Modular Anchoring Sub for Cutting Tool Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools for severing tubulars in wellbores face challenges in maintaining stability during the cutting process, particularly due to reactive forces generated, which can lead to vibration and uneven cuts, especially in non-linear or deviated wellbore configurations.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool with a modular anchoring sub and anchoring elements that can be selectively positioned to provide a greater anchoring force, including a motor section, cutting head, and a controller section, allowing for enhanced stabilization through modular connectors and umbilicals for communication and control, enabling precise anchoring and centralization within the tubular.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a cutting tool is inserted within a tubular to sever it, then the tubular can be cut at the desired location, but the reactive forces generated during cutting can cause vibration and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is divided into multiple sections including a motor section, cutting head, and a modular anchoring sub that can be selectively positioned. The anchoring sub includes multiple anchoring elements that can be independently extended to engage the tubular inner surface at different locations, providing distributed stabilization throughout the tool length rather than relying on a single anchoring point.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular anchoring sub is selectively positioned and anchoring elements are extended to engage the tubular inner surface before the cutting operation begins. This preliminary anchoring establishes stability and counteracts reactive forces before vibration can occur during cutting, ensuring the cutting head remains stable throughout the severing process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If anchoring elements are extended to engage the tubular inner surface, then the cutting tool stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular anchoring sub serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cutting tool, houses control lines for actuating anchoring elements, and acts as a centralized platform for extending multiple anchoring elements to engage the tubular. This multi-functionality consolidates several roles into a single component, reducing overall device complexity despite the added anchoring capabilities.
3Force
If the modular anchoring sub is positioned between the motor section and controller section, then the anchoring force is maximized, but the device configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The modular anchoring sub can be dynamically positioned at different locations along the cutting tool length depending on the specific application requirements. The modular design with standardized connectors allows the anchoring sub to be repositioned between the motor section and controller section, or even on opposite ends of the controller section, enabling flexible optimization of anchoring force distribution without requiring a completely different tool design for each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting tool that inserts into a tubular for cutting the tubular from within. The cutting tool includes a motor, a cutting head, permanent anchor between the motor and cutting head, an electronics portion, and a modular anchoring sub that can be between the motor and electronics portion or on the upper end of the cutting tool. The modular anchoring sub provides flexibility in where anchoring elements are positioned so that depending on the application, the modular anchoring sub can be positioned so that it provides its maximum anchoring force for stabilizing the cutting tool during use.