GB2576042A

GB2576042A - Downhole tool assembly with pressure operable valve

Info

Publication number: GB2576042A
Application number: GB1812651.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Earle Richard; Strilchuk Nathan
Original assignee: Schoeller Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment AG
Current assignee: Schoeller Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment AG
Priority date: 2018-08-03
Filing date: 2018-08-03
Publication date: 2020-02-05
Also published as: GB201812651D0

Abstract

A downhole tool assembly 100 configured to be mounted to a tubular assembly and featuring at least one lateral bypass port 104 which is selectively openable and closable. The assembly also features a pressure operable valve 124 which is operable to provide an additional bypass path in the pressure tool assembly to thereby enable a flow of fluid towards the downhole tool assembly if a flow path downstream the pressure operable valve is blocked. Optionally, the pressure operable valve features a burst disc 136. Optionally, a tubular body defines an axial passage and features the at least one lateral bypass port and there is provided a movable element 114 in the axial passage being movable between a first position in which the at least one bypass port is closed and a second position in which the at least one bypass port is closed. Optionally, this movable member is in the form of a sliding sleeve.

Description

Downhole tool assembly with pressure operable valve

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the fie d of downhole tools used in a drilling a hole into the earth crust,

BACKGROUND

Downhole tools sometimes require some flow of drilling fluid to the downhole tool

WO 2013/092532 Al discloses a driHstnng valve comprising an inlet mountable to a drillstring, an outlet, a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet in a predetermined operating condition, and a stop element forreceiving a valve element, the stop element comprising at least one protrusion extending into a passageway portion of the passageway,

30' In some situations it may be difficult or impossible to establish a desired flow towards the downhole tool, in particular if a bottom hole assembly (BHA) is plugged.

In view of the above-described situation,, there stiil exists a need for an improved technique that enables to ensure reliable operation of a downhole tool.

This need may be met by the subject matter according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter are described bv the dependent claims.

Accordincj to embodiments of a first aspect of the herein disclosed subject 10 matter there is provided a downhole too! assembly configured to be mountable to a tubular assembly, the downhole tool assembly comprising: at least one lateral bypass port which is selectively openable and closable; a pressure operable valve, the pressure operable valve being operable to provide an additional bypass path in the downhole tool assembly to thereby enable a flow 15 of fluid towards the downhole tool assembly if a flow path downstream the pressure operable valve is blocked.

According to embodiments of a second aspect of the herein disclosed subject matter there is provided a method of operating a downhole tool assembly 20 being mounted to a tubular assembly, the downhole too! assembly comprising at least one lateral bypass port which Is selectively openable and closable and the downhole too! assembly further comprising a pressure operable vaive, the method comprising: if a flow path downstream the pressure operable valve is blocked, increasing the pressure in an interior or at an exterior of the tubular 2'5 assembly so as to open the pressure operable valve and thereby enable a flow of fluid through the tubular assembly towards the clownhole too! assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the foliowing, exemplary embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter are described, any number and any combination of which may be realized in an implementation of aspects of the herein disclosed subject matter

According to an embodiment there is provided a downhole tool assembly configured to be mountable to a tubular assembly, the downhole tool assembly comprising: at least one lateral bypass port which is selectively openable and dosable; a pressure operable valve, the pressure operable valve being operable to provide an additional bypass path in the downhole tool assembly to thereby enable a fiow of fluid towards the downhole tool assembly 10 If a flow path downstream the pressure operable valve is blocked. According to an embodiment, the flow of fluid enabled by the additional bypass path is through the tubular assembly (i.e. through an interior of the tubular assembly). In other words, in this embodiment the pressure operable valve is operable to provide the flow of fluid through the tubular assembly. In a further 15 embodiment, the flow of fluid enabled by the additional bypass path is through an annulus around the tubular assembly and the downhole tool assembly (i.e. through an exterior of the tubular assembly), In other words, in this embodiment the pressure operable valve is operable to provide the flow of fluid through an exterior of the tubular assembly <20

For example, according to an embodiment, if the flow of fluid is through the tubular assembly, the at least one lateral bypass port may be considered (and referred to as) at least one first outlet and the additional bypass path which is providable by the pressure operable valve may be considered (and referred to 25 as; second outlet.

Providing the pressure operable valve in the downhole tool assembly which comprises the at least one lateral bypass port is advantageous because the thus positioned operable valve allows a flow to the downhole tooi assembly 30 even if a flow path downstream the pressure operable valve and in particular a downstream the downhole tool assembly is blocked.

According to a further embodiment, the tubular assembly is a drillstring or a coiled cubing. In other words, the downhole tool assembly may be mountable to a drillstring or a coiled tubing.

According to an embodiment,, the flow path downstream the downhole tool assembly comprises a drill bit. According to an embodiment,, the flow path downstream the downhole too! assembly comprises a bottom hole assembly (BHA). For example, the tubular assembly may be configured to comprise a drill bit / 8HA downstream the downhole too! assembly.

According to an embodiment, the pressure operable valve is operable once only. For example, according to an embodiment the pressure operable valve undergoes an irreversible change of configuration (e.g, an irreversible deformation, in particular a rupture) during the operation providing the 15 additional bypass path in the downhole tool assembly.

According to an embodiment, the downhole tool assembly comprises a lateral through hole; and the pressure operable valve is mounted in the lateral through hole. Providing a lateral through hole In the downhole too! assembly 20 and mounting the pressure operable valve in the lateral through hole provides an easy way to provide an existing downhole tool assembly with a pressure operable valve according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

According to an embodiment, the pressure operable valve is threads bl y mounted in the lateral through hole. Since the pressure operable valve is subjsct^d to the full pressure difference between an interior of the downhole tool assembly and an annulus surrounding the downhole tool assembly, reliable mounting of the pressure operable valve into the downhole tool assembly (e,g. as provided by threads) is advantageous.

- 5 According to an embodiment, the lateral through hole comprises a groove for receiving a retaining ring, the retaining ring preventing the pressure operable valve to be displaced out of the lateral through hole.. The retaining ring may be provided as soie fixation of the pressure operable valve in the lateml through 5 hole. According, to a further embodiment, the retaining ring may be a safety element which prevents the pressure operable valve to be displaced out of the lateral through hoie upon failure of a primary fixation, e.g, a thread.

According to a further embodiment, the lateral through hole comprises a fastening portion configured for fastening the pressure operable valve in the lateral through hole; and wherein the iaterai through hole further comprises a sealing portion. According to a further embodiment, the sealing portion has a machined surface, in particular for sealing the pressure operable valve against the body of the downhole tool assembly in which the lateral through hole is provided. Providing both, a fastening portion and a sealing portion of the lateral through hole provides a further optimized way of reliably providing the pressure operable valve in the iaterai through hole, In particular, a separate sealing portion provides reliable sealing of an interior of the pressure operable valve from the annulus outside the downhole tool assembly, even at high pressure differences (but below a threshold pressure difference under which the pressure operable valve opens).

According to an embodiment, the downhole tool assembly (or, respectively, the tubular assembly) defines an axial (i.e, a longitudinal) direction along which the downhole tool assembly (or, respectively, the tubular assembly) extends. Hence, in case the tubular assembly is a drillstring or a coded cubing the axial direction corresponds to the direction of a flow of drilling fluid through the tubular assembly.

According to an embodiment, the sealing portion extends in a plane parallel to the axial direction.

^ώ

According to another embodiment, the sealing portion extends crosswise the axial direction. For example, according to an embodiment, the lateral through hole defines a lateral direction extending from an interior of the downhole tool assembly towards an annulus outside (i.e. to an exterior of) the downhole tool 5 assembly, According to a further embodiment, the sealing portion of the lateral through hole is pointing in the lateral direction.

According to a further embodiment, the downhole tool assembly comprises a sealing ring, the sealing ring abutting the sealing portion (at least if the pressure operable valve is mounted in the lateral through hole).

According to an embodiment, the pressure operable valve comprises a burst disc, A burst disc provides the advantage that the additional bypass path provided by the pressure operable valve (if the burst disc is ruptured) may 15 have a large cross-section while being reliably resistant to normal operating pressure differences over the burst disc, For example, according to an embodiment the burst disc is made from metal, e.g. stainless steel. According to an embodiment, the pressure operable valve includes the burst disc and a fastening portion (e.g. a thread portion). According to a further embodiment, 20 the burst disc and the fastening portion are made from a machined single piece of material. For example, according to an embodiment the burst pressure is in a range between 483 bar to 552 bar (7000 psi and 8000 psi) at a temperature of 177^ΰ Celsius (350° Fahrenheit) and is e.g. S71 bar (7500 psi). According to an embodiment, rupture of the burst disc provides the additional bypass path with a cross sectional area corresponding to the area of circle of diameter between 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) and 5.1 cm (2 inches), e.g. 2.5 cm (I Inch) .

According to an embodiment, the burst disc has a convex shape (e.g. a dome 30 shape), in particular a convex shape pointing towards an interior of the downhole tool assembly. In other words, the burst disk tapers in a direction towards the interior of the downhole tool assembly. Such a convex shape may · 7 support the resistance of high pressure in the interior of the downhole tool assembly compared to a relatively lower pressure in an annulus outside the downhole tool assembly (i.e, at the exterior of the downhole tool assembly). Further, since the burst disc is ruptured by a sufficient pressure in the interior of the downhole tool assembly, the convex shape pointing towards the interior (i.e. the high pressure side) results in a relatively high threshold pressure value before the burst disc ruptures. Further, due to the convex shape which requires a change of curvature during rupturing, the force for deformation of the burst disc significantly reduces during the rupture of the burst disc, leading to a catastrophic rupture of the burst disc and hence to a relatively large clearance provided by the ruptured burst disc.

According to a further embodiment, the burst disc has a convex shape (e.g. a dome shape) pointing towards an exterior of the downhole tool assembly. In 15 other words, the burst disk tapers in a direction towards the exterior of the downhole tool assembly. Such a convex shape may enable a relatively laroe clearance provided by the ruptured burst disc for a high pressure at the exterior of the downhole tool assembly compared to a relatively lowerpressure in the interior of the downhole too! assembly,

2.0

According to a more general embodiment, the convex shape is pointing towards the potential high pressure side (of the downhole tool assembly, e g. towards the interior or the exterior of the downhole tool assembly). For example, in the design of a particular downhole tool assembly, the direction in 25 which the convex shape is pointing may be selected depending on the assumed location of the block of the axial flow (for which the pressure operable valve is configured to cope with). Hence, depending on thi?. assumed location of the block of the axial flow the potential high pressure side may the interior or the exterior of the downhole tool assembly. For example, if the flow 30 of fluid is blocked downstream the pressure operable valve, the high pressure may be applied in the interior of downhole too! assembly (because the pressure operable valve can be pressurized via the interior of the tubular assembly and ths interior of the downhole tool assembly. On the other hand, if the flow of fluid is blocked upstream the pressure operable valve, the high pressure may be applied at the exterior of downhole tool assembly (because the pressure operable valve is pressurized via the exterior of the tubular assembly and the exterior of the downhole tool assembly.

In another embodiment, the pressure operable valve is configured for being openable by both, high pressure from an interior of the downhole tool assembly and high pressure from an exterior of the downhole tool assembly.

According to an embodiment, the downhole tool assembly comprises a tubularbody defining an axial passage and comprising the at least one lateral bypass port; and a movable element in the axial passage, the movable element being movable between a first position in which the at least one bypass port, is IS closed, and an second position in which the at least one bypass port, is open.

For example, according to an embodiment the downhole tool assembly comprises a downhole tool comprising the at least one lateral bypass port. According to an embodiment, the downhole tool comprising the at least one lateral bypass port is a circulation tool, for example a circulation tool that can 20 be activated multiple times (sometimes referred to as multi pie activation circulation sub), As is known in the art, a circulation tool can be used for example for hole cleaning or for providing lost circulation material (LCM),

According to an embodiment, the term lateral refers to a direction crosswise 25 an axial (i.e. a longitudinal) direction of the downhole tool assembly or the tubular assembly, respectively. In particular, if the downhole tool assembly comprises the tubular body and hence defines an axial direction which extends lengthwise the axial passage, each lateral bypass port extends in a direction crosswise the axial direction, In other words, according to an embodiment, 30 each lateral bypass port extends through the tubular body and hence provides a bypass between the axial passage and an annulus surrounding the tubular body.

The movable element may be moved in the axial passage between the first position end the second position by any suitable mechanism, such as a mechanism which is activated by an activating element (e.g. a ball or a dart), or a mechanism that is flow operated,, just, to name some examples.

According to an embodiment, the movable element comprises a flow restriction, in particular a seat for receiving an activating element; and the pressure operable valve being located at. an axial position which allows 10 movement of the moveable element to the second position, in particular the pressure operable vaive is located at an axial position which downstream the flow restriction at least as long as the moveable element is in its first position.

For example, even if a flow path to the drill bit or in the vicinity of the drill bit 15 is blocked, the pressure operable valve according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter may still provide a reliable operation of the lateral bypass port(s). For example, according to an embodiment opening or closing the lateral bypass port(s) may require dropping the activating element into the tubular assembly and pumping the activating element to the downhole 20 tool assembly through the tubular assembly. In such a case, the pressure operable valve may allow pumping the activating element to the downhole too' assembly even if a flow path downstream the pressure operable valve is blocked. Further, in case the downhole tool assembly is a flow activated tool the flow through the pressure operable valve may enable activation of the downhole tool assembly even if a flow path downstream the pressure operable valve is blocked. It is noted that according to an embodiment, the axial position of the pressure operable valve is selected so as to provide the desired function (e.g. to allow flow of fluid to the axial position even if rhe flow path downstream the pressure operable valve Is blocked),

1Γ the exterior of the downhole tool assembly is subjected to a higher pressure than the interior of the downhole tool assembly to thereby open the pressure · 10operable valve and provide the bypass path, reverse circulation via the bypass path may be effected, if desired.

According to an embodiment, the pressure operable valve is located in the tubular body. For example, according to an embodiment, the pressure operable valve is located in the tubular body of the circulation tool mentioned above.

According to an embodiment, the downhole tool assembly further comprises a 10 catcher device for catching an activating element, wherein the pressure operable valve is located in the catcher device. By providing the pressure operable valve in the catcher device provides the functionality according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter without requiring a change or reconfiguration of the actual downhole tool above the catcher 15 device. In accordance with an embodiment, the catcher device may comprise a (further) tubular body in which the lateral through hole is located.

According to a further embodiment, the downhole tool assembly further comprises: an intermediate device mounted to the tubular body, wherein the 20 pressure operable valve is located in the intermediate device; in particular wherein the downhole tool assembly comprises a catcher device for catching an activating element and wherein the intermediate device is mounted between the tubular body and the catcher device. For example, according to an embodiment the intermediate device may be provided between the tubular 25 body of the downhole tool (e,g. of the circulation tool) and the catcher device solely for the purpose of providing the pressure operable valve between the tubular body and the catcher device. In other embodiments, the intermediate device may in addition serve additional functions. According to an embodiment, the intermediate device comprises a (further) tubular body in 30 which the lateral through hole is provided.

Embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter allow additional functionality of a downhole tool assembly, For example, according to an embodiment there is provided a method of operating a downhole tool assembly being mounted to a tubular assembly, the downhole tool assembly 5 comprising at least lateral bypass port which is selectively openable and closable and the downhole tool assembly further comprising a pressure operable valve, the method comprising: if a flow path downstream the pressure operable valve is blocked, increasing the pressure in the tubular assembly so as to open the pressure operable valve and thereby enable a flow 10 of fluid through the tubular assembly towards the downhole tool assembly,

According to a further embodiment, the lateral bypass port(s) of the downhole tool assembly is selectively openable and closable by moving a movable element between a first position in which the bypass port(s) is closed and a 15 second position in which the bypass port(s) ts open. According to a further embodiment,, the method further comprises: maintaining the flow of fluid through the tubular assembly towards the downhole tool assembly to thereby allow an activating element to travel through the tubular assembly to the downhole tool assembly by means of the flow of fluid; receiving the activating 20 element >n the movable element to allow the movable element to move to the second position.

According to a further embodiment, the activating element received in the movable element allows the movable element to respond to a pressure 2;> upstream the activating element and the method further comprises: after receiving the activating element in the movable element, pressurizing the tubular assembly upstream the activating element so as to move the movable element to the second position.

According to a further embodiment, the downhole tool assembly is a flow activated tool assembly, the method further comprising: establishing the flow of fluid through the tubular assembly so as to open the bypass pcrt(s) by the flow of fluid (e.g. by moving the movable element into the second position),

According to embodiments of the first aspect, the downhole tool assembly is adapted for providing the functionality or features of one or more of the herein disclosed embodiments and/or for providing the functionality or features as required by one or more of the. herein disclosed embodiments, in particular of the embodiments of the first aspect and the second aspect disclosed herein.

According to embodiments of the second aspect, the method is adapted for providing the functionality or features of one or more of the herein disclosed embodiments and/or for providing the functionality or features as required by one or more of the herein disclosed embodiments, in. particular of the embodiments of the first aspect and the second aspect disclosed herein.

According to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter, the downhole tool or other parts of the downhole tool assembly may be configured n any degree of detail described in one or more of the following Patents and Patent Applications:

US 7 866 397 (applicant ref. S 1533)

US 14/745324 (applicant ref, S 2805)

US 7 .347 289 (applicant ref. S 1.543)

US 7 34 7 288 (applicant ref. S 1549)

US 6 041 874 (applicant ref. S 1554)

EP 2 607 615 (applicant ref, S 1779)

PCT/EP2017/071251 (applicant ref, S 3183)

GB application No, 1721482,6 (applicant ref (S 31.7.1.)

WO 2011/061239 Al

US 4 889 199

US 5 499 687.

in the above tnere have been described and in the foilowing there will be described exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein with reference to a downhole tool assembly and a method of operating a downhole tool assembly. It has to be pointed out that of course any combination of b features relating to different aspects of the herein disclosed subject matter is also possible. In particular, some features have been or will be described with reference to device type embodiments (e.g, relating to a downhole tool assembly, a downhole tool, an intermediate device, or a catcher device, a control device) whereas other features have been or will be described with reference to method type embodiments (e.g, relating to a method of operating a downhole tool assembly). However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the foliowing description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one aspect also any combination of features relating to different aspects or embodiments, for i j example even combinations of features of device type embodiments and features of the method type embodiments are considered to be disclosed with this application. In this regard, it should be understood that any method feature, derivable from a corresponding explicitly disclosed device feature should be based on the respective function of the device feature and should not be considered as being limited to device specific elements disclosed in conjunction with the device feature. Further, it should be understood that any device feature derivable from a corresponding explicitly disclosed method feature can be realized based on the respective function described in the method with any suitable device disclosed herein or known in the art,

The aspects and embodiments defined above and further aspects and embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter are apparent from the examples to be described hereinafter and are explained with reference to the drawings, but to which the invention is not limited. The aforementioned definitions and comments are in particular also valid for the following detailed description and vice versa.

- 14 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a downhole tool assembly 100 according 5 to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a further downhole tool assembly 100 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

Fig, 3 shows in a cross-sectional view the further downhole tool assembly 100 of Fig. 2 in a further operation mode according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 4 shows >n a cross-sectional view the further downhole tool assembly 1.00 of Fig. 2 in a further operation mode according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter,

Fig. 5 shows a pressure operable valve 124 according to embodiments of the 20 herein disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 6 shows part of a downhole tool assembly 100 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

:2S Fig. 7 shows in a perspective view the pressure operable valve 124 of Fig. 5.

F-g, 8 snows a further pressure operable valve 124 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

Fig. $) shows part of a downhole tool assembly 100 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

~ 15 Fig. 10 to Fig. 12 illustrate different types of downhole tool assemblies 100 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Ths illustration in the drawings Is schematic. It is noted that in different figures, similar or Identical elements are provided with the same reference signs. Accordingly, the description of the similar or identical features is not repeated in the description of subsequent figures in order to avoid unnecessary repetitions. Rather, it should be understood that the description of these features in the preceding figures is also valid for the subsequent figures unless explicitly noted otherwise.

Fig. 1 shows cross-sectional view of a downhole tool assembly 100 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

In accordance with an embodiment, the downhole tool assembly 100 is circulation tool, in particular a multiple activation circulation tool which is configured to be mounted in the tubular assembly such as a string which carries at its bottom a drill bit or a BHA. In accordance with an embodiment, the circulation tool is configured to control the flow of drilling fluid in the string, e.g. a drillstring or a coiled tubing. For mounting of the downhole tool assembly 100 to the tubular assembly, threads 101 may be provided at the end portions of the downhole tool assembly 100, e.g. as shown in Fig, 1.

According to an embodiment, the circulation tool comprises a Iaterai through hole 102. in which a pressure operable valve 124 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter Is mounted, .30:

According to an embodiment, the downhole tool assembly 100 comprises a bypass port. 104 which is selectively openable and closable by a moveable

- 16 element 110 which is biased into a closed position (also referred to as first position herein) by a bias element 111, e.g. a spring, e.g. as shown in Fig. 1, In the closed position the bypass port. 104 does not overlap with an opening 118 in the moveable element 110, A guide pin 105 running in an axial groove 5 107 prevents the moveable element 110 from rotating, thereby ensuring that the opening 118 and the bypass port 104 overlap in a particular axial position which corresponds to an open position (also referred to as second position herein),

10: Individual elements of a downhole tool assembly 100 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter will be further described below.

Fig, 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a further downhole tool assembly 100 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

In accordance with an embodiment, the downhole tool assembly 100 comprises a plurality of lateral bypass ports 104, two of which are shown in

Fig. 2, In accordance with an embodiment, the bypass ports 104 are provided in a tubular body 106 of the down hole tool assembly 100. The tubular body defines an axial passage 108 through the downhole tool assembly 100. Further in accordance with an embodiment, the downhole tool assembly 100 comprises a movable element 110 in the axial passage 108. The movable element 110 is movable in the axial passage e.g, in an axial direction indicated at 112 in Fig. 2. In accordance with an embodiment, the movable element 110 is movable between a first position 114 and a second position (no^-.· shown tn Fig. 2). In accordance with an embodiment, in the first position 114 the movable element 110 obstructs the bypass ports 104, thereby closing the bypass ports 104. According to an embodiment, the movable element 110 comprises a seat 120 for receiving an activating element (not shown in Fiq. 2).

-1/In accordance with a further embodiment, the downhole tool assembly 100 comprises a pressure operable valve 124 which is mounted in a lateral through hole 102 in the tubular body 106, According to an embodiment, the pressure operable valve comprises a plate 136 that can be ruptured by applying a threshold pressure.

Fig. 3 shows in a cross-sectional view the further downhole tool assembly 100 of Fig. 2 in a further operation mode according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

10'

The downhole tool assembly 100 is configured to be mountable to a tubular assembly 126, e.g. by threads. According to an embodiment, the tubular assembly 126 extends between a drilling equipment 127, e.g, at the surface of the earth, and the downhole tool assembly 100. Further, the downhole tool assembly 100 is configured to be mountable to a further tubular assembly 130 which extends between the downhole tool assembly .1.00 and a bottom hole assembly 131.

Fig. 3 shows the downhole tool assembly 100 in a situation where a flow path 20 134 downstream the pressure operable valve 124 is blocked, for example if a bottom hole assembly (BHA) 131 is blocked and where the pressure operable valve 124 has been configured (e.g. by applying a suitable pressure above a threshold pressure) so as to provide an additional bypass path 133. According to an embodiment, the additional bypass path 133 is provided by removal or 25 rupturing of the plate 136, If the pressure operable valve 124 is operated (e.g.

reconfigured) so as to provide the additional bypass path 133, a flow of fluid

1.32 is enabled through the tubular assembly 126 towards the downhole tool assembly 1.00 and through the additional bypass path 133, even if the flow path downstream the pressure operable valve 124 is blocked and the at least 30 one bypass port is closed. According to an embodiment, the flow of fluid 132 is from an interior 135 of the downhole tool assembly 100 through the additional bypass path 133 to an exterior 137 ofthe downhole tool assembly 100 if the

- 18 downhole tool assembly 100 is located in a downhole, the exterior 137 corresponds to the annulus around the downhole tool assembly 100. Alternatively, the exterior 137 of the downhole tool assembly .100 may be pressurized in order to rupture the plate 136. In accordance with an embodiment, the plate 136 is configured for allowing both alternatives, i.e. for allowing rupturing by pressurizing alternatively the exterior 137 or the interior 135.

The flow of fluid 132 to the downhole tool assembly 100 through the tubu.at .10 assembly may allow activation of the downhole tool assembly (i.e. may show to open the at least one bypass port). For example, if the downhole tool assembly is configured such tnat the at least one bypass port 104 can be opened by an activating element (such as a ball), in an embodiment the flow of fluid 132 allows pumping down the activating element to the downhole tool 15 assembly 100 in order to open the at least one bypass port 104.

Fig. 4 shows in a cross-sectional view the further downhole tool assembly 100 of Fig, 2 in a further operation mode according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

In accordance with an embodiment, after providing the additional bypass path 133 in the downhole tool assembly 100, by virtue of the flow of fluid 132 an activating element :122 has been located on the seat. 120. In accordance with an embodiment, the activating element 122 received in the movable element 25 :110 allows the movable element 110 to respond to a pressure upstream the activating element 122. As a result, an increased pressure upstream the activating element 122 moves the movable element 110 into a second position 116. In accordance with a further embodiment, in the second position 11.6 the openings 118 in the movable element 110 overlap at least partially with the 30 bypass ports 104, thereby providing for a flow path through the openings 118 and the bypass ports 104. In other words, in accordance with an embodiment, in the second position j. 16 the bypass ports 104 are open.

·

In accordance with an embodiment, the movable element may be biased into the first position 114 by a bias element, such as a spring (not shown in Fig.

2). In such a case, the pressure upstream the activating element 122 has to be sufficient to overcome the force exerted by the bias element and move the movable element 110 into the second position 116.

Fig. 5 shows a pressure operable valve 124 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

According to an embodiment, the pressure operable valve 124 comprises a fastening valve portion 140 and a sealing valve portion 142. In accordance with an embodiment, the fastening valve portion 140 is configured for fastening the pressure operable valve 124 in the lateral through hole (not IS shown in Fig. 5). For example, according to an embodiment the fastening valve portion 140 comprises a thread 144. According to a further embodiment, the sealing valve portion comprises a groove 146 for receiving a seal ring 148. According to a further embodiment, the sealing portion comprises a machined sealing face 149 configured for abutting a machined sealing face in the lateral 20 through hole of the downhole tool assembly 100. According to an embodiment, the sealing valve portion 142 is at least partially provided on a circumferential surface 150 of the pressure operable valve 124, e.g. as shown in Fig. 5.

25' In accordance with a further embodiment, the pressure operable valve 124 comprises a plate 136 which can be removed or ruptured in order to provide a through passage which acts as additional bypass path if the pressure operable valve is mounted in the lateral through hole of the downhole tool assembly. If the plate 136 is configured to be rupturable, the plate 136 may be referred to 30 as a burst disc. In this sense, the term plate being rupturable and the term burst disc'⁷ are used synonymously herein. Accordingly, in an embodiment the pressure operable valve 124 comprises a burst disc.

According to an embodiment, the burst the disc (order plate 136) has a convex shape pointing towards an interior of the downhole tool assembly (marked in Fig. 5 at 135),

According to a further embodiment, the pressure operable valve 124 comprises a tool portion 152 which can be engaged by a tool to fasten the pressure operable valve 1A* in the lateral through hole jf the downhole tool assembly (not shown m Fig. 5). According to an embodiment, the tool portion 10 152 comprises a hexagon socket, e.g. as shown in Fig. 5.

According to an embodiment, the pressure operable valve 124 comprises a stop face 153 which cooperates with a stop face of the through hole 102 so as to limit a movement of the pressure operable valve 124 towards an interior IS 135 of the downhole tool assembly 1.00. In accordance with an embodiment, the stop face 153 is located between a first end face 155 of the pressure operable valve 124 and a second end face 157 of the pressure operable valve 124. In accordance with an embodiment, (after the pressure operable valve 124 is mounted in the through hole 102) the first end face 155 faces the 20 interior 135 of the downhole tool assembly 100 and the second end face 157 faces away from the interior 135 of the downhole tool assembly 100.

25:

In accordance with am embodiment, the downhole tool assembly 100 comprises a lateral through hole 102. into which a pressure operable valve according co one or more embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter is mountable.

According to an embodiment, the lateral through hole 102 comprises a groove

154 for receiving a retaining ring 1.56 shown in phantom in Fig. 6. According to

- 21 an embodiment, the retaining ring is configured for preventing the pressure operable vaive to be displaced out of the lateral through hole 102.

According tn a further embodiment, the lateral through hole comprises a fastening oortlon 158 (also referred to as fastening hole portion) for fastening the pressure operable valve in the lateral through hole 102. According to an embodiment, the fastening portion 158 comprises a thread which is configurer for interacting with a corresponding thread of the pressure operable valve so as to allow the pressure operable vaive to be screwed into the lateral through 10 hole 102.

According to a further embodiment, the lateral through hole 102 comprises a sealing portion 160 (also referred to as sealing hole portion). According to an embodiment, the sealing portion 160 comprises a machined surface 162 15 interacting with a sealing ring of the pressure operable valve 124 (e.g. the sealing ring 148 described with regard to Fig, 5). According to a further embodiment, the sealing portion comprises a machined surface 164 interacting with a machined surface of the pressure operable vaive 124 (e.g. the machined surface 149 described with regard to Fig. 5). According to an 20 embodiment, the machined surfaces 149, 154 directly abutting each othertaper in a direction 166 from an exterior 137 two an interior 135 and form an angle between 40 degrees and 80 degrees, e.g. 60 degrees, with the centerline 168 of the lateral through hole 102.

According to an embodiment the through hole 102 comprises a stop face 169 cooperating with a stop face of the pressure operable valve 124 (c-.g, with the stop face 153 of the pressure operable valve 124 shown m Fig. 5),

Fig. 7 shows in a perspective view the pressure operable valve '124 of Fig. 5. 30

Regarding a detailed explanation of the individual elements of the pressure operable valve 124 it is referred to the description of Fig. 5 and the respective description is not repeated here.

Fig. 8 shows a further pressure operable valve 124 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

In accordance with an embodiment, the pressure operable valve 124 comprises a fastening valve portion 140 and a sealing valve portion 142. The 10 sealing valve portion 142. comprises a groove 146 and a sealing ring 148 located in the groove 146. In accordance with an embodiment, the sealing valve portion 142 is located at an axial front face of the pressure operable valve, e.g. as shown in Fig, 8, The sealing valve portion 142 cooperates with a sealing hole portion of the lateral through hole of the downhole tool assembly 1.5 (not shown in rig. 8). According to an embodiment, the sealing valve portion

142 comprises the stop face 153, e.g. as shown in Fig. 8, Further, according to an embodiment, the stop face 153 is provided by the first end face 155 of the pressure operable valve, e.g. as shown in Fig. 8, wherein the first end face

155 is configured for facing the interior 13.5 of the downhole tool assembly 20 100 (i.e. the first end face 155 faces the interior 135 of the downhole tool assembly 100 after being mounted in the through hole 102).

In accordance with a further embodiment,, the pressure operable sa.vc 124 comprises a tool portion 152 which may comprise two or more recesses configured for receiving a tool for rotating the pressure operable valve 124, e.g. as shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 9 shows part of a downhole tool assembly 1.00 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

In accordance with an embodiment, the downhole tool assembly 100 comprises a lateral through hole 102 having a fastening portion 158 (also ~ 23 referred to as fastening hole portion) and a sealing portion 160 (also referred to as sealing hole portion). In accordance with an embodiment, the sealing hole portion 160 cooperates with the sealing valve portion 142 of the pressure operable valve 124 (see Fig. 8). Further in accordance with an embodiment, the fastening hole portion 158 cooperates with the fastening valve portion 144 fastening the pressure operable valve 124 in the lateral through hole 102,

According to an embodiment, the sealing hole portion comprises the stop face

169, e.g, as shown in Fig. 9.

W:

Fig. 10 to Fig. 12 illustrate different types of downhole tool assemblies 100 according to embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 10 shows a downhole tool assembly 100 which consists of a downhole tool

170 comprising a tubular body 106 comprising at least one lateral bypass port

104 and a lateral through hole 102 having a pressure operable valve 124 mounted therein.

Fig. 11 shows a downhole tool assembly 100 which comprises a downhole tool

170 and a catcher device 172, In accordance with an embodiment, the downhole tool 1.70 comprises a tubular body 106 comprising at least one lateral bypass port 104. In accordance with a further embodiment, the catcher device 172 comprises a lateral through hole 102 which is configured according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. In accordance with an

25' embodiment, the pressure operable valve .1.24 is mounted in the lateral through hole 102.

Fig, 12 shows a downhole tool assembly 1.00 which comprises a downhole tool

170, a catcher device 172 and an intermediate device 174. In accordance with 30 an embodiment, the downhole tool 170 comprises ti tubular body 106 comprising at least one lateral bypass port 104, in accordance with a further • 24 · embodiment., the intermediate device comprises a lateral through hole 102 and the pressure operable valve 124 mounted therein.

Providing the pressure operable valve 124 in any one of the devices including the downhole tool 170, the catcher device 172. and the intermediate device ΓΜ may be accomplished according to any embodiment described herein or any combination of such embodiments, e.g, as described with regard to Fig. 1 to Fig. 9.

1.0 It shouid be noted that any entity disclosed herein (e.g, components, elements and devices) are not limited to a dedicated entity as described in some embodiments. Rather, the herein disclosed subject matter may be implemented in various ways and with various granularity on device level or function level while still providing the specified functionality. Further, it should 15 be noted that according to embodiments a separate entity may be provided for each of the functions disclosed herein, According to other embodiments, an entity is configured for providing two or more functions as disclosed herein. According to still other embodiments, two or more entities are configured for providing together a function as disclosed herein

Further, it shouid be noted that while the exemplary downhole tool assemblies, pressure operable valves, catcher devices, intermediate devices, etc. in the drawings comprise a particular combination of several embodiments of the herein disclosed subject matter, any other combination of embodiment is also possible and is considered to be disclosed with this application and hence the scope of the herein disclosed subject matter extends to al! alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. AH of these different combinations constitute various alternative examples of the invention,

It should be noted that the term comprising does not exclude other elements or steps and the a or an does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

According to an embodiment the term “adapted to” includes Inter alia the meaning 'configured to. Further, according to an embodiment, the term comprising” includes the meaning inter alia comprising as well as consisting of”. For example the term downhole tool assembly composing a downhole tool includes the meaning downhole tool assembly inter alia comprising a downhole tool” as well as the meaning downhole too! assemblyconsisting of a downhole tool”.

In order to recapitulate some of the above described embodiments of the present invention one can state:

A downhole tool assembly is configured to be mountable to a tubular assembly. Ths downhole tool assembly comprises a lateral bypass port and a pressure operable valve, The lateral bypass port is selectively openable and closable. The pressure opes able valve is operable to provide an additional bypass path in the downno«e tool assembly to thereby enable a flow of fluid towards the downhole tool assembly if a flow path downstream the pressure operable wive is blocked.

Claims

5 1. A downhole tool assembly configured to be mountable to a tubular assembly, the downhole tool assembly comprising:

at least one lateral bypass port which is selectively openable and closable;

a pressure operable valve, the pressure operable valve being operable

10 to provide an additional bypass path in the downhole tool assemby to thereby enable a flow of fluid towards the downhole tool assembly if a flow path downstream the pressure operable valve is blocked.
2., The downhole tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tubular

15 assembly is a drillstring or a coiled cubing.
3. The downhole tool assembly according to anyone of claims 1 to 2, wherein the flow path downstream the downhole tool assembly comprises a bottom hole assembly.

2Π
4. The downhole too) assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wheresn the pressure operable valve is operable once only.
5. The downhole tool assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims,

25 wherein the downhole tool assembly comprises a lateral through hole;

and wherein the pressure operable valve is mounted in the lateral through hole.

30
6, The downhole tool assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the pressure operable valve is threadably mounted in the lateral through hole.
7. The downhole: tool assembly according to anyone of claims 5 or 6, wherein the lateral through hole comprises a groove for receiving a retaining ring,, the retaining ring preventing the pressure operable valve to be displaced out of the lateral through hole.
8. The downhole tool assembly according to anyone of claims 5 to 7, wherein the lateral through hole comprises a fastening portion configured for fastening the pressure operable valve in the lateral through hole; and

10 wherein the lateral though hole further comprises a sealing portion, in particular a sealing portion having a machined surface.
9. The downhole tool assembly according to the preceding claim, further comprising a sealing ring, the sealing ring abutting the sealing portion.
10. The down ole tool assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure operable valve comprises a burst disc.
11. The downhole tool assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims,

20 wherein the burst disc has a convex shape, in particular a convex shape pointing towards an interior of the downhole tool assembly or pointing towards an exterior of the downhole tool assembly.
12. The downhole tool assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, 25 further comprising a tubular body defining an axial passage and comprising the at leastone lateral bypass port;

a movable element, in the axial passage, the movable element being movable between a first position in which the at least one bypass port is

30 closed, and an second position in which the at least one bypass; port is open.
13. The downhole tool assembly according to the preceding claim, the movable element comprising a flow restriction, in particular a seat for receiving tin activating element; and the pressure operable valve being located at an axial position which allows movement of the moveable element to the second position, tn particular

5 the pressure operable vaive being located at an axial position which is downstream the flow restriction at least as long as the moveable element is in its first position,
14, The downhole tool assembly according to anyone of the preceding claims, IQ further comprising a catcher device for catching an activating element, wherein the pressure operable valve is located in the catcher device,
15. The downhole tool assembly according to anyone of claims 12 or 13, wherein the pressure operable valve is located in the tubular body,

IS
16, The downhole too! assembly according to anyone of claims 12 or 13, the downhole tool assembly further comprising:

an intermediate device mounted to the tubular body, wherein the pressure operable valve is located in the intermediate device;

20 in particular wherein the downhole tool assembly comprises a catcher device for catching an activating element and wherein the intermediate device is mounted between the tubular body and the catcher device,
17. A method of operating a downhole tool assembly being mounted to a

25 tubular assembly, the downhole tool assembly comprising at least one lateral bypass part which is selectively openable and dosable and the downhole tool assembly further comprising a pressure operable valve, the method comprising:

if a flow path downstream the pressure operable vaive is blocked,

30 Increasing the pressure in an interior or at. an exterior of the tubular assembly so as to open the pressure operable valve and thereby enable a flow of fluid towards the downhole tool assembly.
18. The method according to ciaim 17, wherein the lateral at least one bypass port of the downhole too! assembly are selectively openable and closable by moving a movable element between a first position in which the at least one

5 bypass port is closed and an second position In which the at least one bypass part is open, the method further comprising:

maintaining the flow of fluid through the tubular assembly towards the downhole tool assembly to thereby allow an activating element to travel through the tubular assembly to the downhole tool assembly by means of the 10 flow of fluid;

receiving the activating element in the movable element tn allow the movable element to move to the second position.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the activating element

IS received in the movable element allows the movable element to respond to a pressure upstream the activating element, the method further comprising: after receiving the activating element in the movable element, pressurizing the tubular assembly upstream the activating element so as to move the movable element, to the second position.
20. The method according.to claim 17, wherein the downhole tool assembly is a flow activated too! assembly, the method further comprising;

establishing the flow of fluid through the tubular assembly so as to open the at least one bypass port by the flow of fluid.