Well Tree Valve Laser Cutting With Magnetic Debris Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing well stack valves, particularly those stuck in a closed position, hinder remedial work by preventing the pumping of kill fluid, necessitating drilling or milling to access the well, which complicates well intervention and integrity management.

Innovation Solution

A well tree tool with a laser emitter and magnet is used to cut through metal valves, aided by a retractable camera for monitoring and a magnet to capture the cut debris, ensuring safe and controlled removal of stuck valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drilling or milling is used to access the well through stuck valves, then the well can be accessed for remedial work, but the operational complexity and time required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell access reliabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical drilling or milling systems with a laser-based cutting system. The laser emitter delivers high-energy laser beams through optical fibers to cut through stuck valves, eliminating the need for complex mechanical drilling equipment and operations while reliably accessing the well for remedial work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If traditional mechanical cutting methods are used, then valves can be cut, but metal debris falls into the wellbore causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve removal efficiencyVSAvoiddebris contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cutting methods that generate metal debris with laser cutting technology. The high-energy laser beams vaporize or melt the valve material directly, and the resulting debris is contained and removed through the tool's debris removal system, preventing contamination of the wellbore while maintaining efficient valve removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary between the cutting tool and the valve material. This laser intermediary transfers energy to cut the valve without direct mechanical contact, thereby preventing metal-to-metal friction and debris generation that would otherwise contaminate the wellbore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If mechanical cutting tools are used, then valves can be cut, but heat generation from metal-to-metal friction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve cutting speedVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cutting tools that generate heat through friction with a laser-based cutting system. The laser emitter delivers concentrated optical energy that melts or vaporizes the valve material through thermal processes, eliminating metal-to-metal friction and the associated heat generation while maintaining rapid cutting speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If conventional well intervention methods are used, then stuck valves can be addressed, but the risk of miss-alignment and getting stuck increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation safetyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical well intervention tools with a laser-based system that can be delivered through existing well equipment. The laser emitter transmits cutting energy through optical fibers, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment and reducing the risk of the tool getting stuck, thereby improving both safety and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution minimizes debris entry into the wellbore, reduces operational risks, saves time, enhances safety, and lowers maintenance costs by avoiding metal-to-metal friction and miss-alignment, while enabling efficient valve removal.

Implementation Method 1

A laser emitter is attached to the main body. The laser emitter is arranged to emit a laser beam towards a distal end of the tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

emit a laser beam configured to cut through a metal valve within a well tree

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 3

A magnet is arranged to magnetically capture a cut portion of the metal valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4508303B1Cutting a valve within a well stack

Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C

AI summary

A cylindrical main body is configured to be inserted into a well tree. A laser emitter is attached to the main body. The laser emitter is arranged to emit a laser beam configured to cut through a metal valve within a well tree. The laser emitter is arranged to emit the laser beam towards the metal valve. A magnet is on a distal end of the body. The magnet is arranged to magnetically capture a sliced portion of the metal valve cut by the laser beam.