Downhole Tool Casing Cutter Circulating Sub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for abandoning a wellbore are inefficient as they require separate processes for cutting the casing and flushing fluids, leading to multiple trips and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool equipped with a packoff device, spear, and circulating sub that allows for simultaneous cutting of the casing and flushing of fluids, using a casing cutter to separate the casing and a port for fluid circulation, enabling the removal of the upper casing portion in a single trip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate processes are used for cutting the casing and flushing fluids, then each process can be performed with dedicated equipment, but multiple trips are required and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the casing cutting function and fluid flushing function into a single integrated downhole tool assembly. The casing cutter with rotating blade performs the cutting operation while the circulating sub with ports simultaneously enables fluid circulation through the annulus, eliminating the need for separate trips to perform these functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole tool assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where a single tool performs both the specialized function of cutting casing (via the casing cutter) and the specialized function of flushing fluids (via the circulating sub with ports), making the tool universal for multiple abandonment operations.
2Reliability
If separate processes are used for cutting the casing and flushing fluids, then equipment can be optimized for each specific function, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the casing cutter mechanism and the circulating sub mechanism into a single integrated downhole tool assembly, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously during one trip, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining functional performance.
3Reliability
If multiple trips are made to the wellbore for different operations, then each operation can be performed thoroughly, but time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple abandonment operations (casing cutting and fluid flushing) into a single integrated tool assembly that can perform both functions during one downhole trip, thereby improving productivity and operational efficiency while maintaining the quality of each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating sub is designed with ports that enable continuous fluid circulation through the annulus during the casing cutting operation, allowing fluid flushing to occur continuously alongside the cutting process rather than requiring a separate sequential operation.
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 approach reduces operational complexity and costs by allowing for the cutting and flushing of fluids in a single downhole trip, enhancing the efficiency of wellbore abandonment processes.
Implementation Method 1
a packoff device for sealing an annulus between the downhole tool and a casing of a wellbore
Implementation Method 2
a circulating sub coupled to the spear may have a port therein. The port may extend in an at least partial radial direction and be in fluid communication with the annulus
Implementation Method 3
Drilling fluid may be flowed through a port in the circulating sub and into the first annulus. At least some of the drilling fluid may flow from the first annulus, through the opening formed between the upper and lower portions of the first casing, and into a second annulus
Data Source
AI summary
A packoff device is disclosed for sealing an annulus within a wellbore, and for bypassing the sealed annulus. The packoff device may include a mandrel having a bore formed axially therethrough and first and second ports extending radially from the bore. A sealing element that extends radially-outwardly from the mandrel may be positioned axially between the first and second ports, and may create a seal within an annulus between the mandrel and a casing, to isolate a portion of the annulus above the sealing element from a portion below the sealing element. A sleeve within the bore may, with the mandrel, form a channel providing fluid communication between the first and second ports. The sleeve may be movable between open and closed states. The first and second ports may be unobstructed by the sleeve in the open state, one or more may be obstructed in the closed state.