Pump-Down Pipe Cutter With Swellable Sleeve Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cutting devices for wellbore pipes and coiled tubing require separate conveyance methods like slickline, wireline, or coil tubing, lacking tools that can be deployed inside the coil tubing without cutting at the surface, and are difficult to place and operate.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrically shaped pipe-cutting tool operated by abrasive fluid, featuring a pump down ring and swellable sleeve, which can be independently pumped down and secured at a target location using fluid pressure and expansion, allowing for high-pressure jet cutting without additional conveyance equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate conveyance methods like slickline, wireline, or coil tubing are used to deploy cutting devices, then the cutting device can be deployed downhole, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to requiring additional conveyance equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device is merged with the coiled tubing itself, allowing the cutting tool to be deployed inside the coiled tubing without requiring separate conveyance methods. The tool travels through the coiled tubing's internal diameter under its own drive mechanism, eliminating the need for additional slickline, wireline, or coil tubing conveyance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coiled tubing serves multiple functions: it acts as both the deployment medium and the conduit for the cutting tool. The cutting device can be placed inside the coiled tubing and propelled through it, making the coiled tubing a universal system that handles both transportation and cutting operations without requiring specialized conveyance equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting device is placed inside coiled tubing without surface cutting, then access to the coiled tubing inner diameter is gained, but the tool positioning and stabilization become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device incorporates a dynamic positioning system with movable cutting elements that can adjust their position relative to the coiled tubing wall. The tool can be positioned at various depths by controlling the amount of coiled tubing paid out, and the cutting elements can be dynamically adjusted to engage with the pipe at the target location.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting device uses hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms to stabilize and position itself within the coiled tubing. Fluid pressure is used to actuate cutting elements, adjust tool orientation, and maintain stable contact with the pipe being cut, making operation easier despite the confined internal diameter environment.
3Productivity
If current cutting devices are used, then cutting can be performed, but operational ease is reduced due to the need for additional conveyance equipment and complex deployment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device is self-contained and self-propelled, capable of traveling through the coiled tubing under its own drive mechanism without requiring external conveyance equipment. The tool autonomously navigates to the target location and performs cutting operations, significantly simplifying the deployment procedure and improving operational ease.
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 provides secure positioning and effective cutting by sealing fluid flow and absorbing vibrations, enabling quick and efficient severance of wellbore pipes and coiled tubing without surface access, enhancing operational ease and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the swellable sleeve, when exposed to fluids (such as drilling mud, water, oil-based fluid systems, or any other suitable fluid) for a sufficient period, absorbs fluid and expands to increase its outer diameter
Implementation Method 2
the pump down ring is preferably flush with the inner surface of the wellbore pipe (or of the coiled tubing) and catches the fluid pressure on its upper surface to force the tool down to its target location
Implementation Method 3
high-pressure abrasive fluid, usually a mixture of water, gel and sand or another solid in suspension is pumped in, and it enters and flows through the tool. Inflowing abrasive fluid gets ejected from fluid ejection nozzles of the tool in the form of high-pressure jets which cut the pipe or coiled tubing
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe-cutting tool, which can be independently pumped down to cut a wellbore pipe or casing, is disclosed. When the tool is lowered into the wellbore, a pump down ring, included in the tool, remains flush with the inner surface of the pipe. To power the tool's descent, high-pressure fluid is pumped into the wellbore. On reaching the target location, a swellable sleeve included in the tool, on being exposed to fluid in the wellbore, expands to push against the inner surface of the pipe, lodges the tool at the location, and seals any fluid flow path bypassing the tool. Thereafter, high-pressure abrasive fluid is pumped through the tool to eject in the form of high-pressure abrasive fluid jets, which cut through the wellbore pipe at the target location.