Rotating Magnetic Assemblies for Wellbore Debris Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic well cleaning tools face challenges in quick and easy cleaning post-use and can create magnetic field issues that lead to reduced diameters or blockages within the wellbore, as ferrous materials are attracted to magnets during deployment.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features movable magnetic assemblies with arrays of permanent magnets, allowing controlled attraction and release of ferrous debris, utilizing a rotatable design to create a strong magnetic field for debris collection and then nullifying it for easy debris removal, with a Halbach array configuration to prevent inner annulus blockages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnets are used to attract ferrous debris in the wellbore, then debris removal capability is improved, but ferrous materials are attracted to the magnets during deployment causing reduced diameter or blockages in the inner annulus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal capabilityVSAvoidblockages in inner annulus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic assemblies are designed to be movable relative to the main body, allowing the tool to dynamically switch between active and inactive magnetic states. This enables the magnets to be positioned away from the inner annulus during deployment to prevent blockages, and positioned close to the wellbore wall during cleaning to maximize debris attraction capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic cleaning tool is divided into distinct functional segments: magnetic assemblies that can be independently positioned, a main body housing, and separate operational zones for debris collection and transport. This segmentation allows the magnetic components to be isolated from the inner annulus when not in use, preventing ferrous material attraction and blockages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If magnets are activated during well cleaning, then ferrous debris is effectively removed, but the tool requires time-consuming cleaning preparation between runs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal effectivenessVSAvoidtime between tool runs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic assemblies are designed to automatically release ferrous debris when repositioned away from the wellbore wall, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations. The tool self-cleans by simply moving the magnetic assemblies to their inactive position, allowing rapid deployment for the next cleaning run without time-consuming preparation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The movable magnetic assemblies enable rapid transition between cleaning and transport modes. After debris collection, the assemblies are repositioned to release the debris automatically, and the tool can be quickly deployed for the next operation, minimizing non-productive time between runs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If magnetic assemblies are positioned close to the wellbore wall, then debris attraction is maximized, but the magnetic field may extend into the inner annulus causing material accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic attraction forceVSAvoidmaterial accumulation in inner annulus

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field is concentrated locally at the wellbore wall interface where the magnetic assemblies are positioned, with the field strength decreasing rapidly with distance. This localized field configuration maximizes debris attraction at the target area while minimizing magnetic influence in the inner annulus, preventing unwanted material accumulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 quick and efficient removal of ferrous debris, saving time between tool runs and preventing blockages by controlling the magnetic field to collect debris only in the outer annulus, ensuring effective cleaning without interfering with the inner annulus.

Implementation Method 1

each magnetic assembly having one or more elements that are movable about their assembly axis between a first position for attracting debris and a second position for restricting attraction of debris

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

one or more elements that are movable about their assembly axis between a first position for attracting debris and a second position for restricting attraction of debris

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11428074B2Magnetic cleaning apparatus and method of use thereof

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 SUB DRILL SUPPLY

AI summary

The present invention relates to a magnetic cleaning tool (100) for removing ferrous debris from within a BOP, riser or wellbore, the tool comprising: a tool body having a longitudinal axis, and one or more magnets (104) configured to rotate around an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position. In the first position the one or more magnets attract ferrous debris to a debris gathering surface, and in the second position the one or more magnets do not attract ferrous debris to the debris gathering surface.