Pump-Down Pipe Cutter With Swellable Sleeve Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a downhole cutting device that can be independently pumped down into a wellbore or coiled tubing without requiring additional conveyance equipment, and can effectively cut pipes at a target location without needing access to the inner diameter of the coil tubing from the surface.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrically shaped pipe-cutting tool operated using abrasive fluid, featuring a swellable sleeve and pump down ring, which expands to secure the tool at the target location and uses high-pressure abrasive fluid jets to cut the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cutting devices are used, then cutting function is achieved, but additional conveyance equipment (slickline, wireline, or coil tubing) is required and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is designed to be self-deployable using the wellbore fluid system already present. The tool utilizes the existing fluid flow in the wellbore to pump itself down to the target location, eliminating the need for separate conveyance equipment like slickline, wireline, or coil tubing. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system by making the cutting tool independent of additional deployment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the tool is pumped down using fluid pressure, then deployment is simplified, but the tool cannot stop at arbitrary locations in restriction-free paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical positioning system with a fluid-based positioning mechanism. Instead of using mechanical stops or anchors to position the tool, the system uses fluid pressure and volume displacement to control the tool's depth. By measuring the volume of fluid pumped and knowing the wellbore geometry, the tool's position can be calculated and controlled with precision, substituting mechanical positioning with hydraulic control.
3Measurement precision
If the swellable sleeve expands to seal and position the tool, then positioning accuracy and sealing are improved, but the tool descent time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The swellable sleeve is pre-positioned on the tool before deployment. As the tool descends and the sleeve contacts the wellbore wall, the expansion process begins automatically. The preliminary preparation of the sleeve ensures that once deployment is complete, the sealing and positioning action occurs rapidly without requiring additional time-consuming adjustments or operations at the target location.
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 of wellbore or coiled tubing by expanding to seal the tool in place and absorb vibrations, eliminating the need for additional conveyance equipment and enhancing cutting efficiency.
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
Implementation Method 4
the swollen sleeve also acts as a damper and absorber of vibrations produced during cutting operations
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.