Single Trip Tubing Punch and Setting Tool for Wellbore Intervention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for punching holes in production tubing require multiple trips into the well, leading to inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and increased costs due to the need for separate runs to install bridge plugs, packers, and gas lift straddles, and the lack of a tool capable of setting a reference point and punching holes in a single trip.
Innovation Solution
A tubing punch and setting tool (TPST) that allows for the simultaneous running and setting of a reference tool and punching holes in the tubing string on a single trip, utilizing a cylindrical body with a setting tool, punch tool, power delivery modules, and actuation means to accurately position and create communication holes, with pre-programming capabilities for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple trips are made into the well for separate operations (tubing puncher, bridge plug installation, packer installation), then each operation can be performed with dedicated tools, but operational time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate operations (tubing punching, bridge plug installation, packer installation, and reference marker setting) into a single integrated tool assembly that can perform all functions during one trip into the wellbore, thereby eliminating multiple separate trips and reducing operational time and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating a tubing puncher, bridge plug installer, packer installer, and reference marker setter all within one device, allowing it to perform diverse well intervention tasks in a single deployment
2Loss of information
If wireline is used to record punched hole depth, then depth information can be obtained, but accuracy is insufficient leading to incorrect tool positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inadequate wireline-based depth recording system with a mechanical reference marker that is physically set at the exact depth location during the operation, providing accurate tactile and visual depth reference for subsequent tool positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly sets its own depth reference marker at the precise location where holes are punched, creating self-verified depth information that eliminates the need for separate measurement and recording operations
3Reliability
If tools are made longer to locate below or across punched holes, then proper positioning is achieved, but handling difficulty and wireline breaking risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by setting the reference marker at the exact depth during the same trip as hole punching, allowing subsequent tools to be positioned accurately without requiring excessive length for trial-and-error positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The reference marker provides immediate feedback on the precise depth location of punched holes, enabling accurate positioning of subsequent tools without requiring overly long tool strings that would be difficult to handle
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
Figure 3
AI summary
A tubing punch and setting tool (TPST) (10), operating on a single run for improved well bore intervention. The tool includes a setting tool for connecting to and setting a reference tool in a tubing string, a punch tool (32) for punching holes (56b) in the tubing string wall, and actuation means to trigger the sequencing of the setting tool and the punch tool. The tool can be run on wireline, e-line or coiled tubing and allows a reference tool to be run and set on the same trip as punching holes in the tubing string. An embodiment is described wherein the reference tool is an anchor tool (140). With the distance known accurately between the anchor tool and the punched holes, a shortened retrofit gas lift straddle (162) can be deployed.