Wellbore Clean-Out Tool With Deformable Ball Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of flow-restricting substances like sand, scale, and wax within the production string of a wellbore restricts the flow of subterranean fluids to the surface, necessitating a solution to clear these obstructions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tool with an elongate body featuring a longitudinal internal fluid passage and laterally offset external openings is deployed within the production string, utilizing high-pressure fluid to clear debris and then employing a deformable ball to trap fluid and facilitate axial movement for efficient cleaning and removal of blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clean-out tool is used, then debris can be cleared from the production string, but the tool cannot be retrieved after use and must be abandoned in the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates a deformable ball that changes shape between a compressed configuration (for passing through the production string) and an expanded configuration (for engagement with the setting sub). This dynamic transformation enables the tool to be both inserted and retrieved, eliminating the need to abandon it in the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable ball is nested within a retaining structure that allows it to be contained during insertion and then released for engagement. The ball can be stored within the tool body during deployment and then extruded for functional engagement with the setting sub, enabling retrieval after use.
2Productivity
If high-pressure fluid is used to clear debris, then flow restrictions are removed, but the tool becomes stuck and cannot be retrieved
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable ball dynamically transitions between compressed and expanded states. During the cleaning operation with high-pressure fluid, the ball remains in its compressed state allowing fluid passage and debris clearance. After cleaning, the ball can be expanded to engage the setting sub for tool retrieval, thus maintaining both cleaning effectiveness and retrievability.
3Productivity
If the tool is designed to clear persistent blockages, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool applies cleaning function locally at the blockage site through the deformable ball and setting sub mechanism, rather than requiring complex throughout-tool structures. The deformable ball provides localized engagement and the setting sub provides localized anchoring, enabling effective blockage clearance with minimal overall tool complexity.
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 tool effectively clears debris from the production string, ensuring unobstructed flow of subterranean fluids to the surface, with the deformable ball allowing for repeated use and efficient tool retrieval, addressing the challenge of persistent blockages.
Implementation Method 1
the ball is configured to transform between an undeformed state and a deformed state
Implementation Method 2
employing a deformable ball to trap fluid and facilitate axial movement for efficient cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for cleaning out the lower end of a cased wellbore having an installed production string. The tool is lowered down the production string until it projects from an end of the production string and into the wellbore. High pressure fluid is then sprayed from the tool's fluid openings into nearby portions of the wellbore. Once cleaning operations are complete, the tool is carried back to the ground surface using subterranean fluid pressure.