Wellbore Cleanout Tool with Filter and Wiper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debris in wellbore fluids often leads to failures in well tool operations, such as tool sticking, plugged circulation ports, and inoperable sealing components, due to the lack of effective cleanout processes before deploying well tools, which can be exacerbated by skipped cleanout runs.
Innovation Solution
A cleanout tool system that filters debris ahead of the well tool by using a filter mode with a diverter and wiper to dislodge and collect debris, allowing the well tool to be deployed in a single trip without a separate cleanout run, incorporating a scraper and magnet for additional debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate cleanout run is performed before deploying a well tool, then debris is removed from the wellbore, but the time and complexity of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the well tool deployment operation with the cleanout operation into a single integrated tool assembly. The cleanout tool with filter, wiper, and scraper components is deployed together with the well tool in one trip, eliminating the need for separate cleanout runs while maintaining debris removal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleanout components (filter, wiper, scraper) are positioned ahead of the well tool in the deployment sequence, performing debris removal actions before the well tool reaches critical positions. This preliminary cleanout prevents debris from interfering with well tool operation without requiring a separate prior cleanout run.
2Reliability
If a cleanout tool is run below drillable or retrievable tools, then debris is removed, but the cleanout tool may dislodge debris that reaches the drillable or retrievable tool
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly acts as an intermediary component positioned between the cleanout components and the well tool. It captures debris that is dislodged by the wiper and scraper, preventing it from reaching the well tool while still allowing fluid flow. This mediator function resolves the contradiction by enabling aggressive debris removal without contaminating the well tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter extracts and removes debris from the fluid stream before it can reach the well tool. By continuously capturing dislodged debris in the filter, the system prevents harmful factors from affecting the well tool while maintaining the effectiveness of the cleanout action.
3Reliability
If multiple cleanout components are integrated with the well tool, then debris removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleanout system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a filter assembly, a wiper component, and a scraper component. Each module performs a specific debris removal function and can be independently designed and maintained. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the integrated system into manageable functional units.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cleanout tool assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: filtering debris, wiping the wellbore surface, and scraping accumulated material. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate tools and operations into a single deployment.
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 system effectively prevents contamination and ensures proper operation of well tools by filtering and removing debris, reducing the likelihood of tool failures and allowing for successful deployment and operation without a prior cleanout run.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet positioned below the scraper to capture ferromagnetic debris
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of systems and methods are disclosed for cleaning a wellbore ahead of a well tool. The well tool is deployed on a tubular conveyance to a depth into a well. An interior surface of the well is wiped ahead of the well tool to dislodge debris from the interior surface of the well as the tubular conveyance advances downhole. The debris is filtered ahead of the well tool as the tubular conveyance advances downhole to keep the filtered debris away from the well tool. The well tool may then be used to perform a tool function when the tubular conveyance has reached the depth, without being affected by the filtered debris.