Orbiting Cutting Blade for Selective Control Line Severing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for severing control lines downhole often interfere with subsequent operations, such as fishing, when the control line is severed above the tubular, and may not allow for precise control over the cutting process, particularly in vertical wellbores.
Innovation Solution
A cutting tool with a rotating cutting blade is deployed within the tubular, orbiting along a path with varying radii to form a slot only partially through the tubular's circumference, allowing for selective cutting of the control line outside the tubular while maintaining the tubular's integrity, and optionally repairing the slot for continued fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the control line is severed above the tubular, then the control line can be cut, but it interferes with subsequent fishing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade is selectively positioned to cut only the control line at a specific azimuthal location while leaving the tubular intact. The blade orbits along a path that brings it into contact with the control line outside the tubular at the desired depth, severing only the control line without affecting the tubular or interfering with subsequent fishing operations
2Device complexity
If a traditional cutting blade is used, then the cutting process is simple, but it cannot selectively cut the control line without affecting the tubular
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade is mounted on an orbiting mechanism that allows it to move dynamically along a controlled path. The blade can be positioned at different radial distances from the tool axis and at different azimuthal angles, enabling selective contact with the control line at the desired location while maintaining a simple overall tool structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting operation is extended from a simple radial motion to a three-dimensional orbiting path. The blade moves not only radially outward but also azimuthally around the tool axis, allowing precise positioning in both radial and angular dimensions to achieve selective cutting of the control line
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 precise severing of control lines at the same depth as the tubular, preventing interference with subsequent operations and allowing for the tubular's removal as a single member, while maintaining the tubular's functionality for fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
a slot is formed through an azimuthal portion of the tubular by orbiting the cutting blade about an axis of the cutting tool and along a path having a radius along an azimuthal portion adjacent the slot that is greater than a radius along an azimuthal portion that is away from the slot
Implementation Method 2
cutting a control line disposed outside of the tubular by urging the cutting blade radially outward through the slot and into contact with the control line
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of cutting a control line mounted on an outer surface of a downhole tubular that includes providing a cutting tool having a main body, and a cutting head on a lower end of the body that rotates with respect to the body. A cutting blade is on a lower end of the cutting head, which is rotatable by a motor, where the blade is selectively pivoted radially- outward from an axis of the cutting head. As the cutting head rotates, the cutting blade orbits within the tubular axially offset from the axis. When the tool is inserted into the tubular, the radial offset of the blade is controlled so it pivots radially outward into contact with the tubular when the blade approaches an azimuthal area proximate the control line. The cutting blade is retracted when its orbit moves it past the azimuthal area proximate the control line.