Concave Notch Casing Entry Tool for Tubular Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively gain hydraulic access to inaccessible tubular sections in oil wells, such as during blowouts or improper abandonment, requiring drilling of intercept wells and using casing entry tools to penetrate tubulars.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool and method involving a casing entry tool with a concave notch to engage the convex outer surface of tubulars, utilizing drilling rigs, directional drilling apparatuses, and various drill bits like expandable and water-jet bits to create apertures and maintain alignment for hydraulic access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a casing entry tool with a concave notch is used to engage the convex outer surface of the tubular, then alignment precision and penetration accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The casing entry tool employs a concave notch that matches the convex curvature of the tubular's outer surface. This curved geometry enables precise engagement and alignment with the tubular, ensuring accurate penetration while maintaining a relatively simple tool structure.
2Reliability
If intercept wells are drilled to gain hydraulic access to inaccessible tubular sections, then reliability of well operations is improved, but loss of time and increase in operational complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The concave notch is pre-configured on the casing entry tool to match the expected curvature of the tubular surface. This preliminary geometric preparation enables rapid and accurate engagement with the tubular during intercept well operations, reducing the time required to establish hydraulic access while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If traditional re-entry procedures are used on inaccessible tubular sections, then device simplicity is maintained, but effectiveness and reliability of well operations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The concave notch on the casing entry tool provides a curved engagement surface that complements the convex outer surface of the tubular. This curvature match enables reliable penetration and hydraulic access even in challenging conditions where traditional re-entry procedures would fail, all while keeping the tool design relatively simple.
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
Enables reliable hydraulic access to tubulars by accurately penetrating and establishing continuity between intercept and target tubulars, minimizing walking errors and maintaining alignment for efficient well operations.
Implementation Method 1
The casing entry tool may include a generally concave notch adapted to engage with the convex outer surface of the existing tubular. The notch may be oriented in the same radial direction as the face of the casing entry tool.
Implementation Method 2
The method may also include cutting at least one aperture in the existing tubular with casing entry tool.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the disclosure, an intercept well for penetrating an existing tubular is drilled. A casing entry tool is provided in the intercept well and operated to form at least one aperture in the wall of the existing casing. The casing entry tool may be oriented toward the target tubular. In some embodiments, a generally concave notch may be positioned on the casing entry tool and adapted to engage with the convex outer surface of the target tubular. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism may retain the orientation of the casing entry tool within the intercept well.