Downhole Cleanup and Actuation Tool for Single-Run Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing borehole operations in the resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries involve multiple runs, leading to significant costs due to independent and costly operations.
Innovation Solution
A well cleanup and actuation tool that directs fluid flow radially outward and downward in a borehole while bypassing the actuation profile, enabling simultaneous cleaning and actuation through a debris entrainment system, including features like gun drill holes, venturi ports, and filters to enhance fluid velocity and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple independent operations are performed in separate runs, then each operation can be optimized independently, but operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent operations (borehole cleaning and downhole tool actuation) into a single integrated tool assembly. The cleanup portion and actuation portion work simultaneously during one run, eliminating the need for separate operations and reducing overall operational costs while maintaining optimization of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device performs both borehole cleaning and downhole tool actuation. This universal design allows one tool to replace multiple specialized tools, reducing the number of runs required while preserving the optimized performance of each individual function.
2Productivity
If fluid is directed radially outward for cleaning, then borehole cleanup effectiveness improves, but fluid may interfere with the actuation profile
Solution Approach 1:
The tool assembly is segmented into distinct functional portions: a cleanup portion that directs fluid radially outward for borehole cleaning, and an actuation portion with a profile that interacts with downhole tools. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its function independently without interference, as the fluid flow path is separated from the actuation profile path.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool body and flow passages act as intermediaries that separate the fluid flow path from the actuation profile. The cleanup fluid flows through designated passages and is directed radially outward, while the actuation profile remains protected and accessible for reliable interaction with downhole tools, preventing fluid interference with the actuation mechanism.
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
Facilitates a single run operation that effectively cleans the borehole and actuates downhole tools, reducing operational costs by integrating fluid flow and debris management without interfering with the actuation profile.
Implementation Method 1
At a downhole end of housing 24 are venturi ports 38 that turn some of the fluid flow of arrows 28 to an uphole direction arrows 40 and into the return path 42. Due to the angle of the venturi ports 38, a lower pressure is generated in fluid downhole of the venturi ports 38 than uphole thereof. These therefore increase fluid velocity and turbulence.
Implementation Method 2
The cleanup section 12 and an actuation section 14 that both conveys the fluid passing through the cleanup section 12 and operates to actuate something in the downhole environment... cleaning a target area with the fluid... entrained debris
Data Source
AI summary
A well cleanup and actuation tool including a cleanup portion of the tool configured to direct flowing fluid into an annular space radially outwardly of the tool and in a downhole direction, while accepting return fluid and entrained debris through a pathway therein, an actuation configuration connected to the cleanup portion, the actuation configuration comprising a profile thereon and a flow passage that bypasses the profile. A method for cleaning and actuating in a borehole, including conveying fluid through the tool, cleaning a target area with the fluid, and bypassing the profile of the actuation section of the tool with the fluid. A wellbore system, including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, and a cleanup and actuation tool disposed within or as a part of the string.