Well Tool Anchoring Device With Serrated Link Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well tool devices for transporting heat generating mixtures into well pipes are not simple and cost-efficient, lacking effective anchoring mechanisms to securely position and contain the heat generating mixture during the heat generation process.
Innovation Solution
A well tool device with an anchoring system comprising a pivotably connected upper and lower link element, a serrated surface for engaging the well pipe, and a sealing device to prevent upward movement, allowing the device to transition from a radially retracted to an expanded state for secure anchoring and containing the heat generating mixture, while a distance subsection separates the anchoring device from the heat generating mixture to prevent melting during ignition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple well tool device is used for transporting heat generating mixture, then device complexity is reduced, but anchoring capability and containment reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The well tool device is divided into distinct functional segments: an anchoring device with link elements and serrated surfaces for securing the tool, a main housing section containing the heat generating mixture, and a sealing device with radially expandable elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device incorporates pivotably connected link elements that can dynamically adjust between retracted and expanded positions. The serrated surfaces on the link elements can radially expand against the well pipe to engage securely, then retract for tool retrieval. This dynamic mechanism provides reliable anchoring when needed while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If an anchoring device with serrated surfaces is used to engage the well pipe, then anchoring reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring function is merged with the sealing function into a single integrated anchoring device. The link elements with serrated surfaces that engage the well pipe for anchoring also serve as the sealing surface when radially expanded. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, maintaining reliability while avoiding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device is designed to automatically engage with the well pipe through the serrated surfaces on the link elements when radially expanded. The pivotable connection allows the link elements to self-adjust to the well pipe geometry and engage securely without requiring additional actuation mechanisms or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If a sealing device with radially expandable elements is used to prevent upward movement, then containment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements are merged with the anchoring link elements, forming an integrated component that performs both anchoring and sealing functions. When the link elements radially expand against the well pipe for anchoring, the same surfaces provide the sealing action to prevent upward movement of the heat generating mixture. This eliminates the need for separate sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing effectiveness is achieved through parameter changes in the radial dimension. The link elements transition from a retracted state during tool lowering to a radially expanded state during anchoring and sealing. This parameter change (radial expansion) simultaneously provides both mechanical engagement with the well pipe and effective sealing to prevent upward movement.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a distance subsection is added to separate the anchoring device from the heat generating mixture, then protection from melting is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the anchoring device at the top, the distance subsection in the middle, and the main housing section containing the heat generating mixture at the bottom. This segmentation physically isolates the anchoring device from the heat generating mixture, protecting it from melting while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance subsection acts as an intermediary element between the anchoring device and the heat generating mixture. This intermediate section provides thermal isolation, preventing direct thermal contact that would cause melting of the anchoring device, while still allowing the system to function as an integrated unit.
5Reliability
If the anchoring device transitions from radially retracted to expanded state, then anchoring capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device is designed to automatically transition between retracted and expanded states based on operational requirements. The pivotable link elements can be manually actuated or automatically deployed to engage the serrated surfaces against the well pipe for anchoring, then automatically retract for tool retrieval. This self-service mechanism provides reliable anchoring while maintaining ease of operation through automatic or simple manual control.
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 device ensures secure anchoring and containment of the heat generating mixture, preventing upward movement and fluid leakage, allowing for efficient heat generation and easy retrieval of the tool components post-process.
Implementation Method 1
the heat generating mixture is ignited to start a heat generating process. The result of the heat generating process will depend on the type of, and the amount of, heat generating mixture... The heat generating mixture may for example be thermite and the heat generating process will be a exothermic oxidation-reduction reaction known as a thermite reaction.
Implementation Method 2
a radially outwardly facing surface with serrations for engaging the well pipe in the set state
Implementation Method 3
a weight of the main housing section is configured to pull the anchoring device to a radially retracted state when the well tool device is suspended from a wire or wireline connected to the upper connection section.
Implementation Method 4
a weight of the upper connection section is configured to push the anchoring device to a radially expanded state when the well tool device below the anchoring device is held stationary with respect to the well pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool device for transporting a heat generating mixture into a well pipe includes an upper connection section, a main housing section, and an anchoring device. The main housing section includes a compartment for the heat generating mixture. The anchoring device is connected between the upper connection section and the main housing section. The main housing section includes a compartment subsection and a distance subsection. The compartment is located within the compartment subsection. The distance subsection is located above the compartment subsection.