Kick-over apparatus

• Main Author: NEAL, WILLIAM C
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 02.10.1979
• Subjects: EARTH DRILLING; EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; MINING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR ASLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS

A kick-over tool is disclosed, the preferred embodiment supporting a tool in installing or removing sidepocket-located gas-lift valves. The kick-over tool incorporates, describing it from the upper end, a detent mechanism which locks a sliding sleeve, the sleeve extending over a deflectable knuckle permitting the tool to bend and thereby extend into a sidepocket, and a set of bow springs extending longitudinally of the tool. The sleeve has lengthwise windows cut in it, permitting the bow springs to extend outwardly or to be collapsed. The bow springs are collapsed by the sleeve when the sleeve strikes them in the center portion. They are mounted at each end on support anchor devices which slide along a mandrel. Coil springs urge the bow springs to a bowed position. The apparatus functions on jarring movement which inertially upsets the sleeve downwardly to unlock the knuckle and extend the bow springs outwardly. The bow springs are confined by the wall of the drill string, except adjacent to a sidepocket which deflects the lower portion of the tool into the sidepocket and thereby positions equipment for installation or retrieval of a gas-lift valve into or out of the sidepocket.