Downhole chemical cutting tool and process

Abstract

Chemical cutting processes and tool for use in a well bore useful in the cutting of high strength and corrosion-resistant downhole tubular goods. The cutting tool has an elongated tool body adapted to be inserted into a well conduit and positioned at a downhole location for effecting a cutting action. The tool body comprises a chemical section and a cutting section having a plurality of cutting ports therein for discharge of the chemical cutting agent. The cutting ports extend transversely of the major axis of the elongated tool body and are arranged in at least first and second groups. The first group of cutting ports is arranged in a configuration conforming to the desired shape of the cut and define a first pattern. The second group of cutting ports conform generally to the first pattern and are in a canted relationship with respect to the first pattern. At least some of the cutting ports in the first group are in a staggered relationship relative to at least some of the cutting ports in the second group. Cutting ports maybe arranged circumferentially of the tool body to provide first and second planar patterns in a converging relationship such that they intersect at a locus externally of the tool body. The cutting ports may also be arranged to cut relatively large perforations in downhole tubular goods. The cutting ports lie in first and second ring-shaped configurations in an annular relationship with one another with one pattern forming a frustoconical configuration.