Rotational Pump Mechanism for Wellbore Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing debris removal systems for hydrocarbon wells, particularly those employing fluid circulation, are costly and pose operational and safety risks, and are ineffective in non-vertical wells due to friction and depth placement issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a workstring with a rotational portion and a stationary portion, where rotation of the workstring converts torque into a fluid pumping action to draw debris into the workstring, eliminating the need for circulating fluids, and includes a progressive cavity pump mechanism to efficiently remove debris from wellbores, including horizontal sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid circulation techniques are used for debris removal, then debris can be removed from the wellbore, but the system becomes expensive and adds operational and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluid circulation systems with a mechanical reciprocating pump system. The pump uses a piston and valve mechanism to mechanically move debris-laden fluid from the wellbore, eliminating the need for complex fluid circulation systems and associated safety risks while maintaining effective debris removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating pump system is designed to be self-priming and self-regulating, automatically adjusting to varying wellbore conditions without requiring external fluid circulation support. The pump's mechanical design allows it to handle debris and variable fluid conditions independently, reducing operational complexity and safety concerns.
2Productivity
If sand pumps with reciprocation are used, then debris can be moved in vertical wells, but the system becomes ineffective in non-vertical wells due to friction and non-optimal depth placement
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system incorporates a reciprocating piston mechanism that dynamically adjusts its operation based on wellbore conditions. The reciprocating motion creates variable pressure differentials that effectively move debris regardless of wellbore orientation, allowing the same system to perform effectively in vertical, horizontal, and angled wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system divides the debris removal process into discrete reciprocating cycles, with the piston moving back and forth to create alternating suction and discharge phases. This segmented approach allows the system to overcome friction and depth placement issues in non-vertical wells by creating multiple small pressure changes rather than relying on continuous gravity-assisted flow.
3Strength
If rotation is combined with reciprocation to break up hard debris, then debris can be broken up, but only reciprocation of the work string moves the fluid in the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the debris-breaking function with the fluid-moving function into a single integrated reciprocating pump system. The piston's reciprocating motion simultaneously breaks up hard debris through mechanical action while also moving the fluid through the pump chamber, eliminating the need for separate rotation and reciprocation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating piston serves multiple functions: it breaks up hard debris through mechanical compression, moves fluid through the pump chamber during its stroke, and creates the pressure differentials needed for debris transport. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate rotation and reciprocation operations, improving overall fluid movement efficiency.
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 solution significantly increases the efficiency of wellbore cleanout, reduces costs, and allows for effective debris removal in both vertical and horizontal sections of hydrocarbon wells by utilizing surface rotation to move static well fluid and capture debris, thereby enhancing operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the rotational portion causes movement of well fluid such that well fluid flows into the workstring, thereby carrying debris from the wellbore into the workstring
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for cleaning debris from a wellbore comprises a rotational portion and a stationary portion. The rotational portion is configured to be coupled to a workstring disposed in the wellbore such that rotation of the workstring rotates the rotational portion. The stationary portion at least partially surrounds the rotational portion. The stationary portion is configured to remain stationary when the rotational portion and the workstring are rotated. The rotational portion and the stationary portion are shaped and configured such that when the workstring is at least partially disposed in well fluid present in the wellbore, rotation of the rotational portion causes the movement of well fluid such that well fluid flows in the workstring, thereby carrying debris from the wellbore in to the workstring.