Debris Traps and Flow Reversal for Wellbore Contaminant Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilled wells face issues with debris and sand control failures, leading to equipment impairment and well integrity breaches, particularly in offshore environments where traditional filtration systems are inadequate and sand control methods are challenging due to depth and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The development of tools such as the Washpipe Debris Trap, Debris Trap In-Line Filter, Marine Riser Reversing Tool, and Bi-Directional Chamber Trap, which facilitate continuous filtration and debris removal in both directions, ensure sand control system integrity, and optimize riser cleaning by reversing fluid flow and using sealing elements to manage pressure and debris effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional circulation filtration systems are used, then fluid cleanliness is improved, but system complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is designed to operate automatically without requiring manual intervention or third-party personnel. The system self-regulates fluid flow and debris removal through integrated filtration components that passively capture particulates while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes debris from the fluid stream using filtration media and separation mechanisms. Particulates are extracted from the circulating fluid and collected in designated areas, allowing clean fluid to continue circulation while contaminants are removed from the system.
2Reliability
If sand control screens and gravel packing are used, then formation sand immobilization is improved, but tool placement precision and integrity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary filtration and debris capture before sand control operations commence. By removing potential contaminants and debris in advance, the system ensures that sand control screens and gravel packing materials are not compromised by foreign objects during deployment and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system provides protective cushioning against debris that could damage sand control equipment. By capturing harmful particulates beforehand, the system prevents potential damage to expensive sand control tools and maintains the integrity of the sand control barrier.
3Productivity
If continuous filtration operation is implemented, then debris removal effectiveness is improved, but system adaptability and reconfiguration needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is designed with universal components that can handle various types of debris and operate across different well conditions. The same filtration apparatus serves multiple functions including particle capture, fluid clarification, and protection of downstream equipment, eliminating the need for specialized reconfiguration for different operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous filtration operation throughout fluid circulation without requiring interruption or reconfiguration. The filtration process operates continuously as fluid passes through the system, ensuring consistent debris removal effectiveness while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Device complexity
If low-pressure filtration is used, then system simplicity is improved, but filtration efficiency and debris capture capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs porous filtration media that provide effective particle capture at low pressure differentials. The porous structure of the filtration material creates numerous capture sites for debris while maintaining adequate flow rates, achieving efficient filtration without requiring complex high-pressure systems.
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
These tools enable passive debris removal, continuous operation without reconfiguration, and early detection of sand control breaches, reducing the risk of equipment failure and well damage, while improving cleaning efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The bi-directional chamber trap allows the well to be circulated in both a forward direction and a reverse direction with the debris trap capturing debris in both the forward direction and the reverse direction
Implementation Method 2
optimize riser cleaning by reversing fluid flow
Implementation Method 3
using sealing elements to manage pressure and debris effectively
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for handling contaminants in a wellbore or riser. A washpipe debris trap (WPDT) traps contaminants traveling up a wellbore from a downhole location, and the WPDT may serve as an indicator for a breached screen in a downhole location. A marine riser reversing tool (MRRT) may reverse the flow of fluid between a workstring conduit and an annulus between the workstring and the wellbore such that fluid rises to the wellhead with greater velocity. A bi-directional chamber trap (BDCT) may be utilized in a wellbore operation to remove contaminants from a fluid.