Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

Gordon K Scott

David L Reesing

Phillip Terry Thomas

Robert C Hammett

Ralph H Echols, Ii

Initially, a set of locking lugs lock an inner mandrel is locked in position with respect to an outer mandrel. Unlocking the travel joint is accomplished by applying a constant vertical or downward force on the tubing string. That vertical force is transmitted through the tubing string to the outer mandrel, which causes hydraulic pressure with a hydraulic chamber to increase. When the hydraulic pressure exceeds a pressure threshold, a pressure sensitive valve opens, and the hydraulic fluid gradually flows into a reserve hydraulic chamber, allowing the outer mandrel to move with respect to the inner mandrel. A viscosity independent flow restrictor limits the transfer of hydraulic fluid to a preset flow rate. After sufficient hydraulic fluid has been received into the reserve chamber, the outer mandrel aligns with the locking lugs, which then move from the locked position to the unlocked position. The travel joint then releases, allowing the outer mandrel to telescope inward and outward.

Hydraulically metered travel joint method

Apparatus and associated methods provide convenient and reliable deposition of a radially deflectable blocking member relative to a downhole tool. In a described embodiment of the apparatus, a lock-out tool has mechanisms which effect latching of the tool to an internal profile of a safety valve, displacement of an opening prong of the safety valve to open the safety valve, and deposition of an expandable ring to prevent closure of the safety valve. The ring is accurately positioned by the tool and is constructed in a manner which enables it to resist relatively large axial loads, but which also enable it to be significantly radially compressed.

Apparatus and methods for achieving lock-out of a downhole tool

An improved full bore nipple and associated lock mandrel provides enhanced sealing capability in tubing strings positioned in subterranean wells. In a described embodiment of the full bore nipple, a nipple body has a recessed seal surface and a latch profile formed on an internal bore of the body. In a described embodiment of the lock mandrel, an expander sleeve radially outwardly expands a circumferential seal to sealingly engage the recessed seal surface, locks a series of keys into the latch profile, and displaces another seal to sealingly engage an outer housing, when the expander sleeve is displaced axially downward relative to an inner mandrel of the lock mandrel.

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Dallas, TX, United States of America

Gordon K Scott