Underground isolation system and method

Abstract

A downhole separation system for use upstream of any implement through which media flows. The separation system filters at least a portion of any solids from the media flowing through the filter flow path. The separation system washes at least a portion of the filtered solids through a wash flow path, through a wash outlet on the exterior surface of the housing, and into a space surrounding the housing. A screen and an activation mechanism are disposed within the housing inner bore. The filter flow path extends through a plurality of openings in the screen. The activation mechanism is configured to move between a default position in which it directs fluid through the filter flow path and an activated position in which it directs fluid through the wash flow path. Optionally, a spring within the housing inner bore is configured to bias the activation mechanism toward the default position.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] In the process of drilling and maintaining a wellbore, drilling fluid is pumped through a drilling motor, such as a positive displacement motor, and other drilling and completion equipment, such as friction reduction tools, percussion hammers, and turbines. Most drilling fluids contain solid particles (e.g., weighted materials such as barite and hematite, low-gravity solids such as bentonite clay, crushed rock, and cuttings). Some pieces of drilling and completion equipment are sensitive to solid particles in the drilling fluid. For example, some drilling motors contain only metal components that are not capable of flexing when the drilling fluid containing the solid particles flows between the components. Instead, solid particles often become wedged between two metal components, which causes the drilling motor to wear prematurely or stop rotating, thereby rendering the metal-to-metal drilling motor inoperable. The power section of a typical drilling motor contains a nitrile-based elastomeric material that flexes to allow the solid particles to flow through the drilling motor. However, these elastomeric materials can begin to deteriorate or fail when the drilling motor is exposed to high temperatures in the wellbore or to oil-based drilling fluids with low aniline points.

[0002] In both cases, a filter is sometimes positioned upstream of the drilling motor to reduce the amount of solid particles in the drilling fluid before it enters the drilling motor. However, the filter has a limited capacity for collected solid particles and fills after some time. Once the filter reaches capacity, some conventional filters direct the drilling fluid through passages in the filter, bypassing the solid particle capture section of the filter, thereby allowing unfiltered drilling fluid to reach the downstream drilling motor while retaining any solid particles contained in the solid particle capture section of the filter.

[0003] 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a conventional filter 2. Fluid flowing through the filter 2 is directed to flow through the filter surface 4 to collect solid particles within the filter sleeve 6. When a predetermined amount of solid particles is retained within the filter sleeve 6, the associated pressure drop causes the shear pins 8 to break and release the filter sleeve 6, which moves downstream and opens the bypass port 10, as shown in FIG. 2. In this position, fluid flow through the filter 2 is allowed to continue as the filter sleeve 6 fills with solid particles. However, the fluid flowing through the bypass port 10 is unfiltered, increasing the likelihood that the solid particles will damage a downstream drilling motor.

[0004] To clear the collected solid particles from the filter, conventional filters are typically withdrawn from the drill string for cleaning. For example, filter 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is required to be withdrawn from the drill string to remove the collected solid particles before the fluid can be filtered again. Removing the filter from the wellbore requires the user to stop drilling operations, resulting in lost drilling time and increased drilling costs. Alternatively, the collected solid particles can be cleared from the filter by opening the solid particle collection section of the filter and flushing the collected solid particles downstream through a central fluid path with the flow of drilling fluid to the drilling motor. Flushing the collected solid particles downstream with drilling fluid increases the amount of solid particles flowing through the drilling motor, which increases the likelihood of solid particles becoming wedged between two metal components in a metal-metal drilling motor, thereby increasing the likelihood that the drilling motor will prematurely wear out or completely stop operating.

[0005] A need exists for a downhole separation system that filters solid particles from drilling fluid and sweeps the collected solid particles from the filter without removing the system or filter from the wellbore and without releasing the collected solid particles downstream. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Disclosed herein is a separation system that flushes collected solids into an annulus around its exterior, either automatically or in response to a signal from the surface of the wellbore. Figures 3-23 illustrate embodiments of the separation system disclosed herein, and many other embodiments within the scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art after reviewing this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art filter device in a filtering position.

[0008] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art filter device shown in FIG. 1 in the bypass position.

[0009] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the separation system of the present disclosure in the default position.

[0010] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the detachment system in the default position.

[0011] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is another detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the detachment system in the default position.

[0012] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is another detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the detachment system in the default position.

[0013] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the outer valve sleeve of the isolation system.

[0014] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the outer valve sleeve.

[0015] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the mandrel of the separation system.

[0016] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the mandrel.

[0017] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the inner valve sleeve of the isolation system.

[0018] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of the piston of the separation system.

[0019] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a separation device in a partially activated position.

[0020] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the separation system in a partially activated position.

[0021] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is another detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the detachment system in a partially activated position.

[0022] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is another detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the detachment system in a partially activated position.

[0023] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a separation device in an activated position.

[0024] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a detailed partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the detachment system in an activated position.

[0025] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is another detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the detachment system in the activated position.

[0026] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is another detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the detachment system in the activated position.

[0027] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a downhole isolation system positioned in a subterranean wellbore with a coiled tubing string.

[0028] [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a downhole isolation system positioned in a subterranean wellbore with a tubular string.

[0029] [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of an upstream separation system and a downstream separation system positioned within the same tubular string in a subterranean wellbore. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Detailed Description of Selected Embodiments 3 illustrates one embodiment of a downhole isolation system in a default filtering position. The downhole isolation system 20 may include a housing 22, which may include two or more compartments, such as housing compartment 22a, housing compartment 22b, and housing compartment 22c. Each housing compartment 22a, housing compartment 22b, and housing compartment 22c may have a generally cylindrical shape with a housing inner bore 24 extending therethrough. Upper and lower ends of the housing 22 may be configured for connection to tubular members in the drill string. The housing 22 may include one or more washout outlets 26 extending radially from the housing inner bore 24 to an outer surface 28 of the housing 22.

[0031] The screen 30 and the sliding assembly 32 may be secured within the housing inner bore 24. The sliding assembly 32 may be configured to slide within the housing inner bore 24. A portion of the sliding assembly 32 may be configured to slide within the central bore of the screen 30. The sliding assembly is configured to slide within the housing inner bore 24 between a default position (shown in FIG. 3 ) and an activated position (shown in FIG. 17 ). In the default position, the filter flow passage is open and the washout outlet 26 is closed. The filter flow passage extends through an opening in the screen 30. In the activated position, the washout flow passage leading to the washout outlet 26 is open. In some embodiments, the filter flow passage is partially or completely closed in the activated position. As such, the sliding assembly 32 is an activation mechanism for the downhole separation system 20.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding assembly 32 may include a mandrel 36, an inner valve sleeve 38, and a piston 40. A spring 42 disposed within the housing inner bore 24 may bias the sliding assembly 32 toward a default position, which in the illustrated embodiment is in the upstream direction. The spring 42 may be disposed around a portion of the piston 40, which may slide within a central area of ​​the spring 42 when the piston 40 compresses the spring 42. A first diverter 44 and a second diverter 46 may secure the screen 30 within the housing inner bore 24. The mandrel 36 may be configured to slide through a central bore within the first diverter 44 and the second diverter 46. An outer valve sleeve 48 may also be secured within the housing inner bore 24. The inner valve sleeve 38 may be slidingly disposed within the outer valve sleeve 48. In some embodiments, the outer valve sleeve 48 defines the upstream and downstream limits of the sliding path for the inner valve sleeve 38. In certain embodiments, the outer valve sleeve 48 is aligned with the washout outlet 26 of the housing 22. The outer valve sleeve 48 may include one or more sleeve ports 50.

[0033] 3-5 , the first diverter 44 may include a central bore 62, a plurality of first diverter passages 64 extending axially and positioned between the central bore 62 and the outer surface of the first diverter 44, and a screen receptacle 66. The central bore 62 of the first diverter 44 may include a step 68 providing a larger diameter central bore upstream of the step 68 and a smaller diameter central bore downstream of the step 68. Similarly, the second diverter 46 may include a central bore 70, a plurality of second diverter passages 72 extending axially and positioned between the central bore 70 and the outer surface of the second diverter 46, and a screen receptacle 74. The central bore 70 of the second diverter 46 may include a step 76 that provides a smaller diameter central bore upstream of the step 76 and a larger diameter central bore downstream of the step 76. The screen 30 may include a plurality of openings 78 extending radially from the central bore 80 to an outer surface 82. The screen 30 is configured to filter a portion of any solids contained within a medium (e.g., a liquid or gas, which may be a drilling medium) flowing through the plurality of openings 78. An upstream end 84 of the screen 30 may be secured within the screen receptacle 66 of the first diverter 44, and a downstream end 86 of the screen 30 may be secured within the screen receptacle 74 of the second diverter 46.

[0034] In some embodiments, the screen assembly formed by the screen 30 between the first diverter 44 and the second diverter 46 may be secured within the housing inner bore 24 in a stationary configuration. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the screen assembly is secured within the housing section 22b using the step 88 of the housing section 22b and the lower end of the housing section 22a. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the downstream surface of the second diverter 46 engages the step 88 of the housing section 22b without blocking the second diverter passage 72, and the upstream surface of the first diverter 44 engages the lower end of the housing section 22a without blocking the first diverter passage 64.

[0035] 3 and 6-8 , the outer valve sleeve 48 may include a central bore 89 configured to allow the inner valve sleeve 38 to slide therein. The outer valve sleeve 48 may be secured within the housing inner bore 24 in its stationary configuration. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, an upstream end 90 of the outer valve sleeve 48 engages a spacer 92, which engages the lower end of the housing section 22b, and a downstream end 94 of the outer valve sleeve 48 engages a valve stop 96, which engages a step 98 of the housing section 22c. The valve stop 96 may include a recess for a housing seal member 99, which may provide a sliding fluid seal between the valve stop 96 and the piston 40. The housing 22 and the outer valve sleeve 48 may be configured to provide a washout outlet cavity 100 between the outer valve sleeve 48 and the housing 22. The washout outlet cavity 100 may be in fluid communication with the sleeve port 50 of the outer valve sleeve 48 and the washout outlet 26 of the housing 22. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the washout outlet cavity 100 may be defined by a recess 101 in the outer surface of the outer valve sleeve 48 and a recess in the housing inner bore 24. Alternatively, the washout outlet cavity 100 may be defined solely by a recess in the outer surface of the outer valve sleeve 48 or solely by a recess in the housing inner bore 24. In certain embodiments, the sleeve port 50 of the outer valve sleeve 48 may be offset from the washout outlet 26 of the housing 22. This offset arrangement may reduce wear by reducing the velocity at which fluid or other media flow through the washout outlet 26 and the sleeve port 50. In other embodiments, the sleeve port 50 may be aligned with the washout outlet 26. The outer valve sleeve 48 may further include one or more recesses 102 for receiving a sealing member 104, which may provide a fluid seal between the outer surface of the outer valve sleeve 48 and the housing inner bore 24.

[0036] 3-6 and 9-10, mandrel 36 may include a primary collar 110, a secondary collar 112 extending from step 113 to step 114, and an outer surface 115 extending from step 114 to a downstream end 116. Mandrel 36 may also include an upstream center bore 118 and a downstream center bore 120 separated by a mandrel core 122. One or more mandrel filter ports 124 may extend radially from upstream center bore 118 to the outer surface of secondary collar 112. One or more mandrel flush ports 126 may extend radially from upstream center bore 118 to outer surface 115. Upstream center bore 118 may include a tapered surface 127 between mandrel filter port 124 and mandrel flush port 126. One or more mandrel under-ports 128 may extend radially from the downstream center bore 120 to the outer surface 115 .

[0037] 4 and 5, the outer surface of the primary collar 110 of the mandrel 36 may engage the housing inner bore 24. A portion of the mandrel 36 may slide within the central bore 62 of the first diverter 44, the central bore 80 of the screen 30, and the central bore 70 of the second diverter 46. In the default position illustrated in FIGS. 3-6, the mandrel 36 may be positioned such that the mandrel filter port 124 is open to the filter port cavity 130 defined by the housing inner bore 24, the shoulder 113 of the mandrel 36, and the upper surface of the first diverter 44. In this position, the mandrel flush port 126 may be positioned within a smaller diameter section of the central bore 62 of the first diverter 44. Also, in this position, the mandrel underport 128 may be open to a screen cavity 132 defined between the central bore 80 of the screen 30 and the outer surface 115 of the mandrel 36 and between the first diverter 44 and the second diverter 46. Thus, in the default position, the mandrel filter port 124 and the mandrel underport 128 are open, while the mandrel flush port 126 is closed. The mandrel cavity 134 may extend from the step 114 of the mandrel 36 to the step 68 of the first diverter 44 between the central bore 62 of the first diverter 44 and the outer surface 115 of the mandrel 36. The collection cavity 136 may extend from the first diverter 44 to the second diverter 46 between the housing inner bore 24 and the outer surface 82 of the screen 30.

[0038] 6 and 11 , the inner valve sleeve 38 may be slidably disposed within the central bore 89 of the outer valve sleeve 48. In the default position shown in FIG. 6 , the upstream end of the inner valve sleeve 38 may engage the lower end of the spacer 92. The central bore of the inner valve sleeve 38 may include an upstream bore 140 extending from the upstream end of the inner valve sleeve 38 to a step 142 and a downstream bore 144 extending from the step 146 to the downstream end of the inner valve sleeve 38. A protrusion 148 may be formed between the steps 142 and 146. The central bore of the inner valve sleeve 38 may further include an enlarged diameter section 150 near its downstream end. The downstream end 116 of the mandrel 36 is positioned within the upstream bore 140 of the inner valve sleeve 38, with the downstream end 116 engaging the step 142. The upstream end of the piston 40 is positioned within the downstream bore 144 of the inner valve sleeve 38. In some embodiments, a ring 151 may also be disposed between the upstream end of the piston 40 and the step 146. In other embodiments, the upstream end of the piston 40 engages the step 146. The inner valve sleeve 38 may further include one or more recesses 152 within the upstream bore 140, the downstream bore 144, and on the outer surface of the inner valve sleeve 38 for receiving seal members 153. Seal member 153a may provide a fluid seal between the upstream bore 140 and the outer surface of the mandrel 36. Seal member 153b may provide a fluid seal between the downstream bore 144 and the outer surface of the piston 40. Seal member 153c may provide a fluid seal between the outer surface of the inner valve sleeve 38 and the outer valve sleeve 48.

[0039] 3, 6, and 12, piston 40 may include a central bore 154, an upstream outer surface 156 extending from an upstream end to a step 158, and a downstream outer surface 160 extending from step 162 to a downstream end. A seal block 164 may form an enlarged diameter section between steps 158 and 162. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, seal block 164 may include a recess 166 configured to receive seal member 155, which may include an O-ring or other sealing element. A portion of the outer surface of seal block 164 may engage housing inner bore 24 to provide a fluid seal separating first and second damping cavities 167 and 168 (shown in FIG. 3). One or more fluid passages may extend through the body of seal block 164 and interconnect first and second damping cavities 167 and 168. For example, one or more first nozzles 169 above the seal recess 166 and one or more second nozzles 170 below the seal recess 166 may extend inward from the outer surface of the seal block 164 (shown in FIG. 12 ). In some embodiments, each first nozzle 169 is fluidly connected to one of the second nozzles 170 such that a nozzle path is formed through the seal block 164 from the first damping cavity 167 to the second damping cavity 168. The nozzle path may include a flow path diameter restriction. In other embodiments, the fluid passage connecting the first and second damping cavities 167 and 168 may include an annular space between the seal block 164 and the housing inner bore 24.

[0040] The piston 40 may further include an opening 172 extending from the central bore 154 to the upstream outer surface 156. The position of the piston 40 within the downstream bore 144 of the inner valve sleeve 38 may align the opening 172 with the enlarged diameter section 150 of the inner valve sleeve 38. In the default position illustrated in FIG. 6 , the valve cavity 174 may extend from the downstream end of the inner valve sleeve 38 to the valve stop 96 between the central bore 89 of the outer valve sleeve 48 and the upstream outer surface 156 of the piston 40. The valve cavity 174 may be fluidly connected to the central bore 154 of the piston 40 through the opening 172 and the enlarged diameter section 150. In the default position, the step 158 of the piston 40 may engage the lower surface of the valve stop 96.

[0041] 3 and 6 , spring 42 may be positioned within spring cavity 176 defined between housing inner bore 24 and downstream outer surface 160 of piston 40. Spring 42 may be positioned between first spring block 180 and second spring block 182. First spring block 180 may be positioned within housing inner bore 24 between spring 42 and step 162 of piston 40. A flow passage 183 between housing inner bore 24 and first spring block 180 fluidly connects second damping cavity 168 with spring cavity 176, thereby effectively forming a combined downstream damping cavity 168 / downstream damping cavity 176. Second spring block 182 may be positioned within housing inner bore 24 between spring 42 and step 184 of housing section 22c. A portion of piston 40 may be disposed through a central bore in spring blocks 180 and 182. Spring 42 may apply a force in an upstream direction on first spring block 180, which results in an upstream force being applied to shoulder 162 of piston 40, shoulder 146 of inner valve sleeve 38, and downstream end 116 of mandrel 36. In this manner, spring 42 biases first spring block 180, seal block 164 of piston 40, inner valve sleeve 38, and mandrel 36 in an upstream direction toward the default position illustrated in FIG.

[0042] 3-6 illustrate the downhole separation system 20 in a default position, in which media flowing into the housing inner bore 24 at the upper end of the housing 22 is directed to flow through a filter channel within the housing 22. The filter channel extends through a plurality of openings 78 in the screen 30 to filter at least a portion of any solids from the media. In some embodiments, the filter channel extends through the collection cavity 136 before the plurality of openings 78 in the screen 30. For example, the filter channel may extend from the upper end of the housing inner bore 24, into the upstream center bore 118, through one or more mandrel filter ports 124, through the filter port cavity 130, through a plurality of first diverter passages 64, through the collection cavity 136, through the plurality of openings 78 in the screen 30, through the screen cavity 132, through the mandrel underport 128, into the downstream center bore 120 of the mandrel 36, and through the central bore 154 of the piston 40. As the media flows through the filter flow path, at least a portion of any solids contained within the media are retained within the collection cavity 136 as the media flows through the plurality of openings 78 in the screen 30. The filtered media continues to flow further downstream through the screen cavity 132 and through the remainder of the filter flow path, while the collected solids remain within the collection cavity 136. Thus, in a default position, the downhole separation system 20 filters at least a portion of any solids contained within the media flowing through the system, retains the collected solids, and allows the filtered media to continue flowing downstream.

[0043] In the default position, fluid or other medium may be contained within mandrel cavity 134 (shown in FIG. 4 ) between mandrel 36 and first diverter 44, within valve cavity 174 (shown in FIG. 6 ) between outer valve sleeve 48 and piston 40, within first and second damping cavities 167 and 168 (shown in FIG. 6 ) between housing inner bore 24 and seal block 164 of piston 40, and within spring cavity 176 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 3 ) between housing inner bore 24 and piston 40. In some embodiments, medium may enter some of these cavities during use. For example, a small amount of medium flowing through housing inner bore 24 will seep through the connection between mandrel 36 and first diverter 44 and enter mandrel cavity 134. A small amount of medium flowing through the central bore 154 of the piston 40 may flow through the opening 172 and the enlarged diameter section 150 of the inner valve sleeve 38 and enter the valve cavity 174, which may be fluidly sealed upstream by the seal members 153b and 153c and fluidly sealed downstream by the seal member 99 and the compression seal formed by the contact between the valve stop 96 and the step 98.

[0044] In some embodiments, certain fluid cavities of isolation system 20 may be loaded with a medium prior to use. For example, damping cavity 167 and damping cavity 168 / 176 may be filled with a fluid during assembly of isolation system 20. The damping cavities may be filled with a fluid containing a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, such as ethylene glycol. In certain embodiments, damping cavity 167 and damping cavity 168 / 176 may be filled during use when a more relaxed seal is used.

[0045] 3 and 6, damping cavity 167 and damping cavity 168 / 176, along with nozzle 169 and nozzle 170, may form an independently sealed damping mechanism of isolation system 20. The independently sealed unit may be formed by an upstream fluid seal provided by seal member 99, a compression seal formed at the interface between valve stop 96 and step 98, and a downstream fluid seal provided by seal member 199 (shown in FIG. 3). Seal member 199 provides a fluid seal at the sliding interface between the lower outer surface of piston 40 and housing inner bore 24 downstream of step 184. In these embodiments, a fixed amount of fluid initially loaded into cavity 167, cavity 168, and cavity 176 may remain in these cavities during use.

[0046] The seal member 155 fluidly seals between the interface housing inner bore 24 and the seal block 164 of the piston 40. Fluid communication between the first damping cavity 167 and the combined downstream damping cavity 168 / downstream damping cavity 176 is provided exclusively through one or more first nozzles 169 and one or more second nozzles 170 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 12 ). The first nozzles 169 and second nozzles 170 may be configured to control or limit the rate of fluid flow between the damping cavity 167 and the damping cavity 168 / damping cavity 176. As the slide assembly 32 moves upstream or downstream, the respective volumes of the first damping cavity 167 and the combined downstream damping cavity 168 / downstream damping cavity 176 change. The downstream axial movement of the piston 40 pushes a volume of fluid from the combined downstream damping cavity 168 / downstream damping cavity 176 through the nozzles 170 and 169 and into the first damping cavity 167. The size and number of the nozzles 169 and 170 determine the flow rate at which fluid can move between the damping cavity 167 and the damping cavity 168 / damping cavity 176, which in turn controls and reduces the sliding speed or velocity at which the sliding assembly 32, including the piston 40 and mandrel 36, moves or slides in each direction axially. In this manner, the damping mechanism prevents the bypass port 26 from opening and closing instantaneously. The damping mechanism also prevents damage to components of the separation system 20 that may be caused by high-speed axial movement of the sliding assembly 32. The extent to which the damping mechanism damps or slows down the axial movement of the sliding assembly 32 may be adjusted by varying the number and size of the nozzles 169 and 170. In one embodiment, the first and second nozzles 169 and 170 each include a reduced diameter portion that restricts fluid flow in response to the sum of the forces acting on the slide assembly 32 from the spring 42 and the pressure differential created by the fluid flow across the slide assembly 32.

[0047] 3-6 , media flowing through separation system 20 in the default position applies a downstream force on the effective area of ​​slide assembly 32, which may include a mandrel effective area on mandrel 36 and a valve effective area on inner valve sleeve 38. The mandrel effective area may be defined by the cross-sectional area of ​​the surface provided by upstream surface 185 of primary collar 110 of mandrel 36, tapered surface 127 within upstream central bore 118, and end surface 186 of upstream central bore 118 (shown in FIG. 4 ). The valve effective area may be defined by the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of upstream surface 188 of inner valve sleeve 38 that is exposed to pressure and downstream force applied by media flowing through housing inner bore 24. Slide assembly 32 moves axially relative to outer valve sleeve 48 and seal member 99, which are both secured to shoulder 98 relative to housing 22. In the default position, the cumulative effective upstream-facing area is approximately equal to the cumulative effective downstream-facing area of ​​the slide assembly 32, making the slide assembly 32 a balanced (or unbiased) piston assembly. Changes in hydrostatic pressure will not cause the slide assembly 32 to move axially in either direction from the default position. For this reason, the separation system 20 is flow-controlled in the default position. As used herein, "flow-controlled" means that changes in the flow rate of the medium flowing through the separation system 20 cause a pressure differential across the slide assembly 32, which generates a downstream force acting on the effective area and moves the slide assembly 32 from the default position to the partially activated position.

[0048] An increase in the flow rate of media flowing through separation system 20 in the default position applies an increased downstream force to the effective area of ​​slide assembly 32. When the downward force reaches a threshold force value that overcomes the upstream spring force on slide assembly 32, the downstream force causes slide assembly 32 to move downstream within housing inner bore 24, compressing spring 42. Specifically, mandrel 36 slides downstream within first diverter 44 and second diverter 46, within screen 30, and within outer valve sleeve 48; inner valve sleeve 38 slides downstream within outer valve sleeve 48; and piston 40 slides downstream within outer valve sleeve 48, valve stop 96, second spring block 182, and housing inner bore 24.

[0049] For the sliding assembly 32 to slide downstream, some of the media contained within certain cavities of the separation system 20 must be evacuated from those cavities. For example, for the mandrel 36 to slide downstream, some of the fluid in the mandrel cavity 134 must be returned to the housing inner bore 24 and / or the upstream central bore 118 of the mandrel 36. Similarly, for the inner valve sleeve 38 to slide downstream, some of the fluid in the valve cavity 174 must be returned to the central bore 154 of the piston 40. For the piston 40 to slide downstream, some of the fluid in the combined downstream damping chamber 168 / downstream damping chamber 176 must flow through the first nozzle 169 and the second nozzle 170 and into the first damping chamber 167. The restricted diameters of the nozzles 169 and 170 slow the movement of the sliding assembly 32 in response to changes in the flow rate of the media. In this manner, the damping chambers provide a damping effect to the movement of the sliding assembly 32. The sliding assembly 32 slides in response to the average flow rate over time, as opposed to short term changes or more rapid fluctuations.

[0050] 13-16, the sliding assembly 32 slides downstream in response to the increasing fluid flow rate until it reaches the illustrated partially activated position. In one embodiment, fluid in the second damping chamber 168 flows into the first damping chamber 167, thereby providing a damping effect and forcing the sliding assembly 32 to slide in response to average pressure values ​​over time, as opposed to short-term changes or more rapid fluctuations. In this position, the lower mandrel port 128 is positioned within the central bore 70 of the second diverter 46, which effectively closes the lower mandrel port 128. Also, in this position, mandrel filter port 124 is partially positioned within first diverter central bore 62, leaving only gap 190 of mandrel filter port 124 open to filter port cavity 130, a portion of each of mandrel filter ports 126 is open to screen cavity 132 forming gap 192, and upstream surface 188 of inner valve sleeve 38 is aligned with sleeve port 50 of outer valve sleeve 48, opening gap 194. In the partially activated position, the wash flow path is open. The wash flow path extends through screen cavity 132 before multiple openings 78 in screen 30 and collection cavity 136, washing collected solids contained within collection cavity 136 out of separation system 20, through wash outlet 26, and into the space surrounding exterior surface 28 of housing 22. For example, the wash flow path may extend from the upper end of the housing inner bore 24, into the upstream central bore 118, through the wash mandrel port 126, through the screen cavity 132, through the plurality of openings 78 in the screen 30, through the collection cavity 136, through the plurality of second redirector passages 72, through the housing inner bore 24 below the second redirector 46, through the spacer 92, through the upstream end of the outer valve sleeve 48, through the gap 194, through the sleeve port 50, through the wash outlet cavity 100, through the wash outlet 26, and beyond the outer surface 28 of the housing 22. As the media flows through the wash flow path, it may transport collected solids retained in the collection cavity 136, through the sleeve port 50 and the wash outlet 26, and into the space surrounding the outer surface 28 of the housing 22.In some embodiments, the filter flow path is closed in the partially activated position.

[0051] When the separation system 20 is in the partially activated position, media flowing therethrough may be urged through the wash flow path by a pressure differential between the housing inner bore 24 and the space surrounding the exterior surface 28 of the housing 22. In this position, the downstream force of the sliding assembly 32 is generated by a pressure differential between the housing inner bore 24 and the space surrounding the exterior surface 28 of the housing 22 across the sleeve port 50 and the washout outlet 26. Specifically, the effective area in the partially activated position includes the mandrel effective area and the valve effective area, which may include the total surface area of ​​the upstream surface 188 of the inner valve sleeve 38 due to separation from the spacer 92. In the partially activated position, the effective area may act as a downstream biasing piston, which moves in response to a pressure differential between the housing inner bore 24 and the annular space surrounding the exterior surface 28 of the housing 22. Because the sliding assembly 32 is biased in the downstream direction, if the flow rate through the housing inner bore 24 decreases, the total downstream force acting on the sliding assembly 32 against the upstream spring force can equal or exceed the previous downstream force applied from the flow rate alone. For this reason, the sliding assembly 32 does not move to a default position in the upstream direction when the flush flow path is opened, even if the fluid flow rate drops.

[0052] In the wellbore, the pressure within the annulus surrounding the housing 22 is lower than the pressure within the housing inner bore 24 due to the pressure drop across the bottom hole assembly. In the partially activated position, the pressure inside the housing inner bore 24 exceeds the pressure within the annulus. For this reason, the separation system 20 is pressure controlled in the partially activated position. By "pressure controlled," we mean that an upward change in the pressure differential between the pressure of the fluid within the housing inner bore 24 of the separation system 20 and the pressure within the annulus surrounding the housing 22 causes the sliding assembly 32 to slide from the partial activation position to the fully activated position, or a downward change causes the sliding assembly 32 to slide from the partial activation position to the default position. In other words, when partially activated or fully activated, the system 20 is controlled by the pressure differential between the pressure within the housing inner bore 24 and the annulus surrounding the housing 22. If the fluid flow slows while the pressure differential across the separation system 20 and the annulus remains lower, the slide assembly 32 will not return to the default position, even with the reduction in fluid flow. When the fluid flow is stopped, the internal fluid pressure can escape through the flush flow path until the force acting on the effective area is less than the upstream force from the spring 42 biasing the slide assembly 32 in the upstream direction.

[0053] 17-20 , increasing the pressure differential between the housing inner bore 24 and the annulus surrounding the housing 22 continues to slide the sliding assembly 32 downstream until it reaches the fully activated position shown. In this position, the shoulder 113 of the mandrel 36 engages the upper end of the first diverter 44, and the shoulder 114 of the mandrel 36 engages the shoulder 68. The filter mandrel port 124 may be fully disposed within the central bore of the first diverter 44, and the mandrel underport 128 may remain fully disposed within the central bore of the second diverter 46 to close the filter mandrel port 124 and hold the mandrel underport 128 in a closed position. In the fully activated position, the wash mandrel port 126 may be fully disposed within the screen cavity 132, fully opening the wash flow path. In the fully activated position, media flowing through the system 20 can flush collected solids from the collection cavity 136 out through the sleeve port 50 and the flush outlet 26 .

[0054] In the fully activated position, the separation system 20 is pressure-controlled. If the pressure differential between the housing inner bore 24 and the annulus is slightly reduced, slowing the fluid flow, the sliding assembly 32 will not slide upstream toward the default position. The pressure differential between the housing inner bore 24 and the annulus can be reduced to slide the sliding assembly 32 upstream and return to the default position shown in FIGS. 3-6. This may be accomplished by reducing the pressure in the housing inner bore 24, increasing the pressure in the annulus, or turning off the fluid pump and allowing pressure to equalize across the flush fluid path. Once the sliding assembly 32 slides upstream beyond the partially activated position, the activated area reverts to a flow-controlled valve. Without sufficient flow, the sliding assembly 32 continues to move to the default position shown in FIGS. 3-6.

[0055] In its default position, separation system 20 is flow-controlled, automatically activating when the fluid flow rate exceeds a predetermined force threshold. Separation system 20 is pressure-controlled in its partial activation and full activation positions. Therefore, after beginning to flush media and any collected solids into the annulus, separation system 20 is not inadvertently shut down due to a flow rate change. Separation system 20 is moved to its default position solely in response to a predefined pressure change generated at the surface of the wellbore. Additionally, the damping effect provided by nozzles 169 and 170 and damping chambers 167 and 168 prevents separation system 20 from being inadvertently activated or deactivated due to pressure pulses, vibrations, bit plugging, or motor stalls. In one embodiment, the damping effect may effectively require a flow rate or pressure change to be maintained for a specified time (e.g., 30 to 45 seconds) before separation system 20 changes position.

[0056] Separation system 20 is configured to reach a partial activation position (FIGS. 13-16) at a predefined flow rate and a fully activated position (FIGS. 17-20) at a predefined pressure differential. In further embodiments, the predefined flow rate and predefined pressure differential may be adjusted by replacing spring 42 with a spring having a different compressive strength or a different length, or by replacing ring 151 with a different inner diameter, etc.

[0057] 21 , the downstream separation system 20 may be affixed to a coiled tubing connector 200 at the distal end of a coiled tubing string 202 for use in drilling a wellbore 204 extending below a surface 206 through a subterranean formation 208. In some embodiments, an MWD tool 210 may be positioned between the coiled tubing connector 200 and the separation system 20, with a drive mechanism 212 (e.g., a drilling motor) and a drill bit or pulverizer 214 positioned downstream. Drilling media may be pumped through the coiled tubing string 202 and the coiled tubing connector 200. As the drilling media flows through the separation system 20 in the default position (i.e., filter mode), all or a portion of the solid particles in the drilling media may be removed and collected in the collection cavity 136. The filtered or cleaned drilling media (i.e., the remaining liquid or gas components) flows downstream through the drive mechanism 212 and the drill bit 214. In some embodiments, the separation system 22 may be activated in response to an increase in the flow rate of the drilling medium. When the separation system 22 reaches a predetermined threshold flow rate value, the sliding assembly 32 of the separation system 22 may be placed in a fully activated position or a partially activated position. In this partially activated or fully activated position (i.e., flushing mode), the separation system 22 uses the flow of drilling medium to flush collected solid particles out of the separation system through the flushing outlet 26 and into the annulus 216 between the separation system 22 and the formation 208. Once the upstream fluid pressure drops below a predefined deactivation value, the separation system 20 may automatically move back to its default position so that solid particles are again collected from the drilling medium flowing through the separation system 20, and the cleaned drilling medium then flows through the drive mechanism. The separation device 20 may also be placed in a filter mode or a flushing mode in response to a signal received from the surface 206 of the wellbore 204. Such signals may be, but are not limited to, a sequence of pressure pulses (mud gravity change), flow rate change, drill pipe rotation change, or the use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 22 , the separation system 20 may be affixed to the distal end of a drill string 220 for use in drilling a wellbore 204. In this embodiment, an MWD tool 210 may be positioned upstream of the separation system 20, with a drive mechanism 212 and a drill bit 214 positioned downstream. The drive mechanism 212 may include a flex-casing drilling motor. Drilling media flowing through the drill string 220 may flow through the separation system 20 before reaching the drive mechanism 212 and the drill bit 214. The separation device 20 in its default position (i.e., filter mode) may remove some or all of the solid particles in the drilling media. In the same manner as in FIG. 21 , when the collected solid particles in the separation system 20 cause the upstream fluid pressure to reach a predetermined activation value, the separation system 20 is activated and placed in the fully activated position (i.e., flush mode). When activated, fluid flowing through separation system 20 washes collected solids through wash outlet 26 into annulus 216 between separation system 20 and formation 208. After deactivation, fluid flowing through separation system 20 in the default position is again cleaned before entering drive mechanism 212.

[0059] 21 and 22 may be activated and switched to flushing mode in response to a signal from the surface. For example, the signal may be a pressure pulse, an electrical signal, a magnetic signal, a mechanical signal (rotational speed change, weight-on-bit (WOB) change, axial movement of the drill pipe, etc.), or any other type of signal that can be detected within the wellbore 204.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 23 , two or more separation systems 20 may be used in a drill string 220 when drilling a wellbore 204. An upstream separation system 20A may be secured to the downstream end of the drill string 220, connecting with an upstream tooling 230. A tubular string 232 may be secured between the upstream tooling 230 and the downstream separation system 20B. A drive mechanism 212 and a drill bit 214 may be secured below the downstream separation system 20B. The drive mechanism 212 may be configured to drive the drill bit 214, while the upstream tooling 230 may be configured to activate a valve or any actuating device that generates vibrations or power a generator. For example, the drive mechanism 212 may include a positive displacement motor (e.g., a vane motor or a Moyno motor), a turbine, an impact motor, or a ram, while the upstream tooling 230 may include a turbine, a friction-reducing tool, or a vibration-generating tool, or any other tool that benefits from the use of cleaned drilling fluid. Upstream separation system 20A may remove solid particles from the drilling fluid being pumped through drillstring 220 so that the cleaned or filtered drilling fluid flows into upstream tooling 230. Downstream separation system 20B may remove solid particles from the drilling fluid so that the cleaned or filtered drilling fluid flows into drive mechanism 212. When either or both separation systems 20A and / or 20B are activated (either automatically or in response to a signal from the surface), collected solid particles are washed away through washout outlet 26A and / or washout outlet 26B, respectively. Upstream separation system 20A may be configured to filter particles of a certain size from the drilling fluid, while downstream separation system 20B may be configured to filter smaller particle sizes from the drilling fluid than upstream separation system 20A.

[0061] As used herein, "medium" means any liquid or compressible gas that may contain solid particles.

[0062] As used herein, "fluid" means any liquid or gas that may contain solid particles.

[0063] As used herein, "open" with reference to an outlet, port, or other opening means that fluid communication is open across the outlet, port, or other opening.

[0064] As used herein, "closed" with reference to an outlet, port, or other opening means that no fluid communication exists across the outlet, port, or other opening.

[0065] Except as otherwise described or illustrated, each of the components within this device has a generally cylindrical shape and may be formed from steel, another metal, or any other durable material. Portions of the separation system 20 may be formed from a wear-resistant material such as tungsten carbide, ceramic, or ceramic-coated steel.

[0066] Each device described in this disclosure may include any combination of the described components, features, and / or functions of each individual device embodiment. Each method described in this disclosure may include any combination of the described steps in any order (including the absence of a described step and a combination of steps used in separate embodiments). Any range of numerical values ​​disclosed herein includes any subranges therein. "Plurality" means "two or more." "Above" and "below" shall be interpreted to mean "upstream" and "downstream," respectively, such that the directional orientation of the device is not limited to a vertical arrangement.

[0067] While preferred embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments are illustrative only, that the scope of the invention is intended to be defined solely by the appended claims, when given their full range of equivalents, and that many variations and modifications will naturally occur to those skilled in the art from a review of this specification.

Claims

1. 1. An underground separation system comprising: a housing including a housing inner bore and one or more washout ports extending radially from the housing inner bore to an outer surface of the housing; a screen disposed within the housing inner bore, the screen including a plurality of openings, a filter flow path within the housing extending through the plurality of openings in the screen for filtering at least a portion of any solids contained within a media flowing through the filter flow path, and a wash flow path within the housing extending to one or more wash outlets for washing at least a portion of the filtered solids through the one or more wash outlets and over the exterior surface of the housing as the media flows through the wash flow path; an activation mechanism configured to move within the housing inner bore between a default position and an activated position, the activation mechanism configured to close the one or more flush outlets in the default position and to open the one or more flush outlets in the activated position, the activation mechanism being flow controlled in the default position and pressure controlled in the activated position; An underground separation system comprising:

2. 2. The downhole separation system of claim 1, wherein in the default position, the activation mechanism is configured to direct the media flowing into the housing inner bore through the filter flow path, the filter flow path extending from an upstream end of the housing inner bore, through a collection cavity leading to the plurality of openings in the screen, and into a downstream end of the housing inner bore, and wherein in the activated position, the activation mechanism is configured to direct the media through the washout flow path, the washout flow path extending from the upstream end of the housing inner bore through the collection cavity leading to the one or more washout outlets.

3. The downhole separation system of claim 2 , wherein the washout flow path extends through the plurality of openings in the screen before the collection cavity.

4. 3. The downhole isolation system of claim 2, further comprising a damping mechanism including a fluid passage connecting two damping chambers, wherein fluid flow through the fluid passage slows down a rate at which the activation mechanism moves between the default position and the activated position.

5. The downhole isolation system of claim 4 , wherein the fluid passage includes one or more nozzles.

6. The downhole isolation system of claim 4 , wherein the fluid passage comprises an annular space.

7. The downhole isolation system of claim 1 , further comprising a spring disposed within the housing inner bore, the spring configured to bias the activation mechanism toward the default position.

8. The activation mechanism mandrel comprises: an upstream center bore and a downstream center bore separated by a mandrel core; one or more mandrel filter ports, each extending radially from the upstream central bore to an outer surface of the mandrel, the filter flow passage extending through the mandrel filter port, the mandrel filter port being open in the default position and closed in the activated position; one or more mandrel flush ports, each extending radially from the upstream central bore to the outer surface of the mandrel, the mandrel flush ports being positioned an axial distance from the mandrel filter port, the flushing passages extending through the mandrel flush ports, the mandrel flush ports being closed in the default position and open in the activated position; one or more mandrel underports, each extending radially from the downstream centerbore to the outer surface of the mandrel, the filter flow passage extending through the mandrel underports, the mandrel underports being open in the default position and closed in the activated position; 8. The downhole isolation system of claim 7, comprising:

9. 9. The downhole isolation system of claim 8, wherein a portion of the mandrel is slidably disposed through a central bore of the screen, the mandrel underside port being disposed within the central bore of the screen in the default position, and the mandrel flush port being disposed within the central bore of the screen in the activated position.

10. a screen cavity defined between the outer surface of the mandrel and an inner surface of the screen; a collection cavity defined between an outer surface of the screen and the housing inner bore, wherein the filter flow path extends from the collection cavity to the screen cavity through the opening in the screen, and the wash flow path extends from the screen cavity to the collection cavity through the opening in the screen; 10. The downhole isolation system of claim 9, further comprising:

11. a first diverter including a central bore and one or more first diverter passages each extending axially between the central bore and an outer surface of the first diverter, the filter flow path extending through the first diverter passages, and a portion of the mandrel being slidably disposed through the central bore of the first diverter such that the mandrel flush port is disposed within the central bore in the default position and the mandrel filter port is disposed within the central bore in the activated position; a second diverter including a central bore and one or more second diverter passages each extending axially between the central bore and an outer surface of the second diverter, the flushing flow path extending through the second diverter passages, a portion of the mandrel being slidably disposed through the central bore of the second diverter such that the mandrel underside port is disposed within the central bore in the activated position, and the screen extending between the first diverter and the second diverter; 11. The downhole isolation system of claim 10, further comprising:

12. 9. The downhole isolation system of claim 8, further comprising an outer valve sleeve permanently disposed within the housing inner bore, the outer valve sleeve comprising a central bore and one or more sleeve ports extending radially from the central bore to an outer surface of the outer valve sleeve, a washout outlet cavity formed between the outer surface of the outer valve sleeve and the housing inner bore, the washout outlet cavity fluidly connecting the one or more sleeve ports to the one or more washout outlets of the housing.

13. 13. The downhole isolation system of claim 12, wherein the one or more sleeve ports and the one or more washout outlets are separated by an axial distance.

14. 13. The downhole isolation system of claim 12, wherein the activation mechanism further includes an inner valve sleeve connected to a downstream end of the mandrel, the inner valve sleeve slidably disposed within the central bore of the outer valve sleeve, wherein in the default position, the inner valve sleeve closes the one or more sleeve ports and, in the activated position, the inner valve sleeve opens the one or more sleeve ports.

15. The downhole isolation system of claim 14 , wherein the activation mechanism further includes a piston connected to a downstream end of the inner valve sleeve, the spring being disposed about a portion of the piston.

16. 16. The downhole isolation system of claim 15, wherein the piston includes a seal block with an enlarged outer diameter, the seal block engages the housing inner bore to create a first damping chamber and a second damping chamber, the piston further includes one or more nozzles extending from a first step to a second step of the seal block, each of the one or more nozzles fluidly connecting to the first damping chamber and the second damping chamber.

17. 1. An underground separation system comprising: a housing including a housing inner bore and one or more washout ports extending radially from the housing inner bore to an outer surface of the housing; a screen disposed within the housing inner bore, the screen including a plurality of openings, a filter flow path within the housing extending through a collection cavity connecting to the plurality of openings in the screen for filtering at least a portion of any solids contained within a media flowing through the filter flow path, and a wash flow path within the housing extending through the collection cavity to the one or more wash outlets for washing at least a portion of the filtered solids over the exterior surface of the housing through the one or more wash outlets as the media flows through the wash flow path; an activation mechanism configured to move within the housing inner bore between a default position and an activated position; a spring disposed within the housing inner bore, the spring configured to bias the activation mechanism toward the default position; and Equipped with In the default position, the activation mechanism is configured to close the one or more washout outlets and direct the media flowing into the housing inner bore through the filter flow path; In the activated position, the activation mechanism is configured to open the one or more flush outlets and direct the medium flowing into the housing inner bore through the flush flow passage. Underground isolation system.

18. 18. The downhole isolation system of claim 17, further comprising a damping mechanism including a fluid passage connecting two damping chambers, the activation mechanism configured to cause a volume of fluid from one damping chamber to flow through the fluid passage and into the other damping chamber as the activation mechanism moves between the default position and the activated position, the fluid flow through the fluid passage slowing down a rate at which the activation mechanism moves between the default position and the activated position.

19. The downhole isolation system of claim 18 , wherein the fluid passage includes one or more nozzles.

20. The downhole isolation system of claim 18 , wherein the fluid passage comprises an annular space.

21. 18. The downhole isolation system of claim 17, further comprising an outer valve sleeve permanently disposed within the housing inner bore, the outer valve sleeve comprising a central bore and one or more sleeve ports extending radially from the central bore to an outer surface of the outer valve sleeve, a washout outlet cavity formed between the outer surface of the outer valve sleeve and the housing inner bore, the washout outlet cavity fluidly connecting the one or more sleeve ports to the one or more washout outlets of the housing.

22. 22. The downhole isolation system of claim 21, wherein the one or more sleeve ports and the one or more washout outlets are separated by an axial distance.

23. 22. The downhole isolation system of claim 21, wherein the activation mechanism includes an inner valve sleeve slidably disposed within the central bore of the outer valve sleeve, wherein in the default position, the inner valve sleeve closes the one or more sleeve ports and wherein in the activated position, the inner valve sleeve opens the one or more sleeve ports.

24. 1. A method of filtering media flowing within a wellbore, comprising: a) providing a first separation system comprising: a housing including a housing inner bore and one or more flush outlets extending radially from the housing inner bore to an outer surface of the housing; a screen disposed within the housing inner bore, the screen including a plurality of openings, a filter flow path within the housing extending through the plurality of openings in the screen, and a flush flow path within the housing extending to the one or more flush outlets; and an activation mechanism configured to move within the housing inner bore between a default position and an activated position, the activation mechanism configured to close the one or more flush outlets in the default position and to open the one or more flush outlets in the activated position; b) positioning the first separation system within a drill string or coiled tubing string within a wellbore; c) flowing a medium through the drill string or the coiled tubing string into the housing inner bore of the first separation system; d) filtering at least a portion of any solids contained within the media by directing the media through the filter flow path within the housing when the activation mechanism is in the default position, the filtered solids being retained within a collection cavity; e) activating the first separation system, moving the activation mechanism to the activated position, and directing the media through the wash flow path to wash at least a portion of the filtered solids from the collection cavity through one or more wash outlets and over the exterior surface of the housing into an annulus surrounding the housing; A method comprising:

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein in step (e), the first separation system is activated in response to a signal from a surface of the wellbore.

26. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein in step (e), the first separation system is automatically activated in response to an automatic trigger.

27. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the steps of: f) deactivating the first separation system, sliding the activation mechanism back to the default position, and filtering the media flowing through the housing inner bore, wherein steps (b)-(f) are performed without removing the first separation system from the wellbore.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein in step (e), the first separation system is activated by adjusting a flow rate of the medium through the first separation system, and in step (f), the first separation system is deactivated by adjusting a pressure differential between the housing inner bore and the annulus.

29. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein in step (a), the first separation system further comprises a damping mechanism including a fluid passage connecting two damping chambers, and in step (e), fluid flow through the fluid passage slows down the rate at which the activation mechanism moves to the activated position.

30. Step (a) further includes providing a second separation system, the second separation system including: a housing including a housing inner bore and one or more washout outlets extending radially from the housing inner bore to an outer surface of the housing; a screen disposed within the housing inner bore, the screen including a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings of the second separation system configured to filter smaller particle sizes than the plurality of openings of the first separation system, a filter flow path within the housing extending through the plurality of openings in the screen, and a washout flow path within the housing extending to the one or more washout outlets; and an activation mechanism configured to move within the housing inner bore between a default position and an activated position, the activation mechanism in the default position: and an activation mechanism configured to close the one or more washout outlets in the activated position and to open the one or more washout outlets in the activated position; step (b) further comprises positioning the second separation system in the drill string or the coiled tubing string within the wellbore downstream of the first separation system; step (c) further comprises flowing the media through the housing inner bore of the second separation system; and step (d) further comprises filtering at least a portion of any solids contained within the media when the second activation mechanism is in the default position, the solids filtered by the second activation mechanism being smaller than the solids filtered by the first activation mechanism.

Images