Downhole Vacuum Tool for Single-Trip Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods require multiple trips to remove debris and components from a wellbore, as existing tools struggle to efficiently clear debris from wellbore components, hindering retrieval operations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool equipped with a vacuum system, debris chamber, and latches that can be activated to suction debris into the chamber and snap into wellbore components for retrieval, allowing for single-trip debris removal and component retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cleaning tools are used to remove debris from wellbore components, then debris removal capability is limited, but the number of trips required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the debris removal function and component retrieval function into a single integrated tool assembly. The cleaning tool with vacuum generator is coupled with latches and a component holder, allowing both debris suction and component securing to occur simultaneously during one trip into the wellbore. This merging eliminates the need for separate operations that would require multiple trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it removes debris through the vacuum system, secures wellbore components through latches, and retrieves components through the holder. This multi-functionality allows a single tool to accomplish tasks that previously required multiple specialized tools and multiple trips, directly improving productivity while reducing time loss.
2Productivity
If multiple trips are made to remove debris and retrieve components, then operational completeness is ensured, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional subsystems into a single tool assembly: the vacuum generator with debris chamber for debris removal, the latches for securing components, and the component holder for retrieval. This consolidation allows all necessary operations to be performed in one trip, improving operational efficiency despite the increased complexity of the integrated device.
3Productivity
If a vacuum system is added to the downhole tool, then debris removal capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vacuum generator that creates negative pressure to suction debris through fluid dynamics principles. The vacuum system uses pneumatic mechanisms to generate the suction force needed to move debris into the debris chamber, providing an effective debris removal capability without requiring complex mechanical scraping or digging components.
4Reliability
If latches are added to secure wellbore components, then component retrieval reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latches are positioned and configured to engage with wellbore component profiles before the component needs to be retrieved. By establishing the mechanical connection in advance while the tool is still positioned around the component, the system ensures reliable securing without requiring complex retrieval mechanisms. The latches prepare the connection beforehand, simplifying the overall retrieval process.
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 tool effectively removes debris from wellbore components, enabling single-trip retrieval of wellbore components, reducing the number of trips needed and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum positioned in the interior volume and configured to generate a fluid suction; circulating wellbore debris, with the fluid suction, through the vacuum and into the debris chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool includes a top sub-assembly configured to connect to a downhole conveyance that is operable to run the tool into a wellbore formed from a terranean surface to a subterranean formation; a housing coupled at an uphole end to the top sub-assembly, the housing defining an interior volume; a vacuum positioned in the interior volume and configured to generate a fluid suction; a debris chamber fluidly coupled to the vacuum and positioned in the interior volume; a nozzle coupled at a downhole end of the housing, the nozzle including one or more openings; and a controller communicably coupled to the vacuum and configured to perform operations including activating the vacuum to generate the fluid suction to circulate wellbore debris through the vacuum and into the debris chamber.