Mechanical Perforation Tool System for Casing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing perforation methods in downhole wells rely on explosives, which pose safety risks and are not always permitted.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical perforation tool system that uses a machining bit and axial actuator to create openings in the casing without explosives, powered by a wireline and controlled by an electronic section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If explosives are used for perforation, then perforation effectiveness is improved, but safety risks and environmental harm increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperforation effectivenessVSAvoidsafety risks and environmental harm
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical explosive system with a mechanical drilling system. A downhole motor drives a drill bit that mechanically drills through the casing wall to create perforations, eliminating the need for explosives and their associated safety and environmental issues while maintaining effective perforation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a fluid jet as an intermediary mechanism. High-pressure fluid jets are directed at the casing wall to erode and create perforations, serving as a intermediate step between mechanical drilling and the desired perforation result, reducing the need for direct mechanical contact and potential safety hazards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical drilling system is used, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The perforation tool is divided into multiple independent modules: a drive system module with downhole motor, a drilling module with drill bit, a fluid injection module with nozzles, and a control module. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently controlled, making the complex system more manageable and maintainable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drill bit serves multiple functions: it mechanically drills the casing wall, it can be positioned and repositioned, and it works in conjunction with the fluid jet system. The integrated drive mechanism provides both rotational motion for drilling and axial positioning, reducing the need for separate positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple actuators and rotation units are added, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperforation precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drive function and positioning function into a single integrated drive mechanism. The downhole motor simultaneously provides rotational motion for the drill bit and controls its axial position through a unified control system, reducing the number of separate actuators needed while maintaining precise control over perforation depth and location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 safe and controlled perforation of the casing without the use of explosives, allowing for precise creation of perforations in a predetermined pattern, thereby optimizing well fluid inflow.

Implementation Method 1

a first actuator comprising an electric motor for rotating the bit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the perforation tool system may comprise an electric motor powered through a wireline and driving a pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

a second tool part adapted to rotate and move axially in relation to the first tool part, the second tool part comprising a machining bit which is movable in a direction radial to the axial extension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP4334568B1Mechanical perforation tool system
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 WELLTEC AS
  • EP4334568B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4334568B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4334568B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a perforation tool system for perforating a screen, a sliding sleeve or a casing wall of a casing in a borehole having a top, comprisinga first tool part having an axial extension and an anchoring section, a second tool part adapted to rotate and move axially in relation to the first tool part, the second tool part comprising a machining bit which is movable in a direction radial to the axial extension, an axial actuator comprised in the first tool part and comprising a shaft for axially moving the second tool part in relation to the first tool part, a rotation unit for rotating the second tool part in relation to the first tool part, and a first actuator comprising an electric motor for rotating the bit, wherein the rotation unit comprises a sleeve having a slot engaging a pin of the shaft, the slot comprising a first longitudinal slot part, a second longitudinal slot part and a first guiding slot part connecting the first and second longitudinal slot parts. The invention also relates to a perforation method.