Radial Perforating Torch Anchoring Near Tubular Closures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radial cutting torches struggle to effectively cut tubulars near closures or blockages due to pressure waves reflecting back, causing the torch to move and distribute cutting fluids over a larger area, resulting in incomplete cuts and waste of tubular material, especially in small diameter tubing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a perforating tool with a combustible fuel section, igniter, and nozzle section that generates cutting fluids to create a reaction force, anchoring the tool against the tubular wall, allowing precise cutting by directing fluids in a controlled manner to overcome pressure wave reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the radial cutting torch is positioned close to the closure to minimize tubular waste, then material recovery is improved, but the reflected pressure wave causes the torch to move and cutting precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the torch at a predetermined distance from the closure that anticipates the pressure wave reflection. This pre-calculated positioning compensates for the expected torch movement caused by the reflected pressure wave, allowing the cutting operation to remain precise even when operating close to the closure to minimize tubular waste.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the torch is positioned far from the closure to avoid pressure wave reflection, then cutting stability is improved, but tubular waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the torch positioning distance as a critical parameter. Rather than using a fixed conservative distance, the patent determines a specific optimal distance that balances two competing requirements: being close enough to minimize tubular waste but far enough to allow the pressure wave to reflect without causing excessive torch movement. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between cutting stability and material recovery.
3Loss of substance
If the torch is moved closer to the closure to reduce waste, then material recovery is improved, but the pressure wave reflects back causing harmful effects on the torch position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the torch at an optimized distance from the closure before initiating the cutting operation. This preliminary positioning accounts for the impending pressure wave reflection and ensures the torch is at the correct location to minimize waste while being sufficiently distant to reduce the harmful effects of the reflected pressure wave on torch stability.
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 solution enables precise cutting near closures by anchoring the tool, ensuring focused cutting fluids and reducing tubular waste, even in the presence of pressure wave reflections, thereby improving cutting efficiency and material recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel section with a combustible fuel material (combustible material, e.g., thermite, thermite mixture) capable of producing cutting fluids for perforating
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle head comprises an internal cavity and a nozzle portion, including at least one opening on one side of the nozzle portion that directs the cutting fluids out of the internal cavity, in a first radial direction, to produce a reaction force on the apparatus in a second radial direction that is opposite to the first radial direction
Implementation Method 3
When ignited, the torch creates a pressure increase, or pressure wave, inside of the tubing. In a closed tubular however, the pressure wave reflects off of the check valve or other closure back to the torch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A tubular perforating apparatus includes a nozzle section comprising a nozzle head located therein and adjacent a combustible fuel material. The nozzle head includes an internal cavity and a nozzle portion including an opening on one side of the nozzle portion that directs the cutting fluids out the internal cavity in a first radial direction to produce a reaction force on the apparatus in an opposite second radial direction. The reaction force moves the apparatus in the second radial direction to be against an inner wall of the tubular and temporarily anchors the apparatus against the inner wall. The nozzle head is movable via the pressure and the cutting fluids from a closed position within the nozzle section to an open position in which the nozzle portion protrudes out of the nozzle section so that the opening is exposed to the tubular for directing the cutting fluids onto the tubular.