Subterranean Debris Collection Eductor with Surface Pressure Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current debris collection devices for subterranean use, particularly those employing the eductor principle, are ineffective in removing small debris due to limited fluid flow rates and lack of reliable surface indication for low or blocked flow conditions, leading to potential equipment damage and increased costs for clean-out operations.
Innovation Solution
A debris collection device that utilizes an eductor principle with an auxiliary inlet mechanism, where a normally closed valve opens to signal reduced flow or blockage by dropping surface pressure, allowing surface personnel to intervene before equipment damage occurs, and ensuring efficient debris removal by maintaining flow through a screen and housing passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If forward circulation method is used to remove cuttings from well bore, then cuttings can be removed from the well bore, but cuttings become stuck on well casing or well bore surface and in blow-out preventer, causing equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional forward circulation method by implementing reverse circulation, where fluid enters through the annulus and exits through the workstring. This reversal prevents cuttings from adhering to well casing and blow-out preventer surfaces, eliminating the harmful effect of stuck cuttings while maintaining effective cuttings removal capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If reverse circulation is used to draw large pieces of junk into junk basket, then large junk can be removed, but small debris passes back out through basket and is not effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of large junk removal and small debris removal into a single integrated system. The reverse circulation eductor device combines the ability to draw large junk into the basket with the capability to lift small debris-laden fluid, ensuring both large and small debris are effectively removed without allowing small debris to escape
3Adaptability or versatility
If eductor jet is used to induce flow into bottom of junk basket, then large pieces of junk can be caught, but small debris is not effectively removed due to limited fluid flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles through the eductor jet device to generate high-velocity fluid flow that creates a vacuum effect. This hydraulic action draws debris-laden fluid into the workstring and lifts it to surface, enabling effective small debris removal with reduced fluid flow requirements while maintaining large junk capture capability
4Ease of operation
If circulation is stopped to run tool into hole, then small cuttings can be removed, but small cuttings settle to bottom of hole making removal more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing reverse circulation flow before the tool reaches the bottom of the hole. This pre-established flow prevents cuttings from settling to the bottom during tool deployment, keeping them suspended and ready for immediate removal upon tool arrival, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and high removal efficiency
5Productivity
If milling is done at fast rate to remove large amount of metal, then high productivity is achieved, but large amount of cuttings is generated requiring high fluid flow rate for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic principles through the reverse circulation eductor system to maximize the utilization of available fluid flow. The eductor jet creates a vacuum that draws debris-laden fluid into the workstring, and the spiral flow pattern enhances solids suspension and transport efficiency, enabling effective removal of large volumes of cuttings at high milling rates with optimized fluid flow rates
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 solution enables reliable detection of low or blocked flow conditions, preventing equipment failure and reducing clean-out costs by allowing timely intervention and maintaining efficient debris removal with reduced fluid flow requirements, thus protecting equipment and optimizing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a debris collection device that uses an eductor principle to draw debris laden fluid into a lower end using exhausted eductor fluid
Implementation Method 2
A high-velocity flow of fluid creates a low pressure to induce an entry of fluid into an inlet of the eductor
Data Source
AI summary
The debris collection device operates on an eductor principle with motive fluid delivered from the surface into an eductor housing inlet. The eductor outlet goes into a surrounding annular space and splits with some flow going to the mill below to direct cuttings into the passage in the housing. The cuttings remain in the housing and the flow continues through a screen in the housing passage before reaching the eductor inlet. An auxiliary inlet is normally closed and opened with a reduced flow entering through the mill. The opening of the auxiliary inlet drops the surface pressure delivered to the eductor to act as a surface signal that a plugged or low debris laden inlet flow exists.