Fiberoptic Jacket Laser Trimming for Stuck Wellbore Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tools often become stuck in wellbores due to foreign objects and uneven surfaces, leading to inefficiencies and high costs in the hydrocarbon recovery process.
Innovation Solution
A trimming tool with a jacket and fiberoptic cables is deployed into the wellbore, producing a ring-shaped laser beam to trim and even out the interior surface, thereby preventing tool sticking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical trimming tool is used to level and even out the interior surface of the wellbore, then the surface smoothness is improved, but the operation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical trimming tool with a laser-based trimming system. The laser beam is directed through the jacket to trim the interior surface of the wellbore, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and significantly reducing operation time while maintaining surface smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties used for trimming by employing laser energy instead of mechanical force. The laser parameters (intensity, duration, focal point) are controlled to achieve precise surface trimming without the time-consuming mechanical processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical trimming tool is deployed into the wellbore, then the interior surface is leveled, but the complexity and cost of the operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical trimming mechanisms with a simpler laser delivery system. The laser beam can be precisely directed and controlled through the jacket without requiring complex mechanical actuators, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The jacket is divided into multiple detachable portions that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows for easier deployment and adjustment of the laser trimming system, reducing operational complexity while achieving precise surface leveling.
3Ease of operation
If the jacket includes two or more mutually detachable portions, then the ease of deployment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket is designed with multiple detachable portions that can be separately handled and assembled. This segmentation enables easier deployment into the wellbore and simplifies the process of securing the jacket to the main body, as each portion can be independently positioned and attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable portions of the jacket can be dynamically assembled and disassembled based on operational needs. This dynamic configuration allows for flexible deployment strategies, reducing the complexity of handling the complete jacket as a single rigid structure.
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 trims and smooths the wellbore surface, reducing the risk of tool sticking and improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
One or more fiberoptic cables extend to the distal end of the jacket and produce a ring-shaped laser beam for trimming the interior surface in the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for trimming an interior surface in a wellbore includes a jacket configured to be mounted at an external surface of a main body. The jacket includes a proximal end and a distal end, and also includes two or more mutually detachable portions. One or more fiberoptic cables extend to the distal end of the jacket and produce a ring-shaped laser beam for trimming the interior surface in the wellbore. A related method includes: mounting a jacket at an external surface of a main body, wherein the jacket includes two or more mutually detachable portions; extending one or more fiberoptic cables to a distal end of the jacket; deploying the main body and the jacket into a wellbore; via the one or more fiberoptic cables, producing a ring-shaped laser beam; and via the ring-shaped laser beam, trimming an interior surface in the wellbore.