Well Tool Magnet Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing metal debris from well bores, such as using downhole magnets, are time-consuming and costly as they require multiple trips to remove less than 0.5 kg of debris, weakening the magnetic field and necessitating frequent retrieval and re-deployment.
Innovation Solution
A well tool with a cylinder-shaped magnet element, a helix-shaped longitudinal guide, an anti-torque anchor, and a debris container that allows the magnet element to rotate relative to the guide, guiding debris into the container without weakening the magnetic field, using a rotatable well string to facilitate continuous debris collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a downhole magnet is used to remove metal debris, then metal debris can be attracted and removed, but the magnetic field weakens after attracting a certain amount of debris requiring frequent retrieval and re-deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet element is nested inside a cylinder-shaped housing with a helix-shaped longitudinal guide element. The housing rotates relative to the guide element, allowing continuous debris collection while the magnet remains protected and its field strength is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces rotational movement between the housing and the helix-shaped guide element. This dynamic mechanism allows the magnet to continuously collect debris without saturation, as the rotating housing prevents magnetic field weakening while maintaining reliable debris attraction.
2Reliability
If a downhole magnet is run into the well multiple times to remove less than 0.5 kg of debris, then the debris removal requirement is met, but the operation becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The helix-shaped longitudinal guide element works in conjunction with the rotating housing to enable continuous debris collection in a single operation. The useful action of debris attraction continues without interruption or saturation, eliminating the need for multiple trips and significantly improving clean-up efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational mechanism between the housing and guide element maintains continuous magnetic field effectiveness. This dynamic system allows the magnet to collect debris continuously without field weakening, ensuring high productivity and meeting debris removal requirements in one operation.
3Productivity
If metal debris accumulates on the magnet element, then the magnetic field is weakened, but continuous debris collection is required
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet element is nested within the rotating housing structure. As the housing rotates relative to the helix-shaped guide, debris is continuously directed into the housing while the magnet remains protected. This nesting arrangement enables continuous collection without magnetic field weakening.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational movement between the housing and guide element creates a dynamic system where debris is continuously transferred into the housing. This prevents debris accumulation on the magnet surface, maintaining magnetic field strength while enabling continuous debris collection.
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 efficient and cost-effective removal of metal debris by preventing the weakening of the magnetic field and minimizing the need for frequent retrieval, ensuring that metal debris is collected in a single operation, thus reducing operational time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet element comprising a cylinder-shaped housing... metal debris accumulating on the cylinder-shaped housing
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a well tool (1) for removing metal debris from a well bore, comprising a magnet element (2), an anti -torque anchor (5), a debris removal unit (3), a debris container (6) and a first connecting end (16) for a rotatable well string, wherein the magnet element (2) comprises a cylinder-shaped housing (10) having a first end (7) and a second end (8); the debris removal unit (3) comprises a helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (4) arranged around the cylinder- shaped housing (10); the anti-torque anchor (5) is operably connected to the cylinder- shaped housing (10) or the helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (4), such that actuation of the anti-torque anchor during use will prevent rotation of the cylinder- shaped housing (10) or the helix -shaped longitudinal guide element (4), respectively, relative the well-bore; and the debris container (6) comprises an opening (9) arranged at the second end (8) of the cylinder-shaped housing, wherein the cylinder- shaped housing (10) and the helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (4) are rotatable relative each other around a centreline (C) of the well tool, and configured such that metal debris accumulating on the cylinder -shaped housing (10) during use is guided by the helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (4) towards the opening (9) of the debris container (6) when the anti -torque anchor (5) is actuated and the first connecting end is rotated.