Wedge-Arm Bore Wall Tool for Centered Expansion and Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for plugging and purging downhole operations are inefficient and costly, and existing tools for are not suitable for efficient and cost-effective expansion or penetration of pipe walls, particularly in the oil and gas exploration industry, due to issues with centering and adhesion, leading to leaks and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a first and second tool part, where the second part has a wedge arm and the first part has a solid wedge, allowing the wedge arm to be moved radially outward upon axial force, enabling gripping, expanding, or penetrating the bore wall, with a triple effect of radial movement and maintaining structural integrity, suitable for wireline, coiled tubing, or drill pipe operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a production string is off centre with respect to the surrounding pipe or borehole, then the material filling the gap is insufficient, but the plugging integrity deteriorates leading to leaks and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The tool performs preliminary centering action by forcing the production string to the center of the borehole before the plugging material is injected. This preliminary centering ensures that the annulus is properly formed and filled, preventing insufficient filling and ensuring reliable plugging integrity.
2Reliability
If residual well liquids or deposit prevent sufficient contact between the plugging material and the surrounding surfaces, then adhesion is insufficient, but the plugging integrity deteriorates leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The tool performs preliminary cleaning action by mechanically removing residual well liquids and deposits from the surrounding surfaces before the plugging material is injected. This preliminary cleaning ensures sufficient contact between the plugging material and the surfaces, achieving reliable adhesion and preventing leaks.
3Productivity
If existing tools are used for expanding or penetrating pipe walls, then the operation is inefficient and costly, but the tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into multiple functional segments including a centering mechanism, a cleaning mechanism, and an expansion/penetration mechanism. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the tool to efficiently complete multiple operations in sequence while maintaining a manageable overall structure through modular segmentation.
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 effectively expands or penetrates pipe walls, ensuring centering and sealing, reducing leaks and contamination risks, while being adaptable to various operation methods, thus enhancing the integrity and efficiency of plugging and abandoning operations.
Implementation Method 1
the first tool part comprises a solid wedge, whereas the second tool part comprises at least one wedge arm; wherein the first and second tool parts are aligned so that a tip of the solid wedge is pointed towards a tip of the at least one wedge arm
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 1e~1h
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A tool (1) and a method for at least one of gripping, expanding, and penetrating a wall (W) of a bore (P), the tool (1) comprising a first tool part (10) and a second tool part (30) arranged axially movable relative to each other. The first tool part (10) comprises a solid wedge (12), whereas the second tool part (30) comprises at least one wedge arm (32); - wherein the first tool part (10) further comprises at least one influencing portion (14) con-figured to be radially movable upon contact with the at least one wedge arm (32) of the second tool part (30); and - wherein the at least one wedge arm (32) is configured to be moved axially along the sol-id wedge (12) so as to be forced radially outwards and thus push the at least one influencing portion (14) radially outwards.