Hydrajet Tool Sleeve Hardness and Holder Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydrajetting tools used in subterranean well formations are prone to erosion due to abrasive forces, leading to frequent tool failure and high maintenance costs, as they are either made of brittle ultra-hard materials that shatter or softer materials that cannot withstand the abrasive forces.

Innovation Solution

A jetting tool with a solid sleeve made of a material with a hardness greater than 75 Rockwell A, enclosed by holders to protect against shattering, allowing fluid to exit through holes in the sleeve or orifice, reducing erosion and extending tool lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the jetting tool is made of ultra-hard material to withstand abrasive forces, then erosion resistance is improved, but the tool becomes brittle and shatters during jetting operations or when moved in and out of the jetting location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerosion resistanceVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The jetting tool is divided into two distinct parts: a hard sleeve (made of ultra-hard material with hardness greater than 75 Rockwell A) that provides erosion resistance, and a holder (made of tougher material) that provides impact resistance and protects the sleeve during movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool uses a composite structure combining two different materials: an ultra-hard material (such as tungsten carbide or ceramic) for the sleeve that resists abrasion from proppants, and a tougher material (such as steel) for the holder that absorbs impact during tool movement. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between hardness and toughness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the jetting tool is made of softer material to avoid shattering, then impact resistance is improved, but the tool cannot withstand the abrasive forces and erodes during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoiderosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the jetting tool is extracted frequently to repair or replace eroded components, then tool performance is maintained, but operation duration is reduced and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool performanceVSAvoidoperation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed as a sacrificial component that can be easily replaced when eroded, while the expensive hard sleeve is protected and reused. The holder acts as a disposable protective element that extends the life of the valuable jetting components, reducing overall operational costs and downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder serves as a protective cushion that absorbs damage from impact and abrasion before it reaches the hard sleeve. This beforehand protection prevents erosion of the expensive sleeve components, allowing them to last through multiple operations without replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 withstands erosive forces, reducing the need for frequent extraction and replacement, and allows for longer duration operations without compromising performance, as the hard sleeve remains intact while holders can be easily repaired or replaced.

Implementation Method 1

One solution for withstanding the abrasive forces encountered during the jetting process is to make the jetting tool from an ultra-hard material... the sleeve is composed of a material with a hardness greater than 75 Rockwell A

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion resistance: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS7841396B2Hydrajet tool for ultra high erosive environment

Publication Date: 2010.11.30 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to an improved method and system for perforating, slotting, and cutting steel and subterranean rock; and also for fracturing a subterranean formation to stimulate the production of desired fluids therefrom. The invention involves a fluid jetting device with a sleeve composed of a hard material. The sleeve includes at least one hole and a fluid flowing through the jetting device is emitted through the hole in the sleeve.