Downhole Debris Collector With Adjustable Filter Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing debris collection tools in wellbores face issues with debris adhering to filters, leading to restricted fluid flow, incomplete chamber filling, and increased power requirements due to clogging, especially in deviated sections of the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A collecting device with an elongated filter positioned offset from the central axis, featuring a duckbill valve for self-cleaning and a porous design that allows fluid flow, adjustable permeability, and a rotating mechanism to optimize debris collection in various wellbore sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elongated filter is used for debris collection, then debris separation efficiency is improved, but the filter clogs near the chamber inlet causing restricted fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is made movable relative to the collection chamber, allowing it to be repositioned from an initial position near the inlet to a final position extended toward the outlet. This dynamic adjustment prevents clogging by moving the filter away from the high-debris-concentration inlet region after initial filtration, maintaining continuous fluid flow while preserving separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is positioned at an angle relative to the collection chamber's longitudinal axis, creating a two-dimensional filtration surface that extends diagonally from the inlet toward the outlet. This angular positioning increases the effective filtration area while maintaining open flow paths, reducing clogging probability and restricting fluid flow.
2Quantity of substance
If the elongated filter is long to capture more debris, then debris collection capacity is improved, but the chamber cannot be filled completely due to passage restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The movable filter element allows the system to adapt its configuration during operation. Initially, the filter is positioned to maximize debris capture from the inlet. As collection progresses, the filter can be repositioned to allow complete chamber filling, ensuring both high debris capacity and full chamber utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration function is segmented into two phases: initial debris capture near the inlet, and subsequent chamber filling phase. The movable filter element enables transition between these phases, allowing the system to achieve both high debris collection capacity and complete chamber filling by separating the filtration and filling functions in time and space.
3Reliability
If debris collects near the inlet, then initial filtration is effective, but the passage between debris and chamber wall restricts fluid flow increasing power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The movable filter element is repositioned after initial debris collection to move the filter away from the inlet region. This dynamic repositioning maintains effective filtration by keeping the filter surface exposed to debris-laden fluid, while simultaneously eliminating the restrictive passage between collected debris and the chamber wall, thereby reducing power consumption.
4Device complexity
If the filter is positioned on the central axis, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to deviated wellbore sections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable filter element can be repositioned along with the collection chamber's orientation changes. This dynamic positioning capability allows the filter to maintain optimal orientation relative to the debris flow regardless of wellbore deviation, providing adaptability without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is positioned asymmetrically at an angle to the chamber axis rather than symmetrically on the central axis. This asymmetric positioning creates better flow dynamics and debris capture characteristics that adapt to various wellbore orientations, while the movable nature maintains structural simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances debris collection efficiency by minimizing power consumption, ensuring complete chamber filling, and adapting to different wellbore deviations and debris types, reducing maintenance and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a porous design that allows fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
an elongated filter... the elongated filter forms a retentate side and a permeate side
Implementation Method 3
a duckbill valve for self-cleaning
Implementation Method 4
adapting to different wellbore deviations and debris types
Data Source
AI summary
A collecting device for collecting debris within a wellbore, the collecting device comprises a leading portion, a trailing portion, a wall connecting the leading portion to the trailing portion, a collecting chamber on an inside of the wall, an inlet at the leading portion, an outlet at the trailing portion, and an elongated filter, the collecting device forms a device longitudinal central axis between the leading portion and the trailing portion, wherein:the elongated filter extends along the device longitudinal central axis in an offset position from the device longitudinal central axis and forms a first end portion and a second end portion;the elongated filter forms a retentate side and a permeate side; andthe permeate side of the elongated filter being fluidly connected with the outlet.A downhole toolstring and a method for collecting the debris from the wellbore are also disclosed.