US010214999B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 10 ,214,999 B2

Noske et al. (45) Date of Patent: Feb . 26 , 2019
(54) REMOTELY OPERATED ISOLATION VALVE (58 ) CPC
Field .of.....Classification
..
Search
... ..... ..... E21B 23 /02; E21B 23 / 04
(71) Applicant: Weatherford Technology Holdings, See application file for complete search history .
LLC , Houston , TX (US ) (56 ) References Cited
(72 ) Inventors: Joe Noske , Houston , TX (US); Roddie U .S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
R . Smith , Katy , TX (US ); Paul L .
Smith , Katy , TX (US ); Thomas F . 2 , 171, 171 A 8/ 1939 Brauer
Bailey, Abilene, TX (US ); Christopher 4 ,378,839 A * 4 / 1983 Fisher, Jr. ............... E21B 23 /02
L . McDowell, New Caney , TX (US) 166 /217
(Continued )
(73 ) Assignee : WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY
HOLDINGS, LLC , Houston , TX (US) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(* ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this GB 2267522 A 12 /1993
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 WO 2008063072 Al 5 /2008
U . S .C . 154 (b ) by 585 days . WO 2009133108 Al 11 /2009
( 21) Appl. No.: 14 /885, 024 OTHER PUBLICATIONS
( 22 ) Filed : Oct. 16 , 2015 Canadian Office Action dated Mar. 24 , 2016 , for Canadian Patent
Application No . 2 ,811, 117 .
(65) Prior Publication Data (Continued )
US 2016 /0090818 A1 Mar. 31, 2016 Primary Examiner - Giovanna C . Wright
(74 ) Attorney , Agent, or Firm — Patterson + Sheridan ,
LLP
Related U .S . Application Data (57 ) ABSTRACT
(62 ) Division of application No. 13 /237 ,347, filed on Sep . A shifting tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular
20 , 2011, now Pat. No. 9 ,163 ,481. housing having a bore formed therethrough ; a tubular man
(Continued ) drel disposed in the housing and longitudinally movable
relative thereto ; and an engagement member moveable
(51) Int. CI. relative to the housing between an extended position , a
E21B 23 /02 ( 2006 .01 ) released position , and a retracted position , wherein : the
E21B 41/00 ( 2006 .01 ) engagement member is movable from the retracted position
(Continued ) to the extended position in response to movement of the
(52 ) CPC
U .S. CI.............. mandrel relative to the housing , and the engagement mem
E21B 41/ 00 (2013 .01); E21B 23 /02 ber is further movable from the extended position to the
( 2013.01); E21B 23 /04 (2013.01 ); E21B 23 / 06 released position in response to movement of the mandrel
( 2013.01); relative to the housing .
(Continued ) 21 Claims, 31 Drawing Sheets
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 US 10 ,Page
214 ,2999 B2

Related U . S . Application Data 2008/0110643 AL 5 /2008 Richard et al.

2008/ 0245531 A110 / 2008 Noske et al.
(60 ) Provisional application No. 61/492 ,012 , filed on Jun . 2009/0266544 Al 10 /2009 Redlinger et al.
2009 /0272539 AL 11/2009 Lloyd et al.
1, 2011, provisional application No.61/384 ,591, filed 2009 /0294124 AL 12/2009 Patel
on Sep . 20 , 2010 . 2011/0005772 A1 1 / 2011 Ceccarelli et al.
(51) Int. Cl. OTHER PUBLICATIONS
E21B 23 /04 ( 2006 .01)
E21B 34 /14 ( 2006 .01) Canadian Office Action dated Sep . 6 , 2017 for Application No.
E21B 43/ 10 ( 2006 .01) 2 , 943 , 132 .
E21B 23 /06 ( 2006 . 01) PCT Invitation to Pay Additional Fees and Partial International
E21B 21/00 ( 2006 .01) Search Report, International Application No. PCT/US2011 /052407 ,
(52 ) U .S . CI. dated Mar. 13 , 2013 .
CPC . ... ..... .. E21B 34 / 14 (2013 .01) ; E21B 43/ 103 PCT International Search Report and Written Opinion for Interna
tional Application No. PCT/US2011/052407 dated May 27 , 2013.
(2013 . 01 ); E21B 2021 /006 ( 2013 .01) Australian Examination Report for Patent Application No. 2011305573
dated Jun . 24 , 2014 .
(56 ) References Cited Singapore Search Report and Written Opinion for Singapore Patent
Application No. 201302002 -9 dated Dec . 23 , 2013 .
U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS Australian Office Action for Application No. 2011305573 dated
5 , 145, 005 A Nov . 12 , 2014
9 / 1992 Dollison European Office Action dated Jan . 12 , 2018 for Application No.
5 ,253, 712 A 10 / 1993 Swor EP17193142.1 .
5 ,390,739 A 2 / 1995 Tailby European Office Action dated Apr. 7 , 2014 for Application No.
5 , 494 , 105 A 2 / 1996 Morris EP11761794 .4 .
5 ,678 ,633 A 10 / 1997 Constantine, Jr.
5 ,797,454 A 8 / 1998 Hipp European Office Action dated Nov . 26 , 2015 for Application No.
6 , 152 ,232 A 11/ 2000 Webb et al. EP11761794 .4 .
6 , 199 ,635 B1 3 / 2001 Brunet et al . Canadian Office Action dated May 30 , 2014 for Application No.
6 ,209,663 B1 4 / 2001 Hosie 2 ,811 , 117 .
6 ,401,826
6 ,575, 249
B2
B2
6 /2002
6 /2003
Patel
Deaton
Canadian Office Action dated Dec . 15, 2014 for Application No.
2 ,811 , 117
6 ,644, 110 B1 11/ 2003 Curtis et al . Canadian Office Action dated Feb . 20 , 2018 for Application No.
7 ,303,020 B2 12/2007 Bishop et al . 2 , 943 ,132 .
7 ,306 ,031 B2 12 /2007 Wright et al. PCT Notification Concerning Transmittal of International Prelimi
7 ,451, 809 B2 11/ 2008 Noske et al. nary Report on Patentability for International Application No.
7 ,597, 151 B2 10 / 2009 Curtis et al . PCT/US2011 /052407 dated Jun. 13 , 2013 .
8 ,479 ,808 B2 7 / 2013 Gouthaman
9 , 163,481 B2 10 / 2015 Noske et al. EPO Examination Report dated Jun . 27, 2016 , for European Patent
2003/0150622 Al 8 / 2003 Patel et al. Application No. 11761794 .4 .
2005 /0230118 A1 10 / 2005 Noske et al.
2006 /0157240 A1 7 / 2006 Shaw et al. * cited by examiner
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U . S . Patent Feb . 26 , 2019 Sheet 25 of 31 US 10 ,214 ,999 B2

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 US 10 ,214 ,999 B2
REMOTELY OPERATED ISOLATION VALVE valve permits insertion of the drill/work string into the
wellbore that is incompatible with the snubber due to the
CROSS -REFERENCE TO RELATED shape, diameter and/or length of the string .
APPLICATIONS Actuation systems for the isolation valve are typically
5 hydraulic requiring one or two control lines that extend from
This application is a divisional application of U .S . patent the isolation valve to the surface . The control lines require
application Ser . No. 13 /237 ,347 , entitled “ Remotely Oper- crush protection and would be difficult to route through a
ated Isolation Valve” , filed Sep . 20 , 2011 , now U . S . Pat. No . subsea wellhead .
9 , 163 ,481, issued on Oct. 20 , 2015 , which claims the benefit
of U . S . Prov. Pat. App . No . 61/384 ,591 , entitled “ Remotely 10 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Operated Isolation Valve” , filed on Sep . 20 , 2010 , and of
U .S . Prov . Pat. App . No . 61/ 492 ,012 , entitled “ Remotely Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a
Operated Isolation Valve” , filed on Jun . 1, 2011, which are remotely operated isolation valve . In one embodiment, a
herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. shifting tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing
15 having a bore formed therethrough ; a tubular mandrel dis
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION posed in the housing and longitudinally movable relative
thereto ; and an engagement member moveable relative to
Field of the Invention the housing between an extended position , a released posi
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a tion , and a retracted position , wherein : the engagement
remotely operated isolation valve . 20 member is movable from the retracted position to the
Description of the Related Art extended position in response to movement of the mandrel
A hydrocarbon bearing formation (i.e ., crude oil and /or relative to the housing, and the engagement member is
natural gas ) is accessed by drilling a wellbore from a surface further movable from the extended position to the released
of the earth to the formation . After the wellbore is drilled to position in response to further movement of the mandrel
a certain depth , steel casing or liner is typically inserted into 25 relative to the housing .
the wellbore and an annulus between the casing / liner and the
earth is filled with cement. The casing / liner strengthens the BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
borehole , and the cement helps to isolate areas of the
wellbore during further drilling and hydrocarbon produc So that the manner in which the above recited features of
tion . 30 the present invention can be understood in detail , a more
Once the wellbore has reached the formation , the forma particular description of the invention , briefly summarized
tion is then usually drilled in an overbalanced condition above , may be had by reference to embodiments, some of
meaning that the annulus pressure exerted by the returns which are illustrated in the appended drawings . It is to be
(drilling fluid and cuttings ) is greater than a pore pressure of noted , however, that the appended drawings illustrate only
the formation . Disadvantages of operating in the overbal- 35 typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not
anced condition include expense of the drilling mud and to be considered limiting of its scope , for the invention may
damage to formations by entry of the mud into the forma admit to other equally effective embodiments.
tion . Therefore, underbalanced ormanaged pressure drilling FIGS. 1A - D are cross -sections of an isolation assembly in
may be employed to avoid or at least mitigate problems of the closed position , according to one embodiment of the
overbalanced drilling. In underbalanced and managed pres - 40 present invention .
sure drilling, a light drilling fluid , such as liquid or liquid - gas FIGS. 2A - D are cross -sections of the isolation assembly
mixture , is used instead of heavy drilling mud so as to in the open position .
prevent or at least reduce the drilling fluid from entering and FIGS. 3A - 3D illustrate operation of a power sub of the
damaging the formation . Since underbalanced and managed isolation assembly .
pressure drilling are more susceptible to kicks ( formation 45 FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross- sections of a shifting tool for
fluid entering the annulus ), underbalanced and managed actuating the isolation assembly between the positions ,
pressure wellbores are drilled using a rotating control device according to another embodiment of the present invention .
(RCD ) (also known as rotating diverter, rotating BOP, FIG . 4C is an isometric view of the shifting tool. FIG . 4D is
rotating drilling head , or PCWD ) . The RCD permits the drill an enlargement of a portion of FIG . 4C .
string to be rotated and lowered therethrough while retaining 50 FIGS. 5A -5F illustrate operation of the shifting tool.
a pressure seal around the drill string . FIGS. 6A -6C and 6E illustrate a power sub for operating
An isolation valve as part of the casing / linermay be used an isolation valve , according to another embodiment of the
to temporarily isolate a formation pressure below the isola - present invention . FIG . 6D illustrates operation of a clutch
tion valve such that a drill or work string may be quickly and of the power sub .
safely inserted into a portion of the wellbore above the 55 FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a shifting tool for actuating the
isolation valve that is temporarily relieved to atmospheric power sub . FIG . 7C is an enlargement of a portion of FIGS .
pressure . An example of an isolation valve having a flapper 7A and 7B .
is discussed and illustrated in U .S . Pat.No. 6 ,209,663 ,which FIGS. 8A -8D illustrate operation of the shifting tool and
is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety . An the power sub .
example of an isolation valve having a ball is discussed and 60 FIGS. 9A - 9D illustrate a power sub for operating an
illustrated in U .S . Pat. No . 7 , 204, 315 , which is incorporated isolation valve , according to another embodiment of the
by reference herein in its entirety. The isolation valve allows present invention . FIG . 9E illustrates a pump of the power
a drill /work string to be tripped into and out of the wellbore sub . FIG . 9F illustrates check valves of the power sub. FIG .
at a faster rate than snubbing the string in under pressure . 9G illustrates a control valve of the power sub in an upper
Since the pressure above the isolation valve is relieved , the 65 position .
drill/work string can trip into the wellbore without wellbore FIGS . 10A and 10B are hydraulic diagrams of an isolation
pressure acting to push the string out. Further, the isolation assembly including opener and closer power subs.
 US 10 ,214 , 999 B2
FIGS. 11A - 11C illustrate a shifting tool for actuating the the shifting tool driver 230 to provide an engagement
power sub . FIG . 11D illustrates a release of the shifting tool. tolerance and / or to compensate for heave of the drill string
FIG . 11E illustrates a driver of the shifting tool. for subsea drilling operations. The mandrel 10 may further
FIGS . 12A - 12F illustrate operation of the shifting tool have one or more helical profiles 10t formed in an outer
and the power sub . 5 surface thereof. If the mandrel 10 has two or more helical
FIGS. 13A - 13C are cross -sections of an isolation assem - profiles 10t (two shown ), then the helical profiles may be
bly in the closed position , according to another embodiment interwoven .
of the present invention . FIGS. 13D and 13E are enlarge The piston 15 may be tubular and have a shoulder 15s
ments of portions of FIG . 13A . disposed in a chamber 6 formed in the housing 5 . The
FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross -sections of a shifting tool 10 housing 5 may further have upper bu and lower 6t shoulders
for actuating the isolation assembly between the positions, formed in an inner surface thereof . The chamber 6 may be
according to another embodiment of the present invention . defined radially between the piston 15 and the housing 5 and
FIG . 14C is an enlargement of a portion of FIGS. 14A and longitudinally between an upper seal (not shown ) disposed
14B . between the housing 5 and the piston 15 proximate the upper
FIGS . 15A - 15F illustrate operation of the shifting tool. 15 shoulder bu and a lower seal ( not shown ) disposed between
FIGS. 16A - 16C are cross - sections of an isolation assem - the housing 5 and the piston 15 proximate the lower shoulder
bly in the closed position , according to another embodiment 61. A piston seal ( not shown) may also be disposed between
of the present invention . the piston shoulder 15s and the housing 5 . Hydraulic fluid
FIG . 17A is a cross - section of a shifting tool for actuating may be disposed in the chamber 6 . Each end of the chamber
the isolation assembly between the positions , according to 20 6 may be in fluid communication with a respective hydraulic
another embodiment of the present invention . FIG . 17B is a coupling (not shown ) via a respective hydraulic passage 9p
cross section of a catcher for use with the shifting tool. FIG . formed longitudinally through a wall of the housing 5 .
17C is an enlargement of a portion of FIG . 17A . The power subs 10 ,c may be hydraulically connected to
FIGS. 18A - 18E illustrate operation of the shifting tool. the isolation valve 100 in a three -way configuration such
FIG . 19 illustrates a heave compensated shifting tool, 25 that each of the power sub pistons 15 are in opposite
according to another embodiment of the present invention . positions and operation of one of the power subs lo , c will
FIGS . 20A - 20H illustrate a method of drilling and com On
operate the isolation valve 100 between the open and closed
pleting a wellbore , according to another embodiment of the positions and alternate the other power sub 10 ,c. This three
present invention . way configuration may allow each power sub 10 , c to be
FIG . 21 illustrates a method of drilling a wellbore, accord - 30 operated in only one rotational direction and each power sub
ing to another embodiment of the present invention . 10 , c to only open or close the isolation valve 100 . Respec
tive hydraulic couplings of each power sub 10 ,c and the
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE isolation valve 100 may be connected by a conduit, such as
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT tubing 9t. Although the tubing 9t connecting the opener lo
35 and the isolation valve 100 is shown external to the closer
FIGS. 1A - D are cross - sections of a isolation assembly in 1c , in actuality , the closer 1c may include a bypass passage
the closed position , according to one embodiment of the (not shown ) formed through the housing 5 for connecting
present invention . FIGS . 2A - D are cross - sections of the the components .
isolation assembly in the open position . The isolation assem - FIGS. 3A - 3D illustrate operation of the power subs 10 ,c .
bly may include one or more power subs, such as an opener 40 The helical profiles 10t and the clutch may allow the driver
lo and a closer 1c , and an isolation valve 100. The isolation 25 to longitudinally translate while not rotating while the
assembly may further include a spacer sub (not shown , see mandrel 10 is rotated by the shifting tool 200 and not
spacer sub 550 in FIG . 9B ) disposed between the closer 10 translated . The clutch may include a tubular cam 35 and one
and the isolation valve 100 and /or between the opener 10 or more followers 30 . The cam 35 may be disposed in an
and the closer. The isolation assembly may be assembled as 45 upper chamber 7 formed in the housing 5 . The housing 5
part of a casing or liner string and run -into a wellbore (see may further have upper 7u and lower 71 shoulders formed in
FIG . 15A ). The casing or liner string may be cemented in the an inner surface thereof. The chamber 7 may be defined
wellbore or be a tie -back casing string . radially between the mandrel 10 and the housing 5 and
Each power sub 10,c may include a tubular housing 5 , a longitudinally between an upper seal disposed between the
tubular mandrel 10 , a piston 15 , a tubular driver 25 , and a 50 housing 5 and the mandrel 10 proximate the upper shoulder
clutch . The housing 5 may have couplings (not shown). Tu and lower seals disposed between the housing 5 and the
formed at each longitudinal end thereof for connection driver 25 and between the mandrel 10 and the driver 25
between the power subs 10 ,c , with the spacer sub 550 , or proximate the lower shoulder 71. Lubricantmay be disposed
with other components of the casing/liner string . The cou in the chamber. A compensator piston (not shown ) may be
plings may be threaded , such as a box and a pin . The housing 55 disposed in the mandrel 10 or the housing 5 to compensate
5 may have a central longitudinalbore formed therethrough . for displacement of lubricant due to movement of the driver
Although shown as one piece , the housing 5 may include 25 . The compensator piston may also serve to equalize
two or more sections to facilitate manufacturing and assem - pressure of the lubricant (or slightly increase ) with pressure
bly , each section connected together, such as fastened with in the housing bore .
threaded connections. 60 Each follower 30 may include a head 31 , a base 33 , and
The mandrel 10 may be disposed within the housing 5 , a biasing member, such as a spring 32 , disposed between the
longitudinally connected thereto , and rotatable relative head 31 and the base 33 . Each follower 30 may be disposed
thereto . Themandrel 10 may have a profile 10p formed in an in a hole 25h formed through a wall of the driver 25 . The
inner surface thereof for receiving a driver 230 of a shifting follower 30 may be moved along a track 35t of the cam 35
tool 200 ( see FIG . 5D ). The profile may be a series of slots 65 between an engaged position (FIGS. 3A and 3B ), a disen
10p spaced around the mandrel inner surface. The slots 10p g aged position ( FIG . 3D ) , and a neutral position (FIG . 3C ) .
may have a length substantially greater than a diameter of The follower base 33may engage a respective helical profile
 US 10 ,214 , 999 B2
10t in the engaged position , thereby operably coupling the an upper adapter ( not shown) connected to section 105a for
mandrel 10 and the driver 25 . The head 31may be connected connection to the spacer sub and a lower adapter (not shown )
to the base 33 in the disengaged position by a foot. The base connected to the section 105d for connection with casing or
33 may have a stop ( not shown ) for engaging the foot to liner. The housing 105 may have a longitudinal bore formed
prevent separation . 5 therethrough for passage of a drill string .
The cam 35 may be longitudinally and rotationally con - The flow tube 110 may be disposed within the housing
nected to the housing 5 , such as by a threaded connection 105 . The piston 110 may be longitudinally movable relative
(not shown ). The cam 35 may have one or more tracks 35t to the housing 105 . A piston 110s may be formed in or
formed therein . When the driver 25 is moving downward M , fastened to an outer surface of the flow tube 110 . The piston
relative to the housing 5 and themandrel 10 ( from the piston 10 110s may include one or more seals for engaging an inner
upper position ), each track 35tmay be operable to push and surface of a chamber 107 formed in the housing 105 . The
hold down a top of the respective head 31 , thereby keeping housing 105 may have upper 105u and lower 1051 shoulders
the base 33 engaged with the helical profile 10t and when the formed in an inner surface thereof. The chamber 107 may be
driver 25 is moving upward M , relative to the housing 5 and defined radially between the flow tube 110 and the housing
the mandrel 10 , each track 35tmay be operable to pull and 15 105 and longitudinally between an upper seal disposed
hold up a lip of the head 31, thereby keeping the base 33 between the housing 105 and the flow tube 110 proximate
disengaged from the helical profile 10t. the upper shoulder 105u and a lower seal disposed between
The driver 25 may be disposed between the mandrel 10 the housing 105 and the flow tube 110 proximate the lower
and the cam 35 , rotationally connected to the cam 35 , and shoulder 1051. Hydraulic fluid may be disposed in the
longitudinally movable relative to the housing 5 between an 20 chamber 107 . Each end of the chamber 107 may be in fluid
extended position ( FIGS . 1B and 3C ) and a retracted posi- communication with a respective hydraulic coupling 109c
tion (FIGS. 1A and 3A ). A bottom of the driver 25 may abut via a respective hydraulic passage 109p formed through a
a top of the piston 15 , thereby pushing the piston 15 from an wall of the housing 105 .
upper position ( FIGS. 1A , 2B ) to a lower position (FIGS. The flow tube 110 may be longitudinally movable by the
1B , 2A ) when moving from the retracted to the extended 25 piston 110s between the open position and the closed
positions . When the follower base 33 is engaged with the position . In the closed position , the flow tube 110 may be
helical profile 10t (FIGS. 3A , 3B ), rotation of the mandrel 10 clear from the flapper 120 , thereby allowing the flapper 120
by engagement with the shifting tool 200 may cause longi- to close . In the open position , the flow tube 110 may engage
tudinal downward movementMgof the driver relative to the the flapper 120 , push the flapper 120 to the open position ,
housing, thereby pushing the piston 15 to the lower position . 30 and engage a seat 108s formed in or disposed in the housing
This conversion from rotational motion to longitudinal 105 . Engagement of the flow tube with the seat 108s may
motion may be caused by relative helical motion between form a chamber 106 between the flow tube 110 and the
the follower base 33 and the helical profile 10t. housing 105 , thereby protecting the flapper 120 and the
Once the follower 30 reaches a bottom of the helical flapper seat 106s. The flapper 120 may be pivoted to the
profile 10t and the end of the track , the follower spring 32 35 housing 105 , such as by a fastener 120p . A biasing member,
may push the head 31 toward the neutral position as con such as a torsion spring (not shown )may engage the flapper
tinued rotation of the mandrel 10 may push the follower base 120 and the housing 105 and be disposed about the fastener
33 into a groove 10g formed around an outer surface of the 120p to bias the flapper 120 toward the closed position . In
mandrel 10 , thereby disengaging the follower base 33 from the closed position , the flapper 120 may fluidly isolate an
the helical profile 10t. The follower 30 may float radially in 40 upper portion of the valve from a lower portion of the valve .
the neutral position so that the base 33 may or may not FIGS . 4A and 4B are cross -sections of a shifting tool 200
engage the groove 10g and/or remain in the groove 10g. The for actuating the isolation assembly between the positions ,
groove 10g may ensure that the mandrel 10 is free to rotate according to another embodiment of the present invention .
relative to the driver 25 so that continued rotation of the FIG . 4C is an isometric view of the shifting tool 200 . FIG .
mandrel 10 does not damage any of the shifting tool 200 , the 45 4D is an enlargement of a portion of FIG . 4C .
power subs 10 ,c , and the isolation valve 100 . The shifting tool 200 may include a tubular housing 205 ,
Once the other power sub is operated by the shifting tool a tubular mandrel 210 , a tubular rotor 215 , a gear train 220 ,
200 , fluid force may push the piston 15 toward the upper one or more pistons 225 , and a driver 230 . The housing 205
position , thereby longitudinally pushing the driver 25 . The may have couplings 205b . p formed at each longitudinal end
driver 25 may carry the follower 30 along the track 35t until 50 thereof for connection with other components of a drill
the follower head 31 engages track 35t. As discussed above , string . The couplings 205b, p may be threaded , such as a box
the track 35t may engage the head lip and hold the base 33 205b and a pin 205p . The housing 205 may have a central
out of engagement with the helical profile 10t so that the longitudinal bore formed therethrough for conducting drill
mandrel 10 does not backspin as the driver 25 moves ing fluid . Although shown as one piece , the housing 205 may
longitudinally upward M , relative thereto . Once the follower 55 include two or more sections to facilitate manufacturing and
30 reaches the top of the second longitudinal track portion , assembly , each connected together, such as fastened with
the follower head 31 may engage an inclined portion of the threaded connections . An inner surface of the housing 205
track 35twhere the follower 30 is compressed until the base may have one or more shoulders 205u ,l formed therein and
33 engages the helical profile 10t. a wall of the housing 205 may have one or more ports 205h
Returning to FIGS. 1A - D and 2A - D , the isolation valve 60 formed therethrough .
100 may include a tubular housing 105 , a flow tube 110 , and The mandrel 210 may be disposed within the housing 205
a closure member, such as a flapper 120 . As discussed above , and longitudinally movable relative thereto between a
the closure member may be a ball (not shown ) instead of the retracted position (shown), an engaged position (FIGS .
flapper 120 . To facilitate manufacturing and assembly , the 5B -5D ), and an extended position (FIG . 5E ) . The mandrel
housing 105 may include one or more sections 105a ,b each 65 210 may have teeth 210t formed along an outer surface
connected together, such as fastened with threaded connec - thereof, a shoulder 210s formed in an outer surface thereof
tions and /or fasteners. The housing 105 may further include and a profile, such as a taper 210p, formed in an outer
 US 10 ,214 ,999 B2
surface thereof. An upper end 210b of the mandrel 210 may the rotor teeth 215t. The profile 210p may engage the pistons
serve as a seat for a blocking member, such as a ball 250 225 and push the pistons 225 outward , thereby exerting
(FIG . 5B ), pumped from the surface. A bottom 2101 of the pressure on the hydraulic fluid in the outer chamber 2060 .
mandrel 210 may have an area greater than a top 210b of the The hydraulic fluid may then exert pressure on an inner
mandrel, thereby serving to bias themandrel 210 toward the 5 face of the driver 230 , thereby pushing the driver 230
retracted position in response to fluid pressure ( equalized ) in outward and extending the driver 230 from an outer surface
the housing bore . of each rib 215r into engagement with the power sub profile
An inner chamber 206i may be defined radially between 10p . The driver 230 may be momentarily misaligned with
the mandrel 210 and the housing 205 and longitudinally the profile 10p but continued rotation may quickly engage
between an upper seal disposed between the mandrel 210 10 the driver 230 with the profile 10p . Continued rotation of the
and the housing 205 proximate the upper end of the mandrel driver 230 may rotate the power sub mandrel 10 , thereby
and a lower seal disposed between the housing 205 and the pushing the power sub piston 15 and actuating the isolation
mandrel 210 proximate to the lower housing shoulder 2051. valve 100 , as discussed above . Once an end of the mandrel
Lubricant may be disposed in the inner chamber 206i. An teeth 10t reach the worm gear 220w , continued pumping
outer chamber 2060 may be defined radially between the 15 may increase pressure exerted on the ball 250 until the ball
rotor 215 and the housing 205 and longitudinally between an deforms and passes through the mandrel 210 . Once pressure
upper seal disposed between the rotor 215 and the housing between the two mandrel ends 210b ,l equalize, an upward
205 proximate to an upper fastener 202u and a lower seal net pressure may be exerted on the lower mandrel end , 2101
disposed between the rotor 215 and the housing proximate thereby resetting the shifting tool 200 . The drill string may
to a lower fastener 2021. Hydraulic fluid may be disposed in 20 further include a catcher 950 (see FIG . 13B ) to receive the
the outer chamber 2060. ball 250 .
The rotor 215 may be disposed around and connected to The deformable ball 250 may be made from a polymer,
the housing 205 , such as by one or more fasteners 202u ,l. such as a thermoplastic (i.e., nylon or PTFE ) or an elastomer.
The rotor 215 may be rotatable relative to the housing 205 . The ball 250 may have a density greater than that of the
One or more ribs 215r may be formed in an outer surface of 25 drilling fluid . Alternatively , the ball 250 may be allowed to
the rotor 215 . A driver 230 may be disposed in a port 215h free fall to the seat. Alternatively , the ball 250 may be made
formed radially through each rib 215r . A seal may be from a dissolvable material instead of a deformable material.
disposed between each driver 230 and a respective rib 215r . FIGS. 6A -6C and 6E illustrate a power sub 300 for
An inner face of the driver 230 may be in fluid communi operating the isolation valve 100 , according to another
cation with the outer chamber 2060 and an outer face of the 30 embodiment of the present invention . The power sub 300
driver 230 may be in fluid communication with an exterior may include a tubular housing 305 , a tubular mandrel 310 ,
of the shifting tool 200 . a release piston 315 , a release sleeve 320 , a clutch , and a
The housing 205 may include a cavity formed through a valve piston 325 . A power sub 300 may replace each of the
wall thereof for receiving the gear train 220 . The gear train power subs 10 , c of the isolation assembly, discussed above .
220 may be disposed in the cavity and connected to the 35 Thehousing 305 may have couplings (not shown ) formed at
housing 205 , such as by bearings (not shown ), thereby each longitudinal end thereof for connection between the
allowing rotation of the gear train 220 relative to the power subs 300 , with the spacer sub 550, or with other
housing. The gear train 220 may include one or more gears , components of the casing /liner string . The couplings may be
such as a worm gear 220w engaged with the mandrel teeth threaded , such as a box and a pin . The housing 305 may have
210t, a spur gear 220s engaged with teeth 215t formed 40 a central longitudinal bore formed therethrough . The hous
around an inner surface of the rotor 215 , and a shaft 220r ing 305 may include two or more sections 305a - fto facilitate
connecting the gears 220s,w . Each gear 220s,w may be manufacturing and assembly, each section connected
connected to the shaft, such as by interference fit or key together, such as fastened with threaded connections.
keyway. The mandrel 310 may be disposed within the housing 305 ,
The pistons 225 may each be disposed between the 45 longitudinally connected thereto , and rotatable relative
mandrel 210 and the housing 205 . The mandrel 210 may thereto . The mandrel 310 may have a profile 310p formed
have a recess formed near the profile 210p for receiving a through a wall thereof for receiving a respective latch 430 of
portion of a respective piston 225 and the housing 205 may a shifting tool 400 (see FIG . 8B ) . The profile may be a series
have a port 205h formed therethrough for receiving a portion of slots 310p spaced around the mandrel inner surface . The
of a respective piston 225 . Each piston 225 may carry a seal 50 slots 310p may have a length substantially greater than the
engaged with the housing 205 . An inner face of the piston shifting tool latch 430 to provide an engagement tolerance
225 may be in fluid communication with the inner chamber and /or to compensate forheave of the drill string for subsea
206i and an outer face of the piston 225 may be in fluid drilling operations. The mandrel 310 may further have one
communication with the outer chamber 2060. or more helical profiles 310t formed in an outer surface
FIGS. 5A -5F illustrate operation of the shifting tool 200 . 55 thereof. If the mandrel 310 has two or more helical profiles
The shifting tool 200 may be assembled as part of a drill 310t (two shown ), then the helical profiles may be interwo
string. The drill string may be run into the wellbore until the ven .
driver 230 is at a depth corresponding to the power sub The release piston 315 may be tubular and have a shoulder
profile 10p . The ball 250 may be launched from the surface 315s disposed in a chamber 306 formed in the housing 305 .
and pumped down through the drill string until the ball lands 60 A bottom of one of the housing sections 305a may serve as
on the seat 210b . Continued pumping may exert fluid an upper shoulder 306u and a lower shoulder 3061 may be
pressure on the ball 250 , thereby driving the mandrel 210 formed in an inner surface of another of the housing sections
longitudinally downward and rotating the worm gear 220w 305b . The chamber 306 may be defined radially between the
due to engagement with themandrel teeth 210t. Rotation of piston 315 and the housing 305 and longitudinally between
the worm gear 220w may then rotate the spur gear 220s due 65 an upper seal disposed between the housing 305 and the
to connection by the shaft 220r . Rotation of the spur gear piston 315 proximate the upper shoulder 306u and a lower
220s may then rotate the rotor 215 due to engagement with seal disposed between the housing 305 and the piston 315
 US 10 ,214 ,999 B2
10
proximate the lower shoulder 3061. A piston seal (not shown ) valve piston 110s and the passage /conduit 309a may be in
may also be disposed between the piston shoulder 315s and fluid communication with an upper face of the closer release
the housing 305 . Hydraulic fluid may be disposed in the piston 315 . To connect the power sub 300 as the closer, the
chamber 306 . Each end of the chamber 306 may be in fluid passage 309c may be in fluid communication with a lower
communication with a respective hydraulic coupling (not 5 face of the isolation valve piston 110s and the passage
shown) via a respective hydraulic passage 309a ,b formed conduit 309a may be in fluid communication with an upper
through a wall of the housing 305 . face of the opener release piston 320 . Although the passage !
The release piston 315 may be longitudinally connected to conduit 309b is shown external to the power sub 300, in
the release sleeve 320. The release piston 315 may have a actuality, thepower sub may include an internal passage (not
shoulder formed in a bottom thereof for receiving a top of 10 shown ) formed through the housing 305 for connecting the
the sleeve 320 . The sleeve 320 may be operably coupled to chambers 306 , 308.
the mandrel 310 by a cam profile 321 and one or more The clutch may include one or more cam profiles 335 and
followers 322 (FIG . 6E ). The cam profile 321 may be one or more followers 330 . The follower and cam profile
formed in an inner surface of the sleeve 320 and the follower may operate in a manner similar to that of the follower 30
321 may be fastened to the mandrel 310 and extend from the 15 and track 35t discussed above except that the cam profile
mandrel outer surface into the profile 322 or vice versa . The 335 may be linear instead of an oval track . Alternatively , the
profile 321 may repeatedly extend around the sleeve inner shifting tool 300 may include the follower 30 and the track
surface so that the follower 322 continuously travels along 35t instead of the follower 330 and the profile 335 or vice
the profile as the sleeve 320 is moved longitudinally relative versa . The cam profile 335 may be disposed in a lubricant
to the mandrel by the release piston . Engagement of the 20 chamber 307 (FIG . 6D ) formed in the housing 305 . A
follower 322 with the profile 321 may rotationally connect shoulder formed in the housing section 305d and a shoulder
the mandrel 310 and the sleeve 320 when the follower 322 310s formed in the mandrel 310 may serve as an upper 307u
is in a straight portion of the profile 321 and cause limited shoulder and a shoulder formed in the housing section 305d
relative rotation between the mandrel and the sleeve as the and a top of the housing section 305e may serve as a lower
follower travels through a curved portion of the profile . The 25 3071 shoulder. The chamber 307 may be defined radially
cam profile 321 may be a V -slot. The sleeve 320 may have between the mandrel 310 and the housing 305 and longitu
a release profile 320p formed through a wall thereof for dinally between an upper seal disposed between the housing
receiving the respective latch 430 . The release profile may 305 and the mandrel 310 proximate the upper shoulder 3074
be a series of slots 320p spaced around the sleeve inner and lower seals disposed between the valve piston 325 and
surface . The release slots 320p may correspond to the slots 30 the mandrel 310 and between the valve piston 325 and the
310p . The slots 320p may be oriented relative to the profile housing section 305e proximate the lower shoulder 3071.
321 so that the sleeve slots 320p are aligned with the Lubricant may be disposed in the chamber 307 . A compen
mandrel slots 310p when the follower is at a bottom 321b of sator piston (not shown )may be disposed in the mandrel 310
the V - slot 321 (see also FIG . 8D ) and misaligned when the or the housing 305 to compensate for displacement of
follower 322 is at any other location of the V - slot 321 35 lubricant due to movement of the valve piston 325 . The
( covering the mandrel slots 310p with the sleeve wall). compensator piston may also serve to equalize pressure of
The valve piston 325 may be tubular and have a shoulder the lubricant (or slightly increase ) with pressure in the
325s disposed in a chamber 308 formed in the housing 305 . housing bore.
A bottom of one of the housing sections 305e may serve as FIG . 6D illustrates operation of the clutch . Please note
an upper shoulder 308u and a lower shoulder 3081may be 40 that FIG . 6D is schematic . In actuality , the valve piston 325
formed in an inner surface of another of the housing sections may move longitudinally with follower 330 . The helical
305f. The chamber 308 may be defined radially between the profiles 310t and the clutch may allow the valve piston 325
piston 325 and the housing 305 and longitudinally between to longitudinally translate while not rotating while the
an upper seal disposed between the housing 305 and the mandrel 310 is rotated by the shifting tool 400 and not
piston 325 proximate the upper shoulder 308u and a lower 45 translated . Each follower 330 may include a head 331, a base
seal disposed between the housing 305 and the piston 325 333, and a biasing member, such as a spring , disposed
proximate the lower shoulder 3081. A piston seal may also be between the head 331 and the base 333 . Each follower 330
disposed between the piston shoulder 325s and the housing may be disposed in a hole formed through a wall of the valve
305 . Hydraulic fluid may be disposed in the chamber 308 . piston 325 , thereby longitudinally connecting the follower
Each end of the chamber 308 may be in fluid communication 50 330 and the valve piston 325 . The valve piston 325 may be
with a respective hydraulic coupling ( not shown ) via a rotationally connected to the housing 305 and longitudinally
respective hydraulic passage 309b ,c formed through a wall movable relative to the housing 305 between an upper
of the housing 305 . The passage/ conduit 309b may provide position and a lower position . When the follower base 333
fluid communication between a lower portion of the cham - is engaged with the helical profile 310t (P1-P3 ), rotation of
ber 306 and an upper portion of the chamber 308 . 55 the mandrel 310 by engagement with the shifting tool 400
As with the power subs 10 , c , two power subs 300 ( only may cause longitudinal downward movement of the valve
one shown) may be hydraulically connected to the isolation piston 325 relative to the housing 305 ( FIG . 8C ), thereby
valve 100 in a three -way configuration such that each of the moving the valve piston 325 to the lower position and
power sub valve pistons 325 are in opposite positions and opening or closing the isolation valve 100 . This conversion
operation of one of the power subs 300 will operate the 60 from rotational motion to longitudinal motion may be
isolation valve 100 between the open and closed positions caused by relative helical motion between the follower base
and alternate the other power sub 300 . This three way 333 and the helical profile 310t.
configuration may allow each power sub 300 to be operated The follower 330 may be reciprocated along the cam
in only one rotational direction and each power sub 300 to profile 335 between an engaged position (P1 -P3), a disen
only open or close the isolation valve 100 . To connect the 65 gaged position (P5 , P6 ), and a neutral position (P4 ). The
power sub 300 as the opener, the passage 309c may be in follower base 333 may engage a respective helical profile
fluid communication with an upper face of the isolation 310t in the engaged position , thereby operably coupling the
 US 10 ,214 , 999 B2
11
mandrel 310 and the valve piston 325 . The head 331 may be The mandrel 410 may be disposed within the housing 405
connected to the base 333 in the disengaged position by a and longitudinally movable relative thereto between a
foot. The foot and base 333 may engage to prevent separa - retracted position ( shown ) , an orienting position ( see FIG .
tion. The base 333 may further have a flange formed at a top 8A ), an engaged position (see FIGS . 8B and 8C ), and a
thereof for engaging the cam profile 335 . The cam profile 5 released position ( see FIG . 8D ) . The mandrel 410 may have
335 may include an outer portion 3350 formed the housing upper 410u and lower 4101 shoulders formed in an outer
section 305d and an inner portion 335i formed in the housing surface thereof and a profile 410p , formed in an outer
section 305e. When the valve piston 325 is moving down - surface thereof. The profile 410p may include a tapered
ward relative to the housing 305 and mandrel 310 ( from P1 portion and a stepped portion . The stepped portion may
to P4 ), the inner portion 335imay be operable to engage ( via 10 include one or more steps and one or more shoulders
a tapered upper end ), push , and hold the base flange inward 411 -413 between respective steps. A seat 435 (similar to seat
(P2), thereby keeping the base 333 engaged with the helical 635 detailed in FIG . 15E ) may be fastened to the mandrel
profile 310t. The outer portion 3350 may then engage (via a 410 for receiving a blocking member, such as a ball 450 (see
tapered upper end ), push , and hold the head 331 inward FIGS. 8A - D ), pumped from the surface . The seat 435 may
(P2 -P3). As the valve piston 325 travels downward , the head 15 include an inner fastener, such as a snap ring , and one or
331 and base 333 may ride along respective insides of the more outer fasteners, such as dogs . Each dog may be
inner 335i and outer 3350 portions . disposed through a respective hole formed through a wall of
Once the follower 330 reaches a bottom of the helical the mandrel 410 . Each dog may engage an inner surface of
profile 310t and the end of the cam profile 335 (P4 and FIG . the housing 405 and extend into a groove formed in an inner
8D ), the follower spring may push the head 331 toward the 20 surface of themandrel 410 . The snap ring may be biased into
neutral position as continued rotation of the mandrel 310 engagement with and be received by the groove except that
may push the follower base into a groove 310g formed the dogs may prevent engagement of the snap ring with the
around an outer surface of the mandrel 310 , thereby disen - groove , thereby causing a portion of the snap ring to extend
gaging the follower base 333 from the helical profile 310t. into the mandrel bore to receive the ball 450 .
The follower 330 may float radially in the neutral position so 25 One or more ribs 405r may be formed in an outer surface
that the base may or may not engage the groove 310g and/or of the housing 405 . A pocket 405p may be formed in each
remain in the groove 310g . The groove 310g may ensure that rib 405r. A latch 430 may be disposed in each pocket 405p
the mandrel 310 is free to rotate relative to the valve piston in the retracted position . The latch 430 may be received by
325 so that continued rotation of the mandrel 310 does not a socket connected to the housing 405 , such as by fastener
damage any of the shifting tool 400 , the power subs 300 , and 30 419 , thereby pivoting the latch 430 to the housing 405 . The
the isolation valve 100 . latch 430 may be biased toward the retracted position by one
Once the other power sub 300 is operated by the shifting or more biasingmembers, such as inner leaf spring 416 and
tool 400, fluid force may push the valve piston 325 toward outer leaf spring 418 . Each of the leaf springs 416 , 418 may
the upper position . The valve piston 325 may carry the be disposed in the pocket 405p and connected to the housing
follower 330 until the follower head 331 engages a tapered 35 405 , such as being received by a groove formed in the
lower end of the outer portion 3350 ( P4 to P5 ). The outer housing and fastened to the housing with fastener 417 .
portion 3350 may engage the head 331 and pull the base 333 The latch may be a dog 430 and have a body 430b , a neck ,
(via the foot) out of engagement with the helical profile 310t 430n , and a head 430h . A cavity may be formed in an inner
so that the head will ride along an outside of the outer surface of the body 430b . A lug may be formed in the
portion 3350 . The base 333 may then engage a tapered end 40 housing outer surface and extend into the cavity . The hole
of the inner portion 310t so that the base will ride along an 408 may extend through the lug . A driver, such as a pin 420 ,
outside of the inner portion 335i, thereby preventing the may be disposed between the body 430b and the mandrel
mandrel 310 from back - spinning as the valve piston 325 410 and in the profile 410p , and may extend through the hole
moves longitudinally upward relative thereto . Once the 408 . One or more seals may be disposed between the
follower 330 reaches a tapered inner portion of the housing 45 housing lug and the pin 420 .
section 305d (P6 ), the follower 330 may be compressed until A chamber may be defined radially between the mandrel
the base engages the helical profile 310t (P1). 410 and the housing 405 and longitudinally between one or
FIGS . 7A and 7B illustrate a shifting tool 400 for actu more upper seals disposed between the housing 405 and the
ating the power sub 300 . FIG . 7C is an enlargement of a mandrel 410 proximate the upper shoulder 405u and one or
portion of FIGS. 7A and 7B . The shifting tool 400 may 50 more lower seals disposed between the housing 405 and the
include a tubular housing 405 , a tubular mandrel 410 , and mandrel 410 proximate the lower shoulder 4051. Lubricant
one or more latches 430 . The housing 405 may have may be disposed in the chamber. A compensator piston (not
couplings 407b , p formed at each longitudinal end thereof for shown ) may be disposed in the mandrel 410 or the housing
connection with other components of a drill string. The 405 to compensate for displacement of lubricant due to
couplings may be threaded , such as a box 407b and a pin 55 movement of the mandrel 410 . The compensator piston may
407p . The housing 405 may have a central longitudinal bore also serve to equalize pressure of the lubricant ( or slightly
formed therethrough for conducting drilling fluid . The hous - increase ) with pressure in the housing bore. A biasing
ing 405 may include two or more sections 405a - d to member, such as a spring 440 , may be disposed against the
facilitate manufacturing and assembly , each section 405a - d lower shoulders 4101, 4051, thereby biasing themandrel 410
connected together, such as fastened with threaded connec - 60 toward the retracted position . In addition to the spring 440 ,
tions. The housing section 405d may be connected to the bottom of the mandrel 410 may have an area greater than a
other sections 405a - c by being disposed between the sec - top of the mandrel 410 , thereby serving to bias the mandrel
tions 405b,c . An inner surface of the housing 405 may have 410 toward the retracted position in response to fluid pres
a groove 405g and an upper shoulder 405u formed therein , sure ( equalized ) in the housing bore . .
a top of the housing section 405d may serve as a lower 65 FIGS. 8A - 8D illustrate operation of the shifting tool 400
shoulder 4051, and a wall of the housing 405 may have one and the power sub 300 . The shifting tool 400 may be
or more holes 408 formed therethrough . assembled as part of a drill string. The drill stringmay be run
 US 10 ,214 ,999 B2
14
into the wellbore until the latch 430 is at a depth corre Alternatively , the shifting tool 400 may include a spring
sponding to the profile 310p . The ball 450 may be deployed engaged to an inner surface of the latch instead of the leaf
from the surface and pumped down through the drill string springs. Alternatively , the driver 420 may be bidrectionally
until the ball 450 lands on the seat 435 . The ball 450 may be connected to the latch 430 , such as using a T -slot. Alterna
rigid and made from a polymer, such as a thermoset (i.e ., 5 tively, the profile 310p may include teeth instead of slots and
phenolic , epoxy, or polyurethane). Continued pumping may the sleeve 320 may instead be radially movable to engage a
exert fluid pressure on the ball 450 , thereby driving the release of the shifting tool to release the seat .
mandrel 410 longitudinally downward and moving the pro - FIGS. 9A - 9D illustrate a power sub 700 for operating the
files 410p relative to the pin 420 . Travel ofmandrel 410 may isolation valve 100 , according to another embodiment of the
be halted as the first step in the profile reaches pin 420 . The 10 present invention . FIG . 9E illustrates a pump 750 of the
pin 420 may be wedged outward by (relative) movement power sub. FIG . 9F illustrates check valves 732i,o of the
along the tapered portion of the profile 410p . The pin 420 power sub 700 . FIG . 9G illustrates a control valve 725 of the
may rotate the latch 430 , thereby moving the head 430h power sub 700 in an upper position . FIGS. 10A and 10B are
outward from the pocket 405p and into engagement with an hydraulic diagrams of an isolation assembly including
inner surface of the power sub mandrel 310 . The large angle 15 opener 7000 and closer 700c power subs.
at the first step 411 reduces outward force on the pin 420 , The power sub 700 may include a tubular housing 705 , a
thereby minimizing bending stress exerted on the neck 430n . tubular mandrel 710 , a release sleeve 715 , a release piston
Since the head 430h will likely be misaligned with the 720 , a control valve 725 , hydraulic circuit 730 , and a pump
profile 310p , the shifting tool 400 may be rotated by rotating 750. An opener power sub 7000 and a closer power sub 700c
the drill string from the surface until the head 430h engages 20 may replace each of the power subs lo , c of the isolation
the profile 310p . Once engaged , the mandrel 410 may move assembly , discussed above . The housing 705 may have
until the pin 420 reaches to the second shoulder 412 , thereby couplings (not shown ) formed at each longitudinal end
rotating the latch 430 further out and fully engaging the head thereof for connection between the power subs 700, with the
430h into the profile 310p . The large angle at the second step spacer sub 550, or with other components of the casing /liner
412 reduces outward force on the pin 420 , thereby mini- 25 string . The couplings may be threaded , such as a box and a
mizing bending stress exerted on the neck 430n. pin . The housing 705 may have a central longitudinal bore
The shifting tool 400 may then be rotated by rotating the formed therethrough . The housing 705 may include two or
drill string . Since the head 430h may now be engaged with more sections (only one section shown ) to facilitate manu
the profile 310 , the mandrel 310 may also be rotated . As facturing and assembly , each section connected together,
discussed above, rotation of the mandrel 310 may longitu - 30 such as fastened with threaded connections.
dinally move the valve piston 325 downward , thereby open - Themandrel 710 may be disposed within the housing 705 ,
ing or closing the isolation valve 100 (depending on which longitudinally connected thereto , and rotatable relative
power sub is being operated ). As the isolation valve 100 is thereto . The mandrel 710 may have a profile 710p formed
being opened or closed, hydraulic fluid from the isolation through a wall thereof for receiving a respective driver 1130
valve 100 may alternate the other power sub and hydraulic 35 and release 1125 of a shifting tool 1100 (see FIG . 12B ). The
fluid from the other power sub may push the release piston profile may be a series of slots 710p spaced around the
315 downward , thereby moving the follower 322 along the mandrel inner surface . The slots 710p may have a length
track 321. Once the stroke is complete , the sleeve profile equal to , greater than , or substantially greater than a length
320p may be aligned with the mandrel profile 310p . The of a ribbed portion 1105r of the shifting tool 1100 to provide
head 430h is now allowed to rotate further out and moving 40 an engagement tolerance and / or to compensate for heave of
the pin 420 over the second shoulder 412 . The mandrel 410 the drill string for subsea drilling operations.
may then continue moving longitudinally downward until The release piston 720 maybe tubular and have a shoulder
the ball seat dogs align with the housing groove 405g, 720s disposed in a chamber 706 formed in the housing 705
thereby allowing extension of the ball seat snap ring and between an upper shoulder 706u of the housing and a lower
releasing the ball 450 from the ball seat 435 . The ball 450 45 shoulder 7061 of the housing . The chamber 706 may be
may then pass through the mandrel 410 and the driller may defined radially between the release piston 720 and the
receive indication at surface that the isolation valve 100 has housing 705 and longitudinally between an upper seal
been actuated . The springs 440 , 416 and arms 418 may then disposed between the housing 705 and the release piston 720
reset the shifting tool 400 . The drill string may further proximate the upper shoulder 706u and a lower seal dis
include a catcher 950 ( see FIG . 13B ) to receive the ball. 50 posed between the housing and the release piston proximate
In the event of emergency and / or malfunction of the the lower shoulder 7061. A piston seal may also be disposed
shifting tool, the power sub, and/ or the isolation valve , the between the piston shoulder 720s and the housing 705 .
shifting tool can be pulled up. As the head 430h reaches the Hydraulic fluid may be disposed in the chamber 706 . A
end of the profile 310p a sufficientbending stress on the neck hydraulic conduit 735 , such as an internal passage formed
430n is created to fracture and /or plastically deform the neck 55 along the housing 705 , may selectively provide ( discussed
430n so that the head 430h is forced back into the pocket below ) fluid communication between the chamber 706 and
405p . This measure may free the shifting tool 400 from the a hydraulic reservoir 731r formed in the housing.
power sub 300 and allow the drill string to be retrieved to the The release piston 720 may be longitudinally connected to
surface . Alternatively or additionally, upward force exerted the release sleeve 715 , such as by bearing 717 , so that the
on the drill string from the surface may achieve or facilitate 60 release sleeve may rotate relative to the release piston . The
forcing the head 430h into the pocket 405p . release sleeve 715 may be operably coupled to the mandrel
Alternatively , the shoulders 411 , 412 may serve as posi 710 by a cam profile (not shown , see 321 of FIG . 6E ) and
tion indicators by causing respective instantaneous pressure one or more followers (not shown, see 322 of FIG . 6E ). The
fluctuations detectable at the surface when the pin 420 cam profile may be formed in an inner surface of the release
passes over the shoulders 411 , 412 . Alternatively , the shoul- 65 sleeve 715 and the follower may be fastened to the mandrel
ders 411 , 412 and corresponding steps may be replaced by 710 and extend from the mandrel outer surface into the
a continuous taper. profile or vice versa . The cam profile may repeatedly extend
 US 10 ,214 , 999 B2
15 16
around the sleeve inner surface so that the cam follower may bias the upper valve shoulder 725u toward the upper
continuously travels along the profile as the sleeve 715 is housing shoulder 706u and the lower spring 7271 may bias
moved longitudinally relative to the mandrel 710 by the the lower valve shoulder 7251 toward the lower housing
release piston 720 . shoulder 7061.
Engagement of the cam follower with the cam profile may 5 The latch 725c may be a collet having two or more split
rotationally connect the mandrel 710 and the sleeve 715 fingers each having a lug at a lower end thereof. The lugs
when the cam follower is in a straight portion of the cam may each have inclined upper and lower faces and the latch
profile and cause limited relative rotation between the man - profile may have corresponding inclined upper and lower
drel and the sleeve as the follower travels through a curved faces such that engagement of each lug lower face with the
portion of the profile . The cam profile may be a V - slot. The 10 latch profile lower face may push the lugs inward against
release sleeve 715 may have a release profile 715p formed cantilever bias of the fingers so that the lugs may enter the
through a wall thereof for receiving the shifting toolrelease profile . The latch profile may have a recess to allow return
1125 . The release profile may be a series of slots 715p of the lugs outward to their natural position . As the piston
spaced around the sleeve inner surface . The release slots shoulder 720s moves longitudinally downward toward the
715p may correspond to the mandrel slots 710p . The slots 15 lower shoulder 7061, the biasing force of the upper spring
715p may be oriented relative to the cam profile so that the 727u may decrease while the biasing force of the lower
sleeve slots 715p are aligned with the mandrel slots 710p spring 7271 increases. The latch 725c and profile may resist
when the cam follower is at a bottom of the V -slot ( see FIG . movement of the control valve 725 until or almost until the
12D ) and misaligned when the cam follower is at any other piston shoulder 720s reaches an end of a lower stroke. Once
location of the V - slot (covering the mandrel slots 710p with 20 the biasing force of the lower spring 7271 exceeds the
the sleeve wall ). Alternatively , each of the mandrel 710 and resistance of the latch 725c and latch profile, the control
the sleeve 715 may further include one or more additional valve 725 may snap from the upper position to the lower
sets of slots for redundancy . position .Movement of the control valve 725 from the lower
The control valve 725 may be tubular and be disposed in position to the upper position may similarly occur by snap
the housing chamber 706 . The control valve 725 may be 25 action when the biasing force of the upper spring 727u
longitudinally movable relative to the housing 705 between against the upper valve shoulder 725u exceeds the resistance
a lower position (FIG . 9D ) and an upper position (FIG . 9G ). of the latch 725c and latch profile .
The control valve 725 may have an upper shoulder 725u and The pump 750 may include one or more (five shown )
a lower shoulder 7251 connected by a sleeve 725s and a latch pistons 755 each disposed in a respective piston chamber
725c extending from the lower shoulder. The control valve 30 756 formed in the housing 705 . Each piston 755 may interact
725 may also have a port 725p formed through the sleeve with the mandrel 710 via a swash bearing 751. The swash
725s. The upper shoulder 725u may carry a pair of seals in bearing 751 may include a rolling element disposed in an
engagement with the housing 705 . In the lower position , the eccentric groove formed in an outer surface of the mandrel
seals may straddle a hydraulic port 736 formed in the 710 and connected to a respective piston 755 . Each chamber
housing 705 and in fluid communication with a hydraulic 35 756 may be in fluid communication with a respective
conduit 734 , thereby preventing fluid communication hydraulic conduit 733 formed in the housing 705 . Each
between the hydraulic conduit 734 and an upper face of the hydraulic conduit 733 may be in selective fluid communi
piston shoulder 720s. cation with the reservoir 731r via a respective inlet check
In the lower position , the upper shoulder 725u may also valve 732iand may be in selective fluid communication with
expose another hydraulic port 738 formed in the housing 40 a pressure chamber 731p via a respective outlet check valve
705 and in fluid communication with the hydraulic conduit 7320 . The inlet check valve 732i may allow hydraulic fluid
735 . The port 738 may provide fluid communication flow from the reservoir 731r to each piston chamber 756 and
between the hydraulic conduit 735 and the upper face of the preventreverse flow therethrough and the outlet check valve
piston shoulder 720s via a passage formed between an inner 7320 may allow hydraulic fluid flow from each piston
surface of the upper shoulder 725u and an outer surface of 45 chamber 756 to the pressure chamber 731p and prevent
the release piston 720 . In the upper position, the upper reverse flow therethrough .
shoulder seals may straddle the hydraulic port 738 , thereby In operation , as the mandrel 710 is rotated by the drill
preventing fluid communication between the hydraulic con - string, the eccentric angle of the swash bearing 751 may
duit 735 and the upper face of the piston shoulder 720s. In cause reciprocation of the pistons 755 . As each piston 755
the upper position , the upper shoulder 725u may also expose 50 travels longitudinally downward relative to the chamber
the hydraulic port 736 , thereby providing fluid communica - 756 , the piston may draw hydraulic fluid from the reservoir
tion between the hydraulic conduit 734 and the upper face of 731r via the inlet check valve 732i and the conduit 733 . As
the piston shoulder 720s via the ports 725p , 736 . each piston 755 reverses and travels longitudinally upward
The control valve 725 may be operated between the upper relative to the respective piston chamber 756 , the piston may
and lower positions by interaction with the release piston 55 drive the hydraulic fluid into the pressure chamber 731p via
720 and the housing 705 . The controlvalve 725 may interact the conduit 733 and the outlet check valve 7320 . The
with the release piston 720 by one ormore biasing members, pressurized hydraulic fluid may then flow along the hydrau
such as springs 727u ,l and with the housing by the latch lic conduit 734 and to the isolation valve 100 , thereby
725c . The upper spring 727u may be disposed between the opening or closing the isolation valve 100 ( depending on
upper valve shoulder 725u and the upper face of the piston 60 whether the power sub 700 is an opener 7000 or closer
shoulder 720s and the lower spring 7271 may be disposed 700c ). Alternatively , an annular piston may be used in the
between the lower face of the piston shoulder 720s and the swash pump 750 instead of the rod pistons 755 . Alterna
lower valve shoulder 7251. The housing 705 may have a tively, a centrifugal or another type of positive displacement
latch profile formed adjacent the lower shoulder 7061. The pump may be used instead of the swash pump.
latch profile may receive the valve latch 725c, thereby 65 Hydraulic fluid displaced by operation of the isolation
fastening the control valve 725 to the housing 705 when the valve 100 may be received by hydraulic conduit 737 . The
control valve is in the lower position . The upper spring 727u lower face of the piston shoulder 720s may receive the
 US 10 ,214 ,999 B2
17
exhausted hydraulic fluid via a flow space formed between housing section 1105a . The housing 1105 may have a groove
the lower face of the lower valve shoulder 7251, leakage 1105g and upper 1105u and lower 11051 shoulders formed
through the collet fingers , and a flow passage formed therein , and a wall of the housing 1105 may have one or
between an inner surface of the lower valve shoulder and an more holes formed therethrough .
outer surface of the release piston 720 . Pressure exerted on 5 The mandrel 1110 may be disposed within the housing
the lower face of the piston shoulder 720s may move the 1105 and longitudinally movable relative thereto between a
release piston 720 longitudinally upward until the control retracted position ( shown ) and an extended position ( FIG .
valve 725 snaps into the upper position . Hydraulic fluid may 12A -12D ). The mandrel 1110 may have upper and lower
be exhausted from the housing chamber 706 to the reservoir shoulders 1110u, l formed therein . A seat 1135 ( similar to
via the conduit 735 . When the other one of the power subs 10 seat 635 detailed in FIG . 15E ) may be fastened to the
is operated , hydraulic fluid exhausted from the isolation mandrel 1110 for receiving a blocking member, such as a
valve 100 may be received via the conduit 734 . As discussed ball 1150 (see FIGS. 12A - F ) , pumped from the surface . The
above, the upper face of the piston shoulder 720s may be in seat 1135 may include an inner fastener, such as a snap ring ,
fluid communication with the conduit 734 . Pressure exerted and one or more intermediate and outer fasteners , such as
on the upper face of the piston shoulder 720s may move the 15 dogs. Each intermediate dog may be disposed in a respective
release piston 720 longitudinally downward until the control hole formed through a wall of the mandrel 1110 . Each outer
valve 725 snaps into the lower position . Hydraulic fluid may dog may be disposed in a respective hole formed through a
be exhausted from the housing chamber 706 to the other wall of cam 1115 . Each outer dog may engage an inner
power sub via the conduit 737 . surface of the housing 1105 and each intermediate dog may
To account for thermal expansion of the hydraulic fluid , 20 extend into a groove formed in an inner surface of the
the lower portion of the housing chamber 706 (below the mandrel 1110 . The snap ring may be biased into engagement
seal of the valve sleeve 725s and the seal of the piston with and be received by the mandrel groove except that the
shoulder 720s ) may be in selective fluid communication dogs may prevent engagement of the snap ring with the
with the reservoir 731r via the hydraulic conduit 735 , a groove , thereby causing a portion of the snap ring to extend
pilot- check valve 739, and the hydraulic conduit 737 . The 25 into the mandrel bore to receive the ball 1150. The mandrel
pilot- check valve 739 may allow fluid flow between the 1110 may also carry one or more fasteners, such as snap
reservoir 731r and the housing chamber lower portion ( both rings 1111a - c . The mandrel 1110 may also be rotationally
directions ) unless pressure in the housing chamber lower connected to the housing 1105 .
portion exceeds reservoir pressure by a preset nominal The cam 1115 may be a sleeve disposed within the
pressure . Once the preset pressure is reached , the pilot-check 30 housing 1105 and longitudinally movable relative thereto
valve 739 may operate as a conventional check valve between a retracted position (shown ), an orienting position
oriented to allow flow from the reservoir 731r to the housing (see FIG . 12A ), an engaged position (see FIGS. 12B , 12D ,
chamber lower portion and prevent reverse flow there - and 12E ), and a released position ( see FIG . 12F ). The cam
through . The reservoir 731r may be divided into an upper 1115 may have a shoulder 1115s formed therein and a profile
portion and a lower portion by a compensator piston . The 35 1115p formed in an outer surface thereof. The profile 1115p
reservoir upper portion may be sealed at a nominal pressure may have a tapered portion for pushing a follower 1120f
ormaintained atwellbore pressure by a vent (not shown ). To radially outward and be fluted for pulling the follower
prevent damage to the power sub 700 or the isolation valve radially inward . The follower 1120f may have an inner
100 by continued rotation of the drill string after the isola - tongue engaged with the flute. The cam 1115 may interact
tion valve has been opened or closed by the respective power 40 with the mandrel 1110 by being longitudinally disposed
sub 7000,c , the pressure chamber 731p may be in selective between the snap ring 1111a and the upper mandrel shoulder
fluid communication with the reservoir 731r via a pressure 1110u and by having a shoulder 1115s engaged with the
relief valve 740. The pressure relief valve 740 may prevent upper mandrel shoulder in the retracted position . A biasing
fluid communication between the reservoir and the pressure member, such as a spring 1140c, may be disposed between
chamber unless pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds 45 the snap ring 111a and a top of the cam 1115 , thereby biasing
pressure in the reservoir by a preset pressure . the cam toward the engaged position . Alternatively, the cam
Advantageously, each of the power subs 7000 ,0 may profile 1115p may be formed by inserts instead of in a wall
provide for purging of air into the reservoir 731r, hydraulic of the cam 1115 .
fluid replenishment from the reservoir to each hydraulic longitudinal piston 1145 may be a sleeve disposed
circuit , and temperature compensation of each hydraulic 50 within the housing 1105 and longitudinally movable relative
circuit . thereto between a retracted position (shown ), an orienting
FIGS . 11A -11C illustrate a shifting tool 1100 for actuating position (see FIG . 12A ), and an engaged position (see FIGS .
the power subs 7000 , c. FIG . 11D illustrates a release 1125 12B , 12D , and 12E ). The piston 1145 may interact with the
of the shifting tool. FIG . 11E illustrates a driver 1130 of the mandrel 1110 by being longitudinally disposed between the
shifting tool 1100 . 55 snap ring 1111b and the lower mandrel shoulder 11101. A
The shifting tool 1100 may include a tubular housing biasing member, such as a spring 1140p , may be disposed
1105 , a tubular mandrel 1110 , one or more releases 1125 , between the lower mandrel shoulder 11101 and a top of the
and one or more drivers 1130 . The housing 1105 may have piston 1145 , thereby biasing the piston toward the engaged
couplings 1107b ,p formed at each longitudinal end thereof position . A bottom of the piston 1145 may engage the snap
for connection with other components of a drill string . The 60 ring 1111b in the retracted position .
couplings may be threaded , such as a box 1107b and a pin One or more ribs 1105rmay be formed in an outer surface
1107p . The housing 1105 may have a central longitudinal of the housing 1105 . Upper and lower pockets may be
bore formed therethrough for conducting drilling fluid . The formed in each rib 1105r for the release 1125 and the driver
housing 1105 may include two or more sections 1105a - c to 1130 , respectively . A release , such as arm 1125 , and a driver ,
facilitate manufacturing and assembly , each section 1105a,b 65 such as dog 1130 , may be disposed in each respective pocket
connected together, such as fastened with threaded connec - in the retracted position . The release 1125 may be pivoted to
tions . The housing section 1105c may be fastened to the the housing by a fastener 1126 . The follower 1120f may be
 US 10 ,214 ,999 B2
19 20
disposed through a hole formed through the housing wall. mandrel 1110 may have an area greater than a top of the
The follower 1120f may have an outer tongue engaged with mandrel 1110 , thereby serving to bias the mandrel 1110
a flute formed in an inner surface ofthe release 1125 , thereby toward the retracted position in response to fluid pressure
accommodating pivoting of the release relative to the hous ( equalized ) in the housing bore . In the retracted position , the
ing while maintaining radial connection (pushing and pull- 5 snap ring 1111a may seat against snap rings 1109 , thereby
ing ) between the follower and the release . One ormore seals longitudinally keeping the mandrel 1110 within the housing .
may be disposed between the follower 1120f and the hous - The cam profiles 1115p and radial piston ports may be
ing . The release 1125 may be rotationally connected to the sized to restrict flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough to
housing via capture of the upper end in the upper pocket by dampen movement of the respective cam 1115 and radial
the pivot fastener 1126 . Alternatively , the ribs 1105r may be 10 pistons 1120p between their respective positions. This
omitted and the slots 710p may have a length equal to , damping feature may prevent damage to the releases 1125
greater than , or substantially greater than a combined length and /or the drivers 1130 due to jarring resulting from impact
of the release 1125 and the driver 1130 . of the ball 1150 with the seat 1135 .
An inner portion of the driver 1130 may be retained in the FIGS. 12A - 12F illustrate operation of the shifting tool
lower pocket by upper and lower keepers fastened to the 15 1100 and the power sub 700. The shifting tool 700 may be
housing 1105 . One or more biasing members , such as assembled as part of a drill string . The drill string may be run
springs 1141, may be disposed between the keepers and lips into the wellbore until each driver 1130 and each release
of the driver 1130 , thereby biasing the driver radially inward 1125 are at a depth corresponding to the profile 710p . The
into the lower pocket. One ormore radial pistons 1120p may ball 1150 may be deployed from the surface and pumped
be disposed in respective chambers formed in the lower 20 down through the drill string until the ball 1150 lands on the
pocket. A port may be formed through the housing wall seat 1135 . The ball 1150 may be rigid and made from a
providing fluid communication between an inner face of polymer, such as a thermoset (i. e ., phenolic , epoxy , or
each radial piston 1120p and a lower face of the longitudinal polyurethane). Continued pumping may exert fluid pressure
piston 1145 . An outer face of each radial piston 1120p may on the ball 1150 , thereby driving the mandrel 1110 longitu
be in fluid communication with the wellbore . Downward 25 dinally downward until a bottom 1110b ( FIG . 11C ) of the
longitudinalmovement of the longitudinal piston 1145 may shifting tool mandrel 1110 seats against a shoulder 1105s
exert hydraulic pressure on the radial pistons 1120p , thereby formed in an inner surface of the shifting tool housing 1105 .
pushing the drivers 1130 radially outward . Seating of the shifting tool mandrel 1110 may align the seat
A chamber 1108h may be defined radially between the 1135 and intermediate dog with the housing groove 1105g.
mandrel 1110 and the housing 1105 and longitudinally 30 Movement of the shifting tool mandrel 1110 may also
between one or more upper seals disposed between the disengage the upper shoulder 1110u from the shifting tool
housing 1105 and the mandrel 1110 proximate the snap ring cam 1115 and the snap ring 1111b from the longitudinal
1111a and one or more lower seals disposed between the piston 1145 , thereby allowing movement to the orienting
housing 1105 and the mandrel 1110 proximate the lower position . The spring 1140cmay then move each cam profile
shoulder 11051. One or more reservoirs 1108u , l may be 35 1115p downward relative to the respective follower 1120f
formed in the housing 1105 . Upper reservoir 1108u may be until the follower engages an inclined portion of the profile ,
defined radially between the housing sections 1105a, b and thereby slightly extending the release 1125 . Simultaneously ,
longitudinally between an upper seal disposed between the the spring 1140p may move the longitudinal piston 1145
housing sections 1105a,b and by a bottom of the housing downward relative to each set of the radial pistons 1120p
section 1105b . A lower reservoir 11081 may be formed each 40 until one or more of the piston seals move past the bypass
of the ribs 1105r. A compensator piston may be disposed in 1106 , thereby isolating the a portion of the chamber 1108h ,
each of the reservoirs 1108u , l and may divide the respective pressurizing the isolated portion , and slightly extending the
reservoir into an upper portion and a bor
lower portion
portion . drivers 1130 . Since each driver 1130 and release 1125 will
The upper portion of the upper reservoir 1108u may be likely be misaligned with the respective profile 710p , the
sealed at surface with a nominal pressure or a vent (not 45 driver and release may only slightly extend until their
shown ) may be formed in a wall of the housing 1105 to progress is obstructed by the power sub mandrel wall.
maintain the upper portion at wellbore pressure . The lower The shifting tool 1100 may then be rotated by rotating the
reservoir upper portion may be in communication with the drill string from the surface until each driver 1130 and
wellbore via the upper pocket. Hydraulic fluid may be release 1125 are aligned with a respective profile 710p .
disposed in the chamber 1108h and the lower portions of 50 Upon alignment, the spring 1140c may then continue to
each reservoir 1108u ,l. The lower portion of the upper move each cam profile 1115p further downward relative to
reservoir 1108u may be in fluid communication with the the respective follower 1120f along the inclined portion of
chamber 1108h via leakage through snap rings 1109 , 1111a . the profile and the spring 1140p may continue to move the
The lower reservoir lower portion may be in fluid commu- longitudinal piston 1145 downward relative to each set of
nication with the chamber 1108h via hydraulic conduit 55 the radial pistons 1120p. Extension of each release 1125 into
formed in the respective rib . A bypass 1106 may be formed the respective profile 710p may continue until the release
in an inner surface of the housing 1105 . The bypass 1106 engages the misaligned release sleeve wall.
may allow leakage around seals of the longitudinal piston Referring specifically to FIG . 12C , hydraulic extension of
1145 when the piston is in the retracted position and the drivers 1130 may allow each driver to radially extend
possibly the orienting position ) . Once the longitudinal 1145 60 independent of the other drivers. Further, each driver 1130
piston moves downward and the seals move past the bypass may have an inner flange , an outer tooth , and a shoulder
1106 , the longitudinal piston seals may isolate a portion of formed between the flange and the tooth . The flangemay be
the chamber 1108h from the rest of the chamber. received by a corresponding guide profile in the lower
A biasing member, such as a spring 1140r, may be pocket, thereby rotationally connecting the driver 1130 to
disposed against the snap ring 1111c and the lower shoulder 65 the housing 1105 while allowing relative radial movement
11051, thereby biasing the mandrel 1110 toward the retracted therebetween . A width of the tooth w , may be less than a
position . In addition to the spring 1140r, a bottom of the width w , of a respective slot 710p . The independent exten
 US 10 ,214 , 999 B2
21 22
sion of the drivers 1130 and the tolerance in the widths w + Once the shifting toolhas engaged the profile , the toggle sub
w , may account for eccentricity in the mandrel 710 ( slight may be operated by longitudinal movement of the shifting
eccentricity shown ) and /or the drill string and/or buildup of tool. The toggle sub may be operated bidrectionally , i.e.,
debris (not shown ) in the profile 710p . A height of each upward movement of the shifting toolmay move the toggle
driver tooth may be less than a thickness of the respective 5 sub to the open position and downward movement of the
slot 710p . Extension of each driver 1130 into the respective shifting toolmay move the toggle sub to the closed position .
slot 710p may continue until either the counter -force exerted Alternatively , the toggle sub may be unidirectionally oper
by the radial springs 1141 equalizes with the pressure force ated , i.e ., downward movement of the shifting tool may
exerted by the radial pistons 1120p or the driver shoulder operate the toggle sub from the open to the closed position
engages an inner surface of the mandrel 710 . 10 and repeated downward movement of the shifting tool may
Referring specifically to FIG . 12D , once the drivers 1130 move the toggle sub from the closed to the open position .
have engaged the mandrel profile 710p , the drill string may Additionally , the shifting toolmay be operated by deploying
be lowered until a bottom of the drivers engage a bottom of a blockingmember and the toggle sub may include a release
the profile. Atleast a substantial portion ofweight of the drill interacting with a seat of the shifting tool to release the
string may be exerted on the profile 710p to verify that the 15 blocking member once the toggle sub has been operated
drivers 1130 have aligned with and engaged the profile 710p . from one of the positions to the other of the positions.
A top of each driver 1130 may be inclined to force retraction Alternatively , the toggle sub may be operated by rotation of
of the drivers by engaging the driver tops with a top of the the shifting tool. The toggle sub may be used with any of the
mandrel profile 710p if the shifting toolmalfunctions or in power subs, discussed above.
the event of an emergency . Each release 1125 may also be 20 FIGS . 13A - 13C are cross - sections of an isolation assem
forced to retract in the event of malfunction /emergency upon bly in the closed position , according to another embodiment
engagement of the releases with a top of the profile 710p . of the present invention . FIGS. 13D and 13E are enlarge
Once engagement has been verified , the drill string may ments of portions of FIG . 13A . The isolation assembly may
be raised . The shifting tool 1100 and power sub mandrel 710 include one or more power subs 500 , a spacer sub 550 , and
may then be rotated by rotating the drill string. As discussed 25 the isolation valve 100 . The isolation assembly may be
above, rotation of the power sub mandrel 710 may operate assembled as part of a casing or liner string and run - into a
the power sub pump 750 , thereby opening or closing the wellbore ( see FIG . 20A ). The casing or liner string may be
isolation valve 100 (depending on which power sub 7000,0 cemented in the wellbore or be a tie -back casing string .
is being operated ). As the isolation valve 100 is being Although only one power sub 500 is shown , two power subs
opened or closed , hydraulic fluid from the isolation valve 30 may be used in a similar three -way configuration discussed
100 may alternate the other power sub and hydraulic fluid and illustrated above regarding the power subs 10, c .
from the other power sub may push the release piston 720 The power sub 500may include a tubularhousing 505 and
upward , thereby operating the release sleeve 715 . Once the a tubular mandrel 510 . The housing 505 may have couplings
stroke is complete , the sleeve profile 715p may be aligned (not shown ) formed at each longitudinal end thereof for
with the mandrel profile 710p . Each release 1125 may now 35 connection with other components of the casing/liner string.
be allowed to extend into the sleeve profile 715p, thereby The couplings may be threaded , such as a box and a pin . The
allowing further downward movement of the cam 1125 until housing 505 may have a central longitudinal bore formed
the outer dog aligns with the housing groove 1105g, thereby therethrough . Although shown as one piece, the housing 505
allowing extension of the ball seat snap ring and releasing may include two or more sections to facilitate manufacturing
the ball 1150 from the ball seat 1135 . The ball 1150 may then 40 and assembly, each section connected together, such as
pass through the mandrel 1110 and the driller may receive fastened with threaded connections. The housing may fur
indication at surface that the isolation valve 100 has been ther have a groove 505g formed in an inner surface thereof.
actuated . The spring 1140r, snap ring 1111b , and upper The mandrel510 may be disposed within the housing 505
mandrel shoulder 1110u may then reset the shifting tool and longitudinally movable relative thereto . The mandrel
1100 . The drill string may further include a catcher 950 (see 45 510 may have a profile 510p formed in an inner surface
FIG . 13B ) to receive the ball . thereof for receiving a driver, such as cleat 630 , of a shifting
In another embodiment ( not shown ), instead of including tool 600 . The mandrel 510 may further have an alignment
opener and closer power subs, the isolation assembly may groove 510g formed in an inner surface thereof for receiving
include a single power sub and a toggle sub . The toggle sub a release 625 of the shifting tool600 . The mandrel 510 may
may be disposed between the power sub and the isolation 50 further have one or more holes formed through a wall
valve . The toggle sub may also serve as the spacer sub . The thereof in alignment with the groove and spaced there
toggle sub may be in fluid communication with the hydraulic around . A fastener, such as a snap ring 515 ( FIGS. 13D and
couplings of the power sub and the hydraulic couplings of 13E ) , may be disposed in the groove 510g and one or more
the isolation valve . The toggle sub may be operable between fasteners, such as dogs 515 , may be disposed through
an open and a closed position . In the open position , the 55 respective holes 510h . Each dog 515 may engage an inner
toggle sub may provide fluid communication between the surface of the housing 505 and extend into the groove 510g .
power sub and the isolation valve such that operation of the The snap ring 515 may be biased into engagement with and
power sub opens the isolation valve and in the closed be received by the groove510g except that the dogs 520 may
position , the toggle sub may provide fluid communication prevent engagement of the snap ring 515 with the groove
between the power sub and the isolation valve such that 60 510g.
operation of the power sub closes the isolation valve. The T he mandrel 510 may further have a piston shoulder 510s
toggle sub may be operated before or after operating the formed in an outer surface thereof. The piston shoulder 510s
isolation valve. may be disposed in a chamber 506 . The housing 505 may
The toggle sub may have a profile for receiving a driver further have upper 505u and lower 5051 shoulders formed in
of a shifting tool. The shifting toolmay be the same shifting 65 an inner surface thereof. The chamber 506 may be defined
tool used to operate the power sub or the drill string may radially between the mandrel 510 and the housing 505 and
include a second shifting tool for operating the toggle sub . longitudinally between an upper seal disposed between the
 US 10 ,214 ,999 B2
23 24
housing 505 and the mandrel 510 proximate the upper ring 635i may be biased into engagement with and be
shoulder 505u and a lower seal disposed between the received by the groove 610g except that the dogs 6350 may
housing 505 and the mandrel 510 proximate the lower prevent engagement of the snap ring 635i with the groove
shoulder 5051. Hydraulic fluid may be disposed in the 610g, thereby causing a portion of the snap ring 635i to
chamber 506 . Each end of the chamber 506 may be in fluid 5 extend into the mandrel bore to receive the ball 450 .
communication with a respective hydraulic coupling 509C One or more ribs 605r may be formed in an outer surface
via a respective hydraulic passage 509p formed longitudi- of the housing. A pocket 605p may be formed in each rib
nally through a wall of the housing 505 . 605r . The cleat 630 may be disposed in the pocket 605p in
The spacer sub 550 may include a tubular housing 555 the retracted position . The cleat 630 may be connected to
having couplings (not shown) formed at each longitudinal 10 upper 615u and lower arms6151, such as by pivoting . A part
end thereof for connection with the power sub 300 and the of the connection between the cleat 630 and the arms 615u ,1
isolation valve 100 . The couplings may be threaded , such as is not cut in this section and shown by backline only . The
a pin and a box . The spacer sub 550 may further include arms 615u, lmay each be disposed in the pocket 605p (in the
hydraulic conduits, such as tubing 559t, fastened to an outer retracted position ) and received by respective sockets con
surface of the housing 555 and hydraulic couplings 559c 15 nected to the housing 605 , such as by one or more fasteners
connected to each end of the tubing 559t. The hydraulic 617u ,l, thereby pivoting the arms 615u ,l to the housing . The
couplings 559c may mate with respective hydraulic cou - arms 615u ,l may each be biased toward the retracted posi
plings of the power sub 500 and the isolation valve 100 . The tion by one or more biasing members , such as upper 616u
spacer sub 550 may provide fluid communication between a and lower 6161 inner leaf springs and upper 618u and lower
respective power sub passage 509p and a respective isola - 20 6181 outer leaf springs . Each of the upper leaf springs 616u ,
tion valve passage 109p . The spacer sub 550 may also have 618u may be disposed in the pocket 605p and connected to
a length sufficient to accommodate the BHA of the drill the housing 605 , such as being received by a groove formed
string while the shifting tool 600 is engaged with the power in the housing and fastened to the housing with upper
sub 500 , thereby providing longitudinal clearance between fasteners 619u and each of the lower leaf springs 6161, 6181
the drill bit and the flapper 120 . The spacer sub length may 25 may be disposed in the pocket 605p and connected to the
depend on the length of the BHA . Further, a spacer sub may housing 605 , such as being received by a groove formed in
also be disposed between the opener power sub and the the housing 605 and fastened to the housing with lower
closer power sub to ensure that the wrong power sub is not fasteners 6191.
inadvertently operated . The cleat 630 may abut the housing 605 in the retracted
FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross -sections of a shifting tool 30 position and have a cavity formed therein . A lug may be
600 for actuating the isolation valve 100 between the formed in the housing outer surface and extend into the
positions, according to another embodiment of the present cavity . The hole 608u may extend through the lug . A pusher,
invention . FIG . 14C is an enlargement of a portion of FIGS . such as a pin 620 , may be disposed between the cleat 630
14A and 14B . The shifting tool 600 may include a tubular and the mandrel610 and in the profile 610p , and may extend
housing 605 , a tubular mandrel 610 , and one or more 35 through the hole 608u . One or more seals may be disposed
drivers , such as cleats 630 . The housing 605 may have between the housing lug and the pin 620 . A biasing member,
couplings 607b,p formed at each longitudinal end thereof for such as a leaf spring 631, may be connected to the cleat 630
connection with other components of a drill string. The and may bias the cleat 630 away from the pin 620 . A release ,
couplings may be threaded , such as a box 607b and a pin such as a pin 625 , may be disposed between the housing 605
607p . The housing 605 may have a central longitudinal bore 40 and the mandrel 610 and in the profile 610t and extend
formed therethrough for conducting drilling fluid . The hous - through the hole 6081. A biasing member, such as a spring
ing 605 may include two or more sections 605a -d to 626 may be disposed in the hole and may bias the release pin
facilitate manufacturing and assembly , each section 605ac - 6 25 toward the retracted position . One or more seals may be
connected together, such as fastened with threaded connec - disposed between the housing 605 and the release pin 625 .
tions . The housing section 605d may be connected to the 45 A chamber may be defined radially between the mandrel
other sections 605a - c by being disposed between the sec - 610 and the housing 605 and longitudinally between one or
tions 605b , c . An inner surface of the housing 605 may have more upper seals disposed between the housing 605 and the
a groove 605g and an upper shoulder 605u formed therein , mandrel 610 proximate the upper shoulder 605u and one or
a top of the housing section 605d may serve as a lower more lower seals disposed between the housing 605 and the
shoulder 6051, and a wall of the housing 605 may have one 50 mandrel 610 proximate the lower shoulder 6051. Lubricant
or more holes 608u , l formed therethrough . may be disposed in the chamber. A compensator piston (not
The mandrel610 may be disposed within the housing 605 shown) may be disposed in the mandrel 610 or the housing
and longitudinally movable relative thereto between a 605 to compensate for displacement of lubricant due to
retracted position (shown ), an engaged position ( see FIG . movement of the mandrel 610 . The compensator piston may
15C ) , and a released position (see FIG . 15D ). The mandrel 55 also serve to equalize pressure of the lubricant (or slightly
610 may have upper 610u and lower 6101 shoulders formed increase ) with pressure in the housing bore . A biasing
in an outer surface thereof and upper and lower profiles, member, such as a spring 640 , may be disposed against the
such as tapers 610p ,t, formed in an outer surface thereof. A lower shoulders 6101,6051, thereby biasing the mandrel 610
seat 635 may be fastened to the mandrel 610 for receiving toward the retracted position . In addition to the spring 640 ,
a blocking member, such as a ball 450 (see FIG . 15B ) , 60 bottom of the mandrel 610 may have an area greater than a
pumped from the surface . The seat 635 may include an inner top of the mandrel 610 , thereby serving to bias the mandrel
fastener, such as a snap ring 635i (FIG . 15E ), and one or 610 toward the retracted position in response to fluid pres
more outer fasteners, such as dogs6350. Each dog 6350 may sure (equalized ) in the housing bore .
be disposed through a respective hole 610h formed through FIGS. 15A - 15F illustrate operation of the shifting tool
a wall of the mandrel. Each dog 6350 may engage an inner 65 600 . The shifting tool 600 may be assembled as part of a drill
surface of the housing 605 and extend into a groove 610g string . The drill string may be run into the wellbore until the
formed in an inner surface of the mandrel 610g. The snap cleat 630 is aligned or nearly aligned with the power sub
 US 10 ,214 , 999 B2
25 26
profile 510p . The ball 450 may be launched from the surface release piston may be movable into engagement with the
and pumped down through the drill string until the ball 450 driver to push a leaf spring connected to the driver radially
lands on the seat 635 . Continued pumping may exert fluid inward to engage the shifting tool and release the seat.
pressure on the ball 450 , thereby driving the mandrel 610 Alternatively, the driver may be a collet and the release
longitudinally downward and moving the profiles 610p , t 5 piston may actuate the collet between an engaged position
relative to the pins 620 , 625 until the release pin 625 engages and a disengaged position . The release pin of the shifting
a shoulder 610s of the profile 610t. tool may engage the collet and the seat may be released
The pins 620 , 625 may be wedged outward by (relative ) when the collet is in the disengaged position . Alternatively ,
movement along the profiles 610p ,t. The driver pin 620 may the acts of exerting the first threshold may be omitted and the
push the cleat 630 into engagement with an inner surface of 10 second threshold may be initially exerted on the ball.
the power sub mandrel 510 and the release pin 625 may FIGS. 16A - 16C are cross - sections of an isolation valve
directly engage an inner surface of the power sub mandrel 800 in the closed position , according to another embodiment
510 . If the cleat 630 is misaligned with the power sub profile of the present invention . The isolation valve 800 may
510p , then the shifting tool 600 may be raised and/ or include a tubular housing 805 , a flow tube 815 , and a closure
lowered until the cleat 630 is aligned . The ball 450 may be 15 member, such as a flapper 820 . As discussed above , the
deployed with the shifting tool intentionally misaligned closure member may be a ball (not shown ) instead of the
slightly above the profile to prevent overshoot. The leaf flapper 820 . To facilitate manufacturing and assembly, the
spring 631 may allow the cleat 630 to be pushed inward by housing 805 may include one or more sections 805a - d each
the profile 510p during engagement of the profile 510p with connected together, such as fastened with threaded connec
the cleat 630 . Retention of the ball seat 635 by the release 20 tions . The housing 805 may have a longitudinal bore formed
pin 625 may safeguard against false actuation of the isola - therethrough for passage of a drill string. The housing 805
tion valve 100 . may further have one or more indicator grooves 805g
Once the cleat 630 engages the power sub profile 610p , formed in an inner surface thereof .
the release 625 may simultaneously engage the power sub The flow tube 815 may have one or more profiles 815p
snap ring 515 . Engagement of the cleat 630 with the profile 25 formed in an inner surface thereof for receiving a driver,
510p may longitudinally connect the shifting tool 600 and such as a cleat 930 of a shifting tool 900 . To facilitate
the power sub mandrel 510 . The longitudinal connection manufacturing and assembly, the flow tube 815 may include
may be bi- directional or uni-directional. The shifting tool one or more sections 815a -c each connected together, such
600 may be lowered ( or lowering may continue ), thereby as fastened with threaded connections and / or fasteners . The
also moving the power sub mandrel 510 longitudinally 30 housing 805 and the flow tube 815 may each have a length
downward and actuating the isolation valve 100 . If only one sufficient to accommodate the BHA of the drill string while
power sub is used (bi -directional connection ), then the the shifting tool 900 is engaged with one of the profiles
shifting tool 600 may be raised or lowered depending on the 815p , thereby providing longitudinal clearance between the
last position of the isolation valve 100 . Use of two -power drill bit and the flapper 820 . The flow tube 815 may further
subs 500 in the three -way configuration in conjunction with 35 have an indicator groove 815g (FIG . 18C ) formed in an
the uni -directional ( downward ) connection advantageously inner surface thereof. A fastener, such as a snap ring 817 ,
allows retrieval of the drill string in the event of emergency may be disposed in the groove 815g. The snap ring 817 may
and / or malfunction of the power subs and /or shifting tool by be biased outward into engagement with an inner surface of
simply pulling up on the drill string. the housing 805 .
Once the power sub piston 510s has reached a bottom of 40 The flow tube 815 may be longitudinally movable relative
the chamber 506 , the power sub mandrel groove 510g may to the housing 805 between the open position and the closed
become aligned with the power sub housing groove 505g . position . In the closed position , the flow tube 815 may be
The power sub snap ring 515 may extend into the power sub clear from the flapper 820, thereby allowing the flapper 820
mandrel groove 510g and push the dogs 520 partially into to close . In the open position , the flow tube 815 may engage
the power sub housing groove 505g. The release pin 610s 45 the flapper 820 , push the flapper 820 to the open position ,
may pass the shoulder 610s, thereby allowing the release pin and engage a seat ( not shown , see seat 108s ) formed in the
625 to follow the snap ring 515 and release the mandrel610 housing 805 . Engagement of the flow tube 815 with the seat
from the housing 605 . The mandrel 610 may then move may protect the flapper 820 and the flapper seat 806s. The
longitudinally downward until the ball seat dogs 6350 align flapper 820 may be pivoted to the housing 805 , such as by
with the housing groove 605g, thereby allowing extension of 50 a fastener 820p . A biasing member , such as a torsion spring
the ball seat snap ring 635i and releasing the ball 450 from 825 may engage the flapper 820 and the housing 805 and be
the ball seat 635 . The ball 450 may then pass through the disposed about the fastener 820p to bias the flapper 820
mandrel 610 and the driller may receive indication at surface toward the closed position . In the closed position , the flapper
that the isolation valve 100 has been actuated . The springs 820 may fluidly isolate an upper portion of the valve from
640 , 626 and arms 615u , l may then reset the shifting tool 55 a lower portion of the valve .
600. The drill string may further include a catcher 950 (see The isolation valve 800 may be purely mechanical in that
FIG . 17B ) to receive the ball . the isolation valve may have no elastomer ( or other poly
Alternatively , the snap ring 515 may be omitted and the mer ) seals and no hydraulic fluid . The flapper and flapper
dogs 520 may extend inward to be flush with an inner seat as well as any other seals may be metal-to -metal.
surface of the mandrel 510 . Alternatively , a collet may be 60 FIG . 17A is a cross -section of a shifting tool 900 for
used instead of the ball seat snap ring 635i and dogs 6350 . actuating the isolation valve 800 between the positions,
Alternatively, the power sub 500 may include a release according to another embodiment of the present invention .
piston instead of the snap ring 515 and dogs 520 and a driver. FIG . 17C is an enlargement of a portion of FIG . 17A . The
The release piston may be similar to the release piston 315 shifting tool 900 may include a tubular housing 905 , a
in function to receive return hydraulic fluid from the isola - 65 tubular mandrel 910 , and one or more drivers , such as cleats
tion valve . The driver may be different from the sleeve 320 930 . The housing 905 may have couplings 907b , p formed at
in that it may not be connected to the release piston . The each longitudinal end thereof for connection with other
 US 10,214 , 999 B2
27 28
components of a drill string. The couplings may be threaded , drill string . The catcher 950 may include a tubular housing
such as a box 907b and a pin 907p . The housing 905 may 955 , a tubular cage 960, and a baffle 965. The housing 955
have a central longitudinal bore formed therethrough for may have couplings 957b,p formed at each longitudinal end
conducting drilling fluid . The housing 905 may include two thereof for connection with other components of a drill
or more sections to facilitate manufacturing and assembly, 5 string . The couplings may be threaded , such as a box 9576
each section connected together, such as fastened with and a pin 957p . The housing 955 may have a central
threaded connections. An inner surface of the housing 905 longitudinal bore formed therethrough for conducting drill
may have an upper 905u and lower 9051 shoulder formed ing fluid . An inner surface of the housing 955 may have an
therein . upper and lower shoulder formed therein .
The mandrel 910 may be disposed within the housing 905 10 The cage 960 may be disposed within the housing 955 and
and longitudinally movable relative thereto between a connected thereto , such as by being disposed between the
retracted position (shown ) and an engaged position ( FIGS. lower housing shoulder and a fastener, such as a ring 967 ,
18C and 18D ). The mandrel 910 may have a top 910t, a seat connected to the housing 955 , such as by a threaded con
910b formed in an inner surface thereof for receiving a nection . The cage 960 may be made from an erosion
blocking member , such as a ball 250 (FIG . 18B ), pumped 15 resistant material, such as a tool steel or cermet, or be made
from the surface , one or more profiles, such as slots 910s , from a metal or alloy and treated , such as a case hardened ,
formed in an outer surface thereof, one or more lugs 910g to resist erosion . The retainer ring 967 may engage the upper
formed in an outer surface thereof, and a shoulder 9101 housing shoulder . The cage 960 may have solid top 960t and
formed in an outer surface thereof. One or more fasteners , bottom 960b and a perforated body 960m , such as slotted
such as pins 918 , may be disposed through respective holes 20 960s. The slots 960s may be formed through a wall of the
formed through a wall of the housing and extend into the body 960m and spaced therearound . A length of the slots
respective slots, thereby rotationally connecting the mandrel 960s may correspond to a ball capacity of the catcher. The
910 to the housing 905 . In the retracted position , the mandrel baffle 965 may be fastened to the body 960m , such as by one
top 910t may be stopped by engagement with a fastener, or more fasteners (not shown ). An annulus 956 may be
such as a ring 917 , connected to the housing 905, such as by 25 formed between the body 960m and the housing . The
a threaded connection . The stop ring 917 may engage the annulus 956 may serve as a fluid bypass for the flow of
upper housing shoulder 905u . drilling fluid through the catcher 950 . The first caught ball
One or more ribs 905r may be formed in an outer surface may land on the baffle 965 . Drilling fluid may enter the
of the housing 905. A pocket 905p may be formed through annulus 956 from the housing bore through the slots 960s ,
each rib 905r . The cleat 930 may be disposed in the pocket 30 flow around the caught balls along the annulus 956 , and
905p in the retracted position . The cleat 930 may be moved re - enter the housing bore thorough the slots 960s below the
outward toward to the engaged position by one or more baffle 965 .
wedges 915 disposed in the pocket 905p. Each wedge 915 FIGS. 18A - 18E illustrate operation of the shifting tool
may include an inner member 915i and an outer member 900 . The shifting tool 900 may be assembled as part of a drill
9150. The inner member 915i may be connected to the 35 string . The drill string may be run into the wellbore until the
mandrel lug 910g , such as by a fastener 916i. The outer cleat 930 is aligned or nearly aligned with one of the flow
member 9150 may be connected to the cleat 930 , such as by tube profiles 815p. The ball 250 may be launched from the
a fastener 9160 . A clearance may be provided between the surface and pumped down through the drill string until the
cleat and the fastener and a biasing member, such as a ball 250 lands on the seat 910b . Continued pumping may
Bellville spring 931, may be disposed between the outer 40 exert fluid pressure on the ball 250 , thereby driving the
member 9150 and the cleat 930 to bias the cleat 930 into mandrel 910 longitudinally downward and moving the inner
engagement with the fastener 9160 . A seal may be disposed members 915i relative to the outer members 9150 .
between the cleat 930 and the housing 905 . Once the ball 250 has landed and the wedges 915 have
A chamber may be defined radially between the mandrel operated , pumping may be halted and pressure maintained .
910 and the housing 905 and may include the pocket 905p. 45 The fasteners 9160 may be pushed outward by the relative
The chamber may be longitudinally defined between one or longitudinal movement of the wedges 915 . The fasteners
more upper seals disposed between the housing 905 and the 9160 may push the cleat 930 into engagement with an inner
mandrel 910 proximate the ball seat 910b and one or more surface of the flow tube 815 . If the cleat 930 is misaligned
lower seals disposed between the housing 905 and the with one of the flow tube profiles 815p , then the shifting tool
mandrel 910 proximate the lower shoulder 9101. Lubricant 50 900 may be raised and/ or lowered until the cleat 930 is
may be disposed in the chamber. A compensator piston (not aligned with one of the flow tube profiles 815p . The Belle
shown )may be disposed in the mandrel 910 or the housing ville spring 931 may allow the cleat 930 to be pushed inward
905 to compensate for displacement of lubricant due to by the profile 815p during engagement of the profile 815p
movement of themandrel 910 . The compensator piston may with the cleat 930 . Engagement of the cleat 930 with the
also serve to equalize pressure of the lubricant ( or slightly 55 profile 815p may bi-directionally longitudinally connect the
increase) with pressure in the housing bore . A biasing shifting tool 900 and the flow tube 815 . The shifting tool 900
member , such as a spring 940 , may be disposed against the may be raised or lowered to open or close the isolation valve
lower shoulders 9101, 9051, thereby biasing the mandrel 910 800 .
toward the retracted position . Alternatively, instead of the As the shifting tool 900 and flow tube 815 are being raised
spring 940 , a bottom of the mandrel 910 may have an area 60 or lowered , the snap rings 817 may engage the grooves 805g
greater than the top 910t the mandrel 910 , thereby serving to causing increased resistance to raising or lowering of the
bias the mandrel 910 toward the retracted position in shifting tool and flow tube. This increased resistance may be
response to fluid pressure ( equalized ) in the housing bore. detectable at the surface by the driller. Further, the resistance
FIG . 17B is a cross section of a catcher 950 for use with may prevent unintentional actuation of the power sub due to
the shifting tool 900 . The catcher 950 may receive one or 65 incidental contact with the drill string during drilling . Each
more balls 250 , such as seven , so that the isolation valve 800 groove 805g may correspond to a predetermined position of
may be actuated a plurality of times during one trip of the the flow tube 815 . A first groove 805g may correspond to
 US 10 ,214 ,999 B2
29 30
engagement of the flow tube 815 with the flapper 820 and a of the present invention . An upper section of a wellbore
second groove 805g may correspond to seating of the flow 1005 through a non -productive formation 1030n has been
tube 815 on the flow tube seat. In this manner, if the isolation drilled using a drilling rig 1000 . A casing string 1015 has
valve 800 is unable to be fully actuated due to malfunction , been installed in the wellbore 1005 and cemented 1010 in
a partial actuation may be detected and may be sufficient to 5 place . One of the isolation valve /assemblies discussed and
continue drilling operations. Additionally , a groove 8059 illustrated above has been assembled as part of the casing
may be formed in the housing 805 corresponding to the string 1015 and is represented by the depiction of a flapper
closed position of the flapper 820 to indicate that the cleat 1020 . Alternatively , as discussed above, the isolation valvel
has engaged the profile (when opening the isolation valve assembly may instead be assembled as part of a tie -back
800 ). 10 casing string received by a polished bore receptacle of a liner
For example , if engagement with the first groove 805g is string cemented to the wellbore . The isolation valve 1020
detected but engagement with the second groove 805g is may be in the open position for deployment and cementing
obstructed , the driller may know that the flapper 820 has of the casing string. Once the casing string 1015 has been
been moved to the open position but is unable to verify that deployed and cemented , a drill string 1050 may be deployed
the flow tube 815 has seated . Opening of the flapper 820 may 15 into the wellbore for drilling of a productive hydrocarbon
be sufficient for drilling operations to continue as the open bearing (i. e ., crude oil and / or natural gas) formation 1030p .
flapper 820 may not obstruct passage of the drill string The drilling rig 1000 may be deployed on land or off
through the isolation valve 800 . The grooves may also shore. If the wellbore 1005 is subsea , then the drilling rig
provide position indication when closing the isolation valve 1000 may be a mobile offshore drilling unit, such as a
800 . Once the isolation valve 800 has been actuated , pump- 20 drillship or semisubmersible . The drilling rig 1000 may
ing of fluid into the drill string may resume, thereby increas - include a derrick (not shown ). The drilling rig 1000 may
ing pressure exerted on the ball 250 until the ball 250 further include drawworks (not shown) for supporting a top
deforms and passes through the mandrel 910 to the catcher drive (not shown ). The top drive may in turn support and
950 . rotate the drill string 1050. Alternatively , a Kelly and rotary
Additionally, any of the other power subs 10 ,c , 300 , 500 25 table (not shown ) may be used to rotate the drill string
may include an indicator similar to the indicator 805g, 815g, instead of the top drive . The drilling rig 1000 may further
817 to provide resistance to initial operation thereof detect include a rig pump (not shown ) operable to pump drilling
able at the surface and to prevent unintentional operation of fluid 1045f from of a pit or tank (not shown ), through a
the power subs due to incidental contact with the drill string standpipe and Kelly hose to the top drive. The drilling fluid
during drilling 30 may include a base liquid . The base liquid may be refined
Alternatively , any of the rotational power subs 10, c 300 oil, water, brine , or a water /oil emulsion . The drilling fluid
may include a gearbox instead of the helical profile . may further include solids dissolved or suspended in the
Alternatively , any of the ball seats 210b , 435 , 635 , 910b , base liquid , such as organophilic clay , lignite , and /or asphalt ,
1135 of the shifting tools 200 , 400 , 600 , 900 , 1100 may be thereby forming a mud . The drilling fluid may further
chokes and extended inward to provide fluid restriction 35 include a gas, such as diatomic nitrogen mixed with the base
therethrough . The shifting tools may then be operated by liquid , thereby forming a two -phase mixture . If the drilling
injecting fluid therethrough at a rate greater than or equal to fluid is two-phase , the drilling rig 1000 may further include
a threshold rate to create a pressure differential across the a nitrogen production unit (not shown ) operable to produce
choke instead of pumping the ball 250/450 to operate the commercially pure nitrogen from air.
respective shifting tool. If a choke is used instead of the seats 40 The drilling fluid 1045fmay flow from the standpipe and
435 , 635 , the chokes may retract in response to opening or into the drill string 1050 via a swivel (Kelly or top drive, not
closing of the valve . shown ). The drilling fluid 1045f may be pumped down
FIG . 19 illustrates a heave compensated shifting tool through the drill string 1050 and exit a drill bit 1050b , where
1200 , according to another embodiment of the present the fluid may circulate the cuttings away from the bit 1050b
invention . The shifting tool 1200 may include a tubular 45 and return the cuttings up an annulus 1025 formed between
housing 1205 , a tubular mandrel 1210 , one ormore biasing an inner surface of the casing 1015 or wellbore 1005 and an
members, such as upper spring 1215u and lower spring outer surface of the drill string 1050. The return mixture
12151 and one or more latches , such as cleats 1230 . The ( returns) 1045r may return to a surface 1035 of the earth and
housing 1205 may have couplings formed at each longitu - be diverted through an outlet 10600 of a rotating control
dinal end thereof for connection with other components of a 50 device (RCD ) 1060 and into a primary returns line (not
drill string. The couplings may be threaded , such as a box shown ). The returns 1045r may then be processed by one or
and a pin . The housing 1205 may have a central longitudinal more separators (not shown). The separators may include a
bore formed therethrough for conducting drilling fluid . The shale shaker to separate cuttings from the returns and one or
housing 1205 may include two or more sections facilitate more fluid separators to separate the returns into gas and
manufacturing and assembly , each section connected 55 liquid and the liquid into water and oil.
together, such as fastened with threaded connections . The T he RCD 1060 may provide an annular seal 1060s around
shifting tool 1200 may be operable with either of the power the drill string 1050 during drilling and while adding or
subs 500 , 800 . The housing 1205 may be longitudinally removing (i.e ., during a tripping operation to change a worn
movable relative to the mandrel 1210 to account for drill bit) segments or stands to / from the drill string 1050. The
string heave during operation . Alternatively, the mandrel 60 RCD 1060 achieves fluid isolation by packing off around the
may be rotationally connected to the housing while retaining drill string 1050 . The RCD 1060 may include a pressure
longitudinal movement capability, such as by a splined containing housing mounted on the wellhead where one or
connection , and the shifting toolmay be used with any of the more packer elements 1060s are supported between bearings
power subs 1 , 300 , 700 instead of or in addition to elongated and isolated by mechanical seals . The RCD 1060 may be the
mandrel slots to account for heave. 65 active type or the passive type. The active type RCD uses
FIGS. 20A - 20H illustrate a method of drilling and com - external hydraulic pressure to activate the packer elements
pleting a wellbore 1005 , according to another embodiment 1 060s. The sealing pressure is normally increased as the
 US 10 ,214 , 999 B2
31 32
annulus pressure increases. The passive type RCD uses a is used instead of drill pipe, the BHA may include an orienter
mechanical seal with the sealing action supplemented by to switch between rotary and slide drilling . If the deploy
wellbore pressure . One or more blowout preventers (BOPs) ment string is casing or liner , the liner or casing may be
1055 may be attached to the wellhead 1040. suspended in the wellbore 1005 and cemented after drilling .
A variable choke valve 1065 may be disposed in the 5 If the deployment string 1050 is coiled tubing or other
returns line . The choke 1065 may be in communication with non -jointed tubular, a stripper or pack -off elements (not
a programmable logic controller (PLC ) 1070 and fortified to shown ) may be used instead of the RCD 1060 .
operate in an environment where the returns 1045r contain The drill string 1050 may be operated to drill through the
substantial drill cuttings and other solids. The choke 1065 casing shoe 1015s and then to extend the wellbore 1005 by
may be employed during normal drilling to exert back 10 drilling into the productive formation 1030p . A density of
pressure on the annulus 1025 to control bottom hole pressure the drilling fluid 1045f may be less than or substantially less
exerted by the returns on the productive formation . The than a pore pressure gradient of the productive formation
drilling rig may further include a flow meter (not shown ) in 1030p . A free flowing (non -choked ) equivalent circulation
communication with the returns line to measure a flow rate density (ECD ) of the returns 1045r may also be less than or
of the returns and output themeasurement to the PLC 1070 . 15 substantially less than the pore pressure gradient . During
The flow meter may be single or multi-phase . Alternatively , drilling, the variable choke 1065 may be controlled by the
a flow meter in communication with the PLC 1070 may be PLC 1070 to maintain the ECD to be equal to managed
in each outlet of the separators to measure the separated pressure ) or less than (underbalanced ) the pore pressure
phases independently . gradient of the productive formation 1030p . If, during
Alternatively , the choke 1065 and the RCD 1060 may be 20 drilling of the productive formation , the drill bit 1050b needs
omitted . to be replaced or after total depth is reached , the drill string
The PLC 1070 may further be in communication with the 1050 may be removed from the wellbore 1005 . The drill
rig pump to receive a measurement of a flow rate of the string 1050 may be raised until the drill bit 1050b is above
drilling fluid injected into the drill string . In this manner, the the flapper 1020 and the shifting tool 1050s is aligned with
PLC may perform a mass balance between the drilling fluid 25 the power sub . The shifting tool 1050s may then be operated
1045f and the returns 1045r to monitor for formation fluid to engage the power sub ( or one of the power subs ) to close
1090 entering the annulus 1025 or drilling fluid 1045f the flapper 1020 .
entering the formation 1030p . The PLC 1070 may then The drill string 1050 may then be further raised until the
compare the measurements to calculated values by the PLC BHA/ drill bit 1050b is proximate the wellhead 1040 . An
1070 . If nitrogen is being used as part of the drilling fluid , 30 upper portion of the wellbore 1005 ( above the flapper 1020 )
then the flow rate of the nitrogen may be communicated to may then be vented to atmospheric pressure . The returns
the PLC via a flow meter in communication with the 1045r may also be displaced from the upper portion of the
nitrogen production unit or a flow rate measured by a booster wellbore using air or nitrogen . The RCD 1060 may then be
compressor in communication with the nitrogen production opened or removed so that the drill bit /BHA 1050b may be
unit. If the values exceed threshold values, the PLC 1070 35 removed from the wellbore 1005 . If total depth has not been
may take remedial action by adjusting the choke 1065. A reached , the drill bit 1050b may be replaced and the drill
first pressure sensor (not shown) may be disposed in the string 1050 may be reinstalled in the wellbore . The annulus
standpipe , a second pressure sensor (not shown ) may be 1025 may be filled with drilling fluid 1045f, pressure in the
disposed between the RCD outlet 10600 and the choke 1065, upper portion of the wellbore 1005 may be equalized with
and a third pressure sensor (not shown ) may be disposed in 40 pressure in the lower portion of the wellbore 1005 . The
the returns line downstream of the choke 1065 . The pressure shifting tool 1050s may be operated to engage the power sub
sensors may be in data communication with the PLC . and open the flapper 1020 . Drilling may then resume. In this
The drill string 1050 may include a deployment string, manner, the productive formation 1030p may remain live
such as drill pipe 1050p , the drill bit 1050b disposed on a during tripping due to isolation from the upper portion of the
longitudinal end thereof, one of the shifting tools discussed 45 wellbore by the closed flapper 1020 , thereby obviating the
above (depicted by 1050s ). Alternatively , the deployment need to kill the productive formation 1030p .
string may be casing, liner , or coiled tubing instead of the Once drilling has reached total depth , the drill string 1050
drill pipe 1050p . The drill string 1050 may also include a may be retrieved to the drilling rig as discussed above . A
bottom hole assembly (BHA ) (not shown ) that may include liner string, such as an expandable liner string 10751, may
the bit 1050b , drill collars , a mud motor, a bent sub , 50 then be deployed into the wellbore 1005 using a workstring
measurementwhile drilling (MWD ) sensors , logging while 1075 . The workstring 1075 may include an expander 1075e ,
drilling (LWD ) sensors and /or a float valve (to prevent the shifting tool 1050s, a packer 1075p and the string of drill
backflow of fluid from the annulus). The mud motor may be pipe 1050p . The expandable liner 10751may be constructed
a positive displacement type (i.e ., a Moineau motor ) or a from one or more layers, such as three. The three layers may
turbomachine type ( i.e ., a mud turbine ). The drill string 1050 55 include a slotted structural base pipe, a layer of filter media ,
may further include float valves distributed therealong , such and an outer shroud . Both the base pipe and the outer shroud
as one in every thirty joints or ten stands , to maintain may be configured to permit hydrocarbons to flow through
backpressure on the returns while adding joints thereto . The perforations formed therein . The filter material may be held
drill string 1050 may also include one or more centralizers between the base pipe and the outer shroud and may serve
1050c (FIG . 18D ) spaced therealong at regular intervals. 60 to filter sand and other particulates from entering the liner
The drill bit 1050b may be rotated from the surface by the 10751. The liner string 10751 and workstring 1050s may be
rotary table or top drive and / or downhole by the mud motor. deployed into the live wellbore using the isolation valve
If a bent sub and mud motor is included in the BHA , slide 1020 , as discussed above for the drill string 1050. Once
drilling may be effected by only the mud motor rotating the deployed , the expander 1075e may be operated to expand
drill bit and rotary or straight drilling may be effected by 65 the liner 10751 into engagement with a lower portion of the
rotating the drill string from the surface slowly while the wellbore traversing the productive formation 1030p . Once
mud motor rotates the drill bit. Alternatively, if coiled tubing the liner 10751 has been expanded , the packer 1070s may be
 US 10,214 , 999 B2
33 34
set against the casing 1015 . The packer 1075p may include flow from the lateralwellbore . The shifting toolmay then be
a removable plug set in a housing thereof, thereby isolating deployed as part of a work string. The work string may
the productive formation 1030p from the upper portion of further include a BHA and a deployment string, such as drill
the wellbore 1005 . The packer housing may have a shoulder pipe , coiled tubing, or wireline . The BHA may be used in a
for receiving a production tubing string 1080 . Once the 5 completion operation or an intervention operation .
packer is set , the expander 1075e, the shifting tool 1050s, While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
and the drill pipe 1050p may be retrieved from the wellbore present invention , other and further embodiments of the
using the isolation valve 1020 as discussed above for the invention may be devised without departing from the basic
drill string 1050 . scope thereof , and the scope thereof is determined by the
Alternatively , a conventional solid liner may be deployed 10 claims that follow .
and cemented to the productive formation 1030p and then In one embodiment, a shifting tool for use in a wellbore
perforated to provide fluid communication . Alternatively, a includes a tubular housing having a bore formed there
perforated liner ( and / or sandscreen ) and gravel pack may be through ; a tubular mandrel disposed in the housing and
installed or the productive formation 1030p may be left longitudinally movable relative thereto ; and an engagement
exposed (a .k .a . barefoot). 15 member moveable relative to the housing between an
The RCD 1060 and BOP 1055 may be removed from the extended position, a released position , and a retracted posi
wellhead 1040. A production (also known as Christmas ) tree tion , wherein : the engagementmember is movable from the
1085 may then be installed on the wellhead 1040. The retracted position to the extended position in response to
production tree 1085 may include a body 1085b, a tubing movement of the mandrel relative to the housing, and the
hanger 1085h , a production choke 1085v, and a cap 10850 20 engagement member is further movable from the extended
and /or plug . Alternatively , the production tree 1085 may be position to the released position in response to further
installed after the production tubing 1080 is hung from the movement of the mandrel relative to the housing .
wellhead 1040 . The production tubing 1080 may then be In one ormore of the embodiments described herein , the
deployed and may seat in the packer body. The packer plug shifting tool includes a cam operably connecting the engage
may then be removed , such as by using a wireline or 25 ment member and the mandrel.
slickline and a lubricator. The tree cap 1085c and /or plug In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
may then be installed . Hydrocarbons 1090 produced from engagement member is pivoted to the housing.
the formation 1030p may enter a bore of the liner 10751, In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
travel through the liner bore , and enter a bore of the shifting tool includes a seat longitudinally connected to the
production tubing 1080 for transport to the surface 1035 . 30 mandrel and radially movable relative thereto between an
FIG . 21 illustrates a method of drilling a wellbore , accord - engaged position for receiving a blocking member and a
ing to another embodiment of the present invention . Instead disengaged position for releasing the blocking member .
of being located proximate the isolation valve 1020 , one or In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
more of the power subs 13050 ,c (may be any of the power seat is operable to move to the disengaged position when the
subs discussed above ) may be located along the casing at a 35 engagement member is in the released position .
depth substantially above the isolation valve 1020 , such as In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
proximate to the wellhead 1040 . This distal placement of the shifting tool includes one or more variable volumehydraulic
power subs 13050, c allows the shifting tool 1050s to be reservoirs for thermal compensation .
located along the drill string 1050 at a location distal from In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
the bit 1050b . The distal placement of the shifting tool 1050s 40 engagement member is further movable to a collapsed
may allow the shifting tool to remain in the upper portion of position in response to engagement of the engagement
the wellbore 1005 while the productive formation 1030p is member with a top of a profile in the wellbore .
being drilled , thereby reducing wear of the shifting tool In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
1050s and reducing risk of malfunction . The upper portion engagement member includes an arm .
of the wellbore may be cased (shown ) or may be a bare 45 In another embodiment, a method of operating a shifting
vertical portion of the wellbore . Additionally or alterna- tool in a wellbore includes aligning a release member of the
tively, distal placement of the power subs 13050 , c may also shifting tool with a profile in the wellbore ; landing a
be used to accommodate long BHAS (without having to blocking member in the shifting tool; moving a mandrel in
place the shifting tool 1050s proximate the bit 1050b ) . the shifting tool downward relative to a housing of the
Additionally or alternatively , distal placement of the power 50 shifting tool; radially extending the release member to a first
subs 13050, c may also be used to deploy the liner 10751 position , wherein the release member at least partially
using an alternative of the workstring 1075 such that the extends into the profile ; rotating the shifting tool, thereby
workstring does not have to extend through the liner. actuating a tool in the wellbore ; radially extending the
In another embodiment (not shown ), a valve and power release member to a second position in response to the
subs may be assembled as part of the production tubing 55 actuation of the tool , wherein the tool causes the release
string 1080 . The power subs may be in communication with member to radially extend to the second position , and
the valve and operable to open and close the valve , respec - releasing the blocking member from the shifting tool in
tively . The valve may be a subsurface safety valve (SSV ) , a response to the release member extending to the second
flow control valve, or a shutoff valve . The SSV may close a position .
bore of the production tubing to isolate the productive 60 In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
formation 1130p from the upper portion of the wellbore . The tool includes an isolation valve .
flow control and shutoff valves may be employed for selec - In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
tively producing from a lateral wellbore (not shown ) extend isolation valve isolates a formation and an upper portion of
ing to a second productive formation (not shown ). The flow the wellbore in a closed position .
control and shutoff valve may selectively open , close, and 65 In one ormore of the embodiments described herein , the
meter ( flow control valve only one or more ports formed release member is prevented from extending from the first
through a wall of the production tubing for receiving fluid position to the second position until the tool is actuated .
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35 36
In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
profile is formed in an actuator. pressure chamber is in fluid communication with an isola
In one or more of the embodiments described herein , tion valve .
increasing fluid pressure behind the blocking member causes In another embodiment, an isolation assembly for use in
the mandrel to move downward . 5 a wellbore includes a power sub ; an isolation valve ; a toggle
In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the sub operable between a first position and a second position ,
method includes setting a liner string in the wellbore . wherein when the toggle sub is in the first position the
In one or more of the embodiments described herein , isolation valve closes upon operation of the power sub and
setting the liner includes expanding the liner into engage when the toggle sub is in the second position the isolation
ment with the wellbore . 10 valve opens upon operation of the power sub .
In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
release member extends using a cam and follower arrange - toggle sub is longitudinally movable between the first and
ment. second position .
In one ormore of the embodiments described herein , the In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
method includes setting a packer, wherein the packer 15 toggle sub is rotationally movable between the first and
includes a removable plug configured to isolate a productive second position .
portion of a formation and an upper portion of the wellbore . In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
In one or more of the embodiments described herein , toggle sub includes a profile for receiving a shifting tool.
removing the plug from the packer unblocks fluid commu- In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
nication between the productive portion of the formation and 20 power sub includes a profile for receiving the shifting tool.
the production tubing. In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
In one ormore of the embodiments described herein , the power sub includes a tubular housing having a bore formed
method includes producing from the productive portion of therethrough ; a tubular mandrel disposed in the housing,
the formation . movable relative thereto , and having the profile for receiving
In another embodiment, a power sub for use in a wellbore 25 the shifting tool; a first piston operably coupled to the
includes a tubular housing having a bore formed there - mandrel and operable to pump hydraulic fluid to an outlet of
through ; a tubular mandrel disposed in the housing, movable the housing; and a release operable to receive a release of the
relative thereto , and having a profile for receiving a driver of shifting tool after operation of the power sub , thereby
a shifting tool ; a first piston operably coupled to the mandrel depressurizing the shifting tool.
and operable to pump hydraulic fluid to an outlet of the 30 In another embodiment, a fluid circuit for actuating a tool
housing ; and a release operable to receive a release of the in a wellbore includes a reservoir , a tubular having a bore
shifting tool after operation of the power sub , thereby therethrough ; a first flow path between the reservoir and the
depressurizing the shifting tool. tool, the first flow path isolated from the bore , wherein fluid
In one ormore of the embodiments described herein , the flow in the first flow path from the reservoir to the tool
mandrel is rotatable relative to the housing , and rotation of 35 actuates the tool from a first state to a second state ; and a
the mandrel longitudinally moves the first piston relative second flow path between the tool and a piston , wherein
thereto . fluid flow in the second flow path from the tool to the piston
In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the is caused by the actuation of the tool from the first state to
release comprises a sleeve disposed between the mandrel the second state and fluid flow in the second flow path from
and the housing , connected to the mandrel by a cam , and 40 the tool to the piston causes the piston to move from a first
having a profile ; a second piston in fluid communication position and a second position .
with an inlet of the housing and operable to move the sleeve In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
longitudinally relative to the mandrel from a first position to fluid circuit includes a third flow path between the piston and
a second position , wherein the profile radially increases a second piston , wherein fluid flow in the third flow path
when the sleeve moves from the first position to the second 45 from the piston to the second piston causes the second piston
position . to move from a first position to a second position .
In another embodiment, a power sub for use in a casing In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the
includes a tubular housing having a bore formed there - fluid circuit includes a fourth fluid path between the second
through ; a tubular mandrel disposed in the housing and piston and the reservoir , wherein fluid flow in the fourth flow
rotatable relative thereto ; and a piston operably coupled to 50 path from the second piston to the reservoir is caused by the
the mandrel such that rotation of the mandrel longitudinally movement of the second piston from the first position to the
reciprocates the piston relative thereto , thereby pumping second position .
hydraulic fluid to an outlet of the housing .
In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the The invention claimed is :
piston is disposed in a pump, the piston longitudinally 55 1. A shifting tool for use in a wellbore, comprising:
reciprocates between a first position and a second position , a tubular housing having a bore formed therethrough ;
and the piston is operably coupled to the mandrel via a a tubular mandrel disposed in the tubular housing and
bearing. longitudinally movable relative thereto ;
In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the a driver radially movable relative to the housing between
pump includes a plurality of pistons operatively coupled to 60 an extended position and a retracted position ; and
the mandrel via respective bearings. an engagementmember moveable relative to the tubular
In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the housing between an extended position , a released posi
piston is configured to draw hydraulic fluid from a reservoir tion , and a retracted position , wherein :
when the piston moves toward the first position . the engagement member is movable from the retracted
In one or more of the embodiments described herein , the 65 position to the extended position in response to
piston is configured to drive hydraulic fluid into a pressure movement of the mandrel relative to the tubular
chamber when the piston moves toward the second position . housing, and
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the engagement member is further movable from the rotating the shifting tool, thereby actuating a tool in the
extended position to the released position in response wellbore ;
to further movement of the mandrel relative to the radially extending the release member to a second posi
tubular housing. tion in response to the actuation of the tool, wherein the
2. The shifting tool of claim 1, further comprising a cam 5 tool causes the release member to radially extend to the
operably connecting the engagement member and the man second position ; and
drel. releasing the blocking member from the shifting tool in
3. The shifting tool of claim 1, wherein the engagement response to the release member extending to the second
position .
member is pivoted to the tubular housing.
4 . The shifting tool of claim 1 , further comprising a seat 10 11. Thevalvemethod of claim 10 , wherein the tool includes an
connected to the mandrel and radially movable relative isolation .
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the isolation valve
thereto between an engaged position for receiving a block
ing member and a disengaged position for releasing the isolates a formation and an upper portion of the wellbore in
blocking member, and wherein the seat is radially movable 15 a closed position .
between the disengaged position and the engaged position . is preventedmethod
13 . The of claim 10, wherein the release member
from extending from the first position to the
5 . The shifting tool of claim 4 , wherein the seat is operable
to move to the disengaged position when the engagement second 14 .
position until the tool is actuated .
The method of claim 10 , wherein the profile is formed
member is in the released position . in an actuator.
6. The shifting tool of claim 1, further comprising one or
more variable volume hydraulic reservoirs for thermal com - 20 15 . The method of claim 10 , wherein increasing fluid
pensation . pressure behind the blocking member causes the mandrel to
7. The shifting tool of claim 1, wherein the engagement move downward .
16 . Themethod of claim 10 , further comprising setting a
member includes an arm .
8 . The shifting tool of claim 1, further comprising: liner string in the wellbore .
a piston disposed in the tubular housing and longitudi- 25 .17. The method of claim 16 , wherein setting the liner
nally movable relative thereto , and wherein the driver with string includes expanding the liner string into engagement
is movable from the retracted position to the extended the wellbore .
position in response to the movement of the piston 18 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the release member
relative to the tubular housing . extends using a cam and follower arrangement.
9 . The shifting tool of claim 8 . further comprising at least 30 19 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising setting a
one radial piston between the driver and the piston . packer, wherein the packer includes a removable plug con
10. A method of operating a shifting tool in a wellbore , figured to isolate a productive portion of a formation and an
comprising: upper portion of the wellbore .
aligning a release member of the shifting tool with a 35 the20removable
. Themethod of claim 19 , further comprising removing
plug from the packer, wherein removing the
profile in the wellbore ; plug from the packer unblocks fluid communication between
landing a blocking member in the shifting
ung tool
tool;; the productive portion of the formation and the upper
moving a mandrel in the shifting tool downward relative portion of the wellbore .
to a housing of the shifting tool;
radially extending the release member to a first position , 21 . Themethod of claim 20 , further comprising producing
wherein the release member at least partially extends 40 from the productive portion of the formation .
into the profile ; * * * *