Coiled Member Debris Collection Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and removing downhole debris in petroleum production are inefficient, as they often require large systems with duplicate flow paths, making them cumbersome and ineffective in preventing debris from fouling or damaging tools at the bottom of a tool string.
Innovation Solution
A tubular apparatus with a coiled member, such as a spring, that expands to allow upward fluid flow and retain debris, while compressing to prevent downward particle flow, allowing for selective collection and removal of debris through a pressure differential and adjustable gap spacing between coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate downwardly and upwardly flowing fluid paths are utilized to direct fluid through a filter element for debris collection, then debris collection capability is improved, but device size increases due to duplication of flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the downward and upward flow paths into a single tubular member, eliminating the need for duplicate flow paths. The coiled member is positioned within this single tubular structure, allowing both flow directions to share the same physical pathway while maintaining distinct functional zones for debris collection and fluid return.
Solution Approach 2:
The coiled member is nested within the tubular member, creating a compact structure where the filtering element is contained inside the flow path carrier. This nesting arrangement allows the filter to be integrated within the single tubular structure rather than requiring separate external flow paths.
2Reliability
If a coiled member is used to retain debris through compression during downward flow, then debris retention is improved, but fluid flow restriction increases during upward flow
Solution Approach 1:
The coiled member is designed to dynamically change its configuration based on flow direction. During downward flow, the coiled member compresses to retain debris, while during upward flow, it expands to allow fluid passage. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between debris retention and fluid flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the coiled member between compressed and expanded configurations depending on flow direction. This parameter change allows the same structure to serve dual functions: filtering during downward flow and allowing flow during upward movement, thereby resolving the contradiction between retention and productivity.
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
The apparatus effectively collects and removes debris by allowing upward flow to lift packed debris to the surface while preventing downward particle flow, ensuring tool protection and efficient debris removal without the need for large, complex systems.
Implementation Method 1
The spring may have a spring rate selected to be expanded by a pressure differential acting on the top closure in response to an upward flow at a predetermined flow rate
Implementation Method 2
The at least one coiled member may be biased to a compressed configuration with adjacent coils touching each other at an initial position. The at least one coiled member may comprise a spring.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for collecting downhole debris wherein the apparatus comprises a tubular member extending between first and second ends connectable to a production string connectable in fluidic communication with the production string and having an open flow path therethrough between the first and second ends, at least one coiled member extending between first and second ends, said second end being operably connected to the tubular member and a top cap secured to the first end of the coiled member and adapted to sealably close a top end of the coiled member. The method comprises extending the coiled member in response to an upward flow through the tubular member so as to permit upward flow of fluids and solid particles and compressing the coiled member in response to a downward flow so as to permit fluid flow between coils of the coiled member while retaining solid particles thereover.