US20220178227A1 - Downhole cleaning apparatus - Google Patents
Downhole cleaning apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220178227A1 US20220178227A1 US17/601,663 US201917601663A US2022178227A1 US 20220178227 A1 US20220178227 A1 US 20220178227A1 US 201917601663 A US201917601663 A US 201917601663A US 2022178227 A1 US2022178227 A1 US 2022178227A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- casing
- wellbore
- fluid
- piston
- internal chamber
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 36
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 83
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 27
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 19
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 4
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- TZCXTZWJZNENPQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L barium sulfate Chemical compound [Ba+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O TZCXTZWJZNENPQ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 229910052601 baryte Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010428 baryte Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009849 deactivation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003534 oscillatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B37/00—Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
- E21B37/02—Scrapers specially adapted therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B37/00—Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
- E21B23/04—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
- E21B23/0413—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion using means for blocking fluid flow, e.g. drop balls or darts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/0078—Nozzles used in boreholes
Definitions
- a downhole cleaning apparatus for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore is disclosed. This relates particularly, but not exclusively to an apparatus for cleaning the annulus outside of a wellbore casing. A method of cleaning the area around a wellbore casing is also disclosed.
- Wellbores for the production of hydrocarbons are generally lined with steel casing to amongst other things prevent the sides of the wellbore from collapsing.
- Several lengths of casing of different diameters may concentrically overlap in a wellbore.
- WO2009/128915 discloses a device for cleaning a well casing.
- the device comprises a tubular body on which moveable brush assemblies and nozzles are disposed.
- the nozzles are biased outwardly under pressure but are designed to retract when contact is made with the well casing to prevent damage to the nozzles.
- the device is designed to be raised and lowered up and down a well casing to cause reciprocation of the brushes on the internal surface of the casing.
- This apparatus suffers from the drawback that it must be raised and lowered to clean. Also, the only contact made with the casing is by the brushes such that only the interior surface of the casing is readily cleaned.
- Preferred embodiments seek to overcome the above disadvantages of the prior art.
- An apparatus for cleaning the area around a wellbore casing comprising:
- a body configured to be located in a casing disposed in a wellbore, the body defining an internal chamber for receipt of pressurised fluid; at least one piston mounted to the body and being moveable from an inwardly retracted condition to the outwardly deployed condition as a result of an increase in fluid pressure in the internal chamber, such that a predetermined pressure differential between the internal chamber and the outside of the apparatus moves said at least one piston to the outwardly deployed condition; and wherein said at least one piston further comprises an impact surface arranged to slidably engage the internal surface of a perforated casing in use and impart vibrations to said casing when the apparatus is rotated in the wellbore and the impact surface slides along said internal surface of said perforated 30 casing.
- a casing may have been cemented many years previously and impacting the inside of the casing helps to break old cement from the outside of the casing, as well as from the wellbore around the casing.
- the apparatus provides the advantage that it can be used during operations to cement the casing. Agitation is commonly used in civil engineering applications to improve the placement of cement. Consequently, rotating the apparatus in a perforated casing can be used to agitate the casing during a re-cementing operation. This helps cement to flow to hard to reach places and is therefore particularly advantageous to create an effective cement barrier to prevent hydrocarbon migration for example if the cased wellbore is to be abandoned.
- This also provides the advantage of an apparatus that can be located at a chosen point in a wellbore, for example an area where the casing is perforated, and actuated by increasing fluid pressure in the apparatus to deploy the pistons. This is an extremely straightforward method of operating a cleaning apparatus. This also provides the advantage that the cleaning apparatus is reusable and can be moved along the wellbore to different points in a single cleaning run.
- the apparatus further comprises at least one nozzle arranged to direct a jet of pressurised fluid from the internal chamber out of the apparatus.
- This provides the advantage of an apparatus that is capable of cleaning the area around a wellbore casing by both use of pressurised fluid and by imparting vibrations to the casing.
- the jets of fluid move against the casing and through perforations to both clean and carry debris to the surface.
- a casing may have been cemented many years previously and impacting the inside of the casing helps to break old cement from the outside of the casing, as well as from the wellbore around the casing. The jetted fluid can then wash the released broken down cement away.
- Said at least one nozzle may be formed in said piston.
- Said piston may comprise an aperture through which a retaining bar projects, said retaining bar being mounted to the body to retain the piston in the body.
- the pistons can freely move in and out of the body as the apparatus is rotated and the pistons contact different parts of the profile of the perforated casing. For example, as a piston is moved along the circular outer surface of the casing to a point at which it encounters a perforated part of the casing, the piston is able to move further outwardly from the body to hammer against the perforated part of the casing. Such a hammer-like action causes vibration in the casing to assist in the dislodgement of cement and other materials.
- the apparatus further comprises a mandrel disposed in said internal chamber, the mandrel comprising at least one port, the mandrel being moveable along the internal chamber from a position in which said at least one port is blocked to a position enabling fluid to be pumped through said at least one port to move said piston to the outwardly deployed condition.
- the mandrel comprises a restriction adapted to receive a first ball or dart dropped through the apparatus to block fluid flow through the mandrel and enable fluid pressure to increase to move the mandrel to a position enabling fluid to be pumped through said at least one port.
- Said ball or dart may be deformable.
- This provides the advantage of enabling the apparatus to be reset and the mandrel cleared to recommence fluid flow through a work string in which the apparatus is disposed. This is advantageous because it allows the work string to perform an alternative function.
- said at least one port is configured to be blocked by a second ball to enable fluid pressure to increase to force said first ball or dart through said restriction to cause retraction of said at least one piston.
- This provides the advantage that the apparatus can be reset to provide a multi-function tool that can be deployed numerous times in a single downhole run to clean various different sections of wellbore.
- the apparatus may further comprise at least one shear pin arranged to retain said mandrel in the position in which said at least one port is blocked.
- the apparatus may further comprise at least one second nozzle formed through the body.
- the apparatus may further comprise a plurality of pistons.
- Said impact surface may be curved.
- This provides the advantage of facilitating sliding of the impact surface along the internal surface of the casing.
- a method of cleaning the area around a wellbore casing comprising:
- This provides the advantage of a method of cleaning a wellbore which both enables high pressure fluid jets to be used to dislodge cement and other materials and also impart vibrations to the casing to assist in the dislodging of debris.
- This also provides the advantage of a cleaning method which 25 is very straightforward to carry out as all that is required is to increase fluid pressure in a work string in which the apparatus is located and then rotate the part of the work string at which the apparatus is located.
- the step of locating the apparatus in the casing may include locating the apparatus at a position in the casing at which the casing is perforated.
- the step of increasing fluid pressure in the internal chamber may produce a jet of fluid from said at least one nozzle.
- an apparatus for cleaning the area around a wellbore casing comprising:
- a body configured to be located in a casing disposed in a wellbore, the body defining an internal chamber for receipt of pressurised fluid; at least one contact member mounted to the body and being moveable in and out of the body, wherein said at least one contact member is urged by spring means towards an outwardly deployed condition to engage the casing, said at least one contact member further comprising an impact surface arranged to slidably engage the internal surface of a perforated casing in use and impart vibrations to said casing when the apparatus is rotated in the wellbore and the impact surface slides along said internal surface of said perforated casing; and at least one nozzle arranged to direct a jet of pressurised fluid from the internal chamber out of the apparatus.
- a casing may have been cemented many years previously and impacting the inside of the casing helps to break old cement from the outside of the casing, as well as from the wellbore around the casing. The jetted fluid can then wash the released broken down cement away.
- the apparatus provides the advantage that it can be used during operations to cement the casing. Agitation is commonly used in civil engineering applications to improve the placement of cement. Consequently, rotating the apparatus in a perforated casing can be used to agitate the casing during a re-cementing operation. This helps cement to flow to hard to reach places and is therefore particularly advantageous to create an effective cement barrier to prevent hydrocarbon migration for example if the cased wellbore is to be abandoned.
- FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore, the apparatus being shown with the pistons in the inwardly retracted condition;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing the pistons in the outwardly deployed condition
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line c-c of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3 ;
- FIG. 5 a is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing the fluid flow path
- FIG. 5 b is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 4 showing the fluid flow path and direction of jets issued from the nozzles;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 located inside a perforated wellbore casing surrounded by an outer casing;
- FIG. 7 is an end on view of two concentric wellbore 20 casings
- FIG. 8 is a side view of a perforated wellbore casing
- FIG. 9 a is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore, the apparatus being shown with the pistons in the inwardly retracted condition;
- FIG. 9 b is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of 30 FIG. 9 a showing the pistons in the outwardly deployed condition with a deformable ball seated in the ball seat;
- FIG. 9 c is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIGS. 9 a and 9 b showing the first stage of resetting the tool with rigid balls blocking the ports;
- FIG. 9 d is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 9 a in the reset condition showing the balls in the ball catcher;
- FIG. 9 e is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 9 a showing an additional ball in the through ball section;
- FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore, the apparatus being shown with the contact members in the inwardly retracted condition.
- a first embodiment of an apparatus 2 for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore comprises a body 4 configured to be located in a casing 8 , the body defining an internal chamber 6 for receipt of pressurised fluid.
- Contact members 9 in the form of pistons 10 are mounted in the body and is arranged to move from an inwardly retracted condition as shown in FIG. 1 to an outwardly deployed condition as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 as a result of an increase in fluid pressure in the internal chamber 6 .
- the pistons 10 further comprise nozzles 12 arranged to direct jets 14 of pressurised fluid from the apparatus 2 .
- the apparatus comprises three pairs of pistons 10 disposed in an equidistant fashion around the circumference of the apparatus 2 .
- Each pair of pistons 10 is therefore located at a separation of 120° from the other pistons 10 .
- Each contact member 9 further comprises an impact surface 11 arranged to slidably engage the internal surface of a perforated casing 8 and impart vibrations to the casing when the apparatus 2 is rotated in the casing such that the impact surfaces 11 slide along the internal surface of the casing 8 .
- impact surfaces are curved to facilitate sliding contact with casing 8 .
- Impact surfaces may be formed from metallic and/or hardened material to prevent breakage.
- each piston 10 comprises an aperture 16 through which a retaining bar 18 passes to retain the pistons 10 in the body.
- Pistons 10 can move freely up and down in the body to the extent to which the retaining bar 18 located in apertures 16 allows. As a consequence, an increase in fluid pressure in piston chamber 28 tends to bias the pistons 10 outwardly to the extent to which the retaining bar 18 allows.
- Piston nozzles 10 provide fluid communication between piston chamber 28 , which is a continuation of internal chamber 6 , and the outside of the apparatus 2 .
- a mandrel 20 is located in internal chamber 6 along the longitudinal axis x-x of the body. The mandrel is moveable along axis x-x and comprises at least one port to enable fluid to pass out of the mandrel 20 .
- the mandrel also comprises a restriction 24 at its lowermost end.
- port 22 of mandrel 20 is blocked such that fluid flowing through internal chamber 6 and therefore mandrel 20 will simply pass through the apparatus 2 .
- the dart 26 when a dart 26 is dropped down the apparatus, i.e. dropped from the surface through a work string (not shown) in which the apparatus is mounted as will be familiar to persons skilled in the art, the dart 26 has a diameter larger than that of restriction 24 such that the dart 26 will be caught by restriction 24 to block the lower end of mandrel 20 and prevent fluid flowing past mandrel 20 .
- Dart 26 may be deformable to enable the mandrel to be cleared to recommence fluid flow through the apparatus 2 . A deformable ball could also be used.
- Inner casing 8 defines what is known as the inner annulus “A”.
- An outer casing 32 also disposed in wellbore 34 defines outer annulus “B” between the inner casing 8 and outer casing 32 .
- the “B” annulus may be filled with cement 36 .
- FIG. 8 in many circumstances, it is desirable to perforate inner casing 8 with a plurality of perforations 36 which are holes punched through the casing 8 .
- Various methods to do this are used, but the perforations shown in FIG. 8 are of the type created by the perforating tool disclosed in WO2012/098377A2.
- This apparatus comprises hydraulically activated cutting elements which punch perforations 36 into a casing.
- the profile of the perforated casing of FIG. 8 is shown in cross section in FIG. 6 . It can be seen that the profile consists of both circular sections 8 a and expanded deformed sections 8 b .
- the perforations 36 formed by the perforating tool of WO2012/09837782 are orientated circumferentially.
- piston nozzles 12 can be machined such that jets 14 direct fluid in a circumferential direction around the casing 8 which has been found to greatly increase the cleaning ability of the apparatus 2 .
- apparatus 2 to clean a wellbore casing and annuluses will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 .
- the apparatus 2 is moved to a point in a casing 8 at which perforations 36 are formed.
- Dart 26 is then dropped down the work string containing the apparatus 2 .
- the dart 26 lodges in restriction 24 of mandrel 20 .
- Fluid is then pumped through the work string to apparatus 2 .
- parting pins shear and mandrel 20 is able to move downwardly to align port 22 with piston chamber 28 .
- a fluid flow path 38 ( FIG. 5 a ) is therefore set up to enable pressurised fluid to fill piston chamber 28 thereby pushing pistons 10 outwardly and causing jets 14 and 38 to issue from piston nozzles 12 and body nozzles 30 .
- the pistons therefore move to the outwardly deployed condition as a result of a pressure differential between piston chamber 28 and the outside of apparatus 2 .
- the apparatus Whilst continuing to pump fluid through the apparatus 2 , the apparatus is then rotated using a mud motor or by simply rotating the whole work string from the surface, which causes impact surfaces 11 of the outwardly deployed contact members 9 in the form of pistons 10 to slide against the inner profile of casing 8 .
- the pistons 10 move in and out of the body 4 depending on their position in inner casing 8 .
- the nozzles 12 are formed in pistons 10 at an orientation to enable jets 14 to spray through of perforations 36 .
- the location of the nozzles 12 can be chosen to suit any type of casing perforation rather than that shown in the drawings.
- any kind of blocking device such as a ball or dart can be used.
- the mandrel 20 can be removed completely and the pistons 10 deployed by a simple increase in fluid pressure.
- a downhole apparatus 2 that is able to use oscillatory impact loading and vibration in order to dislodge cement, barite, and other solids in the B annulus of an oil and gas well is therefore disclosed.
- jetted fluid is used to wash and carry debris up hole back to surface for a full and thorough clean of the A and B annuluses.
- the jets are specifically tailored to the type of perforation or mechanical casing cut in order to optimize the fluid trajectory and velocity at the boundary point.
- Apparatus 2 can also be used during operations to cement the casing 8 . Agitation is commonly used in civil engineering applications to improve the placement of cement. Consequently, rotating the apparatus 2 in a perforated casing 8 can be used to agitate the casing during a re-cementing operation. This helps cement to flow to hard to reach places and is therefore particularly advantageous to create an effective cement barrier to prevent hydrocarbon migration for example if the cased wellbore is to be abandoned.
- FIGS. 9 a to 9 e a second embodiment of an apparatus 102 for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore is shown with parts common to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 denoted by like reference numerals but increased by 100.
- Apparatus 102 for cleaning the area around a wellbore casing comprises a body 104 configured to be located in a casing disposed in a wellbore.
- the body 104 defines an internal chamber 106 for receipt of a pressurised fluid.
- At least one piston member 110 is mounted to the body and is moveable from an inwardly contracted condition ( FIG. 9 a ) to outwardly deployed condition ( FIG. 9 b ) as a result of an increase in fluid pressure in chamber 106 .
- a predetermined pressure differential between the internal chamber 106 and the outside of the apparatus biases pistons 110 into the outwardly deployed condition.
- Pistons 110 comprise impact surfaces 111 arranged to slide against the surface of a perforated wellbore casing to impart vibrations in the same manner as that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 .
- Nozzles are also provided to jet fluid in the same manner as that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 .
- mandrel 120 is biased by spring 121 into the deactivated position as shown in FIG. 9 a . In this position, ports 122 of mandrel 120 are blocked and are not in fluid communication with piston chamber 128 .
- a retaining bar 118 is disposed in piston chamber 128 to retain pistons 110 .
- a first deformable ball 126 is dropped into the string in which the apparatus 102 is located.
- the ball 126 falls until it hits restriction 124 and seats therein. This causes an increase in fluid pressure on pumping above the ball 126 .
- the mandrel 120 is forced downwardly overcoming the resistance of spring 121 until ports 122 align with piston chamber 128 to allow pressurised fluid to flow into the piston chamber 128 and push pistons 110 outwardly.
- two rigid balls such as steel balls 127 are dropped.
- the rigid balls 127 fall until they hit deformable ball 126 and seat in ports 122 .
- deformable ball 126 deforms to the extent that it is pushed through restriction 122 .
- Rigid balls 127 are dimensioned to be smaller than restriction 122 such that they also fall through the restriction. This reduces fluid pressure such that spring 121 can push mandrel back to the deactivated position as shown in FIG. 9 d .
- the fluid pressure in piston chamber 128 is now insufficient to maintain deployment of pistons 110 which are caused to retract.
- the deformable 126 and rigid 127 balls fall until they are caught by a ball catcher assembly 140 .
- FIG. 9 e shows the ball catcher 140 holding a further ball 129 .
- Ball catcher 140 allows multiple ball activated tools to be run in the same work string. For example, a first tool would use slightly larger balls that would be retained in the ball catcher sleeve. A second lower tool would use slightly smaller balls 129 which would exit windows 142 in the ball catcher sleeve and travel down into the lower tool activating and deactivating as required. This enables a work string to have two or more ball activated tools.
- the deformable balls 126 might be formed from plastic and have a diameter of 1.5 inches.
- the mandrel ports 122 are 1 inch wide and the steel deactivation balls 127 are 1.25 inches wide.
- the ball seat restriction 124 may be 1.45 inches wide in this embodiment such that the deformable ball 126 must deform by 0.05 inches. The system is set up such that this happens at approximately 3000 psi.
- FIG. 10 a third embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore is shown with parts common to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 denoted by like reference numerals but increased by 200.
- Apparatus 202 comprises a body 204 configured to be located in a casing disposed in a wellbore.
- the body 204 defines an internal chamber 206 for receipt of pressurised fluid.
- At least one contact member 209 is mounted to the body 204 and is moveable in and out of the body.
- the contact members 209 are biased towards the outwardly deployed condition by springs 211 .
- Nozzles 213 provide fluid communication between internal chamber 206 and the outside of the apparatus 202 to enable pressurised fluid to be sprayed against the casing of a wellbore.
- FIG. 9 is therefore operated by locating the apparatus 202 at a desired point in a wellbore, increasing fluid pressure in internal chamber 206 to spray jets of fluid from nozzles 213 whilst rotating the apparatus 202 which causes contact members 209 to engage the inner profile of a casing and cause vibration in a similar manner to that described in relation to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 .
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore is described. The apparatus comprises a body configured to be located in a wellbore casing, the body defining an internal chamber for receipt of pressurised fluid. Pistons are mounted in the body and is arranged to move from an inwardly retracted condition to an outwardly deployed condition as a result of an increase in fluid pressure in the internal chamber. Pistons further comprise at least one first nozzle arranged to direct a jet of pressurised fluid from the apparatus.
Description
- A downhole cleaning apparatus for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore is disclosed. This relates particularly, but not exclusively to an apparatus for cleaning the annulus outside of a wellbore casing. A method of cleaning the area around a wellbore casing is also disclosed.
- Wellbores for the production of hydrocarbons are generally lined with steel casing to amongst other things prevent the sides of the wellbore from collapsing. Several lengths of casing of different diameters may concentrically overlap in a wellbore. In many situations, there is an outer annulus in the form of a gap between the outside of an inner casing and the inside of an outer casing or surface of the wellbore. This annulus can fill with debris such as cement, barite and other solids.
- It can be desirable to clean this annulus and other parts of the casing to for example enable cementing in plug and abandonment operations where the wellbore is to be decommissioned and sealed. Known methods of cleaning the annulus can be costly and it can be difficult to select particular areas of the annulus to clean.
- WO2009/128915 discloses a device for cleaning a well casing. The device comprises a tubular body on which moveable brush assemblies and nozzles are disposed. The nozzles are biased outwardly under pressure but are designed to retract when contact is made with the well casing to prevent damage to the nozzles. The device is designed to be raised and lowered up and down a well casing to cause reciprocation of the brushes on the internal surface of the casing.
- This apparatus suffers from the drawback that it must be raised and lowered to clean. Also, the only contact made with the casing is by the brushes such that only the interior surface of the casing is readily cleaned.
- Preferred embodiments seek to overcome the above disadvantages of the prior art.
- An apparatus for cleaning the area around a wellbore casing is disclosed, the apparatus comprising:
- a body configured to be located in a casing disposed in a wellbore, the body defining an internal chamber for receipt of pressurised fluid;
at least one piston mounted to the body and being moveable from an inwardly retracted condition to the outwardly deployed condition as a result of an increase in fluid pressure in the internal chamber, such that a predetermined pressure differential between the internal chamber and the outside of the apparatus moves said at least one piston to the outwardly deployed condition; and
wherein said at least one piston further comprises an impact surface arranged to slidably engage the internal surface of a perforated casing in use and impart vibrations to said casing when the apparatus is rotated in the wellbore and the impact surface slides along said internal surface of said perforated 30 casing. - This provides the advantage of an apparatus that is capable of cleaning the area around a wellbore casing by imparting vibrations to the casing. In many circumstances, a wellbore casing is perforated which forms a profile around the inner casing circumference. By rotating the apparatus the contact members will move up and down as the impact surfaces slide along the profile in a percussive, hammer-like action which sets up a vibration in the casing to dislodge cement and other material.
- This therefore provides the advantage of an apparatus capable of cleaning the outer diameter a wellbore casing. A casing may have been cemented many years previously and impacting the inside of the casing helps to break old cement from the outside of the casing, as well as from the wellbore around the casing.
- Furthermore, the apparatus provides the advantage that it can be used during operations to cement the casing. Agitation is commonly used in civil engineering applications to improve the placement of cement. Consequently, rotating the apparatus in a perforated casing can be used to agitate the casing during a re-cementing operation. This helps cement to flow to hard to reach places and is therefore particularly advantageous to create an effective cement barrier to prevent hydrocarbon migration for example if the cased wellbore is to be abandoned.
- This also provides the advantage of an apparatus that can be located at a chosen point in a wellbore, for example an area where the casing is perforated, and actuated by increasing fluid pressure in the apparatus to deploy the pistons. This is an extremely straightforward method of operating a cleaning apparatus. This also provides the advantage that the cleaning apparatus is reusable and can be moved along the wellbore to different points in a single cleaning run.
- In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one nozzle arranged to direct a jet of pressurised fluid from the internal chamber out of the apparatus.
- This provides the advantage of an apparatus that is capable of cleaning the area around a wellbore casing by both use of pressurised fluid and by imparting vibrations to the casing. The jets of fluid move against the casing and through perforations to both clean and carry debris to the surface.
- This therefore provides the advantage of an apparatus capable of cleaning the outer diameter a wellbore casing. A casing may have been cemented many years previously and impacting the inside of the casing helps to break old cement from the outside of the casing, as well as from the wellbore around the casing. The jetted fluid can then wash the released broken down cement away.
- Said at least one nozzle may be formed in said piston.
- This provides the advantage that the direction of the nozzles can be chosen to be directed through various orientations of wellbore perforation to ensure good cleaning.
- By directing the nozzles through the perforations in the wellbore, this creates a flow of fluid which will carry 30 debris up to the surface. The high pressure jets also assist in dislodging materials and debris from the casing and annulus.
- Said piston may comprise an aperture through which a retaining bar projects, said retaining bar being mounted to the body to retain the piston in the body.
- This provides the advantage that the pistons can freely move in and out of the body as the apparatus is rotated and the pistons contact different parts of the profile of the perforated casing. For example, as a piston is moved along the circular outer surface of the casing to a point at which it encounters a perforated part of the casing, the piston is able to move further outwardly from the body to hammer against the perforated part of the casing. Such a hammer-like action causes vibration in the casing to assist in the dislodgement of cement and other materials.
- In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a mandrel disposed in said internal chamber, the mandrel comprising at least one port, the mandrel being moveable along the internal chamber from a position in which said at least one port is blocked to a position enabling fluid to be pumped through said at least one port to move said piston to the outwardly deployed condition.
- This provides the advantage of a straightforward means of maintaining the pistons in the inwardly retracted condition until such time as they are required to be deployed.
- In a preferred embodiment, the mandrel comprises a restriction adapted to receive a first ball or dart dropped through the apparatus to block fluid flow through the mandrel and enable fluid pressure to increase to move the mandrel to a position enabling fluid to be pumped through said at least one port.
- Said ball or dart may be deformable.
- This provides the advantage of enabling the apparatus to be reset and the mandrel cleared to recommence fluid flow through a work string in which the apparatus is disposed. This is advantageous because it allows the work string to perform an alternative function.
- In a preferred embodiment, said at least one port is configured to be blocked by a second ball to enable fluid pressure to increase to force said first ball or dart through said restriction to cause retraction of said at least one piston.
- This provides the advantage that the apparatus can be reset to provide a multi-function tool that can be deployed numerous times in a single downhole run to clean various different sections of wellbore.
- The apparatus may further comprise at least one shear pin arranged to retain said mandrel in the position in which said at least one port is blocked.
- The apparatus may further comprise at least one second nozzle formed through the body.
- This provides the advantage of a further cleaning function of the apparatus.
- The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of pistons.
- Said impact surface may be curved.
- This provides the advantage of facilitating sliding of the impact surface along the internal surface of the casing.
- A method of cleaning the area around a wellbore casing is also disclosed, the method comprising:
- locating an apparatus as defined above in a casing disposed in a wellbore;
increasing fluid pressure in the internal chamber to move said at least one piston to the outwardly deployed condition; and
rotating the apparatus. - This provides the advantage of a method of cleaning a wellbore which both enables high pressure fluid jets to be used to dislodge cement and other materials and also impart vibrations to the casing to assist in the dislodging of debris.
- This also provides the advantage of a cleaning method which 25 is very straightforward to carry out as all that is required is to increase fluid pressure in a work string in which the apparatus is located and then rotate the part of the work string at which the apparatus is located.
- The step of locating the apparatus in the casing may include locating the apparatus at a position in the casing at which the casing is perforated.
- The step of increasing fluid pressure in the internal chamber may produce a jet of fluid from said at least one nozzle.
- Furthermore, an apparatus for cleaning the area around a wellbore casing is disclosed, the apparatus comprising:
- a body configured to be located in a casing disposed in a wellbore, the body defining an internal chamber for receipt of pressurised fluid;
at least one contact member mounted to the body and being moveable in and out of the body, wherein said at least one contact member is urged by spring means towards an outwardly deployed condition to engage the casing, said at least one contact member further comprising an impact surface arranged to slidably engage the internal surface of a perforated casing in use and impart vibrations to said casing when the apparatus is rotated in the wellbore and the impact surface slides along said internal surface of said perforated casing; and
at least one nozzle arranged to direct a jet of pressurised fluid from the internal chamber out of the apparatus. - This provides the advantage of an apparatus that is capable of cleaning the area around a wellbore casing by both use of pressurised fluid and by imparting vibrations to the casing. In many circumstances, a wellbore casing is perforated which forms a profile around the inner casing circumference. By rotating the apparatus the contact members will move up and down as the impact surfaces slide along the profile in a percussive, hammer-like action which sets up a vibration in the casing to dislodge cement and other material. The jets of fluid move against the casing and through perforations to both clean and carry debris to the surface.
- This therefore provides the advantage of an apparatus capable of cleaning the outer diameter a wellbore casing. A casing may have been cemented many years previously and impacting the inside of the casing helps to break old cement from the outside of the casing, as well as from the wellbore around the casing. The jetted fluid can then wash the released broken down cement away.
- Furthermore, the apparatus provides the advantage that it can be used during operations to cement the casing. Agitation is commonly used in civil engineering applications to improve the placement of cement. Consequently, rotating the apparatus in a perforated casing can be used to agitate the casing during a re-cementing operation. This helps cement to flow to hard to reach places and is therefore particularly advantageous to create an effective cement barrier to prevent hydrocarbon migration for example if the cased wellbore is to be abandoned.
- Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore, the apparatus being shown with the pistons in the inwardly retracted condition; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding toFIG. 1 showing the pistons in the outwardly deployed condition; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line c-c ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus ofFIGS. 1 to 3 ; -
FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view corresponding toFIG. 2 showing the fluid flow path; -
FIG. 5b is a perspective view corresponding toFIG. 4 showing the fluid flow path and direction of jets issued from the nozzles; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 located inside a perforated wellbore casing surrounded by an outer casing; -
FIG. 7 is an end on view of twoconcentric wellbore 20 casings; -
FIG. 8 is a side view of a perforated wellbore casing; -
FIG. 9a is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore, the apparatus being shown with the pistons in the inwardly retracted condition; -
FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of 30FIG. 9a showing the pistons in the outwardly deployed condition with a deformable ball seated in the ball seat; -
FIG. 9c is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus ofFIGS. 9a and 9b showing the first stage of resetting the tool with rigid balls blocking the ports; -
FIG. 9d is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus ofFIG. 9a in the reset condition showing the balls in the ball catcher; -
FIG. 9e is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus ofFIG. 9a showing an additional ball in the through ball section; and -
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore, the apparatus being shown with the contact members in the inwardly retracted condition. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 to 6 , a first embodiment of anapparatus 2 for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore comprises abody 4 configured to be located in acasing 8, the body defining aninternal chamber 6 for receipt of pressurised fluid.Contact members 9 in the form ofpistons 10 are mounted in the body and is arranged to move from an inwardly retracted condition as shown inFIG. 1 to an outwardly deployed condition as shown inFIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 as a result of an increase in fluid pressure in theinternal chamber 6. Thepistons 10 further comprisenozzles 12 arranged todirect jets 14 of pressurised fluid from theapparatus 2. - In the example shown, the apparatus comprises three pairs of
pistons 10 disposed in an equidistant fashion around the circumference of theapparatus 2. Each pair ofpistons 10 is therefore located at a separation of 120° from theother pistons 10. Eachcontact member 9 further comprises animpact surface 11 arranged to slidably engage the internal surface of aperforated casing 8 and impart vibrations to the casing when theapparatus 2 is rotated in the casing such that the impact surfaces 11 slide along the internal surface of thecasing 8. Preferably, impact surfaces are curved to facilitate sliding contact withcasing 8. Impact surfaces may be formed from metallic and/or hardened material to prevent breakage. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 to 3 , eachpiston 10 comprises anaperture 16 through which a retainingbar 18 passes to retain thepistons 10 in the body.Pistons 10 can move freely up and down in the body to the extent to which the retainingbar 18 located inapertures 16 allows. As a consequence, an increase in fluid pressure inpiston chamber 28 tends to bias thepistons 10 outwardly to the extent to which the retainingbar 18 allows.Piston nozzles 10 provide fluid communication betweenpiston chamber 28, which is a continuation ofinternal chamber 6, and the outside of theapparatus 2. Amandrel 20 is located ininternal chamber 6 along the longitudinal axis x-x of the body. The mandrel is moveable along axis x-x and comprises at least one port to enable fluid to pass out of themandrel 20. The mandrel also comprises arestriction 24 at its lowermost end. - In the condition shown in
FIG. 1 ,port 22 ofmandrel 20 is blocked such that fluid flowing throughinternal chamber 6 and therefore mandrel 20 will simply pass through theapparatus 2. However, when adart 26 is dropped down the apparatus, i.e. dropped from the surface through a work string (not shown) in which the apparatus is mounted as will be familiar to persons skilled in the art, thedart 26 has a diameter larger than that ofrestriction 24 such that thedart 26 will be caught byrestriction 24 to block the lower end ofmandrel 20 and prevent fluid flowingpast mandrel 20.Dart 26 may be deformable to enable the mandrel to be cleared to recommence fluid flow through theapparatus 2. A deformable ball could also be used. - In this condition, when fluid is pumped through the
apparatus 2, the fluid pressure will increase to a point at which shear pins (not shown) holding the mandrel in position rupture. A further increase in fluid pressure then pushes mandrel downwardly from the position shown inFIG. 1 to that ofFIG. 2 which movesport 22 into the area ofpiston chamber 28 which causespiston chamber 28 to fill with pressurised fluid. At a pre-determined fluid pressure,pistons 10 move outwardly as jets offluid 14 issue throughpiston nozzles 12 andnozzles 30 disposed on the body of the apparatus. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , a concentric arrangement of casings common in many wellbores is shown.Inner casing 8 defines what is known as the inner annulus “A”. Anouter casing 32 also disposed inwellbore 34 defines outer annulus “B” between theinner casing 8 andouter casing 32. The “B” annulus may be filled withcement 36. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , in many circumstances, it is desirable to perforateinner casing 8 with a plurality ofperforations 36 which are holes punched through thecasing 8. Various methods to do this are used, but the perforations shown inFIG. 8 are of the type created by the perforating tool disclosed in WO2012/098377A2. This apparatus comprises hydraulically activated cutting elements which punchperforations 36 into a casing. The profile of the perforated casing ofFIG. 8 is shown in cross section inFIG. 6 . It can be seen that the profile consists of bothcircular sections 8 a and expandeddeformed sections 8 b. Theperforations 36 formed by the perforating tool of WO2012/09837782 are orientated circumferentially. As a consequence,piston nozzles 12 can be machined such thatjets 14 direct fluid in a circumferential direction around thecasing 8 which has been found to greatly increase the cleaning ability of theapparatus 2. - The operation of
apparatus 2 to clean a wellbore casing and annuluses will now be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 8 . - The
apparatus 2 is moved to a point in acasing 8 at which perforations 36 are formed.Dart 26 is then dropped down the work string containing theapparatus 2. Thedart 26 lodges inrestriction 24 ofmandrel 20. Fluid is then pumped through the work string toapparatus 2. After a predetermined pressure is reached, parting pins (not shown) shear andmandrel 20 is able to move downwardly to alignport 22 withpiston chamber 28. A fluid flow path 38 (FIG. 5a ) is therefore set up to enable pressurised fluid to fillpiston chamber 28 thereby pushingpistons 10 outwardly and causingjets piston nozzles 12 andbody nozzles 30. The pistons therefore move to the outwardly deployed condition as a result of a pressure differential betweenpiston chamber 28 and the outside ofapparatus 2. - Whilst continuing to pump fluid through the
apparatus 2, the apparatus is then rotated using a mud motor or by simply rotating the whole work string from the surface, which causes impact surfaces 11 of the outwardly deployedcontact members 9 in the form ofpistons 10 to slide against the inner profile ofcasing 8. Referring toFIG. 6 , it can be seen that thepistons 10 move in and out of thebody 4 depending on their position ininner casing 8. Thenozzles 12 are formed inpistons 10 at an orientation to enablejets 14 to spray through ofperforations 36. However, the location of thenozzles 12 can be chosen to suit any type of casing perforation rather than that shown in the drawings. - As the
apparatus 2 is rotated, acontact member 9 sliding along circular section 88 will pop out into aperforated section 8 b causingimpact surface 11 to hammer against thecasing 8. Continued rotation and the hammering action of the impact surfaces 11 sets up a vibration incasing 8 which dislodges debris such as cement which can be carried to the surface as a result of fluid flow set up byjets 14.Jets casings casing 8 therefore helps to break old cement from the outside of the casing, as well as from the wellbore around the casing. The jetted fluid can then wash the released broken down cement away. - It should be noted that any kind of blocking device such as a ball or dart can be used. In an alternative embodiment, the
mandrel 20 can be removed completely and thepistons 10 deployed by a simple increase in fluid pressure. - A
downhole apparatus 2 that is able to use oscillatory impact loading and vibration in order to dislodge cement, barite, and other solids in the B annulus of an oil and gas well is therefore disclosed. In addition to the impact vibration, jetted fluid is used to wash and carry debris up hole back to surface for a full and thorough clean of the A and B annuluses. The jets are specifically tailored to the type of perforation or mechanical casing cut in order to optimize the fluid trajectory and velocity at the boundary point. -
Apparatus 2 can also be used during operations to cement thecasing 8. Agitation is commonly used in civil engineering applications to improve the placement of cement. Consequently, rotating theapparatus 2 in aperforated casing 8 can be used to agitate the casing during a re-cementing operation. This helps cement to flow to hard to reach places and is therefore particularly advantageous to create an effective cement barrier to prevent hydrocarbon migration for example if the cased wellbore is to be abandoned. - Referring to
FIGS. 9a to 9e , a second embodiment of anapparatus 102 for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore is shown with parts common to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 6 denoted by like reference numerals but increased by 100. -
Apparatus 102 for cleaning the area around a wellbore casing comprises abody 104 configured to be located in a casing disposed in a wellbore. Thebody 104 defines aninternal chamber 106 for receipt of a pressurised fluid. At least onepiston member 110 is mounted to the body and is moveable from an inwardly contracted condition (FIG. 9a ) to outwardly deployed condition (FIG. 9b ) as a result of an increase in fluid pressure inchamber 106. A predetermined pressure differential between theinternal chamber 106 and the outside of theapparatus biases pistons 110 into the outwardly deployed condition.Pistons 110 comprise impact surfaces 111 arranged to slide against the surface of a perforated wellbore casing to impart vibrations in the same manner as that of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 6 . Nozzles are also provided to jet fluid in the same manner as that of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 6 . - In this embodiment,
mandrel 120 is biased byspring 121 into the deactivated position as shown inFIG. 9a . In this position,ports 122 ofmandrel 120 are blocked and are not in fluid communication withpiston chamber 128. A retainingbar 118 is disposed inpiston chamber 128 to retainpistons 110. - In order to activate the
pistons 110, a firstdeformable ball 126 is dropped into the string in which theapparatus 102 is located. Theball 126 falls until it hitsrestriction 124 and seats therein. This causes an increase in fluid pressure on pumping above theball 126. Once the fluid pressure reaches a predetermined value, themandrel 120 is forced downwardly overcoming the resistance ofspring 121 untilports 122 align withpiston chamber 128 to allow pressurised fluid to flow into thepiston chamber 128 and pushpistons 110 outwardly. - In order to deactivate the apparatus, two rigid balls such as
steel balls 127 are dropped. Therigid balls 127 fall until they hitdeformable ball 126 and seat inports 122. This blocksports 122 to cause a further pressure increase since the pumped fluid cannot flow intopiston chamber 128. As a consequence, at a second predetermined pressure,deformable ball 126 deforms to the extent that it is pushed throughrestriction 122.Rigid balls 127 are dimensioned to be smaller thanrestriction 122 such that they also fall through the restriction. This reduces fluid pressure such thatspring 121 can push mandrel back to the deactivated position as shown inFIG. 9d . The fluid pressure inpiston chamber 128 is now insufficient to maintain deployment ofpistons 110 which are caused to retract. The deformable 126 and rigid 127 balls fall until they are caught by aball catcher assembly 140. -
FIG. 9e shows theball catcher 140 holding afurther ball 129.Ball catcher 140 allows multiple ball activated tools to be run in the same work string. For example, a first tool would use slightly larger balls that would be retained in the ball catcher sleeve. A second lower tool would use slightlysmaller balls 129 which would exitwindows 142 in the ball catcher sleeve and travel down into the lower tool activating and deactivating as required. This enables a work string to have two or more ball activated tools. - As an example of the operation of the
apparatus 102 ofFIGS. 9a to 9e , thedeformable balls 126 might be formed from plastic and have a diameter of 1.5 inches. Themandrel ports 122 are 1 inch wide and thesteel deactivation balls 127 are 1.25 inches wide. Theball seat restriction 124 may be 1.45 inches wide in this embodiment such that thedeformable ball 126 must deform by 0.05 inches. The system is set up such that this happens at approximately 3000 psi. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , a third embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning the area around a casing of a wellbore is shown with parts common to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 6 denoted by like reference numerals but increased by 200. -
Apparatus 202 comprises abody 204 configured to be located in a casing disposed in a wellbore. Thebody 204 defines aninternal chamber 206 for receipt of pressurised fluid. At least onecontact member 209 is mounted to thebody 204 and is moveable in and out of the body. Thecontact members 209 are biased towards the outwardly deployed condition bysprings 211.Nozzles 213 provide fluid communication betweeninternal chamber 206 and the outside of theapparatus 202 to enable pressurised fluid to be sprayed against the casing of a wellbore. - The embodiment of
FIG. 9 is therefore operated by locating theapparatus 202 at a desired point in a wellbore, increasing fluid pressure ininternal chamber 206 to spray jets of fluid fromnozzles 213 whilst rotating theapparatus 202 which causescontact members 209 to engage the inner profile of a casing and cause vibration in a similar manner to that described in relation to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 6 . - It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (16)
1. An apparatus for cleaning the area around a wellbore casing, the apparatus comprising:
a body configured to be located in a casing disposed in a wellbore, the body defining an internal chamber for receipt of pressurised fluid;
at least one piston mounted to the body and being moveable from an inwardly retracted condition to the outwardly deployed condition as a result of an increase in fluid pressure in the internal chamber, such that a predetermined pressure differential between the internal chamber and the outside of the apparatus moves said at least one piston to the outwardly deployed condition; and
wherein said at least one piston further comprises an impact surface arranged to slidably engage the internal surface of a perforated casing in use and impart vibrations to said casing when the apparatus is rotated in the wellbore and the impact surface slides along said internal surface of said perforated casing.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one nozzle arranged to direct a jet of pressurised fluid from the internal chamber out of the apparatus.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein said at least one nozzle is formed in said piston.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said piston comprises an aperture through which a retaining bar projects, said retaining bar mounted to the body to retain the piston in the body.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a mandrel disposed in said internal chamber, the mandrel comprising at least one port, the mandrel being moveable along the internal chamber from a position in which said at least one port is blocked to a position enabling fluid to be pumped through said at least one port to move said piston to the outwardly deployed condition.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the mandrel comprises a restriction adapted to receive a first ball or dart dropped through the apparatus to block fluid flow through the mandrel and enable fluid pressure to increase to move the mandrel to a position enabling fluid to be pumped through said at least one port.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein said first ball or dart is deformable.
8. An apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein said at least one port is configured to be blocked by a second ball to enable fluid pressure to increase to force said first ball or dart through said restriction to cause retraction of said at least one piston.
9. An apparatus according to any one of claim 5 , further comprising at least one shear pin arranged to retain said mandrel in the position in which said at least one port is blocked.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one second nozzle formed through the body.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of pistons.
12. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said impact surface is curved.
13. A method of cleaning the area around a wellbore casing, the method comprising:
locating an apparatus according to claim 1 in a casing disposed in a wellbore;
increasing fluid pressure in the internal chamber to move said at least one piston to the outwardly deployed condition; and
rotating the apparatus.
14. A method according to claim 13 , wherein the step of locating the apparatus in the casing includes locating the apparatus at a position in the casing at which the casing is perforated.
15. A method according to claim 13 , wherein the step of increasing fluid pressure in the internal chamber produces a jet of fluid from said at least one nozzle.
16. An apparatus for cleaning the area around a wellbore casing, the apparatus comprising:
a body configured to be located in a casing disposed in a wellbore, the body defining an internal chamber for receipt of pressurised fluid;
at least one contact member mounted to the body and being moveable in and out of the body, wherein said at least one contact member is urged by spring means towards an outwardly deployed condition to engage the casing, said at least one contact member further comprising an impact surface arranged to slidably engage the internal surface of a perforated casing in use and impart vibrations to said casing when the apparatus is rotated in the wellbore and the impact surface slides along said internal surface of said perforated casing; and
at least one nozzle arranged to direct a jet of pressurised fluid from the internal chamber out of the apparatus.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2019/051038 WO2020208327A1 (en) | 2019-04-10 | 2019-04-10 | Downhole cleaning apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20220178227A1 true US20220178227A1 (en) | 2022-06-09 |
Family
ID=66240163
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/601,663 Abandoned US20220178227A1 (en) | 2019-04-10 | 2019-04-10 | Downhole cleaning apparatus |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20220178227A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3953561A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020208327A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NO346353B1 (en) * | 2021-05-11 | 2022-06-20 | Archer Oiltools As | Toolstring and method for inner casing perforating, shattering annulus cement, and washing the first annulus in a second casing, and cementing said annulus, and a tool therefor |
US11753894B1 (en) | 2022-05-04 | 2023-09-12 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Downhole through-tubing vibration tool, system and method |
US11885203B1 (en) | 2022-07-29 | 2024-01-30 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Wellbore casing scraper |
CN117449804B (en) * | 2023-12-25 | 2024-03-19 | 克拉玛依新科澳石油天然气技术股份有限公司 | Mechanical self-paraffin removal device and paraffin removal method |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4671359A (en) * | 1986-03-11 | 1987-06-09 | Atlantic Richfield Company | Apparatus and method for solids removal from wellbores |
US6065541A (en) * | 1997-03-14 | 2000-05-23 | Ezi-Flow International Limited | Cleaning device |
US20040031613A1 (en) * | 2002-08-16 | 2004-02-19 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Method of cleaning and refinishing tubulars |
US6732793B1 (en) * | 1999-07-08 | 2004-05-11 | Drilling Systems International Ltd. | Downhole jetting tool |
US20080217025A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2008-09-11 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Deformable ball seat and method |
US20150322745A1 (en) * | 2014-05-09 | 2015-11-12 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Self-Extendable Hydraulic Wellbore Cleaning Tool |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB0417732D0 (en) * | 2004-08-10 | 2004-09-08 | Andergauge Ltd | Downhole apparatus |
GB0513645D0 (en) * | 2005-07-02 | 2005-08-10 | Specialised Petroleum Serv Ltd | Wellbore cleaning method and apparatus |
US8356662B2 (en) | 2008-04-14 | 2013-01-22 | Well Grounded Energy, LLC | Devices, systems and methods relating to down hole operations |
US9222336B2 (en) * | 2009-04-14 | 2015-12-29 | Well Grounded Energy, LLC | Devices, systems and methods relating to down hole operations |
EP2661892B1 (en) | 2011-01-07 | 2022-05-18 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Motion prediction in video coding |
GB2524788A (en) * | 2014-04-02 | 2015-10-07 | Odfjell Partners Invest Ltd | Downhole cleaning apparatus |
-
2019
- 2019-04-10 EP EP19718821.2A patent/EP3953561A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2019-04-10 US US17/601,663 patent/US20220178227A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-04-10 WO PCT/GB2019/051038 patent/WO2020208327A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4671359A (en) * | 1986-03-11 | 1987-06-09 | Atlantic Richfield Company | Apparatus and method for solids removal from wellbores |
US6065541A (en) * | 1997-03-14 | 2000-05-23 | Ezi-Flow International Limited | Cleaning device |
US6732793B1 (en) * | 1999-07-08 | 2004-05-11 | Drilling Systems International Ltd. | Downhole jetting tool |
US20040031613A1 (en) * | 2002-08-16 | 2004-02-19 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Method of cleaning and refinishing tubulars |
US20080217025A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2008-09-11 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Deformable ball seat and method |
US20150322745A1 (en) * | 2014-05-09 | 2015-11-12 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Self-Extendable Hydraulic Wellbore Cleaning Tool |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3953561A1 (en) | 2022-02-16 |
WO2020208327A1 (en) | 2020-10-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20220178227A1 (en) | Downhole cleaning apparatus | |
US11174707B2 (en) | Downhole cleaning apparatus | |
US11156071B2 (en) | Method of subterranean fracturing | |
US7434633B2 (en) | Radially expandable downhole fluid jet cutting tool | |
CA2612092C (en) | Wellbore cleaning method and apparatus | |
US7588101B2 (en) | Radially expandable downhole fluid jet cutting tool having an inflatable member | |
CA2861490C (en) | Limited depth abrasive jet cutter | |
CA2822383A1 (en) | Method for combined cleaning and plugging in a well, a washing tool for directional washing in a well, and uses thereof | |
CA3042002C (en) | Ball dropping system and method | |
GB2580738A (en) | Improvements in or relating to well abandonment | |
AU2019308478A1 (en) | System for dislodging and extracting tubing from a wellbore | |
US11655691B2 (en) | Downhole cleaning apparatus |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LEE, PAUL BERNARD, CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LEE, PAUL BERNARD;BEAZER, DAYLN;SIGNING DATES FROM 20210921 TO 20210922;REEL/FRAME:057707/0417 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |