Wellbore Intervention Tool with Adjustable Cutter and Sweeper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for penetrating wellbore obstructions, such as collapsed sections or stuck tools, are often ineffective and lack guaranteed success, particularly when using traditional milling tools or heavier intervention apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A wellbore intervention tool equipped with a cutting tool featuring rotating cutter members and a displacement mechanism, coupled with a sweeper that allows for angular or linear adjustment and deflection, enabling efficient penetration and milling of obstructions by adjusting the cutting position and applying axial force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If traditional milling tools or heavier intervention apparatus are used to penetrate wellbore obstructions, then penetration capability is improved, but reliability of successful penetration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration capabilityVSAvoidsuccess guarantee
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is made dynamically adjustable through the displacement mechanism, allowing real-time modification of cutting position and angle relative to the tool axis. This enables adaptation to varying obstruction characteristics during penetration, improving both penetration capability and reliability by optimizing cutting conditions dynamically rather than using fixed traditional milling tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of the cutting operation by allowing adjustment of the cutting tool's position and orientation through the displacement mechanism. This enables modification of cutting depth, angle, and location to match specific obstruction properties, thereby achieving reliable penetration across different obstruction types without requiring heavier apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the cutting tool is fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different obstruction positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool structureVSAvoidcutting position adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The displacement mechanism introduces dynamic adjustability to the cutting tool position, allowing it to move along the tool axis and change orientation. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to different obstruction positions and configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through mechanical actuation rather than complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the cutting tool operates in a fixed position, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity of obstruction removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool controlVSAvoidpenetration speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The displacement mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the cutting tool during operation, allowing optimization of cutting parameters for different obstruction conditions. This increases penetration speed and productivity by adapting to varying material hardness and geometry, while the mechanism remains simple enough to maintain ease of operation through straightforward mechanical control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By allowing changes in cutting position, depth, and angle through the displacement mechanism, the system can optimize cutting parameters for maximum material removal rate. This increases productivity by adapting to different obstruction characteristics while maintaining operational simplicity through mechanical adjustment capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 penetrates and removes obstructions, reducing the risk of 'kickback' and improving penetration speed and efficiency, allowing for successful access or retrieval of wellbore components.

Implementation Method 1

mechanically mill away, or to disintegrate, an obstruction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

rotating cutter member for penetrating the obstruction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3169862B1Wellbore intervention tool for penetrating obstructions in a wellbore
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 AARBAKKE INNOVATION
  • EP3169862B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3169862B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP3169862B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A wellbore intervention tool for use in penetrating an obstruction in a wellbore includes a cutting tool having at least one rotating cutter member for penetrating the obstruction. A displacement mechanism coupled to the cutting tool sets and adjusts a cutting position of the cutting tool relative to a tool axis. A sweeper coupled to the displacement mechanism deflects the displacement mechanism about the tool axis, and the cutting tool is deflected with the displacement mechanism.