Expandable Pipe Freeing Tool Arms for Stuck Wellbore 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 often require sidetracking, which can cause delays or termination of operations.
Innovation Solution
A pipe freeing tool with extendable arms or expandable disc elements is positioned within the annulus of the stuck pipe, applying a force to move the pipe away from the wellbore surface and towards the center, using mechanisms like cutting surfaces or radial expansion to facilitate extraction without damaging the pipe.
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, but significant non-productive time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe freeing tool employs dynamically extendable arms that can change their configuration from a compact state for deployment to an extended state for applying freeing forces. This dynamic capability allows the tool to adapt to different wellbore conditions and apply forces efficiently, reducing the time required to free stuck pipes and minimizing non-productive time while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe freeing tool is divided into multiple independent arms that can be extended and retracted separately. This segmentation allows the tool to apply forces at multiple points on the stuck pipe simultaneously, increasing the effectiveness and speed of the freeing operation, thereby reducing non-productive time without compromising operational productivity
2Loss of time
If current methods are used to free a stuck pipe, then the pipe can be freed, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe freeing tool employs a nested structure where multiple arms are housed within a central body during deployment. The arms can be extended outward when needed and retracted back into the body when not in use. This nesting principle allows the complex multi-arm mechanism to be transported and deployed efficiently through the wellbore while maintaining the capability to apply freeing forces quickly, thus reducing time without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe freeing tool is designed with multiple arms that can function independently or in combination, allowing it to handle various stuck pipe scenarios with a single device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized tools and procedures, streamlining the freeing process and reducing the time required while managing device complexity through versatile design
3Reliability
If force is applied to move the pipe away from the wellbore surface, then the pipe can be freed, but the pipe may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe freeing tool applies forces locally at specific contact points between the arms and the stuck pipe, rather than applying uniform force throughout. The arms are designed to contact the pipe at optimal locations that maximize freeing effectiveness while minimizing stress concentrations that could cause damage. This localized force application achieves reliable pipe freedom while protecting the pipe from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe freeing tool incorporates cushioning elements or compliant mechanisms in the arm structures that absorb and distribute applied forces. This beforehand cushioning prevents excessive or concentrated forces from being transmitted to the pipe, allowing the tool to apply sufficient force to free the pipe while protecting it from damage, thus maintaining both reliability and pipe integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of freeing a stuck pipe in a wellbore includes positioning a pipe freeing tool within an annulus of the stuck pipe, the pipe freeing tool including a body and two or more arms coupled to and extending from the body, and activating the two or more arms of the pipe freeing tool to extend outwards from the body to apply a force to the stuck pipe. Another method of freeing a stuck pipe in a wellbore includes determining a stuck point along a drillstring comprising the stuck pipe, and activating a pipe freeing tool coupled to the stuck pipe to apply a force to the stuck pipe, wherein the force moves the stuck pipe away from a surface of the wellbore and towards a center of the wellbore, and the pipe freeing tool includes a plurality of expandable disc elements.