Radially Expandable Downhole Jet Cutting Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole cutting tools with telescoping jetting nozzles are limited in their ability to retract and reconfigure for use in different wellbore diameters, requiring removal and repositioning, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A radially expandable jet cutting tool with extendable arms and a piston-actuated mechanism allows for easy extension and retraction of the cutting nozzles, enabling efficient cutting in various diameter conduits without removing the tool from the wellbore, using high-pressure cutting fluid to extend and retract the arms for precise cutting and redeployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If telescoping jetting nozzles are extended to contact the cutting surface, then cutting efficiency is improved, but the nozzles cannot be retracted to their original positions for use in different wellbore diameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to different wellbore diameters

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The jetting nozzles are designed with dynamic extension and retraction capability through a mechanical actuation system. The nozzles can be extended radially outward to contact the cutting surface during operation, then retracted back to their original reconfigured positions, enabling the tool to adapt to different wellbore diameters without removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting tool is divided into multiple independent jetting nozzles that can be individually extended and retracted. This segmentation allows each nozzle to be positioned independently to contact the cutting surface while maintaining the ability to reconfigure the overall tool structure for different wellbore sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tool is removed from the well for resetting of telescoping jetting nozzles, then the nozzles can be reconfigured for different locations, but operational time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool incorporates an automated actuation system that enables the jetting nozzles to extend and retract without requiring tool removal from the well. The system can self-adjust the nozzle positions based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for manual intervention and tool retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is designed with pre-configured retraction mechanisms that allow the jetting nozzles to be reset to their original positions while still in the wellbore. This preliminary design of the actuation system enables rapid reconfiguration without the time-consuming process of tool removal and surface resetting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple tools are used for different wellbore diameters, then each tool is optimized for its specific diameter, but device complexity and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization for specific diameterVSAvoidnumber of tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is designed with universal adaptability through its extendable and retractable jetting nozzles, allowing a single tool to perform multiple functions across different wellbore diameters. The tool can be configured for various cutting locations and diameters without requiring multiple specialized tools, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 quick and efficient cutting in multiple locations with varying diameters, reducing operational time and costs by allowing the tool to be redeployed within the wellbore without removal, maintaining nozzle orientation and cutting efficiency across different conduit sizes.

Implementation Method 1

Cutting fluid, such as an abrasive slurry known to persons skilled in the art, is pumped at high pressure down the passageway and moves the piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The inflatable is inflated by the cutting fluid. As a result, the inflatable moves the arm outwardly so that the casing or other cutting surface can be cut

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure expansion: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS7588101B2Radially expandable downhole fluid jet cutting tool having an inflatable member

Publication Date: 2009.09.15 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

Downhole fluid jet cutting tools having extendible and retractable arms with cutting heads on the ends are disclosed. The jet cutting tools permit casing and other downhole surfaces to be cut utilizing a cutting fluid forced through a jet nozzle assembly. Inflation of an inflatable member within the passageway of the tool moves the jet nozzle assembly when cutting fluid pressure inflates the inflatable member. As a result, a cutting head of the jet nozzle assembly is extended and cutting fluid is forced at high pressure from the passageway to the cutting head where it is expelled through nozzles for cutting casing and the like. The jet cutting tools permit the cutting head to be extended, retracted, and re-extended or redeployed multiple times without the need for being retrieved from the wellbore.