Downhole Tubular Severance and Jarring System
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Solution Overview
Problem
During oil and gas drilling operations, tubular strings often become stuck in wellbores due to debris or internal casing issues, and existing methods for dislodging or severing these strings can cause pressure changes that damage the string and complicate salvage operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a tubular string with a funnel element and deformable balls to create a dynamic jarring effect, combined with a tubular severance device that can be lowered without opening the string at the surface, allowing for fluid-driven deployment and explosive severance at the desired location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for dislodging or severing tubular strings are used, then the stuck string can be freed or cut, but pressure changes damage the string and complicate salvage operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic pressure to deploy the explosive charge through the tubular string. Fluid is pumped through the string to carry the charge to the stuck location, and pressure is used to activate the explosive without requiring surface opening or direct mechanical intervention that would cause damaging pressure changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the explosive from a solid/liquid mixture to a deployed charge configuration through fluid pressure. The explosive is introduced as a slurry or paste that is then activated by increasing fluid pressure to initiate detonation at the desired location without mechanical contact
2Ease of operation
If the tubular string is opened at the surface for device insertion, then the severance device can be installed, but the string is exposed to atmospheric pressure which complicates recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The explosive charge and deployment system are nested within the tubular string itself. The charge is inserted through the open end of the string and positioned internally, allowing the string to remain sealed and maintain its pressure environment throughout the operation
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular string serves its own deployment function by using its internal fluid passage to carry and position the explosive charge. The string's existing structure is utilized to deliver the severance device without requiring external opening or additional access points
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
Effectively dislodges stuck tubular strings and allows for precise severance without exposing the string to atmospheric pressure, maintaining integrity and facilitating safe recovery of the tubular string.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressure within the tubular string is increased until the funnel element is situated within the first portion of the tubular string
Implementation Method 2
The at least one deformable ball is sized, in its undeformed state, to be seated within the bowl of the funnel element
Implementation Method 3
a tool comprising an explosive charge is positioned within an underground portion of the tubular string
Implementation Method 4
allowing for fluid-driven deployment and explosive severance at the desired location
Data Source
AI summary
A system used to dislodge and, if necessary, sever a tubular string that is stuck within a cased wellbore. The system utilizes a jar, a plurality of plugs, and a tubular severance device. Components of the system are carried to their respective desired downhole positions by downward fluid flow within the wellbore. The jar is configured to jar the string in an effort to dislodge the string from its stuck point. The plugs are configured to fill open perforations formed in the casing in order to direct the fluid toward the stuck point and away from the perforations. If the string cannot be freed by the jar, the tubular severance device is deployed within the string above the stuck point. Detonation of the device severs the string above the stuck point.