Downhole mixing tool

a technology for mixing tools and downholes, which is applied in the directions of mixing, transportation and packaging, borehole/well accessories, etc., can solve the problems of reducing the volume of treated sand laden fluid being lifted to the surface, increasing the quantity of fluid found, and needing to be emptied

Inactive Publication Date: 2017-01-24
SERVWELL ENG
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a tool and method for removing sand in a wellbore without interfering with production. The tool has multiple treatment ports that allow a treatment fluid to mix with the sand laden fluid and reduce its viscosity. The treated fluid is then carried to the surface of the well. The tool can also be used to break up obstructions in the wellbore and reduce the volume of treated sand laden fluid being lifted to the surface. The technical effect is to provide an effective and efficient tool for sand removal that does not interfere with production.

Problems solved by technology

Sand is a particular problem as it is swept out of the producing formation and the quantity found in the fluid can increase as oil production increases.
The main disadvantages with this approach are that the containers need to be emptied, requiring the tool to be pulled and run again; it is difficult to determine when a container is full so needless runs are made or no filtering is taking place; the filters can become blocked with debris; and the valves, which are typically used at an the entrance to the container, can also fail due to the build up of debris, thereby expelling the debris back into the wellbore as the tool is removed.
This has been seen as inefficient as the circulating fluid is ineffectual at breaking up the sand and entraining it within the fluid.
Additionally, due to the volume of debris suspended fluid which must be lifted in the annulus of a typical wellbore, insufficient annular velocity is available and the debris settles back out of the fluid.

Method used

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Embodiment Construction

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[0026]Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a downhole mixing tool, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, located in a wellbore 12, to remove sand 14 there from, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tool 10 includes first 16 and second 18 hollow cylinders, with the first cylinder 16 located inside the second cylinder 18; a first end 20 for connection to a tubular string (not shown) and a second end 22 including one or more inlet ports 24 accessing a chamber 26 formed between the cylinders 16,18; the first cylinder 16 including one or more treatment ports 28 upon its surface 30; the second cylinder 18 including one or more outlet ports 32 exiting the chamber 26 to an outer surface 34 of the tool 10; the ports 24,28,32 are arranged so that fluid 36 entering the inlet port 24 mixes with treatment fluid 38 introduced to the chamber 26 through the treatment port 28 and resides in the chamber 26 until the treated fluid 40 exits through the outlet port 32.

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Abstract

A downhole mixing tool and method for removing sand and other debris from a wellbore which combines the sand with a treatment fluid so that the sand is lifted to the surface of the well for removal. The tool includes a chamber into which the sand laden fluid is drawn and the treatment fluid is introduced. Ports into the chamber are arranged to provide a pressure drop to draw the sand laden fluid into the chamber and a mixing time within the chamber before sand laden fluid of lower viscosity exits the chamber to travel to the surface. Additional features include blades on the tool for breaking up obstructions prior to being drawn into the chamber and a lubricating line through the tool to introduce lubricating fluid to the blades.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing sand and other debris from a wellbore and in particular, though not exclusively, to a downhole mixing tool which combines the sand with a treatment fluid so that the sand is lifted to the surface of the well for removal.[0002]During production from an oil well, the oil fluid typically contains debris and foreign particles. Sand is a particular problem as it is swept out of the producing formation and the quantity found in the fluid can increase as oil production increases. Sufficient sand can build up in the wellbore to prevent efficient production.[0003]Debris catchers have been developed which are run into the wellbore and filter sand and other debris from the fluid stream. The clean fluid is brought to the surface while the debris is held in a container. The main disadvantages with this approach are that the containers need to be emptied, requiring the tool to be pulled and run a...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityPatents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E21B27/00E21B37/00E21B43/12E21B43/29B01F3/12B01F5/04
CPCE21B43/29B01F23/50B01F25/31331E21B37/00E21B43/38
InventorARMELL, RICHARD ALVINCOOPER, RUAIRIDH ANDREW
OwnerSERVWELL ENG