EP1442197B1 - Device for cleaning an inner pipe inserted into a gas or oil conveying boring - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for cleaning an inner pipe which comprises a nozzle head comprised of a feed borehole axially disposed therein, at least two rotation nozzles communicating with the feed borehole, at least two cleaning nozzles communicating with the feed borehole and a shaft. A rinsing nozzle communicates with the feed borehole and extends upwardly at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the feed borehole. The shaft is received in an outer sleeve whereby when the device is inserted into an inner pipe and a medium is flowed through the borehole and out of the rotation nozzles a force is generated when the medium emerging from the rotation nozzles contacts the wall of the inner pipe which force causes the nozzle head to rotate.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for cleaning one in one Gas or oil production well recessed inner tube according to the preamble of Claim 1. Such a device is known from US 5,195,585 A known.

In the production of gas or oil settle on the inner wall of the inner tube, with which a gas or oil production well is lined, soiling in order to allow a perfect and optimal flow in more or less specific time intervals have to be removed.

This is usually done chemically so far, by chemical agents on the inner wall be applied to the inner tube, through which the adhesive Should dissolve dirt.

For many reasons, however, this type of cleaning is really effective Cleaning insufficient. In addition comes outgoing of such chemicals Environmental pollution, which also affects the cleaning staff draws.

Since the exposure time of the cleaning chemicals must be relatively long, wherein Of course, this time no gas or oil production is possible, this is known type of cleaning extremely disadvantageous for economic reasons.

In the awareness of these disadvantages has been tried, a mechanical Carry out cleaning in which spray nozzles have been introduced into the inner tube, However, these spray nozzles do not have the required mechanical stability and Reliability, the prerequisite for economic use in this field of application.

The conditions of use - especially when working in the borehole - are marked by poor accessibility, lack of monitoring and rough Environmental conditions due to dirt, sand and stones, high humidity (partially under water), high ambient temperatures, limited space as well due to extreme impact loads in horizontal as well as in transverse direction. Required are next to a compact design with smallest diameters a high reliability and low risk of default. In no case should in case of damage free fragments in the borehole or production pipe remain, since these only with considerable Effort can be removed again and lead to long downtime.

• Lagerschäden durch zu kleine Dimensionierung und durch Stoßbeanspruchung sowie Eindringen von Schmutz
• Versagen von Dichtungen durch abrasive Fremdpartikel
• Abreißen des Rotors durch Überlastung, Seitenkräfte und dynamische Stoßbelastung.
• Verlust von Bruchstücken oder gebrochenen Bauteilen
• Thermische Überlastung des Bremssystems

Conventional facilities exhibit the following damage clusters and are therefore not applicable:

• Bearing damage due to insufficient dimensioning and impact stress as well as penetration of dirt
• Failure of seals due to abrasive foreign particles
• Tearing off the rotor due to overload, side forces and dynamic shock loading.
• Loss of fragments or broken components
• Thermal overload of the brake system

In addition to the mentioned contamination of the wall of the inner tube, it is quite possible to blockages, especially when so-called build bridges at which dirt particles to a the inner tube cross-section largely occlusive Join together layer in the sense of a caking.

With the described cleaning options, these blockages are not eliminate, so that separate devices, such as drills or the like can be used have to.

The present invention is therefore based on the object, a device the generic type in such a way that a reliable operation among the above-mentioned extreme conditions of use, an optimal cleaning effect achieved and the scope is increased.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of the claim 1 has.

Due to the inclined, in functional case down directed cleaning nozzles becomes in combination with the rotation of the nozzle head an optimal Cleaning the Innenrohrwandung achieved. In this case, the medium occurs, usually Water, as a liquid medium of high pressure, the medium through the Hollow rod, which also forms a holder for the cleaning device, is supplied.

The rotation of the nozzle head takes place by means of the laterally arranged rotary nozzles, two of which are preferably provided, the exit axis extends distally to the central axis of the nozzle head and on the opposite Pages are arranged in opposite directions. This will produce a torque generated by the nozzle head by means of the repulsive force of the exiting Medium is set in rotation.

In addition, the rotary nozzles additionally serve to clean the wall of the inner tube, through which the cleaning effect is additionally promoted. Preferably the rotary nozzles are arranged so that the exiting medium jet vertically impinges on the wall of the inner tube.

The nozzle head is formed in extension as a shaft in which an axially extending supply bore is provided through which the medium in the cleaning and rotating nozzles is feasible.

The shaft is rotatably mounted in an outer sleeve, which is connected to the hollow rod, preferably screwed, the outer sleeve facing the nozzle head lying has an internal thread into which an external thread of the hollow rod is rotatable.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the threaded shaft the hollow rod as well as the internal thread of the outer sleeve conical is formed, whereby a simple release is possible.

Flushing nozzles, preferably fixed relative to the rotating nozzle head are arranged and therefore expediently introduced into the outer sleeve are, serve on the one hand as an axial drive of the entire cleaning device by their recoil and on the other hand the expulsion in the sense of a rinsing out of dissolved by the cleaning nozzles and optionally rotating nozzles Mud. Like the cleaning nozzles, these rinsing nozzles should be even distributed over the circumference.

By the storage of the nozzle head and the adjoining shaft in the outer sleeve, which may be designed relatively thin-walled, can be relatively large-dimensioned bearings are used, which provide a high power input allow, so that the cleaning device as a whole optimally for the im Field of application rough operation can be designed.

The shaft and the nozzle head may be integrally formed, whereby in interaction with the outer sleeve surrounding the shaft a very simple and robust construction results, in addition to the said high load capacity also allows a very inexpensive production.

The shaft is in several places against loss by shoulders or radial securing elements, as preferably screws, secured in the outer sleeve. The on the shaft and an intermediate sleeve fitting shoulder of an inner ring transmits the hydraulic axial forces. The shaft is also in the intermediate sleeve as screwed into the overlying inner ring. At a break of the shaft in its weakest cross-section, between the connecting areas with the intermediate sleeve and the inner ring, becomes the front part of the shaft held by the shoulder of the intermediate sleeve, which rests on a bearing. tear the next larger cross-section below the connection with the intermediate sleeve, The radial locking screws hold the front fragment to the stationary one Outer sleeve.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in the transition region arranged between the outer sleeve and the nozzle head, a water outlet is fed by the axial, the cleaning water leading bore is, so that in the said transition region, which is present as a gap, a Forms water film, which prevents dirt from outside in this Gap and thus in the connection area between the shaft and the outer sleeve arrives. Here is a seal provided, the underlying bearings protects. This seal is made by said film, which practically forms a barrier, protected against the ingress of dirty water or sludge.

This water outlet - it can also several, evenly over the circumference be provided distributed - is either parallel to the rotary nozzles, ie transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device or parallel to the rinsing nozzles, therefore in Function case directed obliquely upwards. It is also conceivable if several outlet openings are provided to arrange them eccentrically, so that thereby a the recoil of the rotating nozzles supporting force arises. Also is the Combination of inclination such as the flushing nozzles and eccentric arrangement advantageous.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that between the shaft and the outer sleeve an eddy current brake is arranged through the the setting of a constant speed of the nozzle head is possible.

In this eddy current brake, the annularly arranged magnets are complete encapsulated and fixed as a stator. In this case, the outer housing is made a magnetic material, preferably a stainless steel. Between the stator formed by the magnets and the inner rotor Existing leakage leakage water is passed, through which the eddy current brake is effectively coolable. As a result, a better heat dissipation is possible as is the case with known eddy current brakes.

A change in the braking torque of the eddy current brake and thus a Adjustment of the speed of the nozzle head to the particular circumstances by inserting or removing rings, which are the rotor of the eddy current brake, an inner ring, enclose and on which the stator is supported, so that the axial position of the stator to the rotor and thus the coverage area between both changes accordingly.

According to a further idea of the invention, a centric is in the nozzle head Plunger provided, which is mounted axially displaceable and frontally over the nozzle head otherwise stands out. This plunger, which is spring loaded, is against the Spring force and the pressure force of the medium then pressed axially into the nozzle head, if, for example, in the inner tube of the gas or oil production well has built up a blockage.

In this case, upon insertion of the plunger by the plunger body, the supply openings closed to the cleaning nozzles and the supplied medium in Jet nozzles passed around the plunger outlet at the front of the nozzle head are grouped. Due to the high pressure water escapes the blockage dissolved, in which case the plunger returns to its original position through the Compression spring and the pressure force of the medium is moved and the cleaning nozzles released again and the jet nozzles are closed.

In order to occur during operation of the device, the cleaning device as a whole to absorb and / or dampen very heavy blows and thus the wear to reduce the components is further provided, the shaft of the nozzle head multipart, preferably in two parts, form, with the nozzle head connected part relative to the other is axially displaceable. Between the two Parts a damping chamber is provided, in the water as a damping agent acts.

On mentioned seals between the shaft and the outer sleeve, through which the can be protected inside bearing, can be waived if, how further provided, the bearings are designed in corrosion-resistant design and by water, such as the water, the cooling of the eddy current brake serves to be lubricated.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the attached Drawings described.

Fig. 1+2

einen Längsschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung,

Fig. 3+4

jeweils einen Längsschnitt durch einen Teil von weiteren Ausführungsbeispielen.

Show it:

Fig. 1 + 2

a longitudinal section through a device according to the invention,

Fig. 3 + 4

in each case a longitudinal section through a part of further embodiments.

In the figures 1 and 2, a cleaning device is shown, wherein the clarity 1 half and Figure 2 shows the other half.

In its basic structure, this cleaning device consists of a rotating Nozzle head 1 and an outer sleeve 3, in which the nozzle head 1 is rotatably mounted.

At the nozzle head 1 opposite end of the outer sleeve 3 with a inwardly conically tapered internal thread 11 provided in the one not shown hollow rod can be screwed, via which a pressurized Medium, preferably water, through a central feed bore 4 which extends axially extends, in the nozzle head 1 is feasible.

The nozzle head 1 is provided with several, preferably uniformly distributed cleaning nozzles 5 provided. Next, the nozzle head 1 goes into a shaft 2, which in the outer sleeve 3 is mounted, including bearing 10 in the form of two radial and Axial bearings, the latter preferably as cylindrical roller bearings, are provided.

In addition to the illustrated cleaning nozzles 5 can not in the nozzle head 1 shown additional nozzles also be arranged for cleaning, as well as the cleaning nozzles 5 are aligned centrally and obliquely to the longitudinal axis, however in its inclined position the cleaning nozzles 5 opposite to after run above.

The nozzle head 1 also has rotating nozzles 6 which are eccentric in pairs arranged opposite lying and aligned laterally. In the present case the axes of the rotary nozzles 6 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle head 1.

Due to the paired, oppositely oriented positioning of the rotating nozzles 6, a torque is generated at the outlet of the medium, through which the nozzle head 1 is set in rotation.

From Figure 1 it is further seen that the bearings 10 in the direction of the nozzle head 1 are protected by a seal, on the one hand to the outer sleeve 3 and on the other hand rests on the shaft 2.

For a perfect rotation of the nozzle head 1 is between the end of the Outer sleeve 3 and the nozzle head 1, a gap 8 is provided. Through a water outlet 7, via the supply bore 4 also with the pressurized Is fed with water, a liquid barrier is built up in the gap 8, is effectively prevented by the outside of dirt in the area of Seal 9 can occur.

At the nozzle head 1 opposite end of the outer sleeve 3 are rinsing nozzles 12 provided, which are inclined and in the opposite direction of the Cleaning nozzles 5 run.

From these rinsing nozzles 12 also exits pressurized water, so that by the resulting recoil for an axial propulsion of the entire Cleaning device and on the other a Ausfördem of the cleaning nozzles 5 dissolved dirt is achieved.

In the figure 2 it can be further seen that an eddy current brake 13 is provided is, with a constant speed of the nozzle head 1 is reached.

This eddy current brake 13 has an inner ring 15, which on the shaft. 2 is fixed and thus acts as a rotor. The outer diameter of the inner ring 15 is the same size or larger than that of the shaft 2. Thereby, an axial Securing of the nozzle head 1 is achieved in the event that, for example, screw connections, with which the nozzle head 1 or the shaft 2 is fastened in the outer sleeve 3, tear off.

Completely encapsulated magnets 14 enclose the inner ring 15 axially at least partially and form a stator. The effect of the eddy current brake 13 can be influenced by rings 16 which surround the inner ring 15 and where the Magnets 14, i. the stator, support themselves. Depending on the number of rings 16 changed the overlap surface of the magnets 14 and the inner ring 15, resulting in also the rotational resistance of the inner ring 15 changed.

Between the magnets 14 and the rings 16 on the one hand and the inner ring 15th On the other hand, a gap 17 is formed, guided by the leakage water as cooling is passed through an outlet opening 26 to the outside.

With regard to the arrangement of the flushing nozzles 12, it is also basically possible to to arrange them in the region of the nozzle head 1, so that they also with rotate.

3 shows an embodiment of the invention is shown in which the Nozzle head 1 an axially displaceable, centrally arranged spring-loaded Tappet, which projects beyond the nozzle head 1 frontally.

Opposite lying a compression spring 20 is arranged, on the one hand at the bottom a recess 27 of the nozzle head 1, on the rest of a plunger body 28th is guided axially displaceable, and on the other hand supported on this plunger body 28.

Concentric with the plunger 18 jet nozzles 19 are arranged, which, as well as the Cleaning nozzles 5, are directed obliquely outwards.

In the functional case, when the plunger 18 to an obstacle, such as a blockage in an inner tube of a gas or oil production well, this is at the further axial feed of the cleaning device relative to the nozzle head 1 is moved inward against the force of the compression spring 20.

The feeds to the cleaning nozzles 5 and optionally to the rotating nozzles 6, the otherwise via channel bores 22 with the feed hole 4 are closed by the plunger body 28, while a Flow is exposed to the jet nozzles 19, which from the feed hole 4 flowing water is passed through channel holes 21 in the jet nozzles 19.

Once the force acting on the plunger 18 reaction force, for example by elimination the blockage by means of the jet nozzles 19, decreases, shifts due to the spring force and the compressive force of the medium of the plunger in his the Jet nozzles 19 occlusive non-functional position. The passage to the cleaning nozzles 5 or rotating nozzles 6, however, is released again by the channel bores 22 coincide with the feeds to said nozzles lie.

To eliminate blockages in the inner tube, instead of or in combination with the jet nozzles 19, a central nozzle are provided.

4 shows a constructive development of the invention, in which the shaft 2 consists of two shaft parts 23, 24 which are axially displaceable to each other, however are rotationally connected to each other, so that the shaft 2 functionally as one piece is to be considered

In the area of Zuführborung 4 is between the two shaft parts 23, 24 a Chamber 25 formed, which has a damping gap 30 with a damping chamber 29 is connected, so that in operation both chambers filled with water are.

In a force acting on the nozzle head and thus on the shaft part 24 impact load the shank part 24 is displaced axially relative to the shank part 23 simultaneous squeezing of the water in the damping chamber 29 through the Damping gap 30 through into the chamber 25, creating an optimal shock absorption is reached.

In case of damage, neither the nozzle head 1 nor parts of the shaft 2 in the zu reach cleansing delivery pipe. In case of breakage of the stem 2 in the smallest Cross section 35, above a bolting area with an intermediate sleeve 33, the shaft 2 is no longer held by the inner ring 15. Through the intermediate sleeve 33 and its shoulder 36 located on one of the bearings 10, the thrust bearing, supported and in which the shaft 2 is screwed, are in this situation the fragments held on the fixed outer sleeve 3.

Finds an outline of the shaft 2 in the middle section 34, below the connection With the intermediate sleeve 33 instead, the remaining pieces on the fuse elements 37 held in the embodiment of radially arranged screws exist, which are fixed in the outer sleeve 3 and in a groove 31 of the rotating Düsenkopfes 1 protrude, so that the largest shaft cross-section 32 the risk determined against loss.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

nozzle head

2

shaft

3

outer sleeve

4

feed bore

5

cleaning nozzle

6

atomiser

7

water outlet

8th

gap

9

poetry

10

camp

11

inner thread

12

rinsing nozzle

13

Eddy current brake

14

magnet

15

inner ring

16

ring

17

gap

18

tappet

19

jet

20

compression spring

21

channel bore

22

channel bore

23

shank part

24

shank part

25

chamber

26

outlet opening

27

recess

28

tappet body

29

damping chamber

30

damping gap

31

groove

32

Largest shaft cross-section

33

intermediate sleeve

34

Average shank cross-section

35

Smallest shaft cross-section

36

shoulder

37

Radial securing element

Claims (21)

1. Device for cleaning an inner tube introduced into a gas or oil conveying bore, with a hollow rod, in which a pressure-loaded medium can be conducted and to which is firmly connected a cleaning means which has a rotatable nozzle head, with cleaning nozzles (5) arranged obliquely to the longitudinal axis and with lateral eccentrically oriented rotary nozzles (6), and flushing nozzles (12) running obliquely to the cleaning nozzles (5) in the opposite direction, characterized in that the nozzle head (1) merges into a shank which is mounted in a fixed outer sleeve (3) connected to the holding rod, and in that redundant safety contrivances are provided, which, in the event of a break in the shank, prevent a separation of movable parts of the nozzle head (1) and of the shank (2) from the ,outer sleeve (3) and consequently a loss.
2. Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the shank is mounted in the outer sleeve (3) by means of radial bearings and at least two axial bearings (10), preferably cylindrical roller bearings.
3. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of redundant safety contrivances in the form of safety elements (37) and/or of an intermediate sleeve (33) in the region of endangered shank cross sections (34) and (35) are provided.
4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the safety elements (37) consist of bolts or screws which are held radially in the outer sleeve (3) and which project into a shank-side annular groove (37).
5. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in the region adjacent to the outer-sleeve end face, the nozzle head (1) has provided in it at least one water outlet (7) which is connected to a medium-conducting supply bore (4) extending centrically through the cleaning means, part of the medium emerging during operation so as to fill a gap (8) between the nozzle head (1) and the outer sleeve (3).
6. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that an eddy-current brake (13) is arranged between the shank (2) and the outer sleeve (3).
7. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the magnets (14) of the eddy-current brake (13) surround as a stator an inner ring (15) as a rotor, the inner ring (15) being connected fixedly in terms of rotation to the shank (2).
8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that cooling water can be conducted through a gap (17) formed between the magnets (14) and the inner ring (15).
9. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the magnets (14) are completely encased in a ring.
10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the inner ring (15) is surrounded by concentric rings (16), on which the magnets (14) lie and by means of which, depending on their number, the region of overlap of the magnets (14) with the inner ring (15) can be varied.
11. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the outside diameter of the inner ring (15) is equal to or larger than the diameter of the shank (2).
12. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the shank (2) consists of two shank parts (23, 24) connected to one another fixedly in terms of rotation and axially movable with respect to one another.
13. Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that between the shank parts (23, 24) is provided a damping chamber (29) which is connected via a damping gap (30) to a chamber (25) which is likewise formed between the shank parts (23, 24).
14. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that bearings (10) which consist of stainless steel and can be cooled by water are provided between the nozzle head (1) or the shank (2) and the outer sleeve (3).
15. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle head (1) is provided with an axially displaceably guided spring-loaded tappet (18) which in one end position projects beyond the end face of the nozzle head (1).
16. Device according to Claim 15, characterized in that the nozzle head (1) has provided in it a compression spring (20) which is supported, on the one hand, on the bottom of a recess (27) of the nozzle head (1) and, on the other hand, on the end face of a tappet body (28).
17. Device according to Claim 16, characterized in that the tappet (18) is arranged concentrically.
18. Device according to Claim 14 or 17, characterized in that jet nozzles (19) are provided concentrically around the tappet (18) and are connected to the supply bore (4), a supply of medium to the jet nozzles (19) being interrupted in the relieved position of the tappet (18).
19. Device according to Claim 14 or 16, characterized in that the tappet body (28) has provided in it duct bores (22), by means of which a connection between the supply bore (4) and the cleaning nozzles (5) and/or the rotary nozzles (6) is made in the extended position of the tappet (18).
20. Device according to Claim 16, characterized in that the connection between the supply bore (4) and the cleaning nozzles (5) and/or the rotary nozzles (6) is interrupted by the tappet body (28) in the retracted position of the tappet (18).
21. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle head (1) has on the end face a central nozzle capable of being controlled with regard to the outflow of medium.

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