Nozzle Assembly with Dynamic Joint for Wellbore Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bullnose designs used for debris removal in wells are cumbersome, add size and weight, and impede orientation functionality, making it difficult to position tools with components at the low side of the well effectively.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle assembly with an elongated body and a joint section that allows axial and radial movement when an axial force is applied, enabling the nozzle to be positioned without the need for traditional bullnose designs, and can be connected with a suction tool for debris collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bullnose designs are used to push the tool towards the center of the well, then the tool can be conveyed along the low side of the well, but the bullnose adds size and weight to the tool and impedes orientation functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the centering function from the traditional bullnose component and relocates it to a joint section that allows axial and radial movement. This separates the conveyance function (axial movement) from the centering function (radial movement), eliminating the need for a bulky bullnose while maintaining both capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint section is designed to be dynamic, allowing the nozzle to move both axially and radially in response to applied forces. This dynamic capability enables the tool to adapt to well conditions without requiring a fixed, bulky bullnose structure, thereby reducing size and weight while maintaining conveyance effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If conventional bullnose designs are used to push the tool towards the center of the well, then the tool can be conveyed along the low side of the well, but the bullnose impedes orientation functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the movement capabilities into separate degrees of freedom: axial movement for conveyance and radial movement for orientation. The joint section independently handles both functions, allowing the nozzle to be positioned and oriented without the constraints imposed by a traditional bullnose design.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic joint section allows the nozzle to adjust its position and orientation independently, providing versatility in positioning the suction port at the low side of the well while maintaining the ability to convey tools effectively.
3Device complexity
If the nozzle is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the nozzle cannot move to navigate around obstructions in the well
Solution Approach 1:
The joint section introduces dynamic movement capability to the otherwise simple nozzle structure. The axial and radial movement allowed by the joint section enables the nozzle to navigate around obstructions while maintaining structural simplicity, as the movement is achieved through a relatively simple joint mechanism rather than a complex actuation system.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle assembly including a nozzle. The nozzle has an elongated body. The elongated body has a nozzle end at one end and a connection portion at another end. A joint section is connected with the connection portion. The joint section allows the nozzle to move axially and radially when an axial force is applied to the nozzle end.