Portable fluid-based apparatus for on-site cleaning of oilfield tools

Abstract

A portable and self-contained oilfield tool cleaning apparatus is disclosed for on-site cleaning of oilfield tools within an enclosed cleaning vessel. The apparatus supports multiple cleaning techniques, including chemical, hydro, mechanical, thermal, and optional ultrasonic cleaning, through controlled delivery of water, chemical agents, heated fluids, steam, and air. The system includes a fluid-delivery subsystem having a freshwater tank, a monitoring and control subsystem, a fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem, and an optional hydro-vacuum system configured to assist in debris removal, slurry evacuation, and spent fluid recovery. An internal spray system applies cleaning media uniformly to the oilfield tool, while a removable carrier and secondary containment structure enhance operational flexibility and environmental protection. The apparatus is transportable, modular, and designed for operation in harsh field environments, enabling efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible cleaning of oilfield tools while minimizing downtime and environmental risk.

Description

PORTABLE FLUID-BASED APPARATUS FOR ON-SITE CLEANING OF OILFIELD TOOLSFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to industrial cleaning systems, and more particularly to a portable and self-contained apparatus and method for on-site cleaning of oilfield tools, including pipeline inspection gauges and similar oilfield maintenance devices, using controlled fluid-based cleaning, waste recovery, and environmental containment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Pipeline pigging operations are widely employed to maintain efficient and reliable pipeline performance by removing debris, sediment, waxes, scale, and other materials that accumulate during operation. Such maintenance activities are essential to ensure uninterrupted flow, reduce wear, and prevent operational failures that may lead to costly repairs or service interruptions.

[0003] Oilfield tools, including pipeline inspection gauges and similar maintenance devices, are routinely used for cleaning, inspection, and condition monitoring of pipelines, particularly in the oil and gas industry. These tools traverse the interior of pipelines to perform functions such as debris removal, internal inspection, corrosion detection, and integrity assessment, thereby playing a critical role in pipeline maintenance and asset management.

[0004] Conventional methods for retrieving, handling, and cleaning oilfield tools present significant environmental and operational challenges. During tool retrieval and cleaning, there is a heightened risk of spills, waste generation, and uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons, chemical residues, and other contaminants. Such incidents may result in soil and water contamination, adverse impacts on surrounding ecosystems, and increased regulatory and remediation burdens.

[0005] Traditionally, contaminated oilfield tools are transported to off-site facilities for cleaning and maintenance, particularly when coated with paraffins, waxes, or similar hydrocarbon-based residues. These contaminants adhere strongly to tool surfaces, making cleaning labor-intensive and time-consuming. Off-site cleaning requires additional handling, wrapping, and transportation of contaminated tools, leading to extended downtime, increased operational costs, and elevated risk of spillage and environmental exposure during transport.

[0006] In view of the foregoing limitations, there exists a need for a portable, on-site, and environmentally controlled cleaning apparatus capable of efficiently cleaning oilfield tools while minimizing downtime, reducing environmental risk, and improving operational efficiency.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] The embodiments herein address the above-recited needs for a portable fluid-based apparatus for on-site cleaning of oilfield tools. The present disclosure relates to a portable and self- contained oilfield tool cleaning apparatus configured for on-site cleaning of oilfield tools within an enclosed cleaning vessel. The apparatus supports multiple cleaning techniques, including chemical, hydro, mechanical, thermal, and optional ultrasonic cleaning, through controlled delivery of water, chemical agents, heated fluids, steam, and air. The system integrates a fluiddelivery subsystem including a freshwater tank, a monitoring control subsystem, a fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem, and an optional hydro-vacuum system to enable efficient debris removal, spent fluid recovery, and environmentally responsible operation.

[0009] The cleaning vessel is fabricated from corrosion-resistant materials and is configured to safely contain cleaning operations while accommodating various oilfield tools. An internal spray system with selectable spray circuits enables targeted and uniform application of cleaning media. A removable carrier supports the oilfield tool during cleaning and soaking operations, while a secondary containment structure provides enhanced environmental protection.

[0010] The hydro-vacuum system, when present, operates cooperatively with the fluid-delivery and recovery subsystems to evacuate loosened contaminants, slurry, and spent fluids during or between cleaning stages. The apparatus is transportable, modular, and designed for operation in harsh field environments, thereby reducing downtime, improving cleaning effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety requirements during pipeline maintenance operations.

[0011] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The figures mentioned in this section are intended to disclose exemplary embodiments of the claimed system and method. Further, the components / modules and steps of a process are assigned reference numerals that are used throughout the description to indicate the respective components and steps. Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates the subsystems of a oilfield tool cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled perspective view of an oilfield tool cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3C illustrates a front view of the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an enclosed cleaning vessel, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the cleaning vessel, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an internal spray system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 7A - 7D illustrate different views of the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus along with a transport subsystem, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram for cleaning an oilfield tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Although the specific features of the embodiments herein are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the embodiments herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0027] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0028] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0029] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0030] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0031] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood however, it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0032] The various embodiments of the present technology provide a portable fluid-based apparatus for on-site cleaning of oilfield tools. The following detailed description describes preferred and illustrated embodiments of an oilfield tool cleaning apparatus for cleaning oilfield parts and tools, with particular application to oilfield tools, including but not limited to pipeline inspection gauges (PIGs), downhole tools, valves, etc. The description is provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0033] The present disclosure provides a portable and self-contained oilfield tool cleaning apparatus configured to perform cleaning operations of an oilfield tool (104) within an enclosed cleaning vessel (102). The apparatus supports multiple cleaning techniques, including chemical cleaning, hydro cleaning, mechanical cleaning, thermal cleaning, and optionally ultrasonic- assisted cleaning. When integrated with a fluid-delivery subsystem 114, a monitoring control subsystem 116, a freshwater tank (118), a fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem 120 and a hydro-vacuum system (122), the apparatus enables effective and environmentally responsible cleaning while minimizing downtime and environmental risk.

[0034] The oilfield tool cleaning apparatus is particularly suited for on-site cleaning of oilfield tools that may be coated with hydrocarbons, paraffins, scale, corrosion products, or other contaminants. Controlled delivery of water, chemical agents, heated fluids, steam, and air to the cleaning vessel 102 is combined with the secondary containment structure (112) and waste recovery to ensure compliance with environmental and operational safety requirements.

[0035] Referring to FIG.l and FIG.2, the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus includes an enclosed cleaning vessel 102 configured to receive and enclose an oilfield tool (104) during cleaning operations. The oilfield tool (104) may comprise a pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) or other oilfield tool. The cleaning vessel (102) is fabricated from high-strength, corrosion-resistant materialssuitable for repeated exposure to hydrocarbons, chemical cleaning agents, elevated temperatures, and mechanical abrasion. The materials could be aluminum alloys, including but not limited to Aluminum 6061 -Tn or Aluminum 5052-Tn, or from stainless steels including 300-series or 400- series stainless steels, where Tn represents applicable temper grades. The cleaning vessel (102) may further include a protective coating, such as a powder coating, to enhance durability and chemical resistance.

[0036] In an embodiment, the cleaning vessel (102) is designed for versatile use, accommodating a variety of oilfield tools and is easily deployable in the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus. The cleaning vessel (102) includes a lid (106) that is hingedly coupled to a base container (108), allowing the lid (106) to pivot between open and closed positions for loading and unloading the oilfield tool (104). The cleaning vessel (102) features hinges (502), arched lid (106) with seal gaskets to prevent any leakage. Referring to FIG.4, the cleaning vessel (102) further includes glass viewing windows (402) are placed lengthwise on the lid (106) of the cleaning vessel (102), offering clear visibility of the cleaning process inside. Referring to FIG. 5, at the base of the cleaning vessel (102) is a drain (504) located centrally for efficient drainage of treated cleaning fluid.

[0037] The cleaning vessel (102) includes one or more inlet ports (506) configured to receive cleaning media, including water, chemical solutions, steam, and air, from the fluid-delivery subsystem (114). The cleaning vessel (102) further includes one or more outlet ports configured to discharge spent fluids, debris, and contaminants from the cleaning vessel (102) after cleaning the oilfield tool (104) to the fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120).

[0038] The cleaning vessel (102) also includes pad eyes, lift points, fork pockets, and levelling mechanisms to facilitate transport, positioning, and deployment at remote or constrained locations. The apparatus is designed to withstand storage temperatures from -50°C to +50°C and operational temperatures from -30°C to +50°C, as well as exposure to water, mud, oil, debris, sand, and high wind conditions during transit.

[0039] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3C illustrates a front view of the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 6, an internal spray system (124) is mounted within the cleaning vessel (102) and attached to the underside of the lid (106). The internal spray system (124) supports a plurality of spray nozzles (602) arranged to form continuous spray patterns directed toward theoilfield tool (104). The internal spray system (124) may be manually actuated or motor-driven and may be operated in automated or manual modes.

[0041] Separate spray circuits such as chemical nozzle assembly (604) for delivery of chemical cleaning fluids and rinse nozzle assembly (606) for delivery of rinse fluids are provided. A diverter valve (608) enables selective routing of fluids to fixed spray nozzles or to a manually operated hand spray nozzle for localized cleaning.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cleaning vessel (102) may further include mechanical cleaning components such as rotating brushes, scrapers, or agitating elements. In alternative embodiments, the cleaning vessel (102) may support ultrasonic cleaning when ultrasonic transducers are present, with the fluid-delivery and monitoring control subsystems maintaining fluid conditions suitable for ultrasonic cavitation.

[0043] The oilfield tool (104) is supported within a removable carrier (110) positioned inside the cleaning vessel (102). The removable carrier (110) is a five-sided sealed container configured to retain cleaning fluids during soaking operations. The removable carrier (110) may be lifted into or removed from the cleaning vessel (102) independently of the oilfield tool (104), allowing flexible handling configurations.

[0044] The removable carrier (110) includes a manual valve or removable plug that allows retained fluids to be selectively released into the base container (108) of the cleaning vessel (102) following soaking operations. Additionally, the removable carrier (110) comprises removable baffles, spaced every 12 inches, secured with pins, and may utilize low gauss magnets to capture ferrous material, with magnets concentrated near the drain ports for easy access by the operator.

[0045] A secondary containment structure (112) surrounds the cleaning vessel (102). The secondary containment structure (112) is configured to capture leaks, overspray, condensation, or accidental spills during loading, cleaning, and unloading operations, thereby providing an additional layer of environmental protection.

[0046] The fluid-delivery subsystem (114) includes one or more storage vessels for water, chemical cleaning agents, and other cleaning media. The fluid-delivery subsystem (114) further includes a freshwater tank (118). The storage vessels are fluidly coupled to pumps, heaters, valves, hoses, and fittings configured to deliver cleaning media to the cleaning vessel (102) at predefined pressures and temperatures. The fluid-delivery subsystem (114) is capable of handling a variety of cleaning agents suited to different types of oilfield contents and oilfield tools, tailored to supportdifferent cleaning techniques, including mechanical, thermal, and ultrasonic methods. Chemical reservoirs are connected to the fluid-delivery subsystem (114) through individual valves that allow selective or combined dosing. Cleaning media are routed through pumps that provide controlled flow rates and pressures suitable for the selected cleaning technique. The fluid-delivery subsystem (114) supports operating pressures ranging from approximately 10 psi to 2500 psi and operating temperatures suitable for cold-water, heated-water, and steam-based cleaning. Manual and electromechanical valves are used to control flow paths, isolate circuits, and regulate delivery rates.

[0047] The fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120) is configured to collect, contain, and transfer spent cleaning fluids, debris, sludge, and entrained contaminants discharged from the cleaning vessel (102). A controllable outlet valve connects the base container (108) of the cleaning vessel (102) to a suction tube leading to the fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120).

[0048] The fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120) transfers collected fluids and solids from the cleaning vessel (102) for storage, treatment, recycling, or disposal in accordance with environmental regulations. The system is capable of handling liquids, suspended solids, and sludge generated during cleaning operations.

[0049] In an embodiment, the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus further includes a hydro-vacuum system (122) configured to assist in debris removal, slurry evacuation, and spent fluid recovery during and after cleaning operations. The hydro-vacuum system (122) operates in cooperation with the fluid-delivery subsystem (114) and the fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120). The hydro-vacuum system (122) includes a vacuum generation unit and one or more suction conduits fluidically coupled to the base container (108) of the cleaning vessel (102). During operation, cleaning fluids dislodge contaminants from the oilfield tool (104) while the hydrovacuum system (122) extracts loosened debris, liquids, and entrained solids and conveys them to the fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120) for containment, treatment, recycling, or disposal. Operation of the hydro-vacuum system is optionally enabled and coordinated by the monitoring control subsystem (116) to regulate vacuum levels and maintain safe operating conditions.

[0050] In an embodiment, the operation of the cleaning apparatus is governed by a monitoring control subsystem (116) that manages pump operation, valve actuation, temperature regulation, pressure monitoring, and cleaning sequence selection. The monitoring control subsystem (116) may include manual controls, electromechanical controls, or processor-based control units. Themonitoring control subsystem (116) further includes a power system comprising a generator, pump(s), heater(s), a compressor, and a hydraulic power unit for stable and efficient operation.

[0051] The monitoring control subsystem (116) enables operators to select and adjust cleaning media combinations, flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and cleaning durations based on the type of oilfield tool (104) and the nature of contaminants present. Emergency shut-off functionality may be provided to safely halt operation in the event of a malfunction.

[0052] The communication between the monitoring control subsystem (116) and the subsystems of the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus is via the communication network. The communication network may be a wired or wireless communication using a communication system. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, an antenna, a frequency modulation (FM) transceiver, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a coder-decoder (CODEC) chipset, and / or a local buffer. In an embodiment, the monitoring control subsystem (116) is equipped with emergency shut-off capabilities for handling unexpected malfunction.

[0053] FIGS. 7A - 7D illustrate different views of the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus along with a transport subsystem, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning apparatus further includes a transport subsystem (702) configured to house and secure the cleaning vessel (102) and associated subsystems during transport. The compact and modular design allows rapid deployment, reduced downtime, and on-site cleaning of oilfield tools.

[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram for cleaning an oilfield tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] In an embodiment, a method for cleaning an oilfield tool is performed using a portable and self-contained oilfield tool cleaning apparatus comprising an enclosed cleaning vessel (102), a fluid-delivery subsystem (114) including a freshwater tank (118), a fluid-recovery and wastecollection subsystem (120), a monitoring control subsystem (116), and an optional hydro-vacuum system (122).

[0056] The method includes positioning the oilfield tool within a removable carrier (110) and loading the removable carrier (110) into the cleaning vessel (102). The cleaning vessel is sealed by closing a hinged lid to establish a fluid-tight enclosure. One or more cleaning parameters, including cleaning media type, pressure, temperature, flow rate, and cleaning duration, are selectedusing the monitoring control subsystem (116) based on the type of oilfield tool (104) and contaminants present.

[0057] Cleaning media comprising water, chemical agents, heated fluids, steam, air, or combinations thereof are delivered from the fluid-delivery subsystem (114) to the cleaning vessel (102) through one or more inlet ports (506). The cleaning media are applied to the oilfield tool (104) via an internal spray system (124) to dislodge hydrocarbons, paraffins, scale, corrosion products, and debris. In embodiments employing mechanical or ultrasonic cleaning, the method further includes actuating mechanical cleaning components or ultrasonic transducers while maintaining fluid conditions suitable for such operations.

[0058] During or after the cleaning operation, spent fluids, loosened debris, and entrained solids are discharged from the cleaning vessel (102) through one or more outlet ports and transferred to the fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120). In embodiments including a hydrovacuum system (122), the method further includes selectively applying vacuum to evacuate accumulated fluids, slurry, and particulate matter from the cleaning vessel (102), either continuously during cleaning or intermittently between cleaning stages.

[0059] The method optionally includes performing one or more rinse cycles using freshwater supplied from the freshwater tank (118), followed by draining and recovering rinse fluids. Cleaning steps may be repeated sequentially using different cleaning media until a desired level of cleanliness is achieved. Upon completion, the cleaning vessel (102) is opened, and the cleaned oilfield tool (104) is removed for reuse or redeployment.

[0060] The monitoring control subsystem (116) regulates pump operation, valve actuation, pressure, temperature, vacuum levels, and safety conditions throughout the method to ensure controlled, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation.

[0061] By integrating the cleaning vessel (102), a removable carrier (110), a fluid-delivery subsystem (114), a monitoring control subsystem (116), a freshwater tank (118), a fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120) and a hydro-vacuum system (122) into a cohesive system, the present disclosure provides a portable, efficient, and environmentally responsible solution for cleaning oilfield tools used in modem oilfield maintenance operations.TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES

[0062] The oilfield tool cleaning apparatus combines portability with the ability to safely enclose the oilfield tools, ensuring that hazardous materials and pollutants are contained and properlymanaged. The mobile approach allows the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus to be deployed quickly across multiple sites, offering flexibility and efficiency for oilfield operators who often work across varied locations, all while minimizing the environmental impact.

[0063] In addition, the mobility, the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus incorporates advanced cleaning technologies that enhance oilfield integrity without compromising safety or environmental protection. The cleaning vessel ensures that any contaminants or debris released during the cleaning process are contained within the system, significantly reducing the risk of environmental pollution. Moreover, robust safety features are integrated to protect both workers and the surrounding environment from potential exposure to hazardous substances. This dual focus on operational efficiency and environmental responsibility establishes a new standard in oilfield maintenance, providing operators with a reliable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution that meets modem industry demands while setting a high bar for safety and sustainability. The further detailed technical advantages are listed below:

[0064] Enhanced environmental protection: The integrated fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem ensures all fluids, chemicals, and contaminants are safely contained and stored, adhering to environmental regulations. This prevents spillage and minimizes the risk of on-site contamination during the cleaning process of the oilfield tool.

[0065] Versatile cleaning capabilities: The cleaning vessel supports multiple cleaning methods, including chemical cleaning, high-pressure hydro cleaning, steam, and air application, along with mechanical cleaning via rotating brushes and scrapers. This versatility enables efficient cleaning of a wide range of oilfield tools and contaminants.

[0066] Automated and efficient operation: The system includes an automated cleaning setup with strategically placed spray nozzles for optimal coverage, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving cleaning efficiency. The integrated power subsystem and the fluid delivery subsystem ensures that cleaning agents are delivered at the correct pressures and temperatures, maximizing cleaning effectiveness.

[0067] Compact and transportable design: The oilfield tool cleaning apparatus is housed on a transport subsystem, enabling easy mobility and setup at various operational sites. The compact design facilitates deployment even in space-restricted environments, reducing logistical challenges.

[0068] Safety and operational monitoring: The integrated monitoring control subsystem provides real-time oversight of the cleaning process, ensuring operational safety. Emergency shut-off capabilities and safety features are built-in, reducing the risk of equipment failure or unsafe conditions during operation.

[0069] Corrosion-resistant and durable construction: The cleaning vessel is made from high- strength, corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring long-lasting durability and safe operation in harsh environments. This construction minimizes the need for frequent maintenance and extends the lifespan of the system.

[0070] Complete containment and spill prevention: The cleaning vessel includes a removable carrier positioned inside the cleaning vessel. The oilfield tool is supported within a removable carrier. Also, the cleaning vessel is placed on a secondary containment structure preventing the release of hazardous materials into the environment. The containment features safeguard both the environment and personnel during the oilfield tool loading, cleaning, and removal activities.

[0071] Energy-efficient power delivery: The integrated monitoring control subsystem and the fluid delivery subsystem includes generators, pumps, compressors, and hydraulic units, ensuring efficient energy use. The oilfield tool cleaning apparatus supports various cleaning techniques and optimizes the power consumption necessary for effective cleaning operations.

[0072] Adaptability to different oilfield conditions: The ability to handle various cleaning agents suited to different oilfield contents and oilfield tools, along with the flexibility to support mechanical, thermal, and ultrasonic cleaning techniques, makes the system adaptable to diverse oilfield cleaning needs across industries.

[0073] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such as specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims. The scope of the embodiments will be ascertained by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWe Claim:

1. An oilfield tool cleaning apparatus, comprising: an enclosed cleaning vessel (102) configured to receive and enclose an oilfield tool (104) during a cleaning operation; a removable carrier (110) positioned within the cleaning vessel (102) and configured to support the oilfield tool (104); a fluid-delivery subsystem (114) fluidly coupled to the cleaning vessel (102) and configured to selectively deliver one or more cleaning media, including water and chemical cleaning agents, to the cleaning vessel (102) at predetermined pressures and temperatures; a fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120) fluidly coupled to a base container (108) of the cleaning vessel and configured to collect spent cleaning media, debris, and contaminants discharged from the cleaning vessel (102); a monitoring control subsystem (116) configured to regulate operation of the fluid-delivery subsystem 114 and the fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120); and a secondary containment structure (112) surrounding the cleaning vessel, wherein the oilfield tool cleaning apparatus is configured to clean the oilfield tool (104) within the enclosed cleaning vessel (102) while containing and recovering fluids and contaminants generated during the cleaning operation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oilfield tool (104) comprises a pipeline inspection gauge (PIG), downhole tools, valves.

3. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning vessel (102) comprises rotating brushes, agitating brushes, scrapers, or mechanical cleaning tools positioned to contact outer surfaces of the oilfield tool (104).

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid-delivery subsystem (114) comprises one or more storage vessels for cleaning media, one or more pumps, heaters, valves, hoses, and fittings configured to deliver the cleaning media to the cleaning vessel at controlled pressures.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fluid-delivery subsystem (114) further comprises a freshwater tank (118) fluidly coupled to the cleaning vessel (102) for supplying rinse water during cleaning operations.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cleaning vessel (102) includes a hingedly coupled lid (106) having seal gaskets configured to prevent leakage during the cleaning operation.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an internal spray system (124) mounted within the cleaning vessel (102) and including a plurality of spray nozzles (602) arranged to direct cleaning media toward the oilfield tool (104).

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the internal spray system includes a chemical nozzle assembly (604) for delivery of chemical cleaning fluids and a rinse nozzle assembly (606) for delivery of rinse fluids, wherein the internal spray system further includes a diverter valve (608) configured to selectively route flow between the chemical nozzle assembly (604) and the rinse nozzle assembly (606).

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the removable carrier (110) is sealed five-sided configured to retain cleaning fluids during soaking of the oilfield tool (104).

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the removable carrier (110) includes a valve or removable plug configured to selectively release retained cleaning fluids into a base container (108) of the cleaning vessel (102).

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the secondary containment structure (112) is configured to capture leaks, overspray, condensation, or accidental spills during loading, cleaning, or unloading operations.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a hydro-vacuum system (122) configured to assist in debris removal and spent fluid recovery, the hydro-vacuum system being fluidly coupled to the base container (108) of the cleaning vessel and operable in cooperation with the fluid-delivery subsystem (114) and the fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120).

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the hydro-vacuum system (122) includes a vacuum generation unit and one or more suction conduits configured to extract loosened debris, liquids, and entrained solids from the cleaning vessel (102).

14. The apparatus of claims 12 or 13, wherein the hydro-vacuum system (122) is selectively operable intermittently between cleaning stages or continuously during delivery of cleaning media.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the monitoring control subsystem (116) is configured to coordinate fluid delivery rates, pressures, temperatures, and vacuum levels during the cleaning operation.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the cleaning vessel (102) is fabricated from a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy or stainless steel and includes a protective coating.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cleaning vessel (102) comprises fork pockets, lift points, pad eyes, or levelling mechanisms to facilitate transport and deployment.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a transport subsystem (702) configured to secure the cleaning vessel (102) and associated subsystems for transport and on-site deployment.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the apparatus is configured to support chemical cleaning, hydro cleaning, mechanical cleaning, and thermal cleaning, and optionally ultrasonic-assisted cleaning when ultrasonic transducers are present.

20. A method of cleaning an oilfield tool (104), comprising: positioning the oilfield tool (104) within a removable carrier (110) inside an enclosed cleaning vessel (102); delivering one or more cleaning media to the cleaning vessel using a fluid-delivery subsystem (114); dislodging contaminants from the oilfield tool (104) within the cleaning vessel (102);recovering spent cleaning media and contaminants from a base container (108) of the cleaning vessel (102) using a fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120); and containing and collecting the recovered fluids and contaminants using a fluid-recovery and waste-collection subsystem (120) for treatment, recycling, or disposal.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising supplying rinse water from a freshwater tank (118) of the fluid-delivery subsystem (114) to the cleaning vessel (102) to rinse the oilfield tool following chemical, hydro, mechanical, thermal, or ultrasonic cleaning.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21 , further comprising operating a hydro-vacuum system(122) to extract loosened debris and spent cleaning media during or after delivery of the cleaning media.

23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein operation of the hydro-vacuum system is coordinated with delivery of cleaning media by a monitoring control subsystem (116).

24. The method of any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the cleaning media comprises water, chemical cleaning agents, heated fluids, steam, or combinations thereof.

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