Jet Sub Flow Diverter for Wellbore Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The resource recovery industry faces challenges in efficiently cleaning wellbores of sand and debris, which reduces production effectiveness, due to high energy expenditure in creating pressure differentials for fluid circulation.
Innovation Solution
A jet sub apparatus with a flow diverter that redirects the driving fluid at an obtuse angle, mixing it with an induced fluid to form a mixed fluid injected into the wellbore annulus, reducing energy requirements and enhancing circulation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional fluid circulation methods are used to clean the wellbore, then debris removal is achieved, but energy expenditure is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow direction parameter by using a flow diverter to redirect the driving fluid at an obtuse angle (greater than 90 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the jet sub. This parameter change optimizes the pressure differential generation, creating more efficient fluid circulation that reduces energy expenditure while maintaining effective debris removal capability through enhanced mixing with induced fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by injecting the mixed fluid into the wellbore annulus to create pressure differentials that drive fluid circulation. The system employs fluid dynamics to generate suction forces that remove debris without requiring high energy input, leveraging the hydraulic interaction between the driving fluid and induced fluid in the annulus
2Speed
If pressure differentials are increased to enhance circulation, then fluid circulation improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jet sub design allows the driving fluid to induce additional fluid flow in the wellbore annulus through its own momentum and pressure differential. The induced fluid is drawn into the mixing throat and mixed with the driving fluid, creating a self-reinforcing circulation pattern that enhances circulation speed without proportionally increasing energy consumption, as the system utilizes the energy already present in the driving fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The flow diverter introduces a dimensional change by redirecting the fluid flow at an obtuse angle rather than continuing along the longitudinal axis. This angular redirection creates a more effective pressure differential distribution that enhances circulation in the annulus, achieving better circulation speed with optimized energy utilization through three-dimensional flow management
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
This approach reduces energy consumption while increasing circulation speeds and suction efficiency, effectively cleaning the wellbore by creating a low-pressure zone and improving debris removal.
Implementation Method 1
creating pressure differentials in the wellbore that generate fluid circulation in the wellbore for vacuuming the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
The driving fluid is mixed with an induced fluid in a mixing throat of the jet sub
Implementation Method 3
The driving fluid is redirected from the longitudinal axis by a redirection angle at a flow diverter of the jet sub, wherein the redirection angle is an obtuse angle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus performs a method for cleaning a wellbore. The apparatus is a jet sub including an engine, a flow diverter and mixing throat. The engine propels a driving fluid at a first end of the jet sub towards a second end of the jet sub along a longitudinal axis of the jet sub. The flow diverter redirects the driving fluid by a redirection angle that is an obtuse angle. The mixing throat receives a mixed fluid including the driving fluid from the flow diverter and induced fluid drawn into the mixing throat by the driving fluid. The mixed fluid is injected into an annulus of the wellbore at the obtuse angle.