Cff Technologies Limited

Titan Torque Services Limited

Keith Scott Gaskin

Rae Andrew Younger

Stuart Thomas Rothnie

Bruce Thornton Jepp

Bruce Jepp

George Clark

Darren Chapman

A downhole actuator typically for a downhole tool such as a valve, and typically for incorporation in a string of tubulars in an oil or gas well has a central axis with radially movable counterweights on opposite sides of the axis, which move radially outward to change the activation state of the actuator. The counterweights are supported by link arms which control the movement of the counterweights in response to centrifugal force created by rotation of the body, for example, during rotary drilling operations of the string. Radial outward movement of the counterweights typically transmits axial forces between sleeves at the upper and lower ends of the counterweights, so when the counterweights move radially outward, the upper and lower sleeves approach one another, which typically triggers the actuator.

Downhole actuator

An apparatus () for connecting elongate components (), the apparatus () comprising a pair of tong units () for receiving and gripping respective elongate components () and connecting the elongate components () end-to-end, wherein at least one of the tong units () is adapted to rotate the gripped elongate component (); wherein each of the first and second tong units () defines a central opening () where the respective elongate component () is gripped, the central opening () having a substantially horizontal central axis () and a side access () opening for inserting the elongate component () into the central opening () radially relative to the central axis (); wherein the tong units () are spaced apart substantially horizontally so that the elongate components () to be connected are inserted and gripped in the tong units () in a substantially horizontal orientation. An arrangement for controlling gripping force exerted on the elongate components () by the tong units () is also provided.

Apparatus and method for connecting components

A downhole actuator or valve for inclusion in a downhole drill string used in a well includes an obstructing member, such as a piston, moveable between: a first position and a second position; and a retaining member, such as a ball, moveable between: a retaining position which retains the obstructing member in the first position; and, a release position which does not retain the obstructing member in the first position and/or allows or causes the obstructing member to move to the second position. The retaining member is moved in use between the retaining position and release position at least in part by centrifugal forces caused by rotation of the entire drill string within which the downhole actuator/valve is included. Thus, at least some control of the actuation of the downhole actuator/valve may be afforded by rotation thereof.

Actuator and method

Growing community of inventors

Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Keith Scott Gaskin