Translational Pipe Cutting with Dented Lift Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for cutting tubular structures in the petrochemical industry, such as abrasive cutting and diamond wire cutting, are time-consuming, and the adoption of translational cutting technology, while faster, requires time-consuming pinning to prevent inner pipes from falling during lifting.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a cutting tool with a non-rotatable cutting element and a reaction member for translational cutting, where a partial cutting movement creates a dented region, allowing for subsequent full cutting without complete severance at the first location, enabling safer lifting and handling of tubular structures without inner pipes falling out.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If translational cutting technology is used to cut tubular structures faster, then cutting time is reduced, but inner pipes may fall out during lifting of cut parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting timeVSAvoidinner pipes stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A pin is inserted through the tubular structure before the cutting operation to secure inner pipes in place. This preliminary action prevents inner pipes from falling out during subsequent lifting operations after cutting, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining the speed benefit of translational cutting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If pinning technology is applied to prevent inner pipes from falling, then inner pipes stability is improved, but cutting process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinner pipes stabilityVSAvoidcutting process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting process is divided into separate stages: first inserting the pin to secure inner pipes, then performing the translational cutting operation. This segmentation allows each operation to be optimized independently, maintaining overall efficiency while ensuring safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If complete severance is made at the first cutting location, then cutting efficiency is improved, but safe lifting becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidlifting safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making complete severance at the first cutting location, the cutting tool performs a partial cut that stops short of completely separating the tubular structure. This partial action creates a controlled separation point that maintains structural integrity for safe lifting while still achieving the cutting objective

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 method significantly reduces cutting time and prevents inner pipes from falling during lifting, facilitating faster and safer handling of tubular structures by forming a dented region that can be gripped and lifted using a slips device.

Implementation Method 1

the cutting tool being configured for carrying out a translational cutting movement through the tubular structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranslational cutting movement:

Implementation Method 2

squeezing the tubular structure at the first position by activating a partial translational cutting movement of the non-rotatable cutting element to obtain a dented region in the tubular structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

cutting the tubular structure at the second position by activating a full translational cutting movement of the non-rotatable cutting element through the tubular structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranslational cutting:

Data Source

PatentUS20240424581A1Enhanced method for cutting pipes on a drill floor and tool therefor

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 CONTROL CUTTER AS

AI summary

A method is for cutting a tubular structure in the petrochemical industry, using a cutting tool having a non-rotatable cutting element and a reaction member opposite the non-rotatable cutting element. The cutting tool is further configured for carrying out a translational cutting movement through the tubular structure. The method comprises: a) positioning the cutting tool in a first position exterior to the tubular structure; b) squeezing the tubular structure at the first position by activating a partial translational cutting movement of the non-rotatable cutting element to obtain a dented region in the tubular structure; c) positioning the cutting tool in a second position exterior to the tubular structure, wherein the second position is displaced over a predefined distance compared to the first position, and d) cutting the tubular structure at the second position (P2) by activating a full translational cutting movement of the non-rotatable cutting element through the tubular structure.