U.S. patent application number 13/403550 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for internal tubing cutter.
This patent application is currently assigned to LONGYEAR TM, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Christopher L. Drenth, George Ibrahim, Anthony Lachance. Invention is credited to Christopher L. Drenth, George Ibrahim, Anthony Lachance.
Application Number | 20130220615 13/403550 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49001597 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130220615 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drenth; Christopher L. ; et
al. |
August 29, 2013 |
INTERNAL TUBING CUTTER
Abstract
Implementations of the present invention include an internal
tubing cutter including ramp surface(s) and roller that cause
cutters to move linearly between retracted and deployed positions.
The linear actuation of the cutters can allow for more robust
cutting and increased cutting efficiency. Implementations of the
present invention also include cutting systems including an
internal tubing cutter, and methods of cutting tubular members,
such as borehole casings and drill strings, using such drilling
systems.
Inventors: |
Drenth; Christopher L.;
(Draper, UT) ; Ibrahim; George; (Caledon, CA)
; Lachance; Anthony; (Mississauga, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Drenth; Christopher L.
Ibrahim; George
Lachance; Anthony |
Draper
Caledon
Mississauga |
UT |
US
CA
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
LONGYEAR TM, INC.
South Jordan
UT
|
Family ID: |
49001597 |
Appl. No.: |
13/403550 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/298 ;
166/55.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 10/325 20130101;
E21B 29/005 20130101; E21B 34/101 20130101; E21B 10/322 20130101;
E21B 34/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/298 ;
166/55.7 |
International
Class: |
E21B 29/00 20060101
E21B029/00 |
Claims
1. An internal tubing cutter, comprising: a tubular body having a
first end and a lower end; at least one cartridge opening extending
through the tubular body; a cutter cartridge at least partially
positioned within the at least one cartridge opening, the cutter
cartridge including a cutter and at least one axially tapered ramp
surface; an inner member configured to move relative to the cutter
cartridge; and at least one roller positioned between the ramp
surface and the inner member; wherein axial displacement of the
inner member relative to the cutter cartridge causes the at least
one roller to move along the ramp surface thereby linearly moving
the cutter cartridge radially from a retracted position within the
tubular body to a deployed position in which the cutter is at least
partially radially outward of the tubular body.
2. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 1, wherein the
cutter comprises a disc blade.
3. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 2, further
comprising a pivot pin adapted to couple the disc blade to the
cutter cartridge and allow the disc blade to rotate relative to the
cutter cartridge.
4. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 1, wherein the
cutter cartridge comprises a diamond shape.
5. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 1, wherein the at
least one axially tapered ramp surface comprises an upper ramp
surface positioned on an upper end of the cutter cartridge and a
lower ramp surface positioned on a lower end of the cutter
cartridge.
6. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 5, wherein each
of the upper and lower ramp surfaces extend radially outward and
axially toward the first end of the tubular body.
7. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 5, further
comprising: a wedge return; and a second roller positioned between
the lower ramp surface and the wedge return; wherein axial
displacement of the wedge return relative to the cutter cartridge
causes the second roller to move along the lower ramp surface
thereby linearly moving the cutter cartridge radially from the
deployed position to the retracted position.
8. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 7, further
comprising a biasing member configured to bias the wedge return
toward the cutter cartridge.
9. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 7, wherein the
wedge return comprises an axially tapered surface against which the
second roller is positioned.
10. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 1, further
comprising a valve stop positioned within the inner member, the
value stop being configured to create a seal with the inner member
and prevent the passage of fluid through the tubular body.
11. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 10, further
comprising one or more fluid flow passages extending through the
tubular body.
12. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 11, wherein the
inner member is configured to block the one or more fluid flow
passages when the cutter cartridges are in the refracted
position.
13. The internal tubing cutter as recited in claim 1, wherein: the
inner member comprises an inner wedge and an outer wedge; and the
at least one roller is positioned in a mounting slot in the outer
wedge.
14. An internal tubing cutting system, comprising: a generally
hollow body; a plurality of cartridge openings extending through
the body; a plurality of cutter cartridges configured to hold one
or more cutters, each cutter cartridge being positioned in a
cartridge opening of the plurality of cartridge openings; an inner
member; a plurality of rollers positioned between the cutter
cartridges and the inner member, each roller of the plurality of
rollers being positioned against a ramp surface; wherein movement
of the inner member relative to the cutter cartridges causes the
plurality of rollers to move along the ramp surface thereby
linearly moving the plurality of cutter cartridges at least
partially radially outward of the plurality of cartridge
openings.
15. The internal tubing cutting system as recited in claim 14,
wherein the ramp surface comprises an outer surface of the inner
member.
16. The internal tubing cutting system as recited in claim 15,
wherein the outer surface of the inner member is a conical
surface.
17. The internal tubing cutting system as recited in claim 14,
wherein the ramp surface comprises a plurality of ramp surfaces on
upper ends of each cutter cartridge.
18. The internal tubing cutting system as recited in claim 17,
further comprising a plurality of lower ramp surfaces, the lower
ramp surfaces being positioned on lower ends of cutter
cartridge.
19. The internal tubing cutting system as recited in claim 18,
wherein each of the plurality of ramp surfaces and the plurality of
lower surfaces extend radially outward and axially toward a first
of the tubular body.
20. The internal tubing cutting system as recited in claim 19,
further comprising: a wedge return; and a plurality of second
rollers positioned between the plurality of lower ramp surfaces and
the wedge return; wherein axial displacement of the wedge return
relative to the cutter cartridges causes the second rollers to move
along the lower ramp surfaces thereby linearly moving the cutter
cartridges radially from the deployed position to the refracted
position.
21. The internal tubing cutting system as recited in claim 20,
further comprising a biasing member configured to bias the wedge
return toward the cutter cartridges.
22. The internal tubing cutting system as recited in claim 14,
wherein the plurality of rollers are positioned at least partially
within the inner member.
23. The internal tubing cutting system as recited in claim 14,
wherein the plurality of rollers are positioned at least partially
within the cutter cartridges of the plurality of cutter
cartridges.
24. A method of cutting a tubular member, comprising: lowering an
internal tubing cutter into the tubular member; pumping a fluid
into the internal tubing cutter to cause an inner member to move
axially within a body of the internal tubing cutter, wherein axial
movement of the inner member causes one or more rollers operatively
associated with the inner member to move along a ramp surface of a
cutter cartridge thereby moving a cutter linearly at least
partially outward of the internal tubing cutter; and rotating the
internal tubing cutter relative to the tubular member thereby
causing the cutter held within the cutter cartridge to cut the
tubular member.
25. The method as recited in claim 24, further comprising causing
the cutter to rotate about two parallel and offset axes.
26. The method as recited in claim 25, wherein causing the cutter
to rotate about two parallel and offset axes comprises causing the
cutter: to rotate about a pivot pin extending securing the cutter
to the cutter cartridge; and orbit about a central axis of the
internal tubing cutter.
27. The method as recited in claim 24, further comprising pumping a
fluid into the internal tubing cutter so as to move the inner
member beyond one or more fluid flow passages extending through the
body thereby causing a pressure drop in the fluid.
28. The method as recited in claim 27, further comprising biasing a
wedge return toward the cutter cartridge such that upon the
pressure drop in the fluid the wedge return automatically moves the
cutter linearly into the internal tubing cutter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] N/A.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] Implementations of the present invention relate generally to
internal tubing cutters that may be used cut casing, drill rods,
drill pipe, production tubing or other tubing.
[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0005] When drilling to retrieve hydrocarbons (e.g., oil and gas)
boreholes are drilled into the earth. Often larger diameter pipe
commonly referred to as casing is installed into the borehole and
cemented in place. Thereafter, production tubing is often run into
the borehole, concentrically inside the casing, in order to provide
a conduit for the flow of the hydrocarbons from an underground
reservoir to the earth's surface.
[0006] Once the hydrocarbons are depleted, the borehole is
typically abandoned and the well site is restored to its original
condition. Conventionally, surface equipment is removed from the
borehole. Thereafter, as much production tubing and casing as
possible is often retrieved from the borehole. The retrieved
production tubing and casing is then often reused in other wells or
sold for salvage. Because the production tubing, and particularly
the cemented casing, can be lodged in place, casing cutters are
frequently used to cut the tubing at a desired depth to allow
removal.
[0007] In addition to the oil and gas industry, other drilling
industries often employ casing cutters. For example, casing cutters
are often used in core drilling and other drilling fields to cut
tubing to allow retrieval of at least a portion of the tubing once
drilling is completed. Also, casing cutters are often used in core
drilling and other drilling fields to cut the rod string when it
gets stuck in the bore hole.
[0008] Unfortunately, conventional casing cutters suffer from a
number of drawbacks. In particular, conventional casing cutters
typically include cutters that deploy by swinging outward from a
central stored positioned. The swinging of the cutters can cause
the cutting point to move as the cutters deploy. The movement of
the cutting point can make the cutting action difficult as the
drill string has to move up and down during the cutting action to
accommodate for this movement.
[0009] In addition to the foregoing, the cutters on conventional
casing cutters cut using a dragging cutting action (i.e., the
cutters are dragged across the tubing as the casing cutter is
rotated). Such dragging cutting action can lead to a relatively low
cutting life, and the frequent replacement of the cutters.
Furthermore, conventional casing cutters that include a swinging
deployment often do not last long and are expensive.
[0010] Accordingly, there are a number of disadvantages in
conventional casing cutters that can be addressed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] One or more implementations of the present invention
overcome one or more problems in the art with drilling tools,
systems, and methods for effectively and efficiently cutting
tubing. For example, one or more implementations of the present
invention include an internal tubing cutter having cutters that
deploy linearly outward. The linear deployment of the cutters helps
reduce or eliminate movement of the cutting point during the
cutting action. Accordingly, one or more implementations of the
present invention can increase productivity and efficiency in
casing cutters.
[0012] For example, one implementation of an internal tubing cutter
includes a tubular body and at least one cartridge opening
extending through the tubular body. Additionally, the internal
tubing cutter includes a cutter cartridge at least partially
positioned within the at least one cartridge opening. The cutter
cartridge includes a cutter and at least one axially tapered ramp
surface. The internal tubing cutter also includes an inner member
configured to move relative to the cutter cartridge. At least one
roller is positioned between the ramp surface and the inner member.
Axial displacement of the inner member relative to the cutter
cartridge causes the at least one roller to move along the ramp
surface thereby linearly moving the cutter cartridge radially
between a retracted position within the tubular body and a deployed
position in which the cutter is at least partially radially outward
of the tubular body.
[0013] Additionally, another implementation of an internal tubing
cutting system includes a tubular body and a plurality of cartridge
openings extending through the tubular body. The system further
includes a plurality of cutter cartridges configured to hold one or
more cutters. Each cutter cartridge is positioned in a cartridge
opening of the plurality of cartridge openings. The system also
includes an inner member and a plurality of rollers positioned
between the cutter cartridges and the inner member. Each roller is
positioned against a ramp surface. Movement of the inner member
relative to the cutter cartridges causes the plurality of rollers
to move along the ramp surface thereby linearly moving the
plurality of cutter cartridges at least partially radially outward
of the plurality of cartridge openings.
[0014] In addition to the foregoing, a method of cutting a tubular
member involves lowering an internal tubing cutter into the tubular
member. The method also involves pumping a fluid into the internal
tubing cutter to cause an inner member to move axially within the
tubing cutter. Axial movement of the inner member causes one or
more rollers operatively associated with the inner member to move
along a ramp surface of a cutter cartridge, thereby moving a cutter
linearly at least partially outward of the internal tubing cutter.
Additionally, the method involves rotating the internal tubing
cutter relative to the tubular member thereby causing the cutter
held within the cutter cartridge to cut the tubular member.
[0015] Additional features and advantages of exemplary
implementations of the invention will be set forth in the
description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the
description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary
implementations. The features and advantages of such
implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the
instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims. These and other features will become more fully
apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may
be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set
forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited
and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained,
a more particular description of the invention briefly described
above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof
which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted
that the figures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of
similar structure or function are generally represented by like
reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the
figures. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical
embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered
to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an internal tubing
cutter in accordance with an implementation of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cutter of the
internal tubing cutter of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the internal
tubing cutter of FIG. 1 with the cutters in a retracted
position;
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the internal
tubing cutter of FIG. 1 with the cutters in a deployed
position;
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
implementations of an internal tubing cutter with the cutters in a
retracted position in accordance with an implementation of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the internal
tubing cutter of FIG. 5 with the cutters in a deployed position;
and
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view a tubular member cutting
system including an internal tubing cutter in accordance with an
implementation of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Implementations of the present invention are directed toward
drilling tools, systems, and methods for effectively and
efficiently cutting tubing. For example, one or more
implementations of the present invention include an internal tubing
cutter having cutters that deploy linearly outward. The linear
deployment of the cutters helps reduce or eliminate movement of the
cutting point during the cutting action. Accordingly, one or more
implementations of the present invention can increase productivity
and efficiency in casing cutters.
[0025] Additionally, the linear deployment of the cutters can allow
the same internal tubing cutter to cut tubing having a wide range
of diameters. In addition the foregoing, the internal tubing
cutters can employ circular disc blades. The circular disc blades
can roll during the cutting action instead of dragging. The rolling
of the circular disc blades can increase blade life and provide for
faster and more efficient cutting.
[0026] More specifically, the internal tubing cutter can include a
cutter cartridge that holds one or more cutters. An inner member,
such as a piston, can move relative to the cutter cartridge to move
the cutter cartridge linearly between a retracted position and a
deployed position. More specifically, as the inner member moves
relative to the cutter cartridge, one or more rollers operatively
associated with the inner member can move along an axially tapered
or angled ramp surface thereby moving the cutter cartridge radially
between the retracted and deployed positions.
[0027] Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded
view of an internal tubing cutter 100 in accordance with one or
more implementations of the present invention. As shown by FIG. 1,
the internal tubing cutter 100 can include a body 102, an inner
member 104, and cutter cartridges 106. As explained in greater
detail below, the inner member 104 can interact with the cutter
cartridges 106 to move the cutter cartridges 106 linearly at least
partially in and out of the body 102.
[0028] The body 102 can be generally hollow and configured to house
various components (e.g., inner member 104 and cutter cartridge(s)
106) of the internal tubing cutter 100. The body 102 can include an
upper end 108 and a lower end 110. As used herein the terms
"lower," "down," and "distal" refer to the end of the internal
tubing cutter 100 closet to the to the bottom of the bore hole,
whether the borehole be oriented horizontally, at an upward angle,
or a downward angle relative to the horizontal. While the terms
"upper," "up," or "proximal" refer to the end of the internal
tubing cutter 100 closest to the opening of the borehole, whether
the borehole be oriented horizontally, at an upward angle, or a
downward angle relative to the horizontal.
[0029] The upper end 108 of the body 102 can include a connector
for securing the internal tubing cutter 100 to a drill string
component (e.g., a drill rod, adaptor). For example, FIG. 1
illustrates that the upper end 108 of the body 102 can comprise a
female threaded receptacle. Alternatively, the connector of the
upper end 108 can comprise a male threaded connector, such as an
American Petroleum Institute (API) threaded connection portion or
other features to aid in attachment to a drill string component. By
way of example and not limitation, the body 102 may be formed from
steel, another iron-based alloy, or any other material that
exhibits acceptable physical properties.
[0030] The body 102 can further include fluid flow passages 111.
The fluid flow passages 111 can comprise channels that extend from
the inner surface of the body 102 to the outer surface of the body
102. The fluid flow passages 111 can allow fluid to pass from the
internal bore of the body 102 outside of the body 102.
[0031] The body 102 can additionally be configured to contain the
inner member 104. As alluded to earlier, the inner member 104 can
comprise one or more components that interact with the cutter
cartridges 106 to move the cutter cartridges 106 linearly in and
out of the body 102. The inner member 104 can comprise one or more
components configured to move relative to the body 102. For
example, FIG. 1 illustrates that the inner member 104 can include
an inner wedge 112 and an outer wedge 114. In alternative
implementations, the inner member 104 can comprise a single
component.
[0032] The inner wedge 112 and an outer wedge 114 can each be
generally hollow. The inner member 104 can include or form part of
a fluid valve system. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates that the
inner wedge 112 can include a tapered lower end 116. The inner
wedge 112 can also be sized and configured to house a valve stop
118. In one or more implementations the valve stop 118 can engage
the inner surface of the tapered lower end 116 and create a seal.
The seal created by the valve stop 118 can prevent the passage of
fluid through the inside of the inner member 104 and thus prevent
the passage of fluid through the central bore of the body 102. As
explained in greater detail below, the fluid valve system (i.e.,
valve stop 118 and inner wedge 112) can great hydraulic pressure to
drive the inner member 104 axially down to move the cutter
cartridges 106 to a deployed state.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, in one or more implementations the valve
stop 118 can comprise a ball. In alternative implementations the
valve stop 118 can comprise a plunger or other device capable of
plugging the internal bore of the inner member 104. The inner wedge
112 can be sized and configured to fit within the outer wedge 114.
As shown by FIG. 1, in one or more implementations the outer wedge
114 can also include a lower tapered surface 120.
[0034] The inner member 104 can be moveably coupled within the body
102. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates that a wedge pin 122 can
extend through a mounting hole 124 in the inner wedge 112 and a
mounting hole 126 in the outer wedge 114. The wedge pin 122 can
then extend into a slide channel 128 in the body 102. Thus, the
inner member 104 can move axially relative to the body 102 as the
wedge pin 122 slides along the slide channel 128.
[0035] One or more rollers 130 can be operatively associated with
the inner member 104. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates that one or
more roller balls 130 can be positioned between the inner wedge 112
and the outer wedge 114. In particular, the outer wedge 114 can
include one or more mounting slots 132 within which the rollers 130
can be positioned. The mounting slots 132 can comprise or act as
bushings and allow the rollers 130 to rotate relative to the inner
member 104. The rollers 130 may comprise any number of suitable
materials. For example, the rollers 130 may be made of steel, or
other iron alloys, titanium and titanium alloys, compounds using
aramid fibers, lubrication impregnated nylons or plastics, or
combinations thereof. The material used for any rollers 130 can be
the same or different than any other rollers 130.
[0036] As mentioned above, the internal tubing cutter 100 can
include one or more cutter cartridges 106. The cutter cartridges
106 can be configured to house one or more cutters 134. For
example, the cutter cartridges 106 can include a groove within
which a cutter 134 can reside. The cutters 134 can comprise a sharp
surface for cutting tubing. The cutters 134 can comprise steel,
hard metals such as tool steel or tungsten carbide, other iron
alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, or other suitable materials.
Furthermore, the cutters 134 can comprise one or more coatings to
improve the hardness or cutting ability thereof. Such coatings can
include, by example and not limitation, a metal, such as iron,
titanium, nickel, copper, molybdenum, lead, tungsten, aluminum,
chromium, or combinations or alloys thereof, a ceramic material,
such as SiC, SiO, Si02, or the like, diamonds, or other
materials.
[0037] The cutters 134 can comprise disc blades, non-circular
blades, or other cutters. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a
cross-section of one implementation of a disc cutter 134. The disc
cutter 134 can include a profile that allows for increased ease and
efficiency in slitting and cutting tubes. Specifically, the disc
cutter 134 can include a body 133 sized and configured to hold a
pivot pin as described below. The disc cutter 134 can further
include a circular spine 135 and a blade 137. The blade 137 can
taper from the spine 135 to an edge 139. In one or more
implementations, the blade 137 can be symmetrical about a plane
extending through the edge 139 as shown in FIG. 2. In alternative
implementations, the blade 137 can be non-symmetrical. In any
event, in one or more implementations, the edge 139 of the blade
can be round to aid in slitting and rolling.
[0038] Referring again to FIG. 1, in one or more implementations, a
pivot pin 136 can secure the cutter 134 within the groove of the
cutter cartridge 106. The pivot pin 136 can allow the cutter 134 to
rotate about its center during a cutting operation. The ability to
rotate, versus dragging, can increase the cutting life of the
cutters 136.
[0039] The cutter cartridges 106 can move linearly in and out of
the body 102 between a refracted position and a deployed position.
For example, the body 102 can include cartridge openings 138 within
which the cutter cartridges 106 can move. In one or more
implementations, the cutter cartridges 106 and the cartridge
openings 138 can each have corresponding diamond shapes as shown in
FIG. 1. The diamond shape can allow the cutter cartridges to be
self-aligned and guided axially when deploying and retracting in
and out of the body 102. The body 102 can further included angled
channels 139 extending between the cartridge openings 138. The
angled channels 139 can correspond to the angled sides of the
cutter cartridges 106 and guide the cutter cartridges 106 as they
move linearly in and out of the cartridge openings 138.
[0040] The cutter cartridges 106 can further include one or more
ramp surfaces that interface with the rollers 130 to move the
cutter cartridges 106 radially in and out of the body 102. For
example, FIG. 1 illustrates that each cutter cartridge 106 can
include an upper ramp surface 140 and a lower ramp surface 142. The
ramp surfaces 140, 142 can each comprise an axially tapered or
angled surface. In particular, each of the upper and lower ramp
surfaces 140, 142 can extend radially outward and axially upward
toward the first end 108 of the tubular body 102.
[0041] As explained in greater detail below, as the inner member
104 move toward the cutter cartridges 106, the rollers 130 can move
along the ramp surface 140 thereby forcing the cutter cartridges
106 to move radially outward in a linear line of travel. In one or
more implementations, the upper ramp surface 140 and the lower ramp
surface 142 can extend at the same angle relative to a central axis
of the body 102. In other words, the upper ramp surface 140 and the
lower ramp surface 142 can extend parallel to each other. In
alternative implementations, the upper ramp surface 140 and the
lower ramp surface 142 may extend at different angles relative to
the central axis of the body 102.
[0042] The internal tubing cutter 100 can further include a return
wedge 144. The return wedge 144 can include tapered surfaces 146
that form a recess therein. As explained in greater detail below
the recess formed by the tapered surfaces 146 can accommodate for
movement of the cutter cartridges 106. Furthermore, the return
wedge 144 can include mounting grooves 148 extending into the
tapered surfaces 146 that are configured to hold rollers 130a. The
mounting grooves 148 can act as or include bushing that allow the
rollers 130a to rotate relative to the return wedge 144 and the
cutter cartridges 106. Roller 130a can be substantially similar to
the rollers 130 described above.
[0043] As the inner member 104 moves toward the cutter cartridges
106, the rollers 130a can move along the ramp surface 142 thereby
forcing the cutter cartridges 106 to move radially outward in a
linear line of travel, similar to the rollers 130 and the ramp
surface 140. In one or more implementations, the tapered surfaces
146 of the return wedge 144 can be parallel and offset from the
lower ramp surfaces 142 of the cutter cartridges 106.
[0044] The return wedge 144 can be biased upward by a biasing
member 150. In particular, the biasing member 150 can bias the
return wedge 144 axially toward the cutter cartridges 106 and the
inner member 106. The biasing of the return wedge 144 toward the
cutter cartridges 106 can tend to force the roller 130a against
lower ramp surfaces 142 of the cutter cartridges 106. Thus, the
biasing member 150 can bias the cutter cartridges 106 radially
inward. The biasing member 150 can comprise a mechanical (e.g.,
spring), magnetic, or other mechanism configured to bias the wedge
return 144. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates that the biasing member
150 can comprise a coil spring. The biasing member 150 can be
positioned between the wedge return 144 and a tail 152. The tail
152 can be coupled to the body 102 by one or more pins 154. The
pins 154 can prevent axial movement of the tail 152 relative to the
body 102.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 3-4 operation of the internal tubing
cutter 100 will now be described in greater detail. As previously
mentioned, in one or more implementations of the present invention
the internal tubing cutter 100 can be lowered into a tubing 200
(such as a casing or drill string). For example, FIG. 1 illustrates
the internal tubing cutter 100 as it is tripped into or down a
casing 200.
[0046] As shown, when tripping the internal tubing cutter 100 into
the drill string 200, the cutter cartridges 106 can be in the
retracted position (i.e., within the body 102). In particular, the
biasing member 150 can bias the wedge return 144 toward the cutter
cartridges 106 and the upper end 108. The biasing of the wedge
return 144 upward can cause the roller 130a to roll along the lower
ramp surfaces 142 of the cutter cartridges 106 toward the upper end
of the lower ramp surfaces 142; thereby drawing the cutter
cartridges 106 into a radially retracted position as shown in FIG.
3.
[0047] One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that
the biasing of the wedge return 144 upward can also cause the inner
member 104 to be biased into a first upward position. In
particular, movement of the cutter cartridges 106 radially inward
can cause the rollers 130 to roll or slide along the upper ramp
surfaces 140 of the cutter cartridges toward an upper end of the
upper ramp surfaces 140. This in turn pushes the inner member 104
upward toward the first end 108 of the body 102. As shown in FIG.
3, when the inner member 104 is in the first upward position, the
walls of the inner member 104 can block fluid flow passages 111.
The blockage of the fluid flow passages 111 can aid in building
pressure to cause the inner member 104 to move toward the cutter
cartridges 106 as explained below.
[0048] With the internal tubing cutter 100 in the retracted
position as shown in FIG. 3, an operator can lower the internal
tubing cutter 100 down the casing 104 to a desired position. Once
the internal tubing cutter 100 has reached the desired position
within the casing 104, a fluid can be sent into the body 102 of the
internal tubing cutter 100. The fluid can then be pressurized. The
pressurization of the fluid can cause the pressurized fluid to
enter the inner wedge 112 of the inner member 104. The pressurized
fluid can then force the valve stop 118 against the inner surface
of the tapered lower end 116 of the inner wedge 112; thereby,
creating a seal. Pressurized fluid entering the inner member 104
can then produce a distally directed fluid force against the inner
member 104.
[0049] This distally directed fluid force can exert a force in
opposition to the upward force created by the biasing member 150.
As the distally directed fluid force increases it can overcome the
upward force created by the biasing member 150. As the distally
directed fluid force overcomes the upward force created by the
biasing member 150, the inner member 104 in turn can exert a
distally acting force that drives the rollers 130 against the upper
ramp surfaces 140 of the cutter cartridges 106. Once forced
downward against the upper ramp surfaces 140, the rollers 130 can
roll or slide along the upper ramp surfaces 140 to the lower end of
the upper ramp surfaces 140. This movement can force the cutter
cartridges 106 to move linearly radially outward toward the casing
200 and into a deployed position as shown in FIG. 4.
[0050] One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that
the movement of the cutter cartridges 106 radially outward can also
cause the wedge return 144 to move distally. In particular,
movement of the cutter cartridges 106 radially outward can cause
the rollers 130a to roll or slide along the lower ramp surfaces 142
of the cutter cartridges toward a lower end of the lower ramp
surfaces 142. This in turn can cause the wedge return 144 to move
distally toward the tail 152 and the second end 110 of the body
102. Downward movement of the wedge return 144 can compress the
biasing member 150.
[0051] Thus, movement of the inner member 104 toward the cutter
cartridges 106 can urge the cutting cartridges 106 radially outward
through the cartridge openings 138 in the body 102. This movement
can cause the cutters 134 to move radially outward in a linear
motion and into engagement with the inner surface of the casing
200. The linear movement of the cutters 134 can help ensure that
the cutting point (i.e., axial position of the cutters 134 relative
to the casing 200) remains constant during the cutting process.
[0052] Furthermore, the ramp surfaces 140, 142 in conjunction with
the rollers 130, 130a and the downward fluid force acting on the
inner member 104 can bias the cutter cartridges 106 radially
outward during a cutting process. Thus, the cutters 134 can be
biased linearly outward against the inner surface of the casing 200
during a cutting process. One will appreciate in light of the
disclosure herein that the rollers 130 above and rollers 130a below
the cutter cartridges 106 can decrease friction, reduce the applied
moment, and help prevent the cutter cartridges 106 from tipping
over. The rollers 130 and ramps 140, 142 can eliminate or reduce
sticking, seizing, and wear that are common with angled-key and
slot or sliding ramp interaction.
[0053] During a cutting process, a drill rig can spin a rod string
attached to the internal tubing cutter 100 as the cutters 134 are
deployed. The cutting action can displace the casing material
inside-out. Furthermore, the cutters 134 can rotate about two axes
of rotation during the cutting process. In particular, the cutters
134 can rotate (i.e., orbit) about the central axis of the internal
tubing cutter 100 as the internal tubing cutter 100 is rotated with
the rod string. Furthermore, the cutters 134, when disc blades, can
rotate about the pivot pins 136 extending through the central axis
of the cutters 134. The rotation of the cutters 136 can decrease
drag and heat due to friction and otherwise increase the efficiency
of the cutting process and lead to longer cutting life.
[0054] Once the cutting process is complete (i.e., the cutters 134
have complete cut through the casing 200), the cutting cartridges
106 can be in a fully deployed position, as shown by FIG. 4. When
in the deployed position, the inner member 104 can be positioned
below the fluid flow passages 111. Thus, fluid can flow from the
internal bore of the body 102, through the fluid flow passages 111,
and down the recess between the outer surface of the internal
tubing cutter 100 and the inner surface of the casing 200. This can
cause a drop in fluid pressure that can signal an operator that the
cutting process is complete.
[0055] Furthermore, the drop in pressure can allow the upward
biasing force created by the biasing member 150 to overcome the
downward fluid force acting on the inner member 104. In particular,
the biasing member 150 can bias the wedge return 144 toward the
cutter cartridges 106 and the upper end 108. The biasing of the
wedge return 144 upward can cause the rollers 130a to roll along
the lower ramp surfaces 142 of the cutter cartridges 106 toward the
upper end of the lower ramp surfaces 142; thereby drawing the
cutter cartridges 106 into a radially retracted position as shown
in FIG. 3.
[0056] One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that
the biasing of the wedge return 144 upward can also cause the inner
member 104 to move upward. In particular, movement of the cutter
cartridges 106 radially inward can cause the rollers 130 to roll or
slide along the upper ramp surfaces 140 of the cutter cartridges
106 toward an upper end of the upper ramp surfaces 140. This in
turn pushes the inner member 104 upward toward the first end 108 of
the body 102.
[0057] For ease of reference, the cutter cartridges 106 shown and
described above include generally planar ramp surfaces 140, 142 and
spherical rollers 130, 130a. It will be appreciated that the cutter
cartridges 106 can have any number of ramp surfaces 140, 142 with
any desired shape, including, but not limited to, convex, concave,
patterned or any other shape or configuration capable of moving
along a roller (e.g., roller ball) as desired. Further, the rollers
130, 130a can have any shape and configuration possible. In at
least one example, a universal-type joint can replace the generally
spherical rollers, tapered planar drive surfaces, and accompanying
sockets.
[0058] Additionally, FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 show two cutter cartridges
106. In alternative implementations, the internal tubing cutter 100
can include one, three, four, or more cutter cartridges 106.
Similarly, the precise configuration of components as illustrated
may be modified or rearranged as desired by one of ordinary skill.
Thus, the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The
described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as
illustrative and not restrictive.
[0059] In other words, the foregoing and the following description
supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the invention. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan
would understand that the apparatus and associated methods of using
the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these
specific details. Indeed, the apparatus and associated methods can
be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus and
associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other
apparatus and techniques.
[0060] For example, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another implementation
of an internal tubing cutter 100a. The internal tubing cutter 100a
can include many of the same parts and components as the internal
tubing cutter 100 described above. Such parts and components are
labeled with the same reference numbers. As explained in greater
detail below, the internal tubing cutter 100a can include different
design than the internal tubing cutter 100, but function under the
same principles to linearly retract and deploy the cutters 134. In
particular, the inner member 104a can include a ramp surface that
acts to push the cartridge cutters 106 radially outward in a linear
motion rather than upper ramp surfaces on the cartridge cutters
106.
[0061] More specifically, the inner member 104a can comprise a
single component rather than nested wedges. In particular, the
inner member 104a can comprise a generally conical or tapered outer
or ramp surface 141. As explained in greater detail below, axial
translation of the inner member 104a can result in radial
displacement of the cutter cartridges 106 in and out of the body as
explained in greater detail below. The inner member 104a can house
the valve stop 118. The valve stop 118 can mate with the inner
surface of the inner member 104 to move a seal to create a downward
directed fluid force on the inner member 104a. The rollers 130 can
be positioned within bushings in the cutter cartridges 106 so as to
allow the rollers 130 to roll and/or slide along the ramp surface
141 as the inner member 104a moves axially.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 5-6 operation of the internal tubing
cutter 100a will now be described in greater detail. As shown in
FIG. 5, when tripping the internal tubing cutter 100a into a casing
200 or other tubular member, the cutter cartridges 106 can be in
the refracted position (i.e., within the body 102). In particular,
the biasing member 150 can bias the wedge return 144 toward the
cutter cartridges 106 and the upper end 108. The biasing of the
wedge return 144 upward can cause the rollers 130a to roll along
the lower ramp surfaces 142 of the cutter cartridges 106 toward the
upper end of the lower ramp surfaces 142; thereby drawing the
cutter cartridges 106 into a radially refracted position as shown
in FIG. 3.
[0063] With the internal tubing cutter 100a in the retracted
position as shown in FIG. 5, an operator can lower the internal
tubing cutter 100a down the casing to a desired position. Once the
internal tubing cutter 100a has reached the desired position within
the casing 200, a fluid can be sent into the body 102 of the
internal tubing cutter 100a. The fluid can then be pressurized. The
pressurization of the fluid can cause the pressurized fluid to
enter the inner member 104a. The pressurized fluid can then force
the valve stop 118 against the inner surface of the inner member
104a; thereby, creating a seal. Pressurized fluid entering the
inner member 104a can then produce a distally directed fluid force
against the inner member 104a.
[0064] This distally directed fluid force can exert a force in
opposition to the upward force created by the biasing member 150.
As the distally directed fluid force increases it can overcome the
upward force created by the biasing member 150. As the distally
directed fluid force overcomes the upward force created by the
biasing member 150, the inner member 104a can move toward the lower
end 110 of the body 102. As the inner member 104a moves downward,
the rollers 130 can roll along the ramp surface 141 as it increases
in diameter; thereby forcing the cutter cartridges 106 to move
linearly radially outward toward a deployed position.
[0065] Thus, movement of the inner member 104a downward can urge
the cutting cartridges 106 radially outward through the cartridge
openings 138 in the body 102. This movement can cause the cutters
134 to move radially outward in a linear motion and into engagement
with the inner surface of a casing. The linear movement of the
cutters 134 can help ensure that the cutting point (i.e., axial
position of the cutters 134 relative to the casing) remains
constant during the cutting process.
[0066] As previously mentioned, in one or more implementations, the
inner member 104a can include a taper such that the diameter of the
inner member 104a varies along its length. This in combination with
the downward directed fluid force can ensure that the cutter
cartridges 106 are biased radially outward. Once the cutting
process is complete (i.e., the cutters 134 have complete cut
through the casing), the cutting cartridges 106 can be in a fully
deployed position, as shown by FIG. 6. When in the deployed
position, the inner member 104a can be positioned below the fluid
flow passages 111. Thus, fluid can flow from the internal bore of
the body 102, through the fluid flow passages 111, and down the
recess between the outer surface of the internal tubing cutter 100a
and the inner surface of the casing. This can cause a drop in fluid
pressure that can signal an operator that the cutting process is
complete.
[0067] Furthermore, the drop in pressure can allow the upward
biasing force created by the biasing member 150 to overcome the
downward fluid force acting on the inner member 104a. In
particular, the biasing member 150 can bias the wedge return 144
toward the cutter cartridges 106 and the upper end 108. The biasing
of the wedge return 144 upward can cause the rollers 130a to roll
along the lower ramp surfaces 142 of the cutter cartridges 106
toward the upper end of the lower ramp surfaces 142; thereby
drawing the cutter cartridges 106 into a radially retracted
position as shown in FIG. 5.
[0068] One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that
the biasing of the wedge return 144 upward can also cause the inner
member 104a to move upward. In particular, movement of the cutter
cartridges 106 radially inward can cause the rollers 130 to roll or
slide along the ramp surface 141. This in turn pushes the inner
member 104a upward toward the first end 108 of the body 102.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, a drilling system 300 may be used to cut
and retrieve a tubular member, such as a casing, within a formation
304. The drilling system 300 may include a rod string 302 that may
include an internal tubing cutter 100 secured to the end thereof.
The drilling system 300 may include a drill rig 301 that may rotate
the rod string 302 and internal tubing cutter 100 to cut the
casing. The drill rig 301 may include, for example, a rotary drill
head 306, a sled assembly 308, and a mast 310. The drill head 306
may be coupled to the rod string 302, and can rotate the rod string
302 and internal tubing cutter 100.
[0070] It will be appreciated, however, that the drill rig 301 does
not require a rotary drill head, a sled assembly, a slide frame or
a drive assembly and that the drill rig 301 may include other
suitable components. It will also be appreciated that the drilling
system 300 does not require a drill rig and that the drilling
system 300 may include other suitable components that may rotate
rod string 302 and internal tubing cutter 100. For example, sonic,
percussive, or down hole motors may be used.
[0071] As previously alluded to previously, numerous variations and
alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of this description.
Thus, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The
described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as
illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,
therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and
range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their
scope.
* * * * *