comprising
 an elongate tubular insertion body, a first end of said tubular insertion body being adapted for engaging a flow control device, a second end of said tubular insertion body having a beveled end for insertion into the fluid flowing through the tubular member,   a seal cup having a seal integral therewith for engaging the tubular member when said tubular insertion member is lowered into the tubular member, said seal cup being mounted on the outside diameter of the first end of said tubular insertion body and tapering from a first outside diameter to a smaller outside diameter toward the second end of said tubular insertion body, and   a lock movable relative to said seal cup for energizing the seal of said seal cup.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  is tapered from a first outside diameter to a second, smaller outside diameter toward the second end of said tubular insertion body. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  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 introduced 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 of  claim 1  wherein the second end said tubular body is beveled. 
     
     
         7 . A method for regaining control of the pressure of an underground hydrocarbon reservoir after a loss of pressure control that causes damage to the wellhead comprising the steps of:
 lowering the stem of an insertion tool into the wellhead;   moving a lock along the outside surface of the stem of the insertion tool to energize a seal located in a seal cup located on the outside surface of the insertion tool for contacting the margins of the opening into the wellhead while maintaining the flow of fluid from the underground hydrocarbon reservoir through the insertion tool;   mounting a flow control device to 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 perforations located in the portion of the stem that extends into the wellhead when the seal contacts the margins of the opening into the wellhead. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7  additionally comprising minimizing turbulence in the flow of fluid from the underground hydrocarbon reservoir into the insertion tool.