Selective Downhole Magnet Tool for Targeted Debris Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnet tools used in wellbore cleaning operations continuously generate magnetic flux during conveyance, leading to unintended debris collection before reaching the target cleaning location, necessitating a method to selectively enable or disable the magnetic flux.
Innovation Solution
A selective magnet tool with a sleeve actuator mechanism that can transition between a run-in position, where magnetic flux is blocked, and an active position, where it is exposed, allowing controlled cleaning by surface-activated pressure or flowrate signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets continuously generate magnetic flux during conveyance, then debris collection capability is maintained, but unintended debris collection occurs before reaching target location
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet tool incorporates a movable sleeve that can shift position along the tool body. When the sleeve is in the first position, it exposes the magnets to enable debris collection. When shifted to the second position, the sleeve covers the magnets to disable flux generation. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to switch between active and inactive states, preventing unintended debris collection during conveyance while maintaining collection capability at the target location.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the magnets and the wellbore environment. By positioning the sleeve between the magnets and the surrounding fluid/debris, it controls whether magnetic flux interacts with the environment. The sleeve's movement mediates the transition between active debris collection and inactive conveyance states, eliminating harmful unintended collection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnets are always exposed, then debris can be collected at any location, but cleaning operation lacks precision and targets specific depth
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic sleeve mechanism enables precise control over when and where debris collection occurs. The operator can convey the tool to any desired depth and then activate the sleeve to expose the magnets only at that specific location. This provides both flexibility in choosing cleaning locations and precision in targeting specific depths, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool allows preliminary conveyance to the target depth with magnets concealed (sleeve in second position). Once at the desired location, the sleeve is shifted to expose the magnets for targeted cleaning. This preliminary positioning without active collection prevents premature debris gathering while ensuring accurate targeting when cleaning is activated.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic flux is blocked during conveyance, then unintended debris collection is prevented, but debris collection function is disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve's ability to shift between two positions provides dynamic control: in the second position, the sleeve covers the magnets to block flux and prevent unintended debris collection during conveyance; in the first position, the sleeve exposes the magnets to enable active debris collection at the target location. This dynamic switching maintains the debris collection function while preventing harmful unintended collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve provides preliminary protection by covering the magnets during conveyance, preventing any unintended interaction with debris before reaching the target location. This preliminary anti-action (blocking flux) is temporary and reversible, allowing the function to be activated when needed without permanent disablement.
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 targeted cleaning by preventing debris collection during conveyance and ensuring effective debris removal at the desired wellbore location, improving operational efficiency and reducing unnecessary debris retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnets producing a magnetic flux
Implementation Method 2
The window sleeve can rotate about the mandrel from a first position in which the magnetic flux produced by the magnets is blocked from projecting into the annulus to a second position in which the magnetic flux is allowed to project into the annulus
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic wellbore cleaning tool with one or more rows of magnets located in corresponding grooves on the tool mandrel. A window sleeve rotationally coupled to the mandrel with one or more windows configured to be selectively positioned in a closed or open configuration. The window sleeve can block the magnet flux of the one or more rows of magnets on the mandrel in the closed configuration. The one or more windows can align with corresponding magnets to gather debris from the wellbore in the open configuration. A signal from surface can activate a sleeve actuator to selectively position the one or more longitudinal windows in a closed position or an open position.