Wellbore Debris Removal Assembly with Flushing Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore operations face inefficiencies due to debris obstruction, requiring separate operations to clear debris before retrieval of wellbore devices, which increases time and cost.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a mandrel, a sliding sleeve, and a flushing sleeve, which uses pressurized fluid to remove debris while allowing concurrent wellbore operations, with a releasable connection to prevent interference with the downhole tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retrieval tool is lowered into the wellbore to engage and retrieve the wellbore device, then the wellbore device can be retrieved, but debris obstructs the retrieval tool from engagement with the wellbore device
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing sleeve is deployed ahead of the retrieval tool to clear debris from the wellbore environment before the retrieval tool arrives. This preliminary cleaning action removes obstacles (debris) that would otherwise prevent the retrieval tool from engaging with the wellbore device, ensuring reliable engagement when the retrieval tool reaches the target location.
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the retrieval tool and the debris-filled environment. It performs the intermediate function of debris removal, allowing the retrieval tool to operate in a clean environment without direct exposure to harmful debris, thus enabling successful engagement and retrieval operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an additional separate wellbore operation is performed to remove debris, then debris can be cleared from the wellbore, but time and cost increase for the overall retrieval operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines two previously separate operations (debris removal and retrieval) into a single integrated operation. The flushing sleeve and retrieval tool are coupled together, allowing debris to be flushed from the wellbore and the retrieval tool to engage the wellbore device in one continuous process, eliminating the need for separate operations and reducing total operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembled tool system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the flushing sleeve removes debris while the retrieval tool engages and retrieves the wellbore device. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate specialized operations, reducing both time and cost while maintaining effectiveness in debris removal and device retrieval.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flushing sleeve is used to remove debris, then debris can be cleared from the wellbore, but the flushing sleeve may interfere with the downhole tool's functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the flushing sleeve and retrieval tool uses a releasable connection that allows dynamic adjustment. The connection can be engaged when debris flushing is needed and released when the retrieval tool needs to operate freely. This dynamic configuration enables the system to switch between debris removal mode and retrieval operation mode, preventing interference while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool system is segmented into distinct functional components (flushing sleeve and retrieval tool) connected by a releasable coupling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently when needed, while the releasable connection prevents one component from interfering with the operation of the other, enabling both debris clearance and downhole tool functionality to be achieved without mutual obstruction.
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 effective debris removal and simultaneous performance of wellbore operations, reducing operational time and cost by clearing debris without obstructing the downhole tool's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
supplying pressurized fluid into the wellbore using the sleeve to remove debris from the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for removing debris and/or conducting a wellbore operation may include a mandrel, a sliding sleeve rotationally coupled to the mandrel, and a flushing sleeve coupled to the sliding sleeve. A releasable connection may temporarily prevent axial movement between the sliding sleeve and the mandrel. A downhole tool may be coupled to the mandrel to conduct the wellbore operation. The flushing sleeve may be hydraulically actuated to an extended position ahead of the downhole tool. A method of removing debris from a wellbore and conducting a wellbore operation may include lowering an assembly into the wellbore, supplying pressurized fluid into the wellbore using the assembly to remove debris from the wellbore, and moving a downhole tool to a position where at least a portion of the downhole tool is disposed outside of the assembly to conduct the wellbore operation.