Wellbore Diverter Tool Single-Trip Casing Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well abandonment operations require multiple trips of the tool string to cut and remove casing, leading to increased rig time and costs due to the need for separate circulation and clean-up processes.
Innovation Solution
A diverter tool with a selective annular sealing device that allows circulation during cutting and seals the annulus after cutting, enabling the cutting and pulling operation to be performed in a single trip by using an activation sleeve and seal sleeve mechanism to control fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional well abandonment operations use separate circulation and clean-up processes, then each process can be performed with dedicated tool strings, but multiple trips are required increasing rig time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines circulation and clean-up functions into a single tool string with a diverter tool that can seal the annulus. This allows both operations to be performed during one trip by diverting fluid flow from the annulus to the inside of the casing, eliminating the need for multiple trips and reducing rig time while maintaining process reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The tool string is designed with multi-functional components: the diverter tool can both seal the annulus and divert fluid flow, the same tool string performs both circulation and clean-up operations. This universal design enables a single tool string to accomplish multiple tasks that traditionally required separate specialized tools, thereby reducing trip time
2Reliability
If conventional operations require multiple tool string deployments, then each operation can be optimized for its specific function, but device complexity and operational procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple operational functions (circulation, clean-up, sealing) are merged into a single integrated tool string. The diverter tool combines annulus sealing and fluid diversion capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tool strings while maintaining operational reliability through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The tool string is designed as a universal system that can perform both circulation and clean-up operations. The diverter tool's ability to seal the annulus and divert flow provides multi-functionality, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased versatility of the single tool string
3Productivity
If a single trip is used for cutting and pulling operations, then rig time and costs are reduced, but the tool string must perform multiple functions simultaneously increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter tool merges circulation control and clean-up diversion into a single device. By combining these functions and using a unified activation mechanism (ball drop triggering both seal activation and flow diversion), the system maintains operational simplicity while enabling single-trip efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The tool string is designed as a universal system that can perform both circulation and clean-up operations through the diverter tool's multi-functional capabilities. The standardized activation procedure (ball drop) simplifies operation despite the multiple functions performed, balancing productivity gains with ease of use
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
This solution reduces rig time and costs by allowing the cutting and pulling of casing in a single trip, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for multiple tool string deployments.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressure in the longitudinal bore moves the activation sleeve from its first position to its second position
Implementation Method 2
the spring can drive the seal sleeve to its second position
Implementation Method 3
the molded seal engages the packer cup to seal the annular flow channels therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments may relate to devices or tools for diverting flow within a wellbore. For example, disclosed tool embodiments may allow for more efficiently cutting and pulling of casing from a wellbore during well abandonment operations, since diverting fluid flow as disclosed may allow for a single tool string trip to allow the flow patterns for both cutting and cleanup.