Perforated Well Pipe Cleaning Device with Dual Sealing and Mode Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for cleaning perforated well pipes and surrounding gravel beds in deep wells are not efficient in removing deposits like iron and manganese, and often require separate equipment for circulation and regeneration tasks.

Innovation Solution

A device with a pump and sealing means that can switch between 'circulation and regeneration' and 'pump out' modes, utilizing multiple sealing mechanisms for effective cleaning and locking within the well pipe, and an actuating element to control outlet openings, allowing for intensive cleaning of a limited section or the entire well pipe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing devices are used for cleaning perforated well pipes, then the cleaning function is provided, but the efficiency in removing deposits like iron and manganese is insufficient and separate equipment is required for circulation and regeneration tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidequipment configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines circulation and regeneration functions into a single device. The pump can operate in two modes: circulation mode where liquid is pumped through the well pipe perforations, and regeneration mode where the same pump cleans deposits from the gravel bed surrounding the well pipe. This eliminates the need for separate equipment while maintaining both cleaning functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform both circulation and regeneration tasks. By using the same pump for both functions, the device achieves versatility without requiring additional specialized equipment, thereby improving productivity while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple sealing means are used to lock the device within the well pipe, then the locking effect is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking effectVSAvoidsealing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing mechanism is divided into multiple independent sealing means positioned at different locations along the device body. Each sealing means can engage with the well pipe wall independently, providing distributed locking points that enhance reliability without requiring a single complex sealing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing means utilize flexible sealing elements that can adapt to the well pipe inner diameter. These flexible seals provide reliable engagement through elastic deformation, ensuring secure locking while maintaining a relatively simple structural design compared to rigid mechanical locking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If the device is designed to clean only a limited section of the well pipe, then the cleaning intensity for that section is improved, but the ability to clean the entire well pipe is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning intensityVSAvoidcleaning coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates movable sealing means that can be positioned at different locations along the well pipe. By adjusting the position of the sealing elements, the same device can target different sections of the well pipe for intensive cleaning, providing both high cleaning intensity for limited sections and the capability to clean the entire well pipe through repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simple and effective cleaning of perforated well pipes and surrounding gravel beds by combining circulation and regeneration functions in a single device, ensuring thorough removal of deposits and preventing unintentional displacement due to excessive forces.

Implementation Method 1

a pump (4), with a preferably elongate and/or tubular body (6), which has at least one inlet (8) through which the pump (4) sucks in liquid, and having at least a first outlet (10) and a second outlet (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

having at least a first sealing means (14) and a second sealing means (16), the first and second sealing means being arranged on the body (6) and selectively sealably engageable with and disengageable from an inner wall (2a) of the well pipe (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

with an opening and closing device (24) which is designed to open the first outlet (10) in a first operating state to hold and to close the second outlet (12) and to close the first outlet (10) in a second operating state and to keep the second outlet (12) open

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve control: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3020876B1Device for cleaning a perforated well pipe
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 ANITA BARTSCH PUMPEN UND WASSERTECHN E K
  • EP3020876B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3020876B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

A device for cleaning a perforated well pipe (2), and preferably also a surrounding fill material, particularly in a deep well, is described, comprising a pump (4), a preferably elongated and tubular body (6) having at least one inlet (8) through which the pump (4) draws in liquid, and at least one first outlet (10) and one second outlet (12), wherein the first and second outlets (10, 12) are provided for discharging the liquid pumped by the pump (4), and at least one first sealing means (14) and one second sealing means (16), wherein the first and second sealing means (14, 16) are attached to the body (6) and can be selectively brought into sealing engagement with or out of engagement with an inner wall (2a) of the well pipe (2), and the second sealing means (16) is arranged below the first sealing means (14) at a distance from it.with a first compartment (18) formed between the first and second sealing means (14, 16) and bounded by a section of the outside (6a) of the body (6), into which the first outlet (10) opens, while the second outlet (12) is arranged above the first sealing means (14) and thus above and outside the first compartment (18), and with an opening and closing device (24) configured to keep the first outlet (10) open and the second outlet (12) closed in a first operating state and to close the first outlet (10) and the second outlet (12) open in a second operating state.