Rotating Check Valve Milling Bit for Wellbore Debris Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools struggle to effectively retain collected debris within a collection chamber while being retrieved from a wellbore, particularly due to the challenge of allowing fluid flow in one direction while milling and filtering debris simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A milling bit integrated with a check valve and rotating shaft, which allows fluid and debris to flow in one direction while milling, utilizing a pump for suction force to pull debris into a bailer with filters, and a gearbox to modify rotational speed and torque for efficient debris collection and fluid recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a check valve is used to allow fluid flow in one direction, then fluid flow control is improved, but debris retention during tool retrieval deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into multiple collection chambers (first, second, and third chambers) with separate check valves for each chamber. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid flow in each chamber while maintaining debris retention, resolving the contradiction between flow control and retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valves act as intermediary components between the collection chambers and the external environment. They selectively allow fluid to pass through during operation while blocking debris from escaping during retrieval, mediating between the need for fluid flow and debris retention.
2Productivity
If the tool rotates to mill debris, then milling efficiency is improved, but the check valve may fail to seal properly, worsening debris retention
Solution Approach 1:
The check valves are designed to dynamically adapt to rotational motion. The valves can rotate with the tool while maintaining their sealing function, allowing the tool to mill debris efficiently while the check valves continuously prevent debris escape during both rotation and retrieval phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valves are constructed with composite features combining sealing surfaces and rotational capabilities. This allows the valve to maintain its sealing integrity while accommodating the rotational movement required for effective debris milling.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple collection chambers are used to increase debris capacity, then debris storage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple collection chambers are arranged in a nested or concentric configuration within the tool body. The chambers are positioned to utilize the available space efficiently, with each chamber having its own check valve but sharing common structural support, thereby increasing debris capacity while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Enables simultaneous milling and filtering of wellbore debris, ensuring efficient debris retention and clean fluid recirculation during downhole operations.
Implementation Method 1
The pump can create a suction force that pulls the drilling fluid and debris into the downhole assembly through the milling bit and the check valve
Implementation Method 2
The function of the milling bit is to allow the flow of fluid in one direction (downhole to uphole) while simultaneously milling debris in a wellbore
Implementation Method 3
The filters in the bailer can capture the debris, and clean fluid can return to the pump where it is again pumped into the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A milling bit is disclosed for debris collection within a wellbore. A check valve can be part of a debris removal tool that includes a motor, a pump, a gearbox, a bailer, the milling bit, and rotational shafts. In an example, on its uphole end, the milling bit can be coupled with the check valve. On its downhole end, the milling bit can be configured for debris removal with cutting edges. The downhole end can also include openings that provide access to an internal cavity of the milling bit. The internal cavity can extend the entire length of the milling bit. This allows the pump to pull drilling fluid into the bailers through the milling bit and check valve. As a result, the debris removal tool can simultaneously remove obstructions in a wellbore and collect debris from the obstruction removal.