Laser Cladding Fishing Tool Welding Stuck Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently retrieving objects, such as tools or pipes, that have fallen or become stuck in subterranean wells, as conventional fishing methods may struggle with larger or heavier objects.
Innovation Solution
A downhole fishing tool equipped with a main body assembly, a cladding material on its downhole end, and a lens to direct a laser beam along the cladding material when in contact with the object, allowing the tool to weld itself to the object and be pulled uphole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fishing methods are used to retrieve objects from wellbores, then the process is simple and straightforward, but the method struggles with larger or heavier objects and has limited retrieval capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser welding technology with conventional fishing tool structure, merging the cladding material application system, laser delivery system, and fishing tool functionality into a single integrated device. This enables the tool to weld itself to objects, significantly enhancing retrieval capability for heavier and larger objects while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection methods (such as mechanical grippers or hooks) with laser-based cladding and welding technology. The laser delivers energy to melt and fuse the cladding material to the target object, creating a strong metallurgical bond without requiring complex mechanical gripping mechanisms, thereby expanding retrieval capability
2Strength
If laser cladding material is applied to enhance welding capability, then the fishing tool can retrieve heavier objects, but the tool structure and operation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cladding material is pre-applied to the fishing tool's downhole end before entering the wellbore. This preliminary action ensures that the welding surface is already prepared and optimized for bond strength upon contact with the target object, eliminating the need for complex in-situ material application systems and simplifying the overall tool structure while maintaining high welding strength
Solution Approach 2:
The fishing tool is designed to be self-welding through the laser cladding process. The laser energy melts both the cladding material on the tool and the surface of the target object, creating a self-fusing joint without requiring additional fasteners, adhesives, or complex mechanical attachment mechanisms, thereby achieving high strength with simpler 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
This solution enables the retrieval of heavier and larger objects from subterranean wells, enhancing the efficacy and safety of fishing operations by ensuring successful removal of stuck or fallen objects.
Implementation Method 1
a lens configured to direct a laser beam along the cladding material when the cladding material is in contact with the object, thereby welding the fishing tool to the object
Implementation Method 2
thereby welding the fishing tool to the object such that, when welded, pulling the tool in an uphole direction pulls the object along with the fishing tool
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole fishing tool for retrieving an object from a wellbore includes a main body assembly configured to be positioned in the wellbore, a cladding material disposed on an edge of a downhole end of the main body, and a lens configured to direct a laser beam along the cladding material when the cladding material is in contact with the object, thereby welding the fishing tool to the object such that, when welded, pulling the tool in an uphole direction pulls the object along with the fishing tool.