Apparatus and method for controlling the connection and disconnection speed of downhole connectors

摘要

Apparatuses and methods for controlling the connection speed of downhole connectors in a subterranean well are disclosed. An apparatus includes a first assembly having a first downhole connector and a first communication medium that is positionable in the well. A second assembly includes a second downhole connector and a second communication medium and has an outer portion and an inner portion that are selectively axially shiftable relative to one another. A lock assembly including at least one lug initially couples the outer and inner portions of the second assembly together such that, upon engagement of the first assembly with the second assembly downhole, the lug is radially shifted releasing the lock assembly to allow axial shifting of the outer portion of the second assembly relative to the inner portion of the second assembly, thereby operatively connecting the first and second downhole connectors to enable communication between the communication media.

主权项

1. A method for controlling a connection speed of downhole connectors in a subterranean well:
positioning a first assembly having a first downhole connector and a first communication medium in the well; engaging the first assembly with a second assembly having a second downhole connector and a second communication medium; unlocking an outer portion of the second assembly from an inner portion of the second assembly by radially shifting at least one lug; axially shifting the outer portion of the second assembly relative to the inner portion of the second assembly while metering a fluid through a transfer piston to control the axially shifting speed thereof; and operatively connecting the first and second downhole connectors, thereby enabling communication between the first and second communication media.