Eccentric UHP Hose Centering for Wellbore Casing Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultra-high pressure (UHP) cutting devices for wellbores require complex systems of connectors for rotatable movement, leading to potential failures and safety concerns in hot work environments due to the use of heat-based cutting tools near explosive or flammable gases.
Innovation Solution
A UHP cutting device with a revolvable UHP hose that revolves eccentrically around a longitudinal axis, using a motor and gear system to position the hose exterior to the cutting head, allowing for efficient cutting of pipe casings from within the wellbore without rotating about the axis, thus simplifying the construction and reducing failure risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable UHP hose system is used to enable cutting from within the wellbore, then the ability to cut pipe casings from inside is achieved, but the system becomes complex with multiple connectors that increase failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotational function from the hose itself and places it in a separate drive mechanism located outside the wellbore. The UHP hose remains stationary while a drive shaft with cam mechanisms rotates the cutting head assembly, eliminating the need for complex rotatable hose connectors while maintaining the ability to perform cutting operations from within the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a drive shaft and cam mechanism as an intermediary system between the motor and the cutting head. This intermediary mechanism transfers rotational motion without requiring the hose to rotate, thereby simplifying the hose connection system while still enabling the cutting head to rotate and cut the pipe casing effectively.
2Productivity
If heat-based cutting tools are used in hot work areas, then cutting capability is achieved, but safety risks increase due to presence of explosive or flammable gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional thermal cutting mechanism (cutting torch) with a mechanical cutting system. The cutting head uses a mechanically driven abrasive wheel or diamond-tipped cutter that rotates against the pipe casing, removing material through mechanical abrasion rather than thermal combustion. This eliminates the ignition source while maintaining effective cutting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of requiring high energy for cutting into a beneficial mechanical abrasion process. Instead of using high-temperature flames that create ignition risks, the system uses mechanically generated friction and abrasion to cut through the pipe casing, transforming the cutting process from a thermal to a mechanical operation that is safe in hazardous environments.
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 solution provides a safer and more reliable cutting process by eliminating the need for complex connectors and reducing the risk of ignition in hazardous environments, while effectively cutting through various pipe materials using a combination of UHP fluid and abrasive feed.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrahigh pressure (UHP) hose positioned exterior to the outer surface of the elongated support member, wherein the UHP hose is eccentric to the longitudinal axis and the UHP hose revolves around the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
cutting through various pipe materials using a combination of UHP fluid and abrasive feed
Data Source
AI summary
A centering device on a cutting device using an ultrahigh pressure (UHP) hose carrying UHP fluid is designed to be inserted into a pipe or tube and cut the same from the inside out. In one example, the cutting device is for insertion into a wellbore for cutting the casing of the wellbore from within the wellbore with a revolvable UHP hose. The cutting head which effectuates the cut may be centered by the centering device that is generally conical in shape such that a portion of the centering device remains exterior to the pipe or tube as the UHP revolves during the cutting action.