Open-Hole Anchor Pulling Assembly for Wellbore Tubular Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing tubulars from open hole sections of wellbores face challenges due to binding materials in the annulus, limited pulling capacity of drilling rigs, and elongation of the drill string, requiring multiple trips and significant operational difficulties, especially in deviated wells.
Innovation Solution
A downhole assembly with an elastomeric anchor element is used to grip the open hole section, allowing a downhole pulling tool to apply force directly to the object, utilizing a hydraulic jack mechanism to pull the object without elongating the drill string, and incorporating a fishing device to engage and retrieve tubulars or other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional cutting and pulling tools are used with anchor points in cased sections, then the pulling force can be applied, but the drill string elongates and loses power due to friction, reducing pulling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from anchoring in the vertical cased section to anchoring directly on the horizontal open hole section wall. This dimensional change allows the pulling tool to apply force at the object's location without transmitting through the entire drill string, eliminating frictional power losses along the string length.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new intermediary - the open hole section wall itself - as the anchor point. Instead of using the cased section wall as the intermediary anchor, the horizontal open hole section wall provides a direct anchor point that eliminates the need for long drill string transmission, thereby reducing frictional energy losses.
2Reliability
If multiple trips are made to cut and pull casing sections, then the binding material issue can be addressed, but the operational time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary jetting of the open hole section wall before anchoring to remove binding materials and create a clean anchor surface. This preliminary action ensures that the anchor can be set reliably in a single trip, eliminating the need for multiple trips to address binding material issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the cutting and pulling operations into a single trip by positioning the pulling tool at the object location and anchoring directly to the open hole section wall. This merging of operations eliminates the need for separate trips for cutting and pulling, significantly reducing operational time while maintaining recovery reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the anchor point is positioned far from the object, then the drill string can be anchored securely, but the elongation and torque issues increase in deviated wells
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the anchor point from a distant vertical position in the cased section to a nearby horizontal position on the open hole section wall. This dimensional repositioning places the anchor at optimal proximity to the object, minimizing drill string elongation and torque effects in deviated wells while maintaining secure anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by jetting and preparing the specific local area of the open hole section wall where the anchor will be set. This localized preparation ensures optimal anchor conditions at the exact location needed, providing stable anchoring with minimal distance to the object and reducing operational difficulties in deviated wells.
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
The method enables the direct application of pulling force to the object, facilitating single-trip retrieval of tubulars and other components from open hole sections, reducing operational time and cost by minimizing elongation and torque issues.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric anchor element for axially fixing the downhole assembly to a borehole wall of an open section of the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a hydraulic jack mechanism to pull the object
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to move an object in an open hole section of a wellbore is described. A bottom hole assembly of the apparatus includes a downhole pulling tool and fishing device. The downhole pulling tool includes an open hole anchor to allow location of the downhole pulling tool in the open hole section of the wellbore so as to reduce the operating distance between the downhole pulling tool and the fishing device. An embodiment in which a cut section of tubular is removed from the open hole section is described. A casing cutter may also be located in the bottom hole assembly to cut the tubular on the same trip in the well as removing the cut section of tubular.