Integrated Wellbore Cleaning Tool with Jetting and Camera Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellbores accumulate debris and junk, which can reduce production and damage completion equipment, necessitating multiple trips with separate cleaning and inspection tools, increasing time and risk.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore cleaning tool with integrated reverse circulation and jetting sub-assemblies, along with a guide shoe and camera, allows for simultaneous cleaning and inspection in a single run, using interchangeable nozzles and fluid modes to efficiently remove debris and inspect the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate cleaning and inspection tools are used in multiple trips, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the total time required increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cleaning tools (jetting assembly with nozzles) and inspection tools (camera system with lights) into a single integrated wellbore cleaning tool. This merging allows both cleaning and inspection functions to be performed simultaneously in one trip, eliminating the time loss associated with multiple trips while maintaining the functional optimization of each subsystem
Solution Approach 2:
The wellbore cleaning tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can both clean the wellbore interior surface through jetting and inspect the wellbore through integrated camera and lighting systems. This universality allows a single tool to perform multiple previously separate functions, reducing operational time and complexity
2Reliability
If multiple trips with separate tools are made, then each operation can be performed thoroughly, but the risk to personnel increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging cleaning and inspection functions into a single integrated tool that operates in one trip, the patent reduces the number of times personnel must engage with wellbore equipment, thereby reducing exposure to hazards while maintaining thorough operation through coordinated simultaneous execution of both functions
3Manufacturing precision
If cleaning operations are delayed before removal operations, then cleaning can be performed more effectively, but debris and junk settle in the wellbore reducing cleanliness
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated tool enables continuous operation where jetting cleaning and vacuum removal work in seamless sequence without interruption or delay. The cleaning function loosens debris and the removal function immediately follows, preventing settlement and maintaining wellbore cleanliness throughout the operation
4Manufacturing precision
If separate cleaning and removal tools are used, then each tool can be optimized for its function, but the complexity of operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple specialized tools (jetting cleaner, vacuum remover, inspection camera) into a single integrated wellbore cleaning tool assembly. This reduces operational complexity by eliminating the need to coordinate multiple separate tool deployments while maintaining the functional optimization of each subsystem through dedicated components within the unified tool
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
Reduces cleaning and inspection time by multiple days, improves wellbore cleanliness, reduces wear on completion equipment, and minimizes stuck pipe events while maintaining smart receptacle integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The jetting sub-assembly includes a hollow cylinder and jetting nozzles. The jetting nozzles are oriented to direct a fluid from a first inner void to a space outside the wellbore cleaning tool.
Implementation Method 2
The reverse circulation sub-assembly includes a barrel with a first fluid port, a first set of outlet ports, a second set of outlet ports, a second fluid port, and a third fluid port. The second inner void and the third inner void are fluidly decoupable from the second inner void.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for cleaning and inspecting a wellbore. A wellbore cleaning tool has a jetting sub-assembly, a reverse circulation sub-assembly, and a guide shoe sub-assembly with a camera. The jetting sub-assembly has jetting nozzles oriented to direct a fluid at the wellbore. The reverse circulation sub-assembly has a barrel defining two inner voids fluidly decoupable from each other. The barrel has a first fluid port. A first set of outlet ports extend through the barrel from the one inner void to outside the wellbore cleaning tool. A second set of outlet ports extend through the barrel from the other inner void to outside the wellbore cleaning tool. The second fluid port controls fluid flow from outside the wellbore cleaning tool and the second inner void. A third fluid port controls fluid flow through the other inner void fluidly to the jetting sub-assembly.