Backoff sub and method for remotely backing off a target joint

Abstract

A backoff sub includes a housing; and a backoff facilitator at least partially within the housing. Capable of adding energy to a system within which the sub is disposable. A method for managing a stuck string in a wellbore is also included.

1 . A backoff sub comprising:
 a housing; and   a backoff facilitator at least partially within the housing and capable of adding energy to a system within which the sub is disposable.   
     
     
         2 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the backoff facilitator is individually addressable. 
     
     
         3 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the backoff facilitator includes an explosive. 
     
     
         4 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the backoff facilitator includes a spark gap tool. 
     
     
         5 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the backoff facilitator includes a piezoelectric stack. 
     
     
         6 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the backoff facilitator includes a low pressure chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the backoff facilitator includes an acoustic generator. 
     
     
         8 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the backoff facilitator includes a linear actuator. 
     
     
         9 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the linear actuator is an explosive charge. 
     
     
         10 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the explosive charge is disposed within a compartment of the housing that is volumetrically expandable. 
     
     
         11 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the linear actuator is in operable communication with a driving torque mass. 
     
     
         12 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the driving torque mass is interactive with one or more torque drive reaction pins. 
     
     
         13 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the one or more torque drive reaction pins translate linear motion of the driving torque mass to rotary motion in a direction capable of backing off the backoff sub. 
     
     
         14 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the driving torque mass includes a castellated end. 
     
     
         15 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the castellated end includes one or more angular faces. 
     
     
         16 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the one or more angular faces are oriented to face counterclockwise. 
     
     
         17 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the housing further comprises a spin collar. 
     
     
         18 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the spin collar is rotatable relative to the housing in one direction only. 
     
     
         19 . The backoff sub as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the backoff sub includes one or more fluid ports capable of delivering pressurized fluid to a thread interface. 
     
     
         20 . A well system comprising:
 a string having a plurality of joints at least one of the joints being addressable from a remote location; and   one or more backoff subs each disposed at one of the plurality of joints and capable of producing one or more of a jarring action and a backoff torque action.   
     
     
         21 . A method for managing a stuck string in a wellbore comprising:
 determining a freepoint of the string;   addressing a backoff sub nearest and uphole of the determined freepoint; and   activating a backoff facilitator in the backoff sub.