Expandable Liner Removal Tool for Casing-Safe Peeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing expandable liners from wellbores are costly and risky, as they often require long operational hours and can damage the casing during milling, posing integrity risks.
Innovation Solution
A well tool with a blade edge and blade system that peels the expandable liner from the casing without damaging it, using a blade edge to separate and a centralizer to collect the peeled liner, reducing the need for milling and minimizing casing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional milling methods are used to remove expandable liners, then the liner can be removed from the wellbore, but the casing may be damaged and operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liner removal process is divided into two distinct stages: first, the blade edge separates the liner from the casing by inserting into the annular space and applying longitudinal force; second, the blade system cuts the separated liner into smaller pieces. This segmentation allows the casing to be protected during separation while enabling efficient liner removal through cutting, thereby reducing operational time without compromising casing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade edge acts as an intermediary tool between the liner and casing. It inserts into the annular space and applies controlled longitudinal force to separate the liner from the casing without direct contact that would damage the casing. This intermediary action enables liner removal while protecting the casing from damage, resolving the contradiction between removal efficiency and casing integrity.
2Productivity
If milling tools are used to remove liners, then the liner can be removed, but the process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into functionally distinct components: a blade edge for separation and a blade system for cutting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall tool design compared to conventional milling tools while maintaining high productivity in liner removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the separation function from the cutting function, using a dedicated blade edge for separation and a separate blade system for cutting. This extraction simplifies the tool design by removing the need for complex milling mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining high liner removal efficiency.
3Productivity
If aggressive cutting methods are used to remove liners quickly, then productivity increases, but the casing may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The liner removal process is segmented into separation and cutting stages. During the separation stage, the blade edge carefully separates the liner from the casing without aggressive contact. Only after separation is complete does the blade system engage to cut the liner. This segmentation enables quick liner removal while preventing casing damage by avoiding aggressive cutting contact with the casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade edge performs preliminary separation action between the liner and casing before the blade system engages in cutting. This preliminary action creates a gap that allows the cutting blades to operate without directly contacting the casing, enabling high-speed liner removal while preventing casing damage through the protective separation step.
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool for removing an expandable liner in a wellbore includes a substantially cylindrical tool body oriented about a longitudinal axis, a blade edge connected to the tool body and positioned along a radial perimeter of the tool body, and a blade system connected to the tool body and including a base plate and multiple blades connected to the base plate. The blade edge is positioned at a longitudinal end of the tool body. The multiple blades are oriented about the longitudinal axis on the base plate.