NIPPLE LOCATOR

The Nipple Locator is a simple means of locating a known position downhole, allowing for a more accurate positioning of the coiled tubing toolstring.l This is especially important when running on coiled tubing where the depth indicator coiled tubing unit is unlikely to be accurate.

Operation

The nipple locator has three leaf-type springs retained in the Housing. An upset in the middle of the springs is at a diameter greater than the maximum ID of the nipple profile it is intended to locate, but the spring can deflect inwards enough to allow the spring to pass through the nipple. The contour shape of the spring is such that the tool moves down through restrictions easily but creates a drag force that can be detected at the surface when moving up through a restriction. Adjustment Rings under the Spring allows changing the force required to pull the locator through a nipple. These nuts effectively change the length of the leaf spring. The mechanical Nipple Locator will locate the most nipples but will not locate the end of the tubing.