US2208011A - Inside tubing cutter - Google Patents

Description

July 16, 1940. E. E. ANDERSON 2,208,011

INSIDE TUBING CUTTER Filed Aug. 14, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet l E. E. ANDERSON INS IDE TUBING CUTTER July 16, 1940.

Filed Aug. 14, 1939 2 Sheds-Shree?I 2 I Patented July 16, 1940 2,208,011 INSIDE TUBING CUTTER Ernest E. Anderson, Oklahoma City, Okla., as-

signor to Baash-Ross Tool Company,

Los

AngeleaCalif., a corporation of California Application April 14, 1939, Serial No. 267,875

l2 Claims.. (Cl. 164-037) This invention relates to a well tool and relates more particularly to a tool for cutting tubing, drill pipe, casing and other tubularobjects in wells. A general object of this invention 5 is to provide a well tool of the character referred to that is simple and sturdy in construction and that is positive and dependable in operation.

Tools known as inside cutters are employed in wells to cut or sever tubing, casing, drill pipe,

` etc. to facilitate their removal from the wells. In operating the cutting tools it is sometimes impossible to determine when the cut is completed and the pipe or tubing is severed. Following the cutting operation an attempt is usually made to withdraw the severed portion of the pipe or tubing from the well. If it is found that the severed portion of the pipe or tubing cannot be pulled from thewell the success of the cutting operation cannot be determined.

Another object of this invention is to provide an inside cutting `tool that provides a denite signal or indication at the completion of the cutting operation to give positive assurance that the pipe or tubing has been fully cut or severed.

2.3 Another object of this invention is to provide an inside cutter embodying cutters or knives that are fully andV automatically retracted at the completion of the cutting operation, but not until the completion of the vcutting operation, to relieve the resistance to rotation of the operating string thereby indicating to the operator that the cutting operation is completed.

Another object of this invention is to provide an inside cutter that is such that the operator may keep informed of the extent of projection ci the cutters and therefore may be advised of the progress of the cutting operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cutting tool of'the character mentioned em- 40 bodying novel means for evenly and smoothly advancing or extending the cutters outwardly as the operating string is rotated.

Another object of this invention is to provide a cutting tool of the character mentioned that may be easily and inexpensively conditioned to cut tubular objects of different diameters and of different Wall'thicknesses.

The various objects and features of my inven- `tion will be fully understood from the following to detailed description oi a typical preferred form and application of the invention, `throughout which description reference is made to the'accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of the tool of the :it invention in position in a tubing, showingthe tubing in longitudinal cross section. Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of the upper portion of the tool with the parts in the unactuated positions and illustrating a portion of the tool in side elevation. Fig. 3 isv 5 an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional view of the lower portion of the tool illustrating the holding means in the actuated condition. Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 illustrating the mandrel in side elevation and showing the cutters lo in a partially projected condition. Fig. 5 4is an enlarged transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 5-5 on Fig. 2. Fig. 6is an enlarged horizontal detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 6-6 on Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is an .lo enlarged horizontal detailed sectional view taken fragmentary longitudinal detailed sectional view illustrating the manner in which the cutters retract above the actuating ribs at the completion 2o of the cutting operation and Figs. 9 and 10 are enlarged horizontal detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 9 9 and IIl--IlL respectively, on Fig. 1.

I will herein refer to the device of the present 25 invention as a tubing cutter and will describe the tool as operating to cut a tubing in a well. The invention may be embodied in tools for cutting other tubular objects, for example, drill pipe, well casing, etc., and it is to be understood 3o thatthe invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the specic form or application herein described.

The inside cutter of the present invention illustrated in the drawings may be said to com- 35 prise, generally, a body IU, projectable knives or cutters I I carried by the body I0, a threaded mandrel 4I2 extending through the body I5 and operable to actuate the cutters II, a nut I3 having threaded cooperation with 'the mandrel I2 40 and releasable means I4 for holding the nut I3 against rotation whereby rotationof the mandrel v I2 projects the cutters II.

The body II) is an elongate tubular member or assembly adapted to extend into the tubing T 45 with suitable clearance. In the preferred construction the body I0 comprises two sections, namely, an upper section I5 and a lower section I5. The sections I5 and IB are connected by spaced longitudinal screws I1 passed through 50 openings I8 in the upper section I5 and threaded into sockets I9 in the lower section I6. The opposing ends of the connected body sections I5 and I6 are spaced apart to leave a gap orspace for the cutters II. The two body sections I5 55 and I6 may be cylindrical and of uniform diameter. A pin 2@ of reduced diameter is provided on the lower end of the lower body section I6.

The cutters II are projectable from the body IE! and are operable by rotation of the body to cut through the tubing T. In the preferred form of the invention there is a plurality of circumferentially spaced cutters `II provided in the space between the two body sections I5 and I6. As illustrated in the drawings, there may be three like cutters II.` The cutters II are longitudinally curved and are provided at their outer free` corners with projecting sharpened blades or cutting parts 2i. The cutters II are supported to pivot about vertical axes. Openings 22 in the inner parts of the cutters II may receive the above mentioned screws I'I vwhereby the screws serve to pivotally mount the cutters II. cutters il are normally retracted to be entirely Within the space between the two body sections I5 and I6. `Y The mandrel I2 is Y an elongate member adapted to be connected with the lower end of a well string or operating string S. The mandrel I2 passes downwardly through the tubular body sections I5 and SII with suitable clearance and continues beyond the body to cooperate with the nut I3 and tovcarry the means Ill as will be subsequently described. In accordance with the in vention the portion of the mandrel IE extending through the lower body section It and the nut It is threaded. The thread S on the mandrel I2 is continuous and has a gradual or slight pitch. A suitable guide member or head23 may be provided on the'extreme lower end of the mandrel I2. v

The mandrel -I 2 r carries parts for cooperating with the cutters Il to effectthe projection of the cutters. A plurality of longitudinally extending tapered splines or ribs 2li is provided on the `mandrel I2. Th-e ribs 'fill are circumferentiallyV spaced about the mandrel I2 'and there is a rib 265 for engaging each cutter II. The ribs 2d are of substantial length and their outer surfaces or edges 2li are curved or rounded to substantially conform to the inner edges of the cutters II. The outer surfaces 25 of the ribs 2d slope downwardly and inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel I2. Itis preferred to'removably securethe ribs 2d to the mandrel I 2 whereby they may be replaced by ribs capable of projecting the cutters I I dierent mandrel I2 and may be temporaryor"detachablysecured in the groovesr by welding or the like.

With the parts in the initial or normal posi-y f tions the ribs 243 extend into slotsl in the upper body'section I5. The slots 2l' are adapted to re'- ceiveor vpass the ribs 2li with suitable clearance and the cooperation of the'sides of the ribs 2li withk the side wallskof the slots 2 may assist in transmitting 'rotationfrom the mandrel I2 to the body 'It'. Slots ZIl are provided in the lower body section'lt to receive the ribs 2d during the` actuationof the tool. The slots 28 are adapted to freely receive the ribs 2d and the engagementof Athe ribs with the side walls of the slots 2t may assist in transmitting turning forces from the mandrel I2 to the body I0. TheV outer walls or bottom walls of the slots 28 may taper completion of thecutting operation to limit the downward'travel ofy the ribs. f

The

. erably spring means.

In accordance with the invention the tapered ribs 2d are operable to project the cutters II a distance sufficiently great to completely cut through the wall of the tubing T. 1t will be understood how the inclined surfaces 2li of the ribs 2@ cooperate with the cutters II during downward movement of the mandrel I2 relative to the body I3 to feed or project the cutters II. The parts are related and proportioned so that the upper ends of the ribs 2d pass downwardly beyond the cutters I I simultaneously with or immediately following the completion of the cut.

The invention provides means for automatically returning the cutters II to their retracted positions at the completion of the cut orgwhen the ribs E@ pass below the cutters I I. The means for restoring the knives or cutters II are prefln the construction illustrated vertically arranged leaf springs 33 are se- Curedto the upper body section I5 and extend downwardly to have their lower parts bear inwardly against the outer sides of the pivoted cutters II. Nhen the upper ends of the ribs 2 pass-'the cutters II at or immediately following the completion of the cut the springs 33 pivot the knives or cutters I I inwardly to the retracted positions illustratedin Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings, where they lie against the mandrel I2. The retraction of the cutters Il by the springs 33 of course fully disengags the cutters from the tubing T.' Upon'the retraction of the cutters II from the tubing T, at the completion of the cut, substantially all resistance to rotation. of the operating string S is relieved indicating to the operator that the cut has been completed.

The nut I3 has threaded engagement with the mandrel I2 and is rotatably connected with the body It whereby rotation of the mandrel relative to `the nut feeds the'mandrel longitudinally toeect the actuation of the cutters I I. The nut I3 is preferably provided at one end of the body III. "In the preferred construction illustrated the nut I3 is at the lower end of the body` III." A socket 29 in the upper end of the nutl I3 receives the pin 2i! on the lower body section IS. Series of balls 3i) cooperate with opposing racesV 3i in the side and bottom walls of the socket 29 and the side and bottom surfaces of the pin 2t to connect the body II'I and nut I3 for free'f' relative rotation. A longitudinal opening 32 extends through the nut I3 to receive or pass the rmandrel I2. A thread is provided on the wall of the opening 32 to mate with the thread 9 on the mandrel I2.

The means II! is in the nature of a slip means and tail-piece meansI engageable with the interior of the tubing T to hold the nut I3 against movement whereby the threaded mandrel I2 may be rotated to project the pivoted cutters I I. The means It is located below the body I@ and is connected with the nut I3. In the preferred construction the means Ill includes a sleeve 3d shiftably surrounding the mandrel I2 b-elow the nut I3. The upper portion of the sleeve 3d is threaded inthe' nut I3 so that the sleeve is rigid with the nut. It will be observed that the sleeve 3ft is suspended from thebody III through the nut I 3. The sleeve -34 has van intermediate portion 35 of enlarged diameter provided with downwardly and inwardly inclined surfaces 36. Slips 3l are shiftable on the -inclined surfaces 36. Dove-tailed tongue and groove connections 38 are provided between the slips 3'! and the sleeve portions 35 whereby the slips are held against (iii 'I'he outer lateral shifting and displacement. sides of the slips 3l have wickers or teeth 39 for gripping the inner surface of the tubing T.

The teeth 39ers grooved or cut vertically as well as horizontally so that the slips 3l are operable to hold the sleeve 34 against turning movement and longitudinal movement.

The means I4 further includes a spring assembly or tail-piece for controlling the slips 3T. Rings 44 and 4I are shiftable on the sleeve 34 above and below its enlarged portion 35. Outwardly bowed leaf springs 42 extend between and connect the rings 42 and 4I. The springs 42 are adapted to frictionally engage the interior of the l5 tubing T to resist movement of the rings 4l) and 4I. Operative connections are provided between the rings 44 and 4I and the slips 3l whereby the engagement of the springs 42 with the tubing T resists movement of the slips 31. Fingers 43 20 and 44 extend longitudinally from the rings 45 and 4I, respectively, and pass through suitable grooves 45 in. the enlarged sleeve portion 35. The end portions of the ngers 43 and 44 cooperate with notches 45 in the upper and lower ends of the slips 3l'. The cooperation of the fingers 43 and 44 with the notches 42 is such that the springs 42 frictionally bearing in the tubing T resist movement of the slips 31 when the body Il! and the sleeve 34 are shifted to actuate the slips. .l

Releasable means is provided to hold the sleeve 24 and the` spring tail-piece assembly against relative longitudinal movement in a relationship where the slips 37 are retracted so that the tool may be easily run through the well and freely entered in the tubing T. `This means includes a control member 48 rotatably mounted on the lower portion of the sleeve 34. A pin 49 may pass through an opening in the member 48 to coop- 4o crate with an annular groove 5i! in the sleeve 34. `The engagement of the pin 49 in the groove 55 prevents longitudinal shifting of the member 48 on the sleeve 34 but allows relative rotation between the sleeve and the member. A socket 5I is provided in the lower end of the lower ring 4i and a pin 52 on the member 4B is releasably threaded in the socket 5I. The threads of the socket 5I and the pin 52 preferably have a much greater pitch than the threads 9 of the mandrel i2 and the threads of the nut I3. A longitudinal slot 53 enters the member 48 from its lower end and a pin 54 on the mandrel I2 engages in the slot 53. The pin 54 cooperating with the slot 53 is operable to transmit turning movement from the mandrel I2 to the member 48. When the pin 52 of the member 48 is threaded in the socket 5I the slips 3l are in a retracted condition clear of the interior of the tubing T. It will be understood how the mandrel I2 may be turned by means of the string S to thread the pin 52 from the socket 5I. In the use or operation of the tool of this invention the parts may be assembled as illustrated in Fig. l of the drawings and the mandrel I2 of may be connected with the string Si preparatory to lowering the tool into the well. The pin 52 is initially threaded in the socket 5l so that v the slips 3l are fully retracted andthe springs 33 serve to hold knives or cutters Il in their To fully retracted positions. Thus the` tool may U be run through the well without danger of the slips 3l or the knives l l interfering with its movement. When the tool or cutter has reached the correct or selected position in the tubing T the 75 string Si is rotated to thread the pin 52 from the socket 5|. 'Ihe springs 42 cooperating with the tubing T resist turning of the ring 4I so that the pin 52 may be readily unthreaded from the socket. When the mandrel I2 is rotated to unthread the pin 52 from the socket 5I the mandrel is threaded a short distance through the nut I3 and the ribs 24 may cause a slight outward pivoting of the cutters II. However, due to the marked difference in the pitch of the threads 9 on the man# drel I2 and the threads of the socket 5I and the pin 52 the mandrel is threaded but a short distance at this time. Following the release of the pin 52 from the socket 5I the mandrel I2 is lowered sothat the surfaces 36 cooperate with the slips 3l to actuate them outwardly against the tubing T. The springs 42 frictionally bearing in the `tubing resist downward movement of the slips 3l when the mandrel is moved to actuate the slips. Following the settingof the slips 31 as just described the string Si is rotated to thread the mandrel I2 down through the nut I3. The slips 3l gripping the interior of the tubing T serve to hold the sleeve 34 and the nut I3 against rotation and downward movement while the mandrel is being threaded through the nut.

Downward threading of the mandrel I2 is accompanied by downward movement of the ribs 24 and is accompanied by rotation of the body Il). The ribs 24 cooperate with the slots 21 and 28 to transmit the turning movement from the mandrel to the body I. The inclined surfaces 25 of the ribs 24 cooperate with the knives or cutters il to feed or pivot the cutters outwardly. Thus the cutters Il carried by the rotating body IIJ are fed outwardly against the interior of the tubing T as the mandrel I2 is threaded down through the nut i3. The operator may be informed of the number of rotations of the mandrel I2 required to project the cutters II a given distance andthe operator may in this manner be aware of the depth of the cut and the condition of the tool at all times during its operation.

The rotation of the string S and the downward threading of the mandrel I2 is continued until the upper portions `of the ribs 24 are in cooperation with the knives or cutters II at which time the knives will have fully cut through the wall of the tubing T. Substantially simultaneously with the completion of the cut the upper ends of the ribs 24 pass below the cutters II and the springs 33 suddenly retract the cutters from the tubing T. This retraction of the cutters Il `is accompanied by the removal of substantially all resistance to rotation of the string Si and this informs the operator that the cut is completed. When the cut has been completed and the knives or cutters I I retracted, as just described, the tool may be withdrawn from the well. When the string S` is raised the springs 42 cooperate with the tubing T to resist upward movement of the slips 3l and the dove-tailed connections 38 between the slips and the sleeve portion 35 cause retraction of the slips. The slips 3l and the knives II are fully retracted when the tool `is the object, the body having argroove, a cutter carried' by the body and projectable into cutting engagement with the tubing, a nut member rotatably connected With the body, means operable to hold the nut member against movement, a mandrel threaded through the nut member, and a rib part on the mandrel engaging in the groove to cause the body to rotate with the mandrel and cooperable withv the cutter to project the cutter when the mandrel is threaded through the nut member.

2. A tool for cutting a tubular object in a Well comprising a body adapted to be rotated in the object, cutting means carried by the body for projection into cutting engagement with the object, an inclined part-moved during rotation of the body to feedthe cutting means outwardly to make an annular cut through the wall of the object and having an end substantially normal to the direction of its movement movable out of engagement with the cutting means at the comv pletion of the cut to free the cutting means for restoration, and means for restoring the cutting means at the completion of the cut whereby s resistance to rotation of the body is relieved at the completion of the cut.

3. A tool for cutting a tubular object in a Well comprising a body adapted to be rotated in the object, a mandrel for rotating the body, means operable by rotation of the mandrel for moving the mandrel longitudinally relative to the body, cutting means carried by the body for projection into cutting engagement with the object, an inclined part on the mandrel operable during said longitudinalmovement of the mandrel to feed the cutting means outwardly to make an annular cut through the wall of the object and having an end substantially normal to the direction of said longitudinal movement movable out of engagement with the cutting means at Athe completion of the cut freeing the cutting means for restoration, and a spring for restoring the cutting means at the completion of the cut whereby the resistance to rotation. of the mandrel is relieved at the completion of the cut.'

4. A tool for cutting a tubular object in a well comprising a body adapted to be rotated in the object, cutting means carried by the body for projection into cutting engagement with the object, a mandrel, thread means for advancing the mandrel when the same is rotated, and a part on the mandrel cooperable with the cutting means to project the same .when the mandrel is advanced and adapted to move free of the cutting means by said advancement of the mandrel when the cut in the object is completed.

5. A tool for cutting a tubular object in a well comprising a body adapted to be rotated in the object, cutting means carried by the body for projection into cutting engagement with the object, a mandrel, thread means for advancing the mandrel when the same is rotated, and a part on the mandrel for rotating the body together with the mandrel and operable to feed the cutting means outwardly to cut through the object when the mandrel is advanced, and means for retracting the cutting means from the object When the cut in the object is completed.

6. A tool for cutting a tubular object in a well4 comprising a body adapted to be entered into Vthe object, a cutter carried by the'body and projectable into cutting engagement with the tubing, a nut member rotatably connected with the body, means operable to grip the object to hold the nut member against movement, a mandrel having threaded engagement with the nut member to be fed longitudinally when rotated, and a part on the mandrel engageable With the cutter to project the same as the mandrel is fed longitudinally and adapted to move past the cutter to free the same for retraction when the mandrel has been fed a given distance.

7. A tool for cutting a tubular object in a Well comprising a body adapted to be entered into the object, a cutter carried by the body. and projectable into cutting engagement with the tubing, a 'nut member rotatably connected with the body, means operable to grip the object to hold the nut member against movement, a mandrel having threaded engagement with the nut member to be fed longitudinally When rotated, apart on the mandrel engageable with the cutter to project the same as the mandrel is fed longitudinally and adapted to move past the cutter to free the same forvretraction when the mandrel has been fed a given distance, and spring means for retracting the cutter.

v8. A tool for' cutting a tubular object in a well comprising a body adapted to be entered into the object, a cutter carried by the body and projectable into cutting engagement with the tubing, a nut member rotatably connected with the body, means operable to grip the object to hold the nut member against movement, a mandrel having threaded engagement with the nut member toV be fed longitudinally when rotated, and a tapered longitudinal rib on the mandrel for projecting the cutter as the mandrel is fed longitudinally and adapted to move past lthe cutter to free the same for retraction when the mandrel has been fed a given distance.

9. A tool for cutting a tubular object in a well comprisinga body adapted to be entered into the object, a cutter carried by the body and projectable into cutting engagement with the tubing, a nut member rotatably connected with the body, means operable to grip the object to hold the nut member against movement, a mandrel having threaded engagement with the nut member to be fed longitudinally when rotated, and a tapered longitudinal rib on the mandrel for projecting thel cutter as the mandrel is fed longitudinally and adapted to move past the cutter to free the same for retraction when the mandrel has been fed a given distance, the body having a groove shiftably receiving the rib to rotate with the mandrel.

10. A tool for cutting a tubular object in a well comprising a body adapted to be entered.v into the object, a cutter carried by the body and projectable into cutting engagement with the tubing, a nut member rotatably connected with the body, means operable to grip the object to hold the nut member against movement, a mandrel having threaded engagement with the nut member to be fed longitudinally when rotated, means initially holding the last mentioned means inoperative releasable by manipulation of the mandrel, and a part on the mandrel engageable with the cutter to project the same as the mandrel is fed longitudinally and adapted to move past the cutter to free the same for retraction when the mandrel has been fed a given distance.

11. A tool for cutting a tubular object in a well comprising a body adapted to be entered into the object, a cutter carried by the body and -projectable into 'cutting engagement with the tubing, a nut member rotatably connected with the body, slipv means operable to grip the object to hold the member against movement and to support the body against downward movement, a mandrel having threaded engagement with the member to be fed downwardly when rotated, a wedge part on the mandrel operable to project the cutter as the mandrel is fed downwardly and adapted to pass out of engagement with the cutter when the mandrel, has been fed a given distance, and means for retracting the cutter when the wedge part leaves the same,

l2. A tool for cutting a tubular objectin a well comprising a body adapted to be entered into the object, a cutter carried by the body and projectable into cutting engagement with the tubing, a nut member rotatably connected with the body, slip means operable to grip the object to hold the member against movement and to support the body against downward movement,

Y a releasable control for holding the slip means in a retracted condition, a mandrel having threaded engagement with the member to be fed downwardly when rotated, a wedge part on the mandrel operable to project the cutter as the mandrel is fed downwardly and adapted to pass out of engagement with the cutter when the mandrel has been fed a given distance, and means for retracting the cutter when the wedge part leaves the same.

ERNEST E. ANDERSON.

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