Back Pressure Valve Recovery Tool for Stuck Retrieval Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stuck BPV retrieval tools pose significant challenges, leading to wellbore inaccessibility, loss of well control, production delays, and high costs due to time-consuming and expensive milling operations required to remove the broken sections.
Innovation Solution
A BPV recovery tool with a matable feature and optional magnetic properties is used to engage and retrieve the broken section of the retrieval tool by mating with its internal profile and applying torque, potentially assisted by magnetic attraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If milling operations are used to remove broken tool sections, then the broken tool can be removed, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the broken tool section from the wellbore by engaging it with a retrieval tool that grabs onto the broken portion and pulls it out directly, rather than milling it away piece by piece. This extraction approach eliminates the time-consuming milling process while still achieving complete removal of the broken tool.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of removing material from the broken tool (milling), the invention inverts the approach by grabbing onto the broken tool and extracting it intact. This reversal of the removal methodology transforms a destructive, time-consuming process into a direct retrieval operation.
2Reliability
If milling operations are used to remove broken tool sections, then the broken tool can be removed, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an extraction mechanism that grasps the broken tool section and retrieves it in one operation, eliminating the need for expensive milling equipment and specialized milling expertise. This direct retrieval approach significantly reduces operational costs while maintaining effective removal capability.
3Ease of operation
If a retrieval tool is used to recover the broken section, then wellbore accessibility is restored, but the retrieval tool may become stuck itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first engaging the broken tool section securely with the retrieval tool's gripping mechanism before attempting extraction. This preliminary engagement ensures that the retrieval tool maintains control throughout the operation, reducing the risk of becoming stuck or losing the broken tool during recovery.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick and cost-effective retrieval of stuck BPV retrieval tools, restoring well accessibility and control without the need for extensive milling, thus reducing operational downtime and expenses.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the BPV recovery tool to transfer torque from the BPV recovery tool to the broken section of the BPV retrieval tool
Implementation Method 2
A BPV recovery tool with a matable feature and optional magnetic properties is used to engage and retrieve the broken section of the retrieval tool
Data Source
AI summary
A back pressure valve recovery tool includes an elongate, cylindrical body having opposing upper and lower ends, and a matable feature provided at the lower end and matable with an inner profile provided on an upper end of a broken section of a back pressure valve (BPV) retrieval tool. The broken section of the BPV retrieval tool is received within a back pressure valve installed within a wellhead.