Outer Cone Weak Point for Safe Cable Release in Wellbore Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
During wellbore operations, removing a cable from a tool often results in damage to the cable or the tool due to the existing methods being inadequate for safe and efficient disconnection.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features an outer cone with a weak point between its lower and upper portions, along with an inner cone that fits within the outer cone, allowing the outer cone to move relative to the assembly housing after the weak point fractures, enabling safe release of the cable by applying a predetermined force, which separates the inner cone from the outer cone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to remove a cable from a tool, then the cable can be removed, but the cable or tool may be damaged during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cone is divided into two separable portions by introducing a weak point, allowing the cone to split into an upper portion and lower portion during cable removal. This segmentation enables the cable to be released without damaging forces being applied to the entire cone structure, thus protecting both the cable and tool while maintaining reliable connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A weak point is pre-introduced into the outer cone at a predetermined location between the upper and lower portions. This preliminary structural feature ensures that when cable removal is initiated, the cone will fracture in a controlled manner at this predetermined weak point, preventing uncontrolled damage to the cable or tool during the removal process.
2Strength
If the outer cone is made strong to hold the cable securely, then connection reliability improves, but the cone cannot be easily separated for cable removal
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cone has different structural properties at different locations: the majority of the cone structure maintains high strength to securely hold the cable during operation, while a specific localized region (the weak point) has reduced strength. This local quality differentiation allows the cone to be both strong for connection and separable for removal, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer cone is designed as two portions (upper and lower) that can be separated. The weak point creates a natural segmentation plane that allows the cone to split into manageable portions during removal, enabling easy separation without requiring excessive force that could damage the tool or cable, while maintaining overall structural integrity during operation.
3Ease of operation
If a weak point is introduced in the outer cone to enable separation, then cable removal becomes possible, but the structural integrity of the cone is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The weak point is strategically positioned in a location that does not compromise the overall structural integrity of the outer cone during normal operation. The weak point is placed between the upper and lower portions at a location where its reduced strength will not affect the cone's ability to securely hold the cable, yet it enables controlled separation when removal is initiated, thus achieving easy cable removal without significantly compromising cone integrity.
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
This solution allows for the safe and efficient removal of cables from tools during wellbore operations, preventing damage to either the cable or the tool by utilizing a predetermined force to fracture the weak point and facilitate the separation of the cones, thereby releasing the cable without causing harm.
Implementation Method 1
The weak point is configured to maintain the outer cone fixed relative to the assembly housing. The weak point fractures after application of a predetermined force
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for releasably connecting a cable with a tool that has an outer cone. The outer cone has a lower portion and an upper portion. A weak point is located between the lower portion and upper portion. The apparatus also includes an inner cone configured to fit within the outer cone.