Electro-Hydraulic Tubing Punch

Abstract

An electro-hydraulic tubing punch is provided, comprising a controller, an electronic section, a hydraulic chamber, a punch head, and an oriented centralizer. The controller transmits signals to the electronic section, which activates a motor-driven pump in the hydraulic chamber, communicating hydraulic fluid to the punch head. The punch head includes a retractable piercing punch with a tip, neck, body, and stem, where the neck is shaped as a truncated hyperboloid and the stem includes an internal channel. Hydraulic fluid displaces a punch piston within a fluid cavity, causing the piercing punch to extend through an engagement panel. The oriented centralizer includes hinged arms and collars for positioning. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch transitions between retracted and extended configurations via user input received by a punch actuator.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to making a punch. More specifically, the present invention is a tubing punch for piercing holes in tubing of oil and gas wells.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The field of oil and gas extraction has long been a cornerstone of the energy sector, with continual advancements in technology being crucial for maintaining and enhancing efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance. A significant operation in this field involves creating perforations in well tubing and casing. Historically, several methods have been employed to achieve this perforation, each with its unique mechanisms and associated challenges.

[0003] Traditionally, explosively charged punches have been extensively used for creating perforations. These devices rely on controlled explosive charges to puncture the well tube, creating pathways to communicate tubing and annulus. While effective in creating perforations, the explosive method presents significant safety risks due to the handling and deployment of explosives. Moreover, the use of explosives can compromise the structural integrity of the well tubing over time, potentially leading to costly repairs and environmental hazards.

[0004] Mechanical punches represent another method, employing a physical force to create holes in the well tubing. Although safer than explosive charges, mechanical punches require considerable manual effort or mechanical complexity to generate sufficient force. This can lead to operational inefficiencies and limitations in the precision and consistency of the perforations. Additionally, the mechanical wear and tear on these devices necessitate frequent maintenance and replacement, adding to the operational costs.

[0005] Devices utilizing plasma for perforation have also been developed, offering a high degree of precision in creating perforations. However, plasma-based methods require significant energy inputs and sophisticated equipment to generate and control the plasma, complicating their use in the variable and harsh conditions commonly encountered in oil and gas wells. Moreover, the complexity and cost of plasma systems can be prohibitive for widespread adoption in the industry.

[0006] In light of these challenges, the present invention seeks to provide a solution to the pitfalls of the prior art. The present invention addresses such pitfalls by providing an electric hydraulic punch for creating perforations in oil and gas well tubing. Unlike the prior art, this device leverages electrically powered hydraulics to generate force, offering a safer, more reliable, and environmentally friendly alternative to explosive charges. Furthermore, the electric hydraulic punch provides greater control and consistency over the perforation process compared to mechanical punches, without the complexity and operational challenges associated with plasma-based methods.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An electro-hydraulic tubing punch having an electronic section, a hydraulic power section, an oriented centralizer, and a hydraulic punch head. The oriented centralizer is a mechanism that self-centers the punch perpendicular to the tubing wall.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the electronic section of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the electronic section of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hydraulic chamber of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the hydraulic chamber of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a chart of the hydraulic chamber of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a side view of the punch head of the present invention in the retracted configuration.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a section view of the punch head of the present invention in the partially extended configuration.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the punch head of the present invention in the fully extended configuration.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a side view of the piercing punch of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a side view of the oriented centralizer of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 13 is an exploded diagram of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the controller of the present invention.DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0022] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0023] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[0025] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein-as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

[0026] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

[0027] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

[0028] Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

[0029] Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down” and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, “radially”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly,”“outwardly” and “radially” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

[0030] The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of an electro-hydraulic tubing punch 1, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention is an electro-hydraulic tubing punch 1 comprising an electronic section 10, a hydraulic chamber 20, a punch head 30, and an oriented centralizer 40. In the context of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the electronic section 10 is coupled adjacent the hydraulic chamber 20; the hydraulic chamber 20 is further coupled adjacent to the punch head 30; and the oriented centralizer 40 is coupled adjacent to the punch head 30. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic section 10 is threadedly coupled to the hydraulic chamber 20; the punch head 30 is threadedly coupled to the hydraulic chamber 20; and the oriented centralizer 40 is threadedly coupled to the punch head 30.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the electronic section 10 comprises a tubular housing 14 and a connection port 13. Within the context of the present invention, the connection port 13 is positioned at a distal end of the tubular housing 14. Additionally, in the context of the present invention, the connection port 13 facilitates the communication of electrical signals and electrical power to the hydraulic chamber 20, the punch head 30, and the oriented centralizer 40. Furthermore, within the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic section 10 further comprises an electronic board 11 and a processor 12, wherein said electrical board 11 and processor 12 are contained within the housing 14 of the electrical section 10. In the context of the present invention, the electronic board 11 comprises electrical connections such that the processor 12, a device understood to facilitate computer executable methods, receives and transmits signals through the electrical board 11.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, in the context of the present invention, the hydraulic chamber 20 is a tubular member comprising a first end 211 and a second end 212, wherein said first end 211 and second end 212 are opposing distal ends of the hydraulic chamber 20. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first distal end 211 is coupled to the punch head 30 and the second distal end 212 is coupled to the electronic member 10. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic chamber 20 comprises a tubular housing 21 wherein said tubular housing 21 contains hydraulic fluid 22, a motor 23, and a pump 24. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, hydraulic oil is used as hydraulic fluid 22. Additionally, within the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor 23 is a direct current (DC) motor wherein the pump 24 is driven by said motor 23. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pump 24 is a piston pump wherein the motor 23 drives said piston pump, thereby moving hydraulic fluid 22 through hydraulic chamber 20.

[0034] In regard to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, the punch head 30 comprises a piercing punch 31, a main body 32, and an engagement panel 33. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the engagement panel 33 extends and retracts from the main body 32. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the piercing punch 31 extends and retracts with respect to the engagement panel 33. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electro-hydraulic tubing punch 1 comprises a retracted configuration, as shown in FIG. 8; a partially extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 9; and a fully extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 10. In the context of the present invention, while in the retracted configuration, the engagement panel 33 is set into the main body 32. Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, while in the partially extended configuration, the engagement panel 33 is extended outwardly from the main body 32. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the fully extended configuration, the engagement panel 33 is extended outwardly from the main body 32 and at least a portion of the piercing punch 31 projects outwardly from the engagement panel 33.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the punch head 30 further comprises a fluid channel 34, a spring 35, a fluid cavity 316, and a punch piston 317. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spring 35 is interposed between the engagement panel 33 and the punch piston 317 within the main body 32 wherein the spring 35 is circumferentially positioned around the piercing punch 31. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fluid cavity 316 is a cylindrical recess within the main body 32 wherein the punch piston 317 is laterally displaced during operation. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the main body 32 further comprises an at least one piston 36 wherein said at least one piston 36 is contained within the main body 32 such that said at least one piston 36 displaces the engagement panel 33. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fluid channel 34 traverses through a portion of the main body 32 to the fluid cavity 316, thus communicating hydraulic fluid 22 into said fluid cavity 316, causing the linear displacement of the punch piston 317 and thereby the piercing punch 31. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spring 35 assists in the retraction of the piercing punch 31 after the hydraulic fluid 22 escapes the fluid channel 34.

[0036] Within the context of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the engagement panel 33 comprises a hole 331, an exterior surface 332, and an at least one rod 333 such that the hole 331 is a through hole extending through the engagement panel 31 from the exterior surface 332, inwardly. Furthermore, within the context of the present invention, the exterior surface 332 is the outwardly facing surface of the engagement panel 33. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one rod 333, is a shaft connected to the engagement panel 33, aligned within the at least one piston 36 such that a force applied to the at least one rod 333 by the at least one piston 36 causes a linear displacement of the engagement panel 33. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one piston 36 comprises a fluid chamber 321, a piston head 361, a stem 362, and a spring 363 wherein the piston head 362 is coupled to the stem 362; the spring 363 is circumferentially positioned around the stem 362; and the piston head 362 traverses laterally within the cylindrically shaped fluid chamber 321. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the piecing punch 31 traverses the hole 331 of the engagement panel 33.

[0037] As further shown in FIG. 11, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the piercing punch 31 comprises a tip 311, a neck 312, a body 313, and a stem 314. In the context of the present invention, the piercing punch 31 is an elongated member wherein the stem 314 is threadedly coupled to the punch piston 317; the tip 311 is the distal portion of the piercing punch 31, opposite the stem 314; and the neck 312 and body 313 are interposed between the tip 311 and the stem 314 of the piercing punch 31. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the neck 312 is interposed between the tip 311 and body 313 of the piercing punch 31. Additionally, within the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the neck 312 comprises a truncated-hyperboloid shape (i.e. a bell shape) wherein the portion with the greatest diameter is adjacent to the body 313 and the portion with the smallest diameter is adjacent to the tip 311. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the piercing punch 31 comprises a channel 315 wherein said channel 315 is a cylindrical recess that traverses the stem 314 such that the channel 315 extends inwardly along a central axis of the stem 314. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the event that the piercing punch 31 becomes stuck and unable to be retracted, the body 313 of the piercing punch 31 may be broken off, thus exposing the channel 315 and pouring hydraulic fluid 22 into the system. In the context of the present invention “the system” is defined as the environment in which the electro-hydraulic tubing punch 1 is being utilized (i.e. a section of tubing).

[0038] Within the context of the present invention, the oriented centralizer 40 is a device that positions the electro-hydraulic tubing punch 1, specifically the piercing punch 31, in a user-desired position, thus ensuring the correct placement of the hole produced by the piercing punch 31. Within the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12, the oriented centralizer 40 comprises an elongated member 41, a plurality of collars 42, a plurality of arms 43, a spring 45, and a head 46. As shown, the head 46 is disposed at one end of the elongated member 41. Furthermore, the plurality of collars 42 is positioned circumferentially about the elongated member 41 such that the plurality of collars 42, including a first collar 421 and a second collar 422, are offset from each other, and the spring 45 is interposed between the second collar 422 and the head 46. Additionally, as shown, the plurality of arms 43 are hingedly coupled to the plurality of collars 42 such that the plurality of arms 43, including a first arm 430 and a second arm 440, are angularly offset from each other. Further, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each arm of the plurality of arms 43 comprises a first member 431,441, a second member 432,442, and an elbow 433,443, wherein the first member 431,441 and the second member 432,442 are connected at the elbow 433,443; the elbow 433,443 being a hinged connection between the first 431,441 and second member 432,442 of the respective arms. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first collar 421 is fixed to the elongated member 41 and the second collar 422 is slidably coupled to the elongated member 41 such that the second collar 422 slides freely along the elongated member 41. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, upon an inwardly directed (i.e. an axially aligned) force being applied to the head 46, the second collar 422 displaces along the elongated member 41, thus causing the plurality of arms 43 to bend outwardly. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outward bend of the plurality of arms 43 about the elbows 433,443 provide stabilization points which engage with an interior wall of a pipe.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 13, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electro-hydraulic tubing punch 1 further comprises a controller 50 wherein said controller 50 facilitates the operation of the electro-hydraulic tubing punch 1. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller 50 is connected to the connection port 13 of the electronic section 10 such that the controller 50 enables a user to transmit electrical signals to the electro-hydraulic tubing punch 1, through the controller 50. As shown in FIG. 14, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller 50 is a user interface device comprising a housing 51 wherein said housing 51 contains a power button 52, a power input 53, a punch actuator 54, a display 55, a mode selector 56, a voltage selector 57, and a voltage knob 58. In the context of the present invention, the punch actuator 54 and the mode selector 56 receives an input from the user and converts said input into an electrical signal which extends and retracts the piercing punch 31.

[0040] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0041] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

[0042] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electro-hydraulic tubing punch comprising:a hydraulic chamber;a punch head; andan oriented centralizer;wherein:the punch head is coupled to the hydraulic chamber;the oriented centralizer is coupled to the punch head;the hydraulic chamber comprises a tubular housing containing hydraulic fluid;the punch head comprises a piercing punch, a main body, and a fluid channel;the fluid channel communicates hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber into the punch head; andthe piercing punch retractably extends projects from the main body of the punch head;the oriented centralizer comprises a plurality of hinged arms.

2. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piercing punch comprises:a tip;a neck;a body; anda stem;wherein:the tip is adjacent to the neck;the neck is interposed between the tip and the body;the body is interposed between the neck and the stem; andthe neck comprises a truncated hyperboloid shape.

3. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 2, wherein the piercing punch further comprises a channel wherein said channel extends inwardly through the stem.

4. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises a fluid cavity;the fluid channel extends into the fluid cavity;the fluid channel communicates hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber into the fluid cavity.

5. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 1 wherein the punch head further comprises:an engagement panel;a fluid cavity; anda punch piston;wherein:the fluid channel extends into the fluid cavity;the engagement panel retractably projects from the main body of the punch head;the engagement panel further comprises a hole such that the piercing punch retractably projects through said hole;the piercing punch being coupled to the punch piston;the punch piston slidingly traversing the fluid cavity such that communication of hydraulic fluid into the fluid cavity through the fluid channel displaces the punch piston.

6. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 5, wherein the punch head further comprises a spring;the spring is interposed between the engagement panel and the punch piston; andthe spring is further circumferentially positioned around the piercing punch.

7. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a retracted configuration and an extended configuration wherein:the electro-hydraulic tubing punch is selectively switched between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration;in the retracted configuration, the engagement panel is inset within the main body of the punch head and the piercing punch is retracted within the main body of the punch head; andin the extended configuration, the engagement panel is extended outwardly from the main body.

8. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 1 wherein the oriented centralizer comprises:an elongated member;a plurality of collars;a plurality of arms;a head; anda spring;wherein:the elongated member extends from the punch head such that one end of the elongated member is coupled to the punch head and an opposing end comprises the head;the plurality of collars, comprising a first collar and a second collar; is interposed between the head and the punch head, such that the first collar and the second collar are offset from each other;the plurality of arms extend between the plurality of collars wherein said plurality of arms are hingedly coupled to each of the first collar and the second collar; andthe spring is interposed between the head and the plurality of collars, circumferentially positioned around the elongated member.

9. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 8, wherein each arm of the plurality of arms comprises:a first member;a second member; andan elbow;wherein:the first member is hingedly coupled to the first collar;the second member is hingedly coupled to the second collar;the elbow is a pivoting connection joining the first member and the second member of each respective arm.

10. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 9 wherein, the first collar is slidably coupled to the elongated member such that a force applied to the head laterally displaces the collar.

11. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hydraulic chamber further comprises:a motor; anda pump;wherein:the motor drives the pump, thereby communicating hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber into the punch head.

12. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 11 further comprising an electronic section wherein said electronic section comprises a processor;the processor transmitting electrical signals to the motor.

13. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 12 wherein the electronic section further comprises a connection port.

14. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 13 further comprising a controller wherein said controller transmits user input signals through the connection port.

15. A electro-hydraulic tubing punch comprising:an electronic section;a hydraulic chamber;a punch head; anda controller;wherein:the controller is electronically connected to the electronic section;the electronic section is threadedly coupled to the hydraulic chamber;the hydraulic chamber is threadedly coupled to the punch head;the electronic section comprises:a connection port; anda processor;the hydraulic chamber comprises:a motor;a pump; andhydraulic fluid;the punch head comprises:a piercing punch;a main body; andan engagement panel;the controller provides electrical signals to the processor through the connection port;the motor drives the pump contained within the hydraulic chamber, communicating hydraulic fluid to the punch head;the engagement panel retractably projects from the main body; andthe piercing punch retractably projects from the engagement panel.

16. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 15 wherein the punch head further comprises:a fluid channel; anda fluid cavity;wherein:the pump communicates hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber to the fluid cavity, through the fluid channel; amdcommunication of hydraulic fluid into the fluid cavity linearly displaces the piercing punch.

17. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 16, wherein the piercing punch comprises:a tip;a neck;a body; anda stem;wherein:the tip is adjacent to the neck;the neck is interposed between the tip and the body;the body is interposed between the neck and the stem; andthe neck comprises a truncated hyperboloid shape.

18. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 15 wherein the controller comprises:a punch actuator;wherein:the punch actuator receives a user input, thus selectively switching the electro-hydraulic tubing punch between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration;in the retracted configuration, the engagement panel is inset within the main body of the punch head and the piercing punch is retracted within the main body of the punch head; andin the extended configuration, the piercing punch is extended outwardly from the main body.

19. A electro-hydraulic tubing punch comprising:a controller;an electronic section;a hydraulic chamber;a punch head; andan oriented centralizer;wherein:the electronic section is electronically coupled to the controller;the hydraulic chamber is threadedly coupled to the electronic section;the punch head is threadedly coupled to the hydraulic chamber;the oriented centralizer is threadedly coupled to the punch head;the hydraulic chamber comprises a pump and hydraulic fluid;the punch head comprises a piercing punch;the controller communicates electrical signals to the pump, thereby communicating hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic chamber into the punch head;communicating of hydraulic fluid into the punch head causes outwardly directed linear displacement of the piercing punch.

20. The electro-hydraulic tubing punch as claimed in claim 19 wherein the piercing punch comprises:a tip;a neck;a body; anda stem;wherein:the tip is adjacent to the neck;the neck is interposed between the tip and the body;the body is interposed between the neck and the stem;the stem comprises a channel wherein said channel extends inwardly through the stem; andthe neck comprises a truncated hyperboloid shape.

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