Wellbore Cleaning Assembly with Ported Jet Sub

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wellbore cleaning processes in the resource recovery industry require removing the production string from the wellbore, which is costly and time-consuming, and often inefficient due to the need for manual intervention and equipment management.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a cleaning assembly is coupled to a production device and conveyed to a target location in the wellbore, allowing for in-situ cleaning with the production device still in place, utilizing a cleaning fluid and debris chamber to filter and remove debris, and a control unit to determine optimal cleaning times based on production levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the production string is removed from the wellbore for cleaning, then the wellbore can be effectively cleaned of sand and debris, but the production operation stops and equipment management time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesand and debris accumulationVSAvoidproduction downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning assembly is merged with the production string to form an integrated system. The cleaning assembly includes a debris chamber with screens and a ported jet sub that can be deployed from within the production string, allowing cleaning operations to be performed while the production string remains in the wellbore, thus eliminating the need to remove the production string for cleaning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A cleaning fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance to facilitate the cleaning process. The cleaning fluid is pumped through the production string and into the wellbore, where it helps to lift and remove sand and debris from the wellbore walls and transport them to the surface, enabling effective cleaning without mechanical contact that would require string removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the production string is removed for cleaning, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but the cost and equipment management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesand and debris accumulationVSAvoidequipment management

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-deploying. The ported jet sub can be deployed from the cleaning assembly using the existing production fluid flow, and the debris chamber automatically collects and retains debris. This self-service capability reduces the need for external equipment and complex deployment procedures, simplifying equipment management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional cleaning processes are used, then sand and debris can be removed, but production effectiveness is reduced during the cleaning process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesand and debris accumulationVSAvoidproduction effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning assembly incorporates a ported jet sub that can be dynamically deployed and retracted. The jet sub can be extended to perform cleaning operations when needed and retracted when not in use, allowing the production string to maintain its full functionality at all times. This dynamic capability ensures that production effectiveness is not compromised by the presence of cleaning equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning assembly allows both production and cleaning functions to occur simultaneously or in rapid succession without interrupting the overall production process. The production string continues to flow hydrocarbons while the cleaning assembly operates, ensuring continuous useful action and maintaining production effectiveness throughout the cleaning operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 wellbore cleaning by maintaining production operations with minimal downtime, effectively removing debris and restoring production levels without the need for frequent equipment retrieval and replacement.

Implementation Method 1

The ported jet sub includes a body, a plurality of ports defined in the body, and at least one nozzle configured to direct a jet of cleaning fluid with a selected velocity out of the ports

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJet: Jet

Implementation Method 2

circulating the cleaning fluid through the wellbore to clean the wellbore and transport the debris to a surface location

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic lift: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11359461B2Wellbore system for interventionaless cleanout

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system and method for cleaning a wellbore. The system includes a production device and a cleaning assembly coupled to a bottom end of the production device. The production device and cleaning assembly are conveyed to a target location in the wellbore. The cleaning assembly is activated to clean the wellbore with the production device disposed at the target location.