Combination well control/string release tool

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a well control/string release tool 70 a and methods using the tool. The well control/string release tool 70 a may be attached to a workstring 9 while performing well control procedures. The well control/string release tool may be used to release the workstring 9 attached thereto in a controlled manner in the event of critical emergency well control. A well control/string release tool includes a release sub 204 , a handling sub 202, and one or more load bearing elements 228 selectively coupled between the release sub 204 and the handling sub 202.

1 . A tool comprising:
 a release sub configured to connect with an upper end of a workstring;   a handling sub configured to connect with a tubular handling tool disposed above a wellbore; and   one or more load bearing elements selectively coupled between the release sub and the handling sub.   
     
     
         2 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the release sub comprises a tubular section having a groove on an outer surface, and the groove is configured to receive a portion of each of the one or more load bearing elements. 
     
     
         3 . The tool of  claim 2 , wherein the handling sub comprises:
 a landing sleeve; and   a release sleeve coupled to the landing sleeve, wherein the release sleeve is positioned to move the one or more load bearing elements out of the groove of the tubular section.   
     
     
         4 . The tool of  claim 3 , wherein the handling sub further comprises a lock to selectively secure the landing sleeve to the release sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . The tool of  claim 2 , wherein the release sub further comprises a torque transmission component. 
     
     
         6 . The tool of  claim 3 , wherein the handling sub further comprises a tubular connector adapted to interact with a tool. 
     
     
         7 . The tool of  claim 2 , wherein the tubular section includes one or more drain ports. 
     
     
         8 . The tool of  claim 3 , wherein the release sleeve comprises:
 an inner sleeve;   an outer sleeve; and   a releasable connection coupled to the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve.   
     
     
         9 . The tool of  claim 2 , further comprising a Kelly valve coupled to the tubular section. 
     
     
         10 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more load bearing elements comprise one or more load bearing dogs. 
     
     
         11 . The tool of  claim 2 , wherein the handling sub comprises:
 a landing sleeve; and   a release sleeve coupled to the landing sleeve, wherein the release sleeve is positioned to allow the one or more load bearing elements out of the groove of the tubular section.   
     
     
         12 . A method for operating a well, comprising:
 attaching a well control/string release tool to a workstring, wherein the well control/release tool comprises:
 a release sub; 
 a handling sub; and 
 one or more load bearing elements selectively coupled between the release sub and the handling sub; and 
   performing a well control procedure through the well control/string release tool.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein attaching the well control/string release tool comprises attaching an upper end of the workstring to the release sub; 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 monitoring well condition while performing the well control procedure.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 activating the well control/string release tool to release the workstring upon detecting an emergency condition.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein activating the well control/string release tool comprises:
 securing the handling sub by spider slips; and   moving the one or more load bearing elements out of the release sub.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein performing a well control procedure comprises:
 controlling a well pressure using a casing running tool.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein performing a well control procedure further comprises:
 connecting a drill pipe adaptor to the well control/string release tool; and   controlling the well pressure using a drilling tool.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein activating the well control/string release tool further comprises:
 releasing a releasable connection attached between a releasing sleeve and a handling sleeve of the handling sub; and   moving the release sleeve relative to the handling sleeve.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein moving the one or more load bearing elements out of the release sub comprises moving the release sleeve with a tubular handling tool disposed above a wellbore. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 removing the well control/string release tool upon detecting a normal operational condition.   
     
     
         22 . A drilling system, comprising:
 a rig; and   a well control/string release tool disposed on a floor of the rig, wherein the well control/string release tool comprises:
 a release sub; 
 a handling sub; and 
 one or more load bearing elements selectively coupled between the release sub and the handling sub. 
   
     
     
         23 . A method for operating a well, comprising:
 attaching a well control/string release tool to a workstring;   performing a well control procedure through the well control/string release tool; and   activating the well control/string release tool to release the workstring upon detecting an emergency condition.   
     
     
         24 . A method for operating a well, comprising:
 attaching a well control/string release tool to a workstring, wherein the well control/release tool comprises:
 a release sub attached to the workstring; 
 a handling sub; and 
 one or more load bearing elements selectively coupled between the release sub and the handling sub; and 
   activating the well control/string release tool to release the workstring upon detecting an emergency condition.