Wireline Tractor Disc Cutter for Tubing Perforation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for perforating casing or tubing in wells, such as using explosives or chemical cutters, are hazardous and inefficient in terms of speed and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A wireline tractor equipped with a retractable wheel and a rotatable disc-shaped cutting device mounted on an actuator, allowing for high-speed and precise cutting with controlled perforation length and direction, utilizing a lever arm mechanism for safe operation and preventing sticking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If explosives or chemicals are used for perforating, then the perforation can be achieved, but the operation becomes hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidhazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces explosive and chemical methods with a mechanical cutting device. A rotatable disc-shaped cutting device with cutting edges mechanically cuts through the tubing wall, eliminating the need for hazardous explosives or chemicals while achieving the same perforation function through pure mechanical action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If a special cutter tool is used for wireline applications, then the perforation can be achieved, but the speed of the tool is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovespeedVSAvoidperformance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device is rotated at very high speeds to perform the cutting operation. This high-speed rotation enables quick cuts through the tubing wall, significantly improving the speed and productivity of the perforation operation compared to existing cutter tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Ease of operation

If the cutting device is allowed to move freely, then the cutting operation is simple, but the tool may get stuck in the perforation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidtool sticking risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device is mounted on an actuator that allows it to move outward to engage the tubing wall for cutting, then retract inward after cutting. This dynamic movement controlled by the actuator prevents the tool from getting stuck in the perforation while maintaining operational simplicity, as the cutting action itself forces the device outward and the actuator automatically retracts it afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If the cutting device extends outward to cut, then the perforation can be made, but objects behind the wall may be accidentally cut

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoidcollateral damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator controls the outward movement of the cutting device to extend only to the precise depth required to cut through the tubing wall. By limiting the extension to this partial depth, the cutting device effectively perforates the wall without extending far enough to reach and damage objects behind the wall, thus preventing collateral damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10683719B2Wireline tractor comprising a disc-shaped cutting device for perforating of a tubing wall and method for perforating a tubing wall

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 QINTERRA TECH

AI summary

This invention relates to a wireline tractor (10) for use in a casing or tubing (4) in a well. The wireline tractor (10) includes at least one retractable wheel (14) for driving within the casing or tubing (4) and a rotatable disc-shaped cutting device (11) mounted on an actuator (13) that is coupled to the wireline tractor. The cutting device (11) and the actuator (13) are configured for pressing the cutting device (11) against a wall of the casing or tubing (4) and for cutting a perforation (100) in the wall of the casing or tubing (4), in operational use of the wireline tractor (10). The invention further relates to a method for perforating a casing or tubing (4) in a well.