Method and Apparatus for Through-Cut Verification
A method and apparatus for verifying the complete cut through of a tubular member by a fluid cut through device. A follower runs in the kerf created in the tubular member by the fluid cut through device until the follower encounters an incomplete cut, or hanger. The follower rotates away from the fluid cut through device when the follower encounters a hanger, thereby disengaging a switch to interrupt the fluid cut through device.
This application claims priority and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. provisional patent application 61/237,607 for “Method and Apparatus for Through-Cut Verification” filed Aug. 27, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for confirming thorough cut-through of a down hole abrasive fluid jet cutting device.
2. Description of Related Art
Down hole operations sometimes require a tubular string to be cut with an abrasive fluid jet cutting tool lowered within the tubular string. Where the cutting tool does not cut a full kerf “hangers” are formed which may impede the down hole operation.
All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA method and apparatus for verifying the complete cut through of a tubular member by a fluid cut through device. A follower runs in the kerf created in the tubular member by the fluid cut through device until the follower encounters an incomplete cut, or hanger. The follower rotates away from the fluid cut through device when the follower encounters a hanger, thereby disengaging a switch to interrupt the fluid cut through device.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed description that follow.
All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
Referring to
The abrasive fluid jet cutting device 10 is provided with a follower 20. The purpose of the follower 20 is to detect portions of the through-cut 12 which were not properly completed. When the follower 20 detects a “hanger,” the term used by those in the industry to denote a section of the through-cut 12 that was not properly completed, the follower 20 pivots away from the abrasive fluid jet cutting device 10 thereby signaling the need for remedial action.
Referring to
When the follower 20 engages the hanger 26 the switch 24 is activated thereby discontinuing the operation of the abrasive fluid jet cutting device 10. The abrasive fluid jet cutting device 10 is then moved in a direction of that opposite to that of the arrow 16 to a location beyond the hanger. The abrasive fluid jet cutting device 20 is operated either during reverse movement thereof, or during subsequent forward movement thereof, or both, in order to remove the hanger and resume normal cutting operations.
This is illustrated in
Claims
1. A method for verifying complete cut-through in a tubular member, the method comprising:
- providing a fluid jet cut through device that cuts a kerf in the tubular member as it is rotated;
- providing a switch attached to the jet cut through device;
- providing a follower, the follower swively mounted near the switch such that the follower may extend into the kerf created by the fluid cut through device while also engaging the switch; and
- rotating the fluid jet cut through device in a direction to create a kerf.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
- discontinuing the operation of the fluid cut through device when the follower engages a section of kerf that is incompletely cut.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
- disengaging the switch when the follower engages a section of kerf that is incompletely cut.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
- disengaging the switch when the follower engages a section of kerf that is incompletely cut; and
- discontinuing the operation of the fluid cut through device when the switch is disengaged.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising:
- reversing the direction of the fluid cut through device.
6. The method of claim 4 further comprising:
- reversing the rotation of the fluid cut through device until the follower engages the switch;
- restarting rotation in the direction of the cut through device.
7. The method of claim 4 further comprising:
- reversing the rotation of the fluid cut through device such that the follower does not engage the switch;
- retrieving the fluid cut through device; and
- replacing the follower.
8. A device for verifying complete cut-through in a tubular member, the device comprising:
- a fluid jet cut through device that cuts a kerf in the tubular member as it is rotated;
- a switch attached to the jet cut through device; and
- a follower, the follower swively mounted near the switch such that the follower may extend into the kerf created by the fluid cut through device while also engaging the switch.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein:
- the follower is a removable member.
10. The device of claim 9 wherein:
- the removable member is a blade
11. The device of claim 9 wherein:
- the removable member is a loop.
12. The device of claim 8 wherein:
- the follower engages the switch while rotating freely in the kerf and disengages the switch when encountering an incompletely cut kerf.
13. The device of claim 8 wherein:
- the fluid cut through device is mounted on parallel arms to a structure allowing the deployment and retrieval of the fluid cut through device.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 27, 2010
Publication Date: Mar 3, 2011
Inventors: Jonathon D. Miller (LaFayette, LA), Heath L. Jones (Youngsville, LA), Jerry Ross Landry (Youngsville, LA)
Application Number: 12/870,657
International Classification: B24C 3/32 (20060101); B24C 3/06 (20060101);