Downhole Sand Removal Tool with Flow Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sand accumulation in wellbore casings obstructs the flow of subterranean fluids, reducing the recovery of crude oil and natural gas, as existing methods are inefficient in removing sand without restricting fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with an elongate tubular body and perforations, incorporating a flow guide with a buoyant flow restriction element and a heavier rod to control fluid flow, and a check valve system to separate sand from fluid, allowing for high-velocity fluid flow through perforations to remove sand effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing sand removal methods are used, then sand can be removed from wellbore casings, but fluid flow is restricted and recovery efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole tool divides the sand removal function into multiple perforations distributed along the tubular body, allowing sand to be removed through multiple pathways simultaneously while maintaining overall fluid flow capacity. The flow guide is segmented into distinct zones with different flow characteristics to optimize both sand removal and fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guide creates localized high-velocity flow zones through strategic positioning of the flow restriction element, which obstructs fluid flow in specific areas to accelerate sand-laden fluid through particular perforations. This localized flow acceleration enhances sand removal efficiency without completely restricting overall fluid flow through the tool.
2Productivity
If high-velocity fluid flow is created through perforations to remove sand, then sand removal efficiency increases, but fluid flow restriction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide with the flow restriction element creates dynamic flow patterns that change based on operating conditions. The restriction element can be positioned to create high-velocity zones when needed for sand removal, while allowing more uniform flow under different conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between sand removal efficiency and fluid flow characteristics.
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
The system effectively removes sand from wellbore casings, enhancing fluid flow and recovery by using the flow guide to increase fluid velocity through perforations and the check valve to retain sand, thereby improving the efficiency of subterranean fluid extraction.
Implementation Method 1
The flow restriction element is sized to obstruct communication between at least some of the plurality of perforations and an interior of the body
Implementation Method 2
The rod is installed within the flow restriction element and is made of a heavier material than that of the flow restriction element
Data Source
AI summary
A sand removal system configured to remove sand from a casing installed within a producing wellbore. The system utilizes a bottom hole assembly comprising a check valve sub and at least one sand removal tool. A swab cup installed within a vertical section the casing is used to create a pressure differential around the bottom hole assembly, causing fluid and sand to flow at a high velocity into the sand removal tool. The sand is caused to flow upstream where is later removed from the wellbore.