WASTE DISPOSAL DEVICE WITH SELF-CLEANING FILTER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

This disclosure provides a downhole waste disposal apparatus, a method for operating a downhole waste disposal apparatus, and a well system including the same. The downhole waste disposal apparatus, in one aspect, includes an inner pipe located within a tubular and a filter element substantially surrounding the inner pipe. The downhole waste disposal apparatus, in this aspect, further includes a cleaning assembly positioned radially around at least a portion of the filter element, wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to move relative to the filter element to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element.

Description

WASTE DISPOSAL DEVICE WITH FILTER ASSEMBLY SELF-CLEANING Rnc7nn / P7nz / E / YiAi CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority over U.S. application serial number 17 / 093,878, filed on November 10, 2020, entitled WASTE DISPOSAL APPARATUS WITH SELF-CLEANING FILTER ASSEMBLY, commonly assigned with this application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Well operations, such as milling a tool or tubing in a well or a fracturing operation, create waste that must be collected and removed from the well. For example, a downhole assembly with a milling cutter is prepared using a waste collection tool. Waste collection tools are sometimes called trash baskets, collection baskets, or waste filters. There are a variety of different collection tools that operate on different principles. However, in general, these various tools have the common goal of separating the circulating fluid from the cuttings and / or other debris present in the well. In some tools, reverse circulation is created at the bottom end of the tubing string and used to circulate the waste into the collection tool.Reverse circulation is generally created by using a tool, sometimes called a power head, to direct the flow loaded with cuttings and / or particulate material toward a waste disposal assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates a well system, including a downhole waste disposal apparatus designed, manufactured and / or operated in accordance with this disclosure; Fig. 2 illustrates an apparatus for the removal of downhole magnetic waste designed, manufactured and operated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure; Figures 3A to 3C illustrate a cross-sectional view through line AA of the cleaning assembly of Figure 2; Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a downhole magnetic waste disposal apparatus designed, manufactured, and operated according to another embodiment of the disclosure; and Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view through line BB of the cleaning assembly of Fig. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Downhole waste disposal units often use chambers with filter elements to help collect fine debris or waste that has circulated past other collection chambers. If these filter elements become clogged with debris and completely impede fluid flow, a blockage can occur, which may require pulling the entire string out of the wellbore to clean the filter elements. This disclosure provides a downhole waste disposal unit with a cleaning assembly, wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to move relative to the filter element to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element. Therefore, the cleaning assembly is configured to keep at least a portion of the filter element free of particulate matter to allow the downhole waste disposal unit to continue operating. In the drawings and descriptions that follow, similar parts are generally marked throughout the descriptive report and drawings with the same reference numbers, respectively. The figures are not necessarily to scale, although they may be. Certain features of the disclosure may be shown in exaggerated scale or somewhat schematically, and some details of certain elements may be omitted for the sake of clarity and conciseness. This disclosure can be implemented in various embodiments. Specific embodiments are described in detail and shown in the illustrations, with the understanding that this disclosure should be considered an example of the principles of disclosure and is not intended to limit disclosure to what is illustrated and described herein. It should be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed herein may be employed separately or in any combination suitable for producing the desired results. Furthermore, all statements herein that include principles and aspects of disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass the equivalents of this disclosure. In addition, the term "or," as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or non-exclusive approach, unless otherwise stated. Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms connect, mesh, couple, join, or any other similar term describing an interaction between elements is not intended to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the described elements. Unless otherwise specified, the use of the expressions above, upper, upward, above the well, upstream, or other similar expressions shall be interpreted generally as toward the surface of the well; likewise, the use of the expressions below, lower, downward, at the bottom of the well, or other similar expressions shall be interpreted Rncznn / eznz / E / YiAi generally down the well, the terminal end of a well, regardless of the well's orientation. The use of one or more of any of the above expressions should not be construed as denoting positions along a perfectly vertical or horizontal axis. Unless otherwise specified, the use of the expression "underground formation" shall be construed to encompass both areas below exposed earth and areas below earth covered by water, such as the ocean or freshwater. With reference to Fig. 1, a well system 100 is schematically illustrated, including a downhole waste disposal apparatus 180 designed, manufactured, and / or operated in accordance with this disclosure. The well system 100 of Fig. 1 includes, among other things, a semi-submersible platform 115 having a deck 120 positioned over the underground formation (e.g., oil and gas) 110, which, in this embodiment, is located below the seabed 125. The platform 115, in the illustrated embodiment, may include a hoisting apparatus / drilling derrick 130 for raising and lowering various oil and gas components, such as transportation equipment, drill string, production tubing, etc. The well system 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 may further include a control system 140 located on the deck 120, or elsewhere.The control system 140, in one embodiment, can be used to control various aspects of the well system 100. A subsea pipeline 145 extends from platform 115 to a wellhead facility 150, which may include one or more subsea blowout preventers 155. A well 160 extends through various earth strata, including the subsurface formation 110. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the well casing 165 is cemented into the well 160 using cement 170 and includes a transport medium 175 therein. The transport medium 175 can be any known transport medium; however, in one or more embodiments, the transport medium 175 is either a work string or a production string. In the illustrated embodiment, well 160 has an initial, generally vertical portion 160a and a lower, generally deviated portion 160b, which is illustrated as horizontal. However, it should be noted by anyone of middle-level skill that the downhole waste disposal apparatus 180 of this disclosure is equally suitable for use in other well configurations, including, but not limited to, inclined wells, restricted wells, non-deviated wells, and the like. Furthermore, while well 160 is placed below the seabed 125 in the embodiment of Fig. 1, persons of middle-level skill will understand that the principles of this disclosure are equally applicable to other subsurface formations, including those encompassing both areas below exposed earth and areas below earth covered by water, such as the ocean or freshwater. Rncznn / eznz / E / YiAi According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the downhole waste disposal apparatus 180 includes an inner pipe placed within a tubular and a filter element substantially surrounding the inner pipe. The downhole waste disposal apparatus 180, according to this embodiment, further includes a cleaning assembly positioned radially around at least a portion of the filter element, wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to move relative to the filter element to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element. In one embodiment, the cleaning assembly is configured to rotate with respect to the filter element. In another embodiment, the cleaning assembly is configured to move with respect to the filter element.In yet another embodiment, the cleaning assembly is configured to rotate and move relative to the filtration element. Attached to the downhole waste disposal unit 180 (for example, positioned above the downhole waste disposal unit 180) in the embodiment of Fig. 1 is a power head 190. In this embodiment, the power head 190 functions to provide fluid circulation through the downhole waste disposal unit 180. With regard to Fig. 2, a downhole magnetic waste disposal apparatus 200, designed, manufactured, and operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, is schematically illustrated. The downhole waste disposal apparatus 200, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a waste collection device 210, a handling device 220, and a waste disposal device 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the waste collection device 210 is positioned at the bottom of the waste disposal device 230, with the handling device 220 interposed (e.g., by coupling) between the waste collection device 210 and the waste disposal device 230.However, while the waste disposal device 230 is often located above the waste collection device 210, it is not necessary to place the handling device 220 between the two. Therefore, in certain other embodiments, the handling device 220 could be located at the bottom of the waste collection device 210 or the waste disposal device 230 and still remain within the scope of disclosure. In still other embodiments, the downhole waste disposal apparatus 200 does not include the waste collection device 210 or the handling device 220, but only the waste disposal device 230. The waste collection device 210 may comprise a variety of different configurations and remain within the scope of disclosure. However, in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the waste collection device 210 includes Rncznn / eznz / E / YiAi A tubular 212, for example, having an inner pipe 214 placed therein. The inner pipe 214, in the illustrated embodiment, only partially extends upward into the tubular 212. Consequently, the tubular 212 and the inner pipe 214 create a collection chamber 216 that is used to remove larger debris from the fluid (e.g., circulating fluid, drilling fluid, etc.). For example, as the fluid flows upwell through the debris collection device 210, the fluid passes from the smaller-diameter inner pipe 214 into the larger-diameter tubular 212, thereby slowing its velocity and releasing at least a portion of the debris accumulated in the collection chamber 216. The debris collection device 210 further includes a connector 218, which in the embodiment shown is a box connector. The handling device 220 may also comprise a variety of different configurations and remain within the scope of disclosure. The handling device 220, in the embodiment of Fig. 2, however, includes a housing 222 having a fluid passage 224 extending through it. The handling device 220, in the illustrated embodiment, further includes a toothed portion 226. The toothed portion 226 may, in certain cases, be gripped with pliers and / or tools available at the well site when it is necessary to empty the collection chamber 216. The handling device 220 further includes a pair of connectors 228 (e.g., pin connectors) for coupling with the waste collection device 210 and the waste disposal device 230. The waste disposal device 230, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, includes a tubular 240. The tubular 240 may comprise a variety of different tubulars and remain within the scope of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the tubular 240 is a steel tubular, such as American Petroleum Institute (API) tubing. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the tubular 240 may have a pair of connectors 245 for coupling the waste disposal fitting 230 to the handling device 220, as well as for coupling the waste disposal device 230 to an additional upwell device (for example, a powerhead). Located at opposite ends within the tubular 240 in the embodiment of Fig. 2 are a first base plate 250 and a second base plate 255. The first base plate 250, in the illustrated embodiment, is located near a bottom-hole end of the tubular 240. Likewise, the second base plate 255, in the illustrated embodiment, is located near a top end of the tubular 240. The first and second base plates 250, 255, as shown, may include openings extending through them to allow fluid to enter, pass through, and exit the waste disposal device 230. Rncznn / eznz / E / YiAi In addition, the first base plate 250 can form a waste collection chamber 252 in the tubular 240. In the illustrated embodiment, an inner pipe 260 is positioned inside the tubular 240. The inner pipe 260, in the illustrated embodiment, extends partially downward into the tubular 240 from the second base plate 255. In other embodiments, however, the inner pipe 260 could extend substantially downward into the tubular 240, or possibly completely downward into the tubular 240. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the inner pipe 260 includes a plurality of openings or slots (not shown) to allow fluid to move from the outside of the inner pipe 260 to the inside of the inner pipe 260. Located around the inner pipe 260, in the embodiment of Fig. 2, is a filter element 265. The filter element 265, as illustrated, may substantially surround the inner pipe 260. According to one embodiment, the filter element 265 is a filter assembly. According to another embodiment, the filter element 265 could be a mesh assembly, or any other filter element known or discovered in the future. The filter element 265 may have many different filter porosities and remain within the scope of disclosure, for example, depending on the size of the particulate matter being filtered. Positioned radially around at least a portion of the filter element 265 is a cleaning assembly 270. The cleaning assembly 270, according to the disclosure, is designed to move relative to the filter element 265 to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element 265. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 2, the cleaning assembly 270 includes one or more brushes, wipers, or petals 272 that move relative to the filter element 265 to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element 265. In addition to the embodiment of Fig. 2, the cleaning assembly 270 is configured to rotate relative to the filter element 265 to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element 265. While the embodiment of Fig.Figure 2 illustrates that the cleaning assembly 270 rotates relative to the filter element 265. Other embodiments may exist in which the cleaning assembly 270 translates relative to the filter element 265 (for example, see Figure 4). Furthermore, still other embodiments may exist in which the cleaning assembly 270 both rotates and translates relative to the filter element 265. Although this disclosure illustrates the inner pipe 260 and the filter element 265 as being fixed, and therefore the cleaning assembly 270 as moving, other embodiments may exist in which the exact opposite occurs. Moreover, where Figure 2 illustrates only one cleaning assembly 270, others may exist. Rnc7nn / Q7n7 / e / YiAi embodiments in which two or more cleaning assemblies 270 are used for a single apparatus for the disposal of bottom-hole waste 200. In one embodiment, an actuator 274 and a coupled bearing 276 can be used between the cleaning assembly 270 and the inner pipe 260 to move the cleaning assembly 270 relative to the filter element 265. The actuator 274 may comprise a variety of different actuators and remain within the scope of disclosure. In one embodiment, the actuator is a hydraulic actuator. In other embodiments, however, the actuator 274 could be a manual actuator, an electric actuator, or a pneumatic actuator. With brief reference to Figs. 3A to 3C, cross-sectional views across line AA of alternative embodiments of the cleaning assembly 270 are illustrated. Fig. 3A illustrates that the cleaning assembly 270 may include one or more internal flow channels 310. The internal flow channels 310, in combination with the fluid circulating through them, may be sufficient to rotate the cleaning assembly 270 and thus create relative motion. The internal flow channels 310 may incorporate any number and / or shape necessary to rotate the cleaning assembly 270. The cleaning assembly 270 illustrated in Fig. 3A further includes one or more waste flow paths 320 to allow dislodged particulate matter to fall from the filter element 265 into the waste collection chamber 252. Figure 3B illustrates that the cleaning assembly 270 may include one or more impeller vanes 330. The impeller vanes 330, in combination with the fluid passing through them, may be sufficient to rotate the cleaning assembly 270. The impeller vanes 330 may incorporate any number and / or shape necessary to rotate the cleaning assembly 270. Although not shown, the cleaning assembly 270 could include a combination of the internal flow channels 310 and the impeller vanes 330. Figure 3C illustrates that the cleaning assembly 270 may include a fixed rounded tip, with impeller vanes and a bearing system (e.g., similar to Figures 3A and 3B) connected to a ring fixed to the filter element 265. With reference to Fig. 2, the waste disposal device 230 of the illustrated embodiment further includes a bypass assembly 280 coupled to the inner pipe 260. In this embodiment, the bypass assembly 280 is designed to open when a pressure differential between the outside and inside of the inner pipe 260 increases to a predetermined value. For example, if the cleaning assembly 270 were to fail or become unavailable, particulate matter could completely clog the filter element 265 and thus create a blockage (e.g., by causing the pressure differential to reach the predetermined value). If this occurs, the bypass assembly 280 would open the inner pipe. Rncznn / eznz / E / YiAi internal 260 to the fluid flow, thus substantially equalizing the pressure differential and preventing a blockage. Furthermore, if the cleaning assembly 270 were to start operating again, or recover, the bypass assembly 280 could be closed again, allowing the filter element 265 to continue filtering the fluid. The waste disposal device 230 illustrated in the embodiment of Fig. 2 may additionally include a check valve 290 located near the first base plate 250. The check valve 290, in the illustrated embodiment, can be operated to open during reverse flow and close during normal flow. In the embodiment shown, the check valve 290 and the first base plate 250 help define the collection chamber 252. In the absence of the check valve 290, an internal pipe 214 could be used. A downhole waste disposal unit, such as the 200 downhole waste disposal unit, can be operated to filter downhole fluid. In this operation, the downhole waste disposal unit (e.g., including a waste disposal device as per the disclosure) would be placed at the bottom of the well. The fluid would then be circulated through the waste disposal device. At some point after the fluid has begun to circulate through the waste disposal device (e.g., while the fluid is circulating or after the fluid has circulated), the cleaning assembly of the waste disposal device would move relative to the filter element of the waste disposal device to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element.In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly rotates relative to the filter element, but in other embodiments it translates, or rotates and translates, relative to the filter element. In some embodiments, the circulating fluid creates the relative rotation of the cleaning assembly. In other embodiments, an actuator (or a combination of an actuator and the circulating fluid) creates the relative rotation of the cleaning assembly. However, regardless of whether the circulating fluid or an actuator creates the relative rotation, downhole waste can be used in horizontal, vertical, and deviated wells alike.Additionally, if a pressure differential between the outside of an internal pipe of the waste disposal device and the inside of the internal pipe of the waste disposal device increases to a predetermined value, a bypass assembly coupled to the internal pipe can be opened to prevent a packing situation. With regard to Fig. 4, an alternative embodiment of a downhole magnetic waste disposal apparatus 400, designed, manufactured, and operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, is schematically illustrated. The downhole waste disposal apparatus 400 illustrated in the Rncznn / eznz / E / YiAi Fig. 4 is similar in many respects to the downhole waste disposal apparatus 200 illustrated in Fig. 2. Consequently, similar reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not substantially identical, features. The downhole waste disposal apparatus 400 differs, for the most part, from the downhole waste disposal apparatus 200 in that the downhole waste disposal apparatus 400 employs a cleaning assembly 470 that moves relative to the filter element 265, rather than rotating relative to the filter element 265. The cleaning assembly 470 in the illustrated embodiment includes one or more brushes, wipers, or petals 472 positioned on a ring 474 that move relative to the filter element 265 to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element 265. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig.4, one or more brushes, cleaners or petals 472 are placed inside the ring 474 to clean the filter element 265, but are also placed outside the ring 474 to clean the pipe 240. Returning briefly to Fig. 5, a cross-sectional view through line BB of the cleaning assembly 470 is illustrated. Fig. 5 illustrates the ring 474 having one or more brushes, wipers, or petals 472 positioned on an inner and outer surface thereof. Fig. 5 further illustrates that the ring 474 may have one or more openings 510 therein, so that fluid may pass between a well surface of the ring 474 and a bottom-hole surface of the ring 474. In operation of the downhole waste removal apparatus 400 of Fig. 4, the circulating fluid would flow through the check valve 290 and into the tubular 240. The circulating fluid would then contact the cleaning assembly 470 and thus cause the cleaning assembly 470 to move upward (e.g., as a result of the fluid pressure on it). As the cleaning assembly 470 moves upward, the one or more brushes, wipers, or petals 472 would essentially clean the filter element 265. In addition, the amount of circulating fluid can be modulated (e.g., by increasing and decreasing the flow rate) to allow the cleaning assembly 470 to move up and down against the filter element 265, thereby cleaning a substantial portion of a length of the filter element 265. The aspects disclosed herein include: A. A downhole waste disposal apparatus, wherein the downhole waste disposal apparatus includes: 1) an inner pipe placed inside a tubular; 2) a filtration element substantially surrounding the inner pipe; and 3) a cleaning assembly positioned radially around at least a portion of the filtration element, wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to move in Rncznn / eznz / E / YiAi relationship with the filter element to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element. B. A method for operating a downhole waste disposal apparatus, wherein the method includes: 1) providing a downhole waste disposal device, wherein the waste disposal device includes a) an inner pipe placed inside a tubular; b) a filter element substantially surrounding the inner pipe; and c) a cleaning assembly positioned radially around at least a portion of the filter element; 2) circulating fluid through the waste disposal device; and 3) moving the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element. C. A well system, wherein the well system includes: 1) a well extending into a subsurface formation; 2) a conveyance located within the well; 3) a downhole waste disposal apparatus placed within the well with the conveyance, wherein the downhole waste disposal apparatus includes: a) an inner pipe placed within a tubular; b) a filter element substantially surrounding the inner pipe; and c) a cleaning assembly positioned radially around at least a portion of the filter element, wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to move relative to the filter element to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element;and 4) a power head coupled to the downhole waste disposal apparatus, wherein the power head functions to provide fluid circulation through the downhole waste disposal apparatus. Aspects A, B, and C may have one or more of the following additional elements in combination: Element 1: where the cleaning assembly is configured to rotate relative to the filter element. Element 2: where the cleaning assembly includes one or more internal flow channels to create the rotation of the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element. Element 3: where the cleaning assembly includes one or more impeller blades to create the rotation of the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element. Element 4: where the cleaning assembly is configured to translate relative to the filter element. Element 5: where the cleaning assembly is configured to both rotate and translate relative to the filter element. Element 6: where the cleaning assembly includes one or more brushes, wipers, or petals configured to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element.Element 7: further including an actuator coupled to the cleaning assembly for moving the cleaning assembly relative to the filtration element. Element 8: wherein the actuator is a manual actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or an electric actuator. Element 9: further including a base plate located at one end. Rncznn / eznz / E / YiAi of the downhole of the tubular, wherein the base plate and the tubular form a debris collection chamber at the downhole end of the tubular. Element 10: wherein the cleanup assembly further includes one or more debris flow paths to allow the dislodged particulate matter to fall into the debris collection chamber. Element 11: further including a check valve located near the base plate, wherein the check valve is operated to be open during reverse flow and closed during normal flow. Element 12: further including a bypass assembly coupled to the inner pipe, wherein the bypass assembly is configured to open when a pressure differential between the outside of the inner pipe and the inside of the inner pipe reaches a predetermined value.Element 13: wherein the bypass assembly is configured to prevent a blockage in the downhole waste disposal apparatus. Element 14: wherein the tubular, inner pipe, filter element, and cleaning assembly form at least a portion of a waste disposal device, and further includes a waste collection device and a handling device coupled to the waste disposal device. Element 15: wherein moving the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element includes rotating the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element or moving the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element. Element 16: wherein moving the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element includes rotating the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element and moving the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element.Element 17: wherein the waste disposal device further includes a bypass assembly attached to the inner pipe, and further includes the opening of the bypass assembly when a pressure difference between the outside of the inner pipe and the inside of the inner pipe reaches a predetermined value. Those in the mid-level trade to whom this request is addressed will appreciate that additions, deletions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the described forms of implementation.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the removal of downhole debris, comprising: an inner pipe placed within a tubular; a filter element substantially surrounding the inner pipe; and a cleaning assembly positioned radially around at least a portion of the filter element, wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to move relative to the filter element to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element.

2. The apparatus for the removal of bottom-of-well waste according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to rotate with respect to the filtration element.

3. The apparatus for the removal of bottom-hole waste according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning assembly includes one or more internal flow channels to create rotation of the cleaning assembly with respect to the filtration element.

4. The apparatus for removing bottom-hole debris according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning assembly includes one or more drive blades to create rotation of the cleaning assembly with respect to the filtration element.

5. The apparatus for the removal of bottom-of-well waste according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to move relative to the filtration element.

6. The apparatus for the removal of bottom-of-well waste according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to rotate and move with respect to the filtration element.

7. The apparatus for the removal of bottom-of-well waste according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning assembly includes one or more brushes, wipers or petals configured to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element.

8. The apparatus for the removal of bottom-of-well waste according to claim 1, further including an actuator coupled to the cleaning assembly for moving the cleaning assembly with respect to the filtration element.

9. The apparatus for the disposal of bottom-of-well waste according to claim 8, wherein the actuator is a manual actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or an electric actuator.

10. The downhole waste disposal apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a base plate located at a downhole end of the tubular, wherein the base plate and the tubular form a waste collection chamber at the downhole end of the tubular. Rncznn / eznz / E / YiAi 11. The apparatus for the disposal of bottom-hole waste according to claim 10, wherein the cleaning assembly further includes one or more waste flow paths to allow the dislodged particulate matter to fall into the waste collection chamber.

12. The downhole waste disposal apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a check valve positioned near the base plate, wherein the check valve is operated to be open during reverse flow and closed during normal flow.

13. The downhole waste disposal apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a bypass assembly coupled to the inner pipe, wherein the bypass assembly is configured to open when a pressure difference between the outside of the inner pipe and the inside of the inner pipe reaches a predetermined value.

14. The apparatus for the disposal of bottom-of-well waste according to claim 13, wherein the bypass assembly is configured to prevent a blockage situation in the apparatus for the disposal of bottom-of-well waste.

15. The downhole waste disposal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tubular, inner pipe, filtration element and cleaning assembly form at least a portion of a waste disposal device, and further includes a waste collection device and a handling device coupled to the waste disposal device.

16. A method for operating a downhole waste disposal apparatus, comprising: providing a downhole waste disposal device, wherein the waste disposal device includes: an inner pipe placed within a tubular; a filter element substantially surrounding the inner pipe; and a cleaning assembly positioned radially around at least a portion of the filter element; circulating fluid through the waste disposal device; and moving the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element to dislodge particulate matter from the filter element.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein moving the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element includes rotating the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element or translating the cleaning assembly relative to the filter element. Rncznn / eznz / E / YiAi 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein moving the cleaning assembly with respect to the filter element includes rotating the cleaning assembly with respect to the filter element and translating the cleaning assembly with respect to the filter element.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the waste disposal device further includes a bypass assembly coupled to the inner pipe, and further includes opening the bypass assembly when a pressure difference between the outside of the inner pipe and the inside of the inner pipe reaches a predetermined value.

20. A well system, comprising: a well extending into a subsurface formation; a conveying means located within the well; a downhole waste disposal apparatus placed within the well with the conveying means, wherein the downhole waste disposal apparatus includes: an inner pipe placed within a tubular; a filtration element substantially surrounding the inner pipe; and a cleaning assembly positioned radially around at least a portion of the filtration element, wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to move relative to the filtration element to dislodge particulate matter from the filtration element; and a power head coupled to the downhole waste disposal apparatus, wherein the power head functions to provide fluid circulation through the downhole waste disposal apparatus.

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