Downhole Cutting Tool for Line Severance Without Pipe String Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for severing lines in a well require severing the pipe string, which is time-consuming and costly, and can weaken the well's integrity, necessitating a more efficient method to isolate lines without compromising the pipe string's strength.
Innovation Solution
A method using a cutting tool with selective activation and anchoring capabilities to create peripherally extending holes through the pipe string's wall, allowing for the severance of external lines without severing the pipe string, utilizing various cutting tools like perforation, hydraulic, mechanical, chemical, or plasma cutting tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to sever lines in a well, then the lines can be cut, but the pipe string must also be severed which weakens well integrity and increases operational time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is divided into multiple independently controllable cutting units or cutting elements arranged around the pipe string. Each cutting unit can be activated selectively to cut lines at different locations without requiring the entire pipe string to be severed. This segmentation allows precise cutting of only the necessary lines while preserving the pipe string integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A deployable cutting tool acts as an intermediary device that is lowered into the well on a deployment string to the target location. This intermediary tool performs the cutting function without requiring removal of the pipe string, thereby maintaining well integrity while achieving line severance. The cutting tool serves as a mediator between the need to cut lines and the need to preserve pipe string strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods are used to sever lines in a well, then the lines can be cut, but the pipe string must also be severed which increases operational cost
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is equipped with self-contained cutting mechanisms that can autonomously perform the cutting function once deployed. The tool includes its own power source, control system, and cutting elements, allowing it to sever lines without requiring external assistance or pipe string removal. This self-service capability simplifies the overall operation and reduces time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can cut various types of lines (hydraulic lines, electrical cables, chemical lines) simultaneously or sequentially. This universal cutting capability eliminates the need for multiple specialized operations and reduces overall operational time and cost while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized tool design.
3Productivity
If conventional methods are used to sever lines in a well, then the lines can be cut, but the pipe string must be severed which compromises structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting operation is localized to specific points where lines intersect the pipe string perimeter. Cutting elements are positioned and activated only at these local points, creating small切口 in the pipe string wall without compromising the overall structural integrity. This local quality approach maintains pipe string strength while achieving efficient line severance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of severing the entire pipe string circumference, only partial cutting is performed at specific angular positions where lines are located. The cutting action is applied partially around the pipe string perimeter, sufficient to sever the lines but excessive enough to ensure complete line separation. This partial action preserves pipe string strength while maintaining productivity.
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 the severance of lines within a well's longitudinal section without compromising the pipe string's integrity, allowing for effective pressure isolation and plugging without removing the pipe string, thereby reducing operational time and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an explosive charge configured for cutting of the at least one peripherally extending hole through and past the wall of the pipe string
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic cutting tool provided with at least one radially directed fluid discharge body for an abrasive fluid
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical cutting tool provided with at least one radially movable cutting body
Implementation Method 4
a chemical cutting tool provided with at least one radially directed fluid discharge body for a chemically corrosive fluid
Implementation Method 5
a plasma cutting tool provided with at least one radially directed plasma discharge body for charged plasma
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for cutting of at least one line disposed along a pipe string in a well. The method includes (A), using a cutting tool for selective cutting activation and provided with at least one cut-forming means for cutting in a radial direction outward from the cutting tool; and (B) lowering the cutting tool to a longitudinal section where the cutting is to be carried out. In (A), a cutting tool is used for controlled cutting in a peripheral direction and distributed in an axial direction relative to the cutting tool. The method further includes (C), activating the cutting tool and cutting, in the radial direction through and past the wall of the pipe string, at least one peripherally extending hole collectively covering the entire circumference of the pipe string, and also distributing the hole in the axial direction.