Pipe Freeing Tool Arm Mechanism for Stuck Pipe Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for freeing a stuck pipe from a wellbore are time-consuming, leading to significant non-productive time in drilling and production operations, and may cause damage to the pipe.
Innovation Solution
A pipe freeing tool is positioned within the wellbore proximate the stuck pipe, equipped with a downhole conveyance and an arm that can pivot to apply a force, either pushing or pulling the stuck pipe away from the wellbore surface towards the center, utilizing a circulating valve for lubrication and a jack device with wheels for efficient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If current methods are used to free a stuck pipe, then the pipe can be freed from the wellbore, but significant non-productive time is lost and the pipe may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A pipe freeing tool acts as an intermediary device between the wellbore and the stuck pipe. The tool includes a conveyance system that can be lowered into the wellbore and positioned near the stuck pipe, then deploy arms or other freeing mechanisms to apply controlled forces to free the pipe without direct manipulation that could cause damage or excessive time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical freeing methods (such as direct wireline tools or heavy-duty mechanical impactors) with a more sophisticated system that uses a deployable arm mechanism actuated by a power cable or other energy source. This allows for controlled, progressive application of force to free the pipe gently and efficiently
2Productivity
If traditional freeing methods are used, then the pipe can be freed, but the operations are time-consuming and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe freeing tool is designed to be pre-positioned or rapidly deployed to the stuck pipe location using a conveyance system. The arms or freeing mechanisms are prepared in advance and can be quickly activated once positioned, reducing the overall time required for the freeing operation compared to traditional methods that require sequential setup
Solution Approach 2:
The freeing mechanism uses dynamic, movable arms that can be actuated to apply force to the stuck pipe. The arms can pivot, extend, or adjust their position to optimally engage the pipe and apply freeing forces, allowing the system to adapt to different stuck pipe scenarios and free the pipe more quickly than static mechanical systems
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 tool reduces downtime by quickly and safely freeing the stuck pipe, allowing for immediate continuation of drilling or production operations without damaging the pipe.
Implementation Method 1
The pipe freeing tool can include a circulating valve configured to pump lubricating fluid into the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
activating the jack device of the pipe freeing tool to apply a force to an external surface of the stuck pipe, wherein the force moves the stuck pipe away from a surface of the wellbore and towards a center of the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A method of freeing a stuck pipe includes positioning a pipe freeing tool within the wellbore at a location proximate the stuck pipe, the pipe freeing tool including a downhole conveyance; and an arm coupled to the downhole conveyance, and activating the arm of the pipe freeing tool to apply a force to an external surface of the stuck pipe, wherein the force moves the stuck pipe away from a surface of the wellbore and towards a center of the wellbore. Another method of freeing a stuck pipe from a wellbore includes positioning a pipe freeing tool within the wellbore at a location proximate the stuck pipe, the pipe freeing tool including a jack device and a set of wheels coupled to the jack device, and activating the jack device of the pipe freeing tool to apply a force to an external surface of the stuck pipe.