System, apparatus and method for abrasive jet fluid cutting

Abstract

A system, apparatus and method for abrasive jet fluid cutting. An abrasive jet fluid cutting nozzle assembly comprises a hose 49 for receiving an abrasive jet cutting fluid; a helix / spring 40 rotatably attached inside the high pressure hose 49; and a nozzle 46 connected to the hose 49. The helix / spring 40 is tapered such that the turn ratio of the helix 40 varies from the proximate end to the distal end. The rotation of the helix 40 creates a vortex and increases the pressure of an abrasive jet cutting fluid as it passes from the proximate end to the distal end. The disclosed subject matter further includes a system and method for using the abrasive jet fluid cutting nozzle assembly.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application 60 / 865,638 filed on Nov. 13, 2006, entitled “SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR A JET-FLUID CUTTING NOZZLE” and is hereby incorporated by reference.[0002]This application is related to co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 10 / 591,692, entitled “System and Method for Jet-Fluid Abrasive Cutting” and is incorporate in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.FIELD[0003]The present disclosure relates to drilling and cutting systems and their methods of operation and, more particularly, to a system and apparatus for jet-fluid cutting nozzle.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0004]This disclosure relates to the cutting of computer programmed shape and window profile(s) through a well bore casing whose inside diameter is three inches or larger, and more particularly, to the controlled and precise use of a jet-fluid and nozzle configuration to cut a predefined shape or window through a well bore casing, thereby faci...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]A further aspect of the present invention is a novel nozzle and nozzle configuration creating a vortex in the region directly in front of the nozzle and thereby generating additional cutting and penetrating capabilities.

Problems solved by technology

Although simple in concept, the execution is often complicated and difficult to achieve in a timely fashion.

Several complicating factors are that the well bore casing is made of steel or similarly hard material as well as the casing is difficult to access down the well bore hole.

An improper shape or window profile(s) of the side-track hole cut through the steel casing may cause drill breakage during a horizontal or lateral drilling procedure.

A deficiency in this prior art method is that the length of the cuts that the disclosed jet nozzle makes into the rock formation is limited because the jet nozzle is stationary with respect to the jet nozzle head.

The offered method is deficient in that only an upward motion along a well bore is possible due to the design of the expandable arms.

Furthermore, the prior art reference does not provide guidance as how to overcome the problem of the two expandable arms being set against the well bore wall from preventing motion in a downward direction.

A result of the prior art design deficiency is that sharp angles are formed between the well wall, thereby causing the jet streams emitted at the jets at the distal ends of the expandable arms to only cut small scratches into the well bore walls.

The prior art reference is deficient in that the apparatus requires multi-hoses to be connected from the surface to the apparatus for power and control.

The prior art methods are also deficient in that often the cutting line established by the cutting nozzle creates a pie or fanned shape cut as it penetrates the casing.

This causes difficulty in removing the pieces cut out by conventional means, due to the fact the rear face of the piece is larger than the opening cutout by the cutting tool.

Images