US 6,712,143 B2 · Borehole conduit cutting apparatus and process

Abstract

The apparatus is used for cutting an opening through the wall of a conduit located in a borehole traversing the subsurface formations. The apparatus includes a body adapted to be lowered into the conduit to a desired level. The body is formed by a cylindrical wall defining an elongated chamber having a combustible charge receiving portion and an ignition system portion located close to the combustible charge receiving portion. A plurality of spaced apart apertures are formed through the wall defining a given pattern which may be at least one elongated row of apertures generally parallel with the axis of the cylindrical wall or a line which encloses a given configuration on one side of the axis. A combustible charge is located in the combustible charge receiving portion of the chamber, and an ignition system is located in the ignition portion of the chamber for igniting the combustible charge for creating a flame and hot combustion products for passage through the apertures for cutting the wall of the conduit to form an opening through the wall of the conduit. In the preferred embodiment, the combustible charge is located in the chamber above, at the level and below the apertures.

Claims21

Dependent claims

An apparatus for cutting an opening through a wall of a metal conduit located in a borehole traversing the subsurface formations, comprising:

a body adapted to be lowered into the metal conduit, the body having a surrounding wall defining an elongated chamber;
a plurality of spaced apart outer apertures formed through the surrounding wall along a length thereof;
a heat shield wall disposed adjacent to a length of the surrounding wall;
a plurality of spaced apart inner apertures formed through the heat shield wall in alignment with the plurality of spaced apart outer apertures, wherein the inner and outer apertures are located in at least one elongated row which extends generally parallel to the axis;
at least one combustible charge disposed in the surrounding wall;
and
an ignition means located in the chamber for igniting the combustible charge for creating hot combustion products for passage through the inner and outer apertures for forming the opening through the wall of the metal conduit.

4 more elements

An apparatus for forming an opening through a wall of a metal conduit disposed in a borehole, comprising:

a body adapted to be lowered into the metal conduit, the body comprising a surrounding wall defining a chamber and having a central axis;
a plurality of apertures formed through a portion of the surrounding wall along a generally straight line generally parallel to the axis of the surrounding wall;
a heat shield wall disposed adjacent to the surrounding wall;
a plurality of apertures formed through the heat shield wall and aligned with the plurality of apertures of the surrounding wall;
one or more combustible charges disposed within the chamber;
and
an ignition member for igniting the one or more combustible charges, whereby hot combustion products are formed for passage through the plurality of apertures of the heat shield wall and the surrounding wall, thereby forming the opening through the wall of the metal conduit.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Borehole conduit cutting apparatus and process

Life of this patent

Borehole conduit cutting apparatus and process

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21