Slickline Debris Removal Tool Foam Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current debris removal tools face challenges in small diameter wells, lack of continuous flow, sand buildup issues, and difficulty in deviated wellbores due to insufficient gravity, with existing solutions being costly or inefficient in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A modular debris removal tool run on slickline with onboard power, featuring a centrifugal separator and modular design for continuous fluid circulation, and a tractor assembly with onboard power for advancing through deviated wellbores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressure is increased to improve sand capture, then sand capture efficiency is improved, but fluid loss into low pressure formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of the circulating medium from liquid to foam. Foam has lower density than liquid, which reduces hydrostatic pressure and prevents fluid loss into low-pressure formations while maintaining sufficient circulating pressure to capture sand. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between capturing sand effectively and preventing formation damage.
2Volume of moving object
If tool size is reduced to enter small diameter wells, then wellbore accessibility is improved, but sand capture capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with modular segments that can be configured in different arrangements. The foam generation system, sand capture chamber, and circulation components are segmented to allow compact packaging while maintaining functional capacity. This segmentation enables the tool to fit in small diameter wells while preserving adequate sand capture capacity.
3Device complexity
If gravity is relied upon for tool advancement, then tool simplicity is maintained, but tool advancement in deviated wellbores deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses foam circulation through pneumatic-hydraulic principles to advance the tool. The expanding foam creates upward force that propels the tool through deviated wellbores without relying solely on gravity. This allows tool advancement in horizontal or deviated sections while maintaining relatively simple tool mechanics.
4Productivity
If continuous circulation is implemented to maintain sand entrainment, then sand capture effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses phase transition of water to foam (gas-liquid mixture) to maintain sand entrainment. The foam structure provides continuous circulation and sand suspension without requiring high energy input for pumping. The phase transition enables effective sand capture while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous high-velocity liquid circulation.
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 effective sand capture and continuous debris removal in small diameter wells with reduced trips and maintains fluid velocity to keep sand entrained, while the tractor assembly overcomes gravity limitations in deviated wellbores.
Implementation Method 1
further employ centrifugal force in aid of separating the sand from the circulating fluid
Implementation Method 2
the foam entrains the sand or debris and carries it to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular cutter is run in on slickline. It features onboard power to selectively actuate an anchor and to initiate a tubular cutting operation with a cutter that is extendable and rotatable on its axis and the axis of the tool that carries an on board power supply.