Retractable Punch Mechanism for Wellbore Perforation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mechanical perforation devices for hydrocarbon wells are not retractable and require removal and repositioning, which is time-consuming and can lead to jamming issues due to pressure requirements.

Innovation Solution

A perforation apparatus with a longitudinally displaceable piston and radially extendable punch members, utilizing a slidable valve to control pressurized fluid flow for extending and retracting punches within the wellbore, allowing for selective zone stimulation without the need for device removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional mechanical perforation devices are used, then perforation function is achieved, but the device cannot be retracted and reset within the wellbore requiring removal and repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveretractabilityVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The punch members are designed to be dynamically movable between retracted and extended positions within the wellbore. The piston mechanism enables the punches to extend radially for perforation and then retract longitudinally back into the casing, allowing the device to be reset and reused without removal from the wellbore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A piston mechanism powered by pressurized fluid is used to drive the punch members. The pressurized fluid extends the punches for perforation, and reducing the pressure allows the punches to retract into the casing, enabling reset functionality within the wellbore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If operating pressure is reduced to retract punches in conventional devices, then retraction is achieved, but jamming of the device may result within the wellbore

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveretractionVSAvoidjamming risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces complex mechanical retraction mechanisms with a simplified pneumatic/hydraulic piston system. The punch members are extended and retracted through fluid pressure control rather than mechanical actuation, reducing the complexity of moving parts and minimizing jamming risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls punch extension and retraction by changing the pressure parameter of the fluid. By adjusting fluid pressure levels, the punches can be reliably extended for perforation and retracted for reset without complex mechanical interventions that could cause jamming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional fracing systems are used, then zone stimulation is achieved, but it is necessary to create holes through the casing which requires additional equipment and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone stimulation efficiencyVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines the perforation function and the fracing delivery system into a single integrated tool. The punch members create perforations in the casing and wellbore wall, and the same device then delivers frac fluid through the created openings, eliminating the need for separate perforation and fracing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus serves multiple functions: it perforates the casing and wellbore wall, creates access holes for frac fluid, and can be reset and reused for multiple zones. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate equipment interventions needed during well stimulation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and repeated use of the perforation mechanism within the wellbore, reducing operational time and minimizing jamming risks by maintaining the device inside the well for selective zone stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

a piston longitudinally displaceable within the casing, the piston being operable to pressurize a cavity under each of the plurality of punch members as the piston is longitudinally displaced within the casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurized fluid: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a valve fluidically located between the first end of the casing and the piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS11499400B2Punch mechanism

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 TORSCH INC

AI summary

An apparatus for punching holes in a casing comprises an elongate casing extending between first and second ends having a plurality of punches adapted to be selectably extended therefrom, the casing having a piston cavity therein, the first end of the casing being in fluidic communication with a pressurized fluid source, a slidable piston contained within the cavity separating the cavity into extension and retraction cavities wherein the extension cavity is operable to pressurize a rear surface of the plurality of punches and the retraction cavity is operable to pressurize a front surface of the plurality of punches and a valve assembly adapted to selectably connect the pressurized fluid source with the extension or retraction cavities so as to extend or retract the punches.