Wellbore cleaning apparatus
By installing ultrasonic units and positioning components in the well casing, the well casing cleaning device uses ultrasonic vibration to peel off dirt from the inner wall of the well casing, solving the problem of mechanical scraping residue and achieving a more efficient well casing cleaning effect and a longer service life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI BRANCH CHINA OILFIELD SERVICES
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, conventional wellbore cleaning tools use mechanical scraping methods, which result in the residue of tiny particles, poor cleaning effect, and affect subsequent production operations, especially in wells with large reach, deep wells, and ultra-deep wells where the difficulty is even greater.
The ultrasonic unit adopts a ring structure and is installed on the wellbore drilling tool through a carrier tube. It uses ultrasonic vibration to remove dirt from the inner wall of the wellbore. Combined with the design of positioning and fixing parts, it ensures that the ultrasonic unit is stable and sealed. It uses the high-frequency vibration and cavitation effect of ultra-high power ultrasonic waves to remove fine particles attached to the inner wall of the wellbore.
It improves the cleaning effect of the well casing, deeply removes residual dirt, enhances the smoothness of the inner wall of the well casing, and improves the service life of the well casing and the quality of well repair operations.
Smart Images
Figure CN116591639B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil well cleaning technology, and more particularly to a well cleaning device. Background Technology
[0002] A shaft is a type of vertical or inclined excavation project that is dug from the surface to the ore body in underground mining or construction. Vertical shafts are called vertical shafts, and inclined shafts are called inclined shafts.
[0003] In the oil and gas production process, wellbores are typically used to transport oil, gas, water, or other materials. During transport, these materials adhere to the inner wall of the wellbore, forming scale. This scale can clog the wellbore to some extent, affecting the normal production of oil and gas. Therefore, the cleanliness of the wellbore is very important. The cleanliness of the wellbore is directly related to the construction safety of well workover operations and may even affect the smooth progress of daily production operations. It is especially important in deep well production.
[0004] With the increasing number of extended reach wells, deep wells, and ultra-deep wells, the difficulty of cleaning the well casing increases progressively, posing a challenge to conventional well casing scraping and other cleaning methods. Current technologies utilize mechanical scraping for well casing cleaning, which leaves microparticles residued and adhering to the inner wall of the well casing, resulting in poor cleaning effectiveness and impacting subsequent production operations. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a well cleaning device that can emit ultrasonic waves in the circumferential direction, resulting in better cleaning effect.
[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] A well cleaning device, comprising:
[0008] Support pipe;
[0009] An ultrasonic unit, in the form of a ring structure, is provided in multiples, which are arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other, and are sleeved on the support tube. The ultrasonic unit is configured to emit ultrasonic vibrations in the circumference of the support tube.
[0010] A positioning element is sleeved on the bearing tube, and a positioning element is sandwiched between adjacent ultrasonic units. The diameter of the positioning element is larger than the diameter of the ultrasonic unit.
[0011] The fixing component includes a first fixing component and a second fixing component. The first fixing component is installed at one end of the bearing tube, and the second fixing component is installed at the other end of the bearing tube. The ultrasonic unit and the positioning component are clamped and fixed between the first fixing component and the second fixing component.
[0012] Optionally, the bearing tube is a hollow tube with both ends connected to the outside, passing through the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The bearing tube is provided with an installation channel, which is configured to be sleeved and installed on the wellbore drilling tool.
[0013] Optionally, the ultrasonic unit includes multiple ring structures that are nested together in sequence, wherein the multiple ring structures, from the inside out, are an inner insulator, an inner copper electrode, a ceramic ring, an outer copper electrode, an outer insulator, and a magnetic ring shell.
[0014] Optionally, the number of ultrasound units is 2-12.
[0015] Optionally, the diameter of the first fastener gradually decreases in the direction away from the second fastener.
[0016] Optionally, a positioning element is sandwiched between the first fixing member at one end of the carrier tube and the ultrasonic unit, and a positioning element is sandwiched between the second fixing member at the other end of the carrier tube and the ultrasonic unit.
[0017] Optionally, the diameter of the fixing member is not less than the diameter of the positioning member.
[0018] Optionally, the diameters of the first fastener and the second fastener are equal.
[0019] Optionally, it also includes a power supply mechanism configured to supply power to the ultrasonic unit, the power supply mechanism including a plurality of sockets, the sockets being arranged in pairs opposite each other along the circumference of the carrier tube.
[0020] Optionally, the power supply mechanism is installed at the end of the second fixing member opposite to the first fixing member.
[0021] Beneficial effects:
[0022] This invention provides a wellbore cleaning device, comprising a support pipe, ultrasonic units, positioning components, and fixing components. The support pipe serves as the supporting structure of the device and can be installed on the wellbore drilling tool. Multiple ultrasonic units are provided, used to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy, and to clean the dirt in the wellbore through vibration propagation of sound waves. The ultrasonic units have a ring structure, capable of emitting ultrasonic vibrations circumferentially to the support pipe, resulting in more uniform ultrasonic coverage and improved cleaning effect. Multiple ultrasonic units are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, sleeved on the support pipe, enabling them to peel away dirt from the inner wall of the wellbore segment by segment, resulting in better wellbore cleaning effect. Multiple positioning components are provided, sleeved on the support pipe, with one positioning component sandwiched between adjacent ultrasonic units, which can limit and constrain the ultrasonic units, preventing collisions between them. The diameter of the fixing component is larger than that of the ultrasonic unit to better protect the ultrasonic unit. The fixing component includes a first fixing component and a second fixing component. The first fixing component is installed at one end of the bearing tube, and the second fixing component is installed at the other end of the bearing tube. Through the limiting and sealing effect of the fixing components at both ends of the bearing tube, the device can be more securely fitted onto the wellbore drilling tool and maintain better sealing. The ultrasonic unit and the positioning component are clamped and fixed between the first fixing component and the second fixing component, making the device more robust and stable. Through the above-mentioned settings, the annular ultrasonic unit can emit ultra-high power ultrasonic waves. Through the high shear stress and cavitation effect brought about by its high frequency vibration, it can peel off the fine particles attached to the inner wall of the wellbore and deeply clean the residual bound oil in the wellbore, thereby improving the wellbore cleaning effect. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view of the device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view of section AA;
[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Sectional view of section BB;
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply mechanism of the device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] In the picture:
[0029] 1. Supporting pipe; 11. Installation channel;
[0030] 2. Ultrasonic unit;
[0031] 3. Positioning components;
[0032] 4. Fasteners; 41. First fastener; 42. Second fastener;
[0033] 5. Power supply mechanism; 51. Socket. Detailed Implementation
[0034] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.
[0035] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0037] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.
[0038] like Figures 1-5As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a wellbore cleaning device, which includes a support pipe 1, an ultrasonic unit 2, a positioning member 3, and a fixing member 4. The ultrasonic unit 2 has a ring structure and multiple ultrasonic units 2 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other, and are sleeved on the support pipe 1. The ultrasonic unit 2 is configured to emit ultrasonic vibrations in the circumference of the support pipe 1. The positioning member 3 is sleeved on the support pipe 1, and a positioning member 3 is sandwiched between adjacent ultrasonic units 2. The diameter of the positioning member 3 is larger than the diameter of the ultrasonic unit 2. The fixing member 4 includes a first fixing member 41 and a second fixing member 42. The first fixing member 41 is installed at one end of the support pipe 1, and the second fixing member 42 is installed at the other end of the support pipe 1. The ultrasonic unit 2 and the positioning member 3 are sandwiched and fixed between the first fixing member 41 and the second fixing member 42.
[0039] In this invention, the carrier pipe 1 serves as the supporting structure of the device and is installed onto the wellbore drilling tool. Multiple ultrasonic units 2 are provided, used to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy, and to clean the dirt in the wellbore through vibration propagation of sound waves. The ultrasonic units 2 have a ring structure, capable of emitting ultrasonic vibrations circumferentially to the carrier pipe 1, resulting in more uniform ultrasonic coverage and improved cleaning effect. Multiple ultrasonic units 2 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, sleeved on the carrier pipe 1, enabling them to peel away dirt from the inner wall of the wellbore segment by segment, resulting in better wellbore cleaning. Multiple positioning elements 3 are provided, sleeved on the carrier pipe 1, with one positioning element 3 sandwiched between adjacent ultrasonic units 2, which can limit and constrain the ultrasonic units 2, preventing collisions between them. The diameter of the positioning element 3 is larger than the diameter of the ultrasonic unit 2 to better constrain the ultrasonic units. The ultrasonic unit 2 provides protection. The fixing component 4 includes a first fixing component 41 and a second fixing component 42. The first fixing component 41 is installed at one end of the bearing pipe 1, and the second fixing component 42 is installed at the other end of the bearing pipe 1. Through the limiting and sealing effect of the first fixing component 41 and the second fixing component 42 at both ends of the bearing pipe 1, the device can be more securely fitted onto the wellbore drilling tool and maintain better sealing. The ultrasonic unit 2 and the positioning component 3 are clamped and fixed between the first fixing component 41 and the second fixing component 42, making the device more robust and stable. Through the above-mentioned settings, the annular ultrasonic unit 2 can emit ultra-high power ultrasonic waves. Through the high shear stress and cavitation effect brought about by its high-frequency vibration, it can peel off the fine particles attached to the inner wall of the wellbore and deeply clean the residual binding oil in the wellbore, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the wellbore.
[0040] Specifically, the ultrasonic unit 2 is the core component of the transducer, which can convert electrical energy into sound energy and propagate vibrations through sound waves. By utilizing the cavitation, thermal, mechanical, and pyrolysis effects of ultrasound, the temperature inside the wellbore increases, the movement of oil sludge molecules intensifies, the viscosity of crude oil decreases, large molecules become smaller molecules, and its fluidity is enhanced, so as to assist the scraper in cleaning the oil sludge inside the wellbore. It is a conventional component in this field, and its specific working principle will not be elaborated here.
[0041] More specifically, in this embodiment, the carrier tube 1 passes through the ultrasonic unit 2 and is connected to the fixing member 4. This connection can be made by threading or welding, while in other embodiments, the above-mentioned components can be made by screwing or other means, as long as the above-mentioned settings can be achieved, and no further limitations are made here.
[0042] The specific structure of this device is described below:
[0043] Specifically, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, the bearing tube 1 is a hollow tube with both ends connected to the outside, passing through the first fixing member 41 and the second fixing member 42. The bearing tube 1 is provided with an installation channel 11, which is configured to be sleeved and installed on the well drilling tool. The device is installed on the well drilling tool through the drill rod buckle. The drill rod of the drilling tool passes through the installation channel 11, which makes the stability of the device better after installation.
[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasonic unit 2 includes multiple interconnected ring structures nested in sequence. From the inside out, the multiple ring structures are an inner insulator, an inner copper electrode, a ceramic ring, an outer copper electrode, an outer insulator, and a magnetic ring shell. By designing the piezoelectric ceramic in the transducer as a ring structure, i.e. a ceramic ring, the ultrasonic waves emitted by this device can cover more evenly, which can meet the requirements for cleaning oil stains in the wellbore, and also meet the requirements for high-pressure sealing of this device in the well.
[0045] More specifically, the diameter of the magnetic ring housing is 50mm-90mm. The above-mentioned ring structure is squeezed by a given specific force to achieve qualified parameter specifications, that is, it is composed of an ultrasonic vibration unit through a specific process.
[0046] Specifically, the number of ultrasonic units 2 is 2-12. By uniformly arranging multiple parallel and spaced ultrasonic units 2 on the carrier pipe 1, the cleaning power of this device for dirt inside the wellbore is improved. In this embodiment, a total of eight ultrasonic units 2 emit ultrasonic vibrations in the circumferential direction of the carrier pipe 1. In other embodiments, the number of ultrasonic units 2 can also be selected according to the actual situation of the field operation, such as the depth of the wellbore, as long as the cleaning purpose can be achieved. This will not be elaborated further here.
[0047] Specifically, in order to facilitate the device being lowered into the wellbore along with the drilling tools, the diameter of the first fixing member 41 gradually decreases in the direction away from the second fixing member 42, thereby reducing the resistance of the device during the well lowering process and facilitating the cleaning operation.
[0048] Specifically, a positioning element 3 is sandwiched between the first fixing element 41 at one end of the bearing tube 1 and the ultrasonic unit 2. The first fixing element 41 is screwed to the adjacent positioning element 3. A positioning element 3 is sandwiched between the second fixing element 42 at the other end of the bearing tube 1 and the ultrasonic unit 2. The second fixing element 42 is screwed to the adjacent positioning element 3, so that the first fixing element 41 and the second fixing element 42 are respectively connected to the positioning element 3, rather than directly connected to the ultrasonic unit 2, thereby playing a protective role for the ultrasonic unit 2 and preventing damage to the ultrasonic unit 2 during the cleaning operation.
[0049] Specifically, the diameter of the fixing member 4 is not less than the diameter of the positioning member 3, so that the device can be smoothly lowered into the well for cleaning operations under the protection of the fixing member 4.
[0050] Specifically, the diameters of the first fixing member 41 and the second fixing member 42 are equal, so that the diameters of the fixing members 4 at both ends are equal during the cleaning operation, which facilitates the cleaning operation of the device in the well.
[0051] Specifically, the device also includes a power supply mechanism 5, which is configured to supply power to the ultrasonic unit 2. The power supply mechanism 5 is connected to the downhole passive power supply, so that the ultrasonic unit 2 can convert electrical energy into sound energy and use sound waves to propagate vibration to clean the dirt in the well. The power supply mechanism 5 includes multiple sockets 51, which are arranged in pairs along the circumference of the support pipe 1 for easy operation by the operator. When powering on, the external power supply is electrically connected to the power supply mechanism 5 through the sockets 51, and the power supply mechanism 5 supplies power to the ultrasonic unit 2.
[0052] More specifically, the power supply mechanism 5 also includes components such as insulation parts and locking nuts, which connect the core wire and network cable of the ultrasonic unit 2, enabling the ultrasonic unit 2 to emit ultrasonic waves smoothly.
[0053] Specifically, the power supply mechanism 5 is installed at the end of the second fixing member 42 that is away from the first fixing member 41, which makes it easier for operators to plug and unplug the equipment and makes the cleaning operation more convenient.
[0054] It should be noted that, in order to further improve the mechanical scraping and cleaning effect, this device adopts high-power ultrasonic technology. Utilizing the high shear stress and cavitation effect brought about by the high-frequency vibration of ultra-high-power ultrasonic waves, it can peel off fine particles attached to the wellbore, deeply clean residual bound oil, and provide auxiliary cleaning for the inner wall of the wellbore to improve the smoothness of the inner wall of the wellbore. This improves the cleaning effect of the wellbore, enhances the quality of well workover operations, extends the service life of the wellbore, and provides a new technical solution for downhole wellbore scraping operations.
[0055] Compared with existing technologies, this device has the following advantages:
[0056] 1. The first ultra-high power ultrasonic-assisted downhole device;
[0057] 2. Unlike traditional ultrasound, ultra-high power ultrasound (peak intensity > 1W / cm²) has stronger shear force and cavitation effect, and its force can meet the requirements of downhole ultrasonic cleaning.
[0058] 3. The device is powered by a passive power source, which is the electrical energy converted from the mechanical force of the drill pipe.
[0059] 4. A high-pressure surrounding radial transducer is adopted, meaning that this device can meet the high-pressure environment of downhole operations. Surrounding means that the ultrasonic unit 2 has a ring structure, which can meet the inner diameter requirements during downhole operations. Since the ultrasonic unit 2 uses a ceramic ring, it needs to convert electrical energy into high-power acoustic energy, which requires a large pre-pressure. However, ceramic itself is relatively brittle, and making it into a ring will limit its pressure-bearing capacity. Therefore, the technology is relatively advanced. Radial means that the polarization direction of this device is perpendicular to the axis of the bearing pipe 1.
[0060] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A wellbore cleaning device, characterized in that, include: Support pipe (1); The ultrasonic unit (2) has a ring structure. Multiple ultrasonic units (2) are provided. The multiple ultrasonic units (2) are arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other and are sleeved on the carrier tube (1). The ultrasonic unit (2) is configured to emit ultrasonic vibrations to the circumference of the carrier tube (1). A positioning element (3) is sleeved on the bearing tube (1), and a positioning element (3) is sandwiched between adjacent ultrasonic units (2). The diameter of the positioning element (3) is larger than the diameter of the ultrasonic unit (2). The fixing component (4) includes a first fixing component (41) and a second fixing component (42). The first fixing component (41) is installed at one end of the bearing tube (1), and the second fixing component (42) is installed at the other end of the bearing tube (1). The ultrasonic unit (2) and the positioning component (3) are clamped and fixed between the first fixing component (41) and the second fixing component (42). The bearing tube (1) is a hollow tube with both ends connected to the outside, passing through the first fixing member (41) and the second fixing member (42). The bearing tube (1) is provided with an installation channel (11), which is configured to be sleeved and installed on the well drilling tool. The ultrasonic unit (2) includes multiple ring structures that are nested together in sequence. The multiple ring structures are, from the inside out, an inner insulator, an inner copper electrode, a ceramic ring, an outer copper electrode, an outer insulator, and a magnetic ring shell. The diameter of the first fixing member (41) gradually decreases in the direction away from the second fixing member (42); A positioning member (3) is sandwiched between the first fixing member (41) at one end of the bearing tube (1) and the ultrasonic unit (2), and a positioning member (3) is sandwiched between the second fixing member (42) at the other end of the bearing tube (1) and the ultrasonic unit (2). It also includes a power supply mechanism (5) configured to supply power to the ultrasonic unit (2), the power supply mechanism (5) including a plurality of sockets (51) arranged in pairs opposite each other along the circumference of the carrier tube (1).
2. The well cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of ultrasound units (2) is 2-12.
3. The wellbore cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the fixing member (4) is not less than the diameter of the positioning member (3).
4. The wellbore cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameters of the first fastener (41) and the second fastener (42) are equal.
5. The wellbore cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply mechanism (5) is installed on the end of the second fixing member (42) away from the first fixing member (41).