Weld-Based Well Fishing Tool for Stronger Metal Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fishing tools for retrieving metal objects from wells often face challenges in engaging and retrieving objects due to pipe conditions, damage, or poor cuts, leading to complications such as slipping off or failure to retrieve.
Innovation Solution
The use of welding-based fishing tools equipped with electrodes and/or thermite reservoirs to bond with metal objects, providing a strong attachment for retrieval, regardless of the object's shape or size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fishing tools (grapples, spears, overshots) are used to engage metal objects, then the device structure remains simple, but the attachment strength is insufficient leading to slipping off or failure to retrieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical state of the attachment by introducing welding (thermal energy and metallurgical bonding) instead of mechanical engagement. The welding process transforms the attachment mechanism from friction-based mechanical grip to molecular-level metallurgical bond, fundamentally changing the parameter of attachment strength while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical engagement system (grapples, spears, overshots relying on friction and mechanical interlocking) with a thermal-chemical welding system. electrodes and power sources substitute for mechanical gripping elements, using electrical energy to create metallurgical bonds that provide superior attachment strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fishing tools are designed to accommodate various object shapes and sizes, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase due to need for prior measurement and custom selection
Solution Approach 1:
The welding-based fishing tool achieves universality by using a standardized welding process that can bond to metal objects of any shape or size. The electrode and power source configuration remains constant while the welding parameters (current, voltage, duration) can be adjusted to accommodate different object characteristics, eliminating the need for custom tool selection based on prior measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process allows the fishing tool to automatically adapt to the object being retrieved. The welding parameters self-adjust based on the contact between the electrode and the metal object, eliminating the need for operators to perform prior measurements or select specialized tools for different object types.
3Strength
If welding-based fishing tools are used to bond with metal objects, then the attachment strength improves, but the use of energy and device complexity increase due to electrodes and power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process uses periodic or pulsed electrical current rather than continuous energy application. The welding cycle includes phases of current application, heating, melting, and cooling, with energy supplied only during the critical bonding phase. This periodic energy delivery achieves strong metallurgical bonds while minimizing total energy consumption compared to continuous heating or mechanical gripping methods.
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 welding-based approach enhances the attachment strength between fishing tools and metal objects, improving retrieval success rates and enabling the retrieval of metal objects of various shapes and sizes without the need for prior measurement.
Implementation Method 1
initiating a welding to bond a weld-based fishing tool with a fish
Implementation Method 2
a reservoir containing a mixture of thermite and alloying metal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for retrieving metal objects from wellbores are provided. An exemplary apparatus includes a fishing tool that has a metal welding surface. The apparatus also includes an electrode coupled to the metal welding surface and a power source. An exemplary method includes lowering a weld-based fishing tool into a wellbore of a well. The method includes initiating a welding to bond a weld-based fishing tool with a fish. The method includes raising the weld-based fishing tool from the wellbore to retrieve the fish.