Jumper Tube Connector/Connection Apparatus and Method

Abstract

Embodiments of a jumper tube connector assembly generally include a jumper tube, one or more fasteners affixed to and biased toward the exterior thereof, and two connectors slideable thereon, wherein each fastener is biased against a connector exterior, whereby upon slidably engaging each connector with a shunt tube, biases cease and a fastener end surface prevents connector backsliding. Embodiments of a jumper tube connection assembly generally include a retention clip having a locking surface, or a pin-locking retention clip having a pin, wherein the retention clip/pin-locking retention clip is affixed to a shunt tube, wherein upon slidably engaging a connector therewith, reverse axial connector movement is prevented by the locking surface/pin. Embodiments of a leak-off tube retention system generally include a leak-off tube having one or more spring-loaded buttons and adapted to releasably engage upper and lower retainer fittings via orifices therein. Methods of using these embodiments are also provided.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A jumper tube connector assembly for connecting shunt tubes, comprising:
 a jumper tube;   two jumper tube connectors; and   one or more fasteners;   wherein:
 a first said fastener:
 is fixedly attached to the exterior of said jumper tube proximate a first end of said jumper tube; and 
 comprises a portion thereof biased toward said exterior of said jumper tube; 
 
 a first end of a first said jumper tube connector is slidingly positioned circumferentially around at least a portion of said first end of said jumper tube, whereby a portion of said first said jumper tube connector is disposed intermediate said exterior of said jumper tube and said portion of said first said fastener biased toward said exterior of said jumper tube; 
 a first end of a second said jumper tube connector is slidingly positioned circumferentially around at least a portion of a second end of said jumper tube; and 
 longitudinal movement of said first said jumper tube connector along said jumper tube is restrained by biasing of said first said fastener against an exterior surface of said first said jumper tube connector; 
 wherein:
 sliding engagement of said first said jumper connector circumferentially around at least a portion of a proximate end of a first said shunt tube, such that said first fastener ceases to be biased against said exterior surface of said first said jumper tube connector, provides that said first jumper connector is prevented by said first fastener from moving longitudinally along said jumper tube in a direction toward said second end of said jumper tube. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The jumper tube connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 a second said fastener:
 is fixedly attached to the exterior of said jumper tube proximate said second end of said jumper tube; and 
 comprises a portion thereof biased toward said exterior of said jumper tube; 
   said first end of said second said jumper tube connector is slidingly positioned circumferentially around at least a portion of said second end of said jumper tube such that a portion of said second said jumper tube connector is disposed intermediate said exterior of said jumper tube and said portion of said second said fastener biased toward said exterior of said jumper tube; and   longitudinal movement of said second said jumper tube connector along said jumper tube is restrained by biasing of said second said fastener against an exterior surface of said second said jumper tube connector;   wherein sliding engagement of said second said jumper connector circumferentially around at least a portion of an end of a second said shunt tube, such that said second fastener ceases to be biased against said exterior surface of said second said jumper tube connector, provides that said second jumper connector is prevented by said second fastener from moving longitudinally along said jumper tube in a direction toward said first end of said jumper tube.   
     
     
         3 . The jumper tube connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said first said shunt tube is affixed, directly or indirectly, to a pipe section that is adapted and configured to be deployed downhole.   
     
     
         4 . A shunt tube jumper system, comprising:
 two shunt tubes;   a jumper tube;   two jumper connectors; and   a plurality of fasteners;   wherein:
 a first shunt tube is affixed, directly or indirectly, to the exterior of a first pipe section that is adapted and configured to be deployed downhole; 
 a second shunt tube is affixed to the exterior of a second pipe section that is adapted and configured to be deployed downhole; 
 said first pipe section is axially aligned with and fluidly connected to said second pipe section; 
 a first fastener, proximate a first end thereof, is affixed to an exterior surface of said jumper tube proximate a first end of said jumper tube; 
 a portion of said first fastener, proximate a second end thereof, is biased toward said exterior surface of said jumper tube; 
 a second fastener, proximate a first end thereof, is affixed to an exterior surface of said jumper tube proximate a second end of said jumper tube; 
 a portion of said second fastener, proximate a second end thereof, is biased toward said exterior surface of said jumper tube; 
 a first end of said first jumper connector is circumferentially sealingly engaged around at least a portion of said first end of said jumper tube, 
 a second end of said first jumper connector is circumferentially sealingly engaged around at least a portion of a proximate end of said first shunt tube; 
 a first end of said second jumper connector is circumferentially sealingly engaged around at least a portion of said second end of said jumper tube, 
 a second end of said second jumper connector is circumferentially sealingly engaged around at least a portion of a proximate end of said second shunt tube; 
 said first fastener is positioned such that said second end of said first fastener prevents longitudinal movement of said first jumper connector along said jumper tube in a direction toward said second end of said jumper tube; and 
 said second fastener is positioned such that said second end of said first fastener prevents longitudinal movement of said second jumper connector along said jumper tube in a direction toward said first end of said jumper tube 
   
     
     
         5 . A jumper tube connection assembly for shunt tube connection, comprising:
 one or more retention clips affixed, directly or indirectly, to the exterior of a shunt tube;   wherein:
 said shunt tube is affixed to the exterior of a pipe section; and 
 a first said retention clip:
 is so affixed proximate a first end thereof; 
 extends longitudinally substantially parallel to said shunt tube; and 
 comprises a locking surface proximate a second end thereof; and 
 
 wherein:
 said locking surface is adapted and configured to restrict longitudinal movement, of a jumper connector having a first end slidingly circumferentially engaged around an end of said shunt tube, in a direction toward said second end of said retention clip end when said locking surface is disposed intermediate said retention clip end and a second end of said jumper connector. 
 
   
     
     
         6 . The jumper tube connection assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 said first said retention clip locking surface comprises a groove adapted and configured to retain an end surface of a second end of said jumper connector.   
     
     
         7 . The jumper tube connection assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 said shunt tube is affixed, directly or indirectly, to a pipe section that is adapted and configured to be deployed downhole.   
     
     
         8 . The jumper tube connection assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 a second end of said jumper connector is slidingly circumferentially engaged around an end of a jumper tube.   
     
     
         9 . The jumper tube connection assembly of  claim 5 , wherein:
 a second said retention clip:
 is so affixed proximate a first end thereof; 
 extends longitudinally substantially parallel to said shunt tube; and 
 comprises a locking surface proximate a second end thereof; and; 
   said first retention clip and said second retention clip are opposingly disposed on said exterior of said shunt tube;   said first retention clip comprises a beveled surface intermediate its locking surface and its said second end;   said second retention clip comprises a beveled surface intermediate its locking surface and its said second end;   wherein:
 said first retention clip beveled surface and said second retention clip beveled surface are spaced apart in a substantially unbiased arrangement; 
 insertion of a jumper connector longitudinally between said first retention clip beveled surface and said second retention clip beveled surface biases said beveled surfaces further apart; and 
 continued longitudinal movement of said jumper connector, into circumferential engagement around at least a portion of said shunt tube, and beyond said locking surfaces, results in movement of said first retention clip beveled surface and said second retention clip beveled surface back toward each other and into said substantially unbiased arrangement;
 whereby said locking surfaces prevent longitudinal movement of said jumper connector in a direction toward said second ends of said retention clips. 
 
   
     
     
         10 . A jumper tube connection assembly for shunt tube connection, comprising:
 one or more pin-locking retention clips affixed, directly or indirectly, to the exterior of a shunt tube;   wherein:
 said shunt tube is affixed to the exterior of a pipe section that is adapted and configured to be deployed downhole; and 
 at least one of said pin-locking retention clip extends axially substantially parallel to said shunt tube and comprises a pin adapted and configured to engage an orifice in a jumper connector; 
 wherein: 
 said jumper connector comprises a first end slidingly circumferentially engaged around at least a portion of said shunt tube; and 
 said jumper connector comprises a second end slidingly circumferentially engaged around at least a portion of a jumper tube; 
 whereby, engagement of said pin with said orifice restricts axial movement of said jumper connector. 
   
     
     
         11 . The jumper tube connection assembly of  claim 10 , wherein:
 said shunt tube is affixed, directly or indirectly, to a pipe section that is adapted and configured to be deployed downhole.   
     
     
         12 . The jumper tube connection assembly of  claim 10 , wherein:
 said pin comprises a spring-loaded mechanism.   
     
     
         13 . A method for connecting shunt tubes, comprising:
 providing a jumper tube connector assembly longitudinally intermediate two said shunt tubes to be connected, wherein said jumper tube connector assembly comprises:
 a jumper tube; 
 two jumper tube connectors; and 
 at least one fastener; 
 wherein:
 a first fastener is fixedly attached to the exterior of said jumper tube proximate a first end of said jumper tube, and a portion of said first fastener is biased toward said exterior of said jumper tube; 
 a first end of a first said jumper tube connector is slidingly positioned circumferentially around said first end of said jumper tube, wherein at least a portion of said first said jumper tube connector is disposed intermediate said exterior of said jumper tube and a portion of said first fastener; 
 a first end of a second said jumper tube connector is slidingly positioned circumferentially around a second end of said jumper tube; and 
 said first fastener restrains longitudinal movement of said first said jumper tube connector along said jumper tube by biasing a portion of said first fastener against an exterior surface of said first said jumper tube connector; and 
 
 installing said jumper tube connector assembly by slidingly circumferentially engaging a second end of said first said jumper connector around at least a portion of an end of a first said shunt tube, such that:
 said first fastener ceases to be biased against said first said jumper connector, and 
 said first jumper connector is prevented by said first fastener from moving longitudinally along said jumper tube in the direction of said second said jumper tube connector. 
 
   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein:
 said first said shunt tube is affixed, directly or indirectly, to a pipe section that is adapted and configured to be deployed downhole.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein:
 a second fastener is fixedly attached to the exterior of said jumper tube proximate a second end of said jumper tube, and a portion of said second fastener is biased toward said exterior of said jumper tube;   at least a portion of said second said jumper tube connector is disposed intermediate said exterior of said jumper tube and a portion of said second fastener; and   said second fastener restrains longitudinal movement of said second said jumper tube connector along said jumper tube by biasing a portion of said second fastener against an exterior surface of said second said jumper tube connector;   and further comprising:   slidingly circumferentially engaging a second end of said second said jumper connector around at least a portion of an end of a second said shunt tube, such that:   said second fastener ceases to be biased against said second said jumper connector, and   said second jumper connector is prevented by said second fastener from moving longitudinally along said jumper tube in the direction of said first said jumper tube connector.   
     
     
         16 . A method for connecting shunt tubes, comprising:
 providing a jumper tube connector assembly intermediate two said shunt tubes to be connected, wherein:
 affixed, directly or indirectly, to a first said shunt tube is one or more first shunt tube retention clips, wherein a first said first shunt tube retention clip comprises a locking surface proximate an end thereof; and 
 said jumper tube connector assembly comprises:
 a jumper tube; and 
 two jumper connectors; wherein: 
 a first end of a first jumper connector is circumferentially slidingly engaged around a first end of said jumper tube; 
 a first end of a second jumper connector is circumferentially slidingly engaged around a second end of said jumper tube; and 
 
   installing said jumper tube connector assembly by slidingly circumferentially engaging a second end of said first jumper connector around an end of said first shunt tube:   whereby:
 said first shunt tube retention clip locking surface is disposed intermediate said first end of said first jumper connector and said first shunt tube retention clip end, whereby longitudinal movement of said first jumper connector along said jumper tube in the direction of said second jumper connector is prevented by said first shunt tube retention clip locking surface. 
   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein:
 said first shunt tube retention clip locking surface comprises a groove adapted and configured to retain an end surface of a second end of said first jumper connector.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein:
 affixed, directly or indirectly, to a second said shunt tube is one or more second shunt tube retention clips, wherein a first said second shunt tube retention clip comprises a locking surface proximate an end thereof; and   further comprising:
 slidingly circumferentially engaging a second end of said second jumper connector around an end of said second shunt tube: 
   whereby:
 said second shunt tube retention clip locking surface is disposed intermediate said first end of said second jumper connector and said second shunt tube retention clip end, whereby longitudinal movement of said second jumper connector along said jumper tube in the direction of said second jumper connector is prevented by said second shunt tube retention clip locking surface 
   
     
     
         19 . A method for connecting shunt tubes, comprising:
 providing a jumper tube connector assembly intermediate two said shunt tubes to be connected, wherein:
 affixed, directly or indirectly, to a first said shunt tube is one or more first shunt tube pin-locking retention clips, wherein a first said first shunt tube pin-locking retention clip comprises a pin; and 
 said jumper tube connector assembly comprises:
 a jumper tube; and 
 two jumper connectors, wherein a first said jumper connector comprises an orifice in the external surface thereof, 
 wherein:
 a first end of said first jumper connector is circumferentially slidingly engaged around a first end of said jumper tube; 
 a first end of a second jumper connector is circumferentially slidingly engaged around a second end of said jumper tube; and 
 
 
   installing said jumper tube connector assembly by slidingly circumferentially engaging said first said jumper connector with a first said shunt tube, whereby said first shunt tube pin-locking retention clip pin at least partially engages said first jumper connector orifice, and whereby said first shunt tube pin-locking retention clip pin prevents longitudinal movement of said first said jumper connector along said jumper tube in the direction of said second said jumper connector.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein:
 affixed, directly or indirectly, to a second said shunt tube is one or more second shunt tube pin-locking retention clips, wherein a first said second shunt tube pin-locking retention clip comprises a pin; and   said second said jumper connector comprises an orifice in the external surface thereof, and
 further comprising:
 slidingly circumferentially engaging said second said jumper connector with a second said shunt tube, whereby said second shunt tube pin-locking retention clip pin at least partially engages said second jumper connector orifice, whereby said second shunt tube pin-locking retention clip pin prevents movement of said second said jumper connector longitudinally along said jumper tube in the direction of said first said jumper connector. 
 
   
     
     
         21 . A leak-off tube retention system, comprising:
 a leak-off tube comprising:
 one or more spring-loaded buttons; and 
 a plurality of apertures disposed in the exterior of said leak-off tube; 
   a first fitting:
 connected to a first pipe section that is adapted and configured to be deployed downhole; and 
 adapted to releasably retain said leak-off tube in a retracted first position, wherein said first fitting comprises one or more orifices, each adapted to engage one of said one or more spring-loaded buttons; and 
   a second fitting:
 connected to a second pipe section that is:
 adapted and configured to be deployed downhole; and 
 axially connected to said first pipe section; and 
 
 adapted to releasably retain said leak-off tube in an extended second position, wherein said second fitting comprises one or more orifices, each adapted to engage one of said one or more spring-loaded buttons. 
   
     
     
         22 . The leak-off tube retention system of  claim 21 , wherein:
 said first fitting comprises a retainer ring; and   said second fitting comprises a retainer ring.   
     
     
         23 . A method for deploying a leak-off tube, comprising:
 providing:
 a leak-off tube comprising:
 one or more spring-loaded buttons; and 
 a plurality of apertures disposed in the exterior of said leak-off tube; and 
 
 a first fitting:
 connected to a first pipe section that is adapted and configured to be deployed downhole; and 
 adapted to releasably retain said leak-off tube in a retracted first position; 
 
 wherein said first fitting comprises one or more orifices, and wherein at least one said spring-loaded button is engaged with one of said one or more orifices; 
   biasing each spring-loaded button engaged with one said orifice, such that said leak-off tube is disengaged from said first fitting;   slidingly moving said leak-off tube toward a second fitting, wherein said second fitting:
 is connected to a second pipe section that is:
 adapted and configured to be deployed downhole; and 
 axially connected to said first pipe section; and 
 
 adapted to releasably retain said leak-off tube in an extended second position, wherein said second fitting comprises one or more orifices, each adapted to engage one of said one or more spring-loaded buttons; and 
   biasing said spring-loaded buttons while providing said leak-off tube proximate said second fitting, such that at least one of said spring-loaded buttons, upon release of bias thereto, is disposed at least partially through one said orifice of said second fitting, thereby engaging said leak-off tube with said second fitting.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein:
 said first fitting comprises a retainer ring; and   said second fitting comprises a retainer ring.