Severing of downhole tubing with associated cable
AssigneeRobertson Intellectual Properties, LLC
InventorsMichael C. Robertson, William Boelte
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods for severing tubing having a cable extending along its length include lowering a first cutting torch into the tubing to a desired location, igniting the first cutting torch, and directing cutting fluids in a circumferential arc to form a first cut in the tubing and sever the cable. A second cutting torch can be lowered and positioned relative to the first cut, and ignited to direct cutting fluids radially to cut the tubing all around the circumference, enabling retrieval of the tubing. The need for precise positioning and alignment of the torches to sever both the cable and tubing is thereby eliminated.
Claims12
A method of severing tubing in a well, the tubing having a cable extending along a length of the tubing, the tubing having a circumference, comprising the steps of:
- a) lowering a first cutting torch into the tubing;
- b) positioning the first cutting torch at a desired location within the tubing;
- c) igniting the first cutting torch so as to produce first cutting fluids;
- d) directing the first cutting fluids from the first cutting torch in a circumferential arc in a direction of the cable, so as to make a first cut of a portion of the tubing circumference and sever the cable with the first cutting fluids from the first torch;
- e) lowering a second cutting torch into the tubing;
- f) positioning the second cutting torch relative to the first cut;
- g) igniting the second cutting torch so as to produce second cutting fluids;
- and
- h) directing the second cutting fluids radially so as to cut the tubing all around the circumference.
A method for severing a tubular string having a cable extending along a length thereof, comprising the steps of:
- a) lowering a first cutting apparatus into the tubing;
- b) actuating the first cutting apparatus to form a first cut in the tubing and sever the cable;
- c) lowering a second cutting apparatus into the tubing;
- and
- d) actuating the second cutting apparatus to form a second cut in the tubing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.