Inflatable Overshot Gripping Bladder for Irregular Fish Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fishing tools struggle to effectively remove objects with irregular shapes or lacking gripping structures from a wellbore, as they rely on mechanical latches or collets that require annular projections or lips for engagement.
Innovation Solution
A fishing tool featuring an inflatable gripping bladder within an overshot housing, where inflation fluid is used to grip the object, with a piston member and fluid pathway system to control inflation, and a roughened interior surface for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical latches or collets are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the tool cannot engage objects with irregular shapes or lacking gripping structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using an inflatable bladder filled with gas or liquid to create a gripping force. The bladder can be inflated through a valve system from the running string, allowing the tool to engage and hold irregular-shaped objects without requiring conventional mechanical gripping structures like lips or annular projections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the gripping element from deflated to inflated, transforming the bladder from a flexible container into a rigid gripping structure. This parameter change allows the same component to adapt to different object shapes and sizes, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall tool structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an inflatable bladder is used to grip the fish, then the tool can engage irregular-shaped objects, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the inflatable bladder inside the overshot housing, with the bladder nested within the chamber defined by the housing. The valve and inflation system are integrated into the running string, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the inflatable gripping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The overshot housing serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for the tool, contains the inflatable bladder, and acts as the gripping element when the bladder is inflated. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile gripping capability.
3Ease of operation
If the overshot housing is disposed over the fish without interference from the gripping bladder, then the tool can be positioned on the object, but the gripping bladder must be inflated to engage the fish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first positioning the overshot housing over the fish before inflation occurs. The housing is designed to slide over the object smoothly in its deflated state, and only after positioning is complete is the bladder inflated to engage the fish. This sequence simplifies the positioning operation while the inflation control mechanism remains integrated into the running string.
Solution Approach 2:
The running string serves as an intermediary that transmits inflation fluid from the surface to the bladder. This intermediary system allows the operator to control the inflation process remotely through the running string, simplifying the operation of inflating the bladder after the tool is positioned on the object.
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 the removal of irregularly shaped objects by providing a secure grip through inflation, allowing for successful extraction of objects without relying on annular projections or lips, enhancing the tool's versatility in wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
An inflatable gripping bladder is located within the overshot housing. When the gripping bladder is in an inflated condition, it grips a portion of the stuck fish.
Implementation Method 2
Inflation fluid is transmitted from surface through a running string and fills the bladder to engage the fish.
Implementation Method 3
the inflatable bladder presents a roughened radially interior engagement surface which will contact and secure the fish when the bladder is inflated
Data Source
AI summary
A fishing tool for a fishing arrangement to remove a stuck fish or object from a wellbore. The fishing tool includes an overshot housing which defines an interior chamber. An inflatable bladder element resides within the interior chamber and is inflatable radially inwardly to capture a portion of the stuck fish. The fish is removed as the fishing arrangement is pulled out of the wellbore.