Modular Downhole Fluid Filtration With Pressure Relief Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid conditioning and treatment systems in tubular bores face challenges in efficiently filtering and treating fluids, particularly in wellbores, due to issues such as plugging and the need for effective retrieval of trapped components.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid conditioning and treatment system with filter chambers, magnets, and pressure relief components, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, along with a retrieval mechanism using shear elements and fishing tools to address plugging and facilitate retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter chambers are used to filter solids from fluids, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the system becomes prone to plugging
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into multiple filter chambers (first filter chamber, second filter chamber) with different filtration functions. The first filter chamber filters larger solids while the second filter chamber captures finer particles, distributing the filtration load and reducing plugging risk in any single chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a retrieval mechanism with fishing tools and shear elements that can recover and remove plugged or spent filter chambers from the tubular bore, restoring system functionality and preventing permanent plugging issues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filter chambers and treatment components are assembled in the tubular bore, then fluid treatment capability is improved, but retrieval of trapped components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment system is segmented into modular components (filter chambers, magnets, flow dispersion elements) that can be independently retrieved. The retrieval mechanism can target and remove specific plugged components without requiring removal of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A fishing tool acts as an intermediary retrieval device that latches onto the treatment system components through engagement features (shoulders, connections) and extracts them from the tubular bore using tensile force, facilitating easy retrieval of trapped components.
3Productivity
If filter chambers are positioned in the tubular bore for fluid conditioning, then fluid treatment is improved, but pressure buildup from plugging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of pressure buildup is addressed by extracting the plugged filter chamber from the system using the retrieval mechanism, removing the source of pressure accumulation and restoring normal fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
When a filter chamber becomes plugged and causes pressure buildup, the system enables recovery of the plugged chamber through the fishing tool and shear element mechanism, allowing replacement with a clean filter chamber to restore 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 system effectively filters solids and captures ferrous particles, maintains fluid circulation through pressure relief, and enables easy retrieval of trapped components, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability in tubular applications.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet section, in one embodiment, has a plurality of elongated magnets longitudinally positioned on its outer surface
Implementation Method 2
The bell housing preferably has a pressure relief component, which may be a rupture disk, a shear pin arrangement, or other suitable component
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conditioning and/or treatment system is disclosed. A bell housing with a pressure relief element, for example a rupture disk, has an external shoulder to seat within a tubular. One or more filter chambers, with slots in the walls thereof, are releasably connected to the bell housing. A magnet mandrel is attached to the lowermost filter chamber. Fluids, for example drilling/completion fluids, are pumped downhole through the apparatus, and the filter chamber(s) and magnet remove solids and ferrous materials from the fluid stream. Threaded connections and connectors create a modular system, with the various elements easily changed out.