Downhole Tool Offset Locator for Half-Closed Valve Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole valves that become stuck due to corrosion or other reasons pose a challenge for access, as traditional methods fail to retrieve the restricting parts, especially when the valve is half-closed, leading to incomplete access and potential obstruction in the well.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a core bit and locator system that rotates to locate and cut out the restricting part, utilizing a collecting mechanism to retrieve the cut-out part, even when the opening is offset from the center, ensuring complete removal and access restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pilot bit is used in the centre to prevent sliding and retrieve the cut-out part, then the drill bit can avoid sliding on the abutting surface, but the pilot bit can no longer be used when the valve is half-closed with an opening across the centre
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the symmetric central pilot bit with an asymmetric offset locator and collecting means positioned away from the centerline. This asymmetric configuration allows the locator to engage with the rim section of the opening in half-closed valve positions, enabling the tool to adapt to various valve positions and orientations that a central pilot bit cannot handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary collecting means that acts as a mediator between the cutting edge and the retrieved material. The collecting means captures the cut-out restriction pieces and transports them to the surface, replacing the dual function of a central pilot bit with specialized components that handle cutting guidance and material retrieval separately.
2Productivity
If the drill bit slides on the abutting surface, then drilling efficiency is reduced, but using a central pilot bit cannot retrieve the cut-out part when the valve is half-closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool body into distinct functional components: a cutting edge for material removal, an offset locator for positioning and preventing sliding, and a collecting means for retrieving cut-out parts. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the locator preventing sliding and the collecting means retrieving debris, even in half-closed valve configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the locator and collecting means from the central axis to an offset position, utilizing a different spatial dimension (radial offset from centerline). This dimensional change enables the tool to access and engage with the rim section of openings in half-closed valves, providing both sliding prevention and debris retrieval capabilities that a central pilot bit cannot achieve.
3Ease of operation
If the cut-out part remains in the well, then access to the well below the valve is blocked, but retrieving the cut-out part requires additional equipment when the valve is half-closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated tool: the cutting edge removes the restriction, the offset locator positions the tool and prevents sliding, and the collecting means captures and transports the cut-out parts to the surface. This combination eliminates the need for separate retrieval equipment, allowing the tool to clear the wellbore and restore access in a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating the collecting means that automatically captures and transports the cut-out restriction parts during the drilling operation. The tool serves itself by handling its own debris removal, eliminating the need for additional well intervention equipment and restoring well access without requiring separate retrieval operations.
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
The tool effectively cuts out and retrieves the restricting part of a half-closed valve, preventing obstruction and ensuring full access to the well by using a rotating core bit and offset locator, allowing for efficient removal of stuck components.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical motor arranged in the first part for rotating a rotatable shaft
Implementation Method 2
a core bit arranged in the second part and having a first end connected with the rotatable shaft and a second end having a cutting edge
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool, for removing a restriction in a well tubular metal structure having a wall and an inner diameter, has a tool axis and a tool body having a first part and a second part, an electrical motor arranged in the first part for rotating a rotatable shaft, and a core bit arranged in the second part and having a first end connected with the rotatable shaft and a second end having a cutting edge. The second part of the downhole tool further includes a locator for locating the rim section, the locator being rotable with the core bit until the locator locates the rim section and a threshold value is reached.