Subterranean Water Jet Casing Cutter System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cutting and severing casing in subterranean wells are inefficient, either requiring extensive mechanical effort, generating hazardous waste, or being high-risk and costly due to the use of explosives or chemical erosion.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained water jet cutting system with environmentally friendly fluid, high-pressure jet cutting technology, and hydraulically actuated clamping mechanism, allowing for efficient and controlled cutting of casing without the need for multiple surface equipment runs, using a combination of pumps, accumulators, and programmable rotary sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical cutting methods are used, then the casing can be cut through, but the operational time is excessively long (up to 12 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cutting wheel system with a water jet cutting system. High-pressure water jets (potentially mixed with abrasive materials) erode and cut through the casing material, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation and progressive cutting. This substitution dramatically reduces cutting time from hours to minutes while maintaining effective casing severance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by employing high-pressure water jets to perform the cutting operation. The water jet system uses pumped water at extremely high pressures to erode and cut the casing, replacing mechanical force with hydraulic energy. This approach enables faster cutting speeds without the mechanical complexity and time constraints of rotation-based systems.
2Productivity
If chemical erosion method is used, then the casing can be severed, but hazardous waste is generated and requires flushing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical erosion methods with a physical water jet cutting process. Instead of using corrosive chemicals to dissolve the casing, the system uses high-pressure water jets to mechanically erode and cut through the material. This eliminates the generation of hazardous chemical waste and the need for subsequent flushing operations to remove residual chemicals from the well.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of high-pressure water (which could cause uncontrolled erosion) into a beneficial controlled cutting process. By directing and controlling the water jet precisely, the system achieves efficient casing severance without the environmental hazards associated with chemical methods, turning a potentially dangerous force into a clean, controllable cutting mechanism.
3Loss of time
If explosive cutter is used, then the casing can be parted quickly, but the method is high risk and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces explosive cutting with a controlled water jet cutting system. Instead of using uncontrolled explosive forces to part the casing, the system uses precisely directed high-pressure water jets to cut through the material in a controlled manner. This eliminates the safety risks and logistical complexities associated with handling explosives and detonators while achieving rapid casing severance.
Solution Approach 2:
The water jet system acts as an intermediary between the desired quick cutting and the need for safe, controlled operation. Rather than directly applying explosive force, the system uses water as a mediating substance that can be precisely controlled and directed to achieve rapid cutting without the inherent dangers of explosives. This intermediary approach maintains speed while dramatically improving safety and reducing costs.
4Strength
If mechanical cutting wheel is used, then the casing can be cut, but extensive mechanical force and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical cutting wheel system with a simpler water jet cutting system. Instead of requiring a large rotating wheel, drive mechanisms, and progressive cutting sequences, the invention uses focused high-pressure water jets to cut the casing. This substitution maintains strong cutting capability while dramatically reducing the mechanical complexity of the equipment required.
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 controlled cutting of casing with reduced operational time and environmental impact, eliminating the need for hazardous materials and minimizing logistical complexities, while maintaining continuous pressure and fail-safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
A self-contained water jet cutting system with environmentally friendly fluid, high-pressure jet cutting technology
Implementation Method 2
Preferably, cutting tools of the present disclosure include a pump section for compressing the fluid to a specified pressure
Implementation Method 3
Preferably, cutting tools of the present disclosure include an accumulator section to facilitate the use of a continuous pressure while running with no drops or interruptions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to water jet cutter tools for subterranean oil and gas well pipe and tubular cutting. The present disclosure relates to an assembly including the water jet cutting tools. The present disclosure relates to methods of cutting subterranean oil and gas well pipe and tubulars using water jet cutting tools.