WO2001063087A1 - Bore cleaning - Google Patents

Bore cleaning Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001063087A1
WO2001063087A1 PCT/GB2001/000800 GB0100800W WO0163087A1 WO 2001063087 A1 WO2001063087 A1 WO 2001063087A1 GB 0100800 W GB0100800 W GB 0100800W WO 0163087 A1 WO0163087 A1 WO 0163087A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tube
bore
tne
cleaning apparatus
fluid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2001/000800
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alan Martyn Eddison
Original Assignee
Andergauge Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0004251A external-priority patent/GB0004251D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0010376A external-priority patent/GB0010376D0/en
Application filed by Andergauge Limited filed Critical Andergauge Limited
Priority to AU2001233961A priority Critical patent/AU2001233961A1/en
Publication of WO2001063087A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001063087A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP 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 DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/10—Wear protectors; Centralising devices, e.g. stabilisers
    • E21B17/1057—Centralising devices with rollers or with a relatively rotating sleeve
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP 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
    • E21B37/04—Scrapers specially adapted therefor operated by fluid pressure, e.g. free-piston scrapers
    • E21B37/045—Free-piston scrapers

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a bore cleaning method, and m particular to a method of cleaning a bore drilled to access a subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing formation.
  • bores are drilled from surface to access subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing formations .
  • drilling fluid known as "mud”
  • mud drilling fluid
  • the drilled bores are then lined with metal tubing, known as casing or liner, the casing being cemented in the bore by injecting cement slurry between the casing and the bore wall.
  • the annulus between the production tubing and the casing may be filled with a fluid such as D ⁇ ne and w ⁇ l_ accommodate seals, known as packers, and possibly other tools and devices, between the tubing and the casing.
  • a fluid such as D ⁇ ne and w ⁇ l_ accommodate seals, known as packers, and possibly other tools and devices, between the tubing and the casing.
  • the circulation of drilling mud during the drilling operation, and ⁇ he circulation of cement slurry during casing cementing operations results m solid material gathering m the bore, and it is desirable that this solid material _s removed from the ⁇ ore before production commences; the material ma ⁇ settle on top of packers and other tools and devices m the annulus between the production tubing and the casing, creating difficulties in subsequent workover or repair operations.
  • the bore, and m particular the bore annulus may be cleaned by circulating "clean" fluid through the bore, however this is time consuming and often of limited effectiveness; particularly in deviated bores, solid material tends to collect on the low side of the bore, and may not be dislodged or entrained by tne circulated cleaning fluid.
  • a oore cleaning method comprising the steps of: passing fluid through a bore annulus externally of a first tube, the first tube defining a non-circular outer profile; and rotating the tune such that the radial extent of the annulus varies with rotation of the tube.
  • the method further comprises the step of coupling adjacent sections of tube to ⁇ ether such that tne outer profiles of tne adjacent sections are not axiallv continuous along tne lengtn of the tube .
  • the method may farther comprise tne step of coupling adjacent sections of tube together such that the outer profiles of the adjacent sections centralise the tube m the bore.
  • a oore cleaning method comprising the steps: passing fluid through a bore annulus externally of a first tube; offsetting at _east a portion of the tube relative to the bore axis; and rotating the tube such that the radial extent of the annulus varies with rotation of the tube.
  • the variation m the radial extent of the annulus creates turbulence and agitation in the fluid m the annulus, thus facilitating the entramment of solids in the fluid, hicn solids may be drill cuttings, cement particles, or other debris.
  • solids may be drill cuttings, cement particles, or other debris.
  • the rotation of the offset tube produces a sweeping motion m the fluid, tending to dislodge and facilitate entramment of solids lying in the annulus.
  • the tube is suDstantially cylindrical and the tube axis is offset from the core axis.
  • the offset may be provided by mounting at least one offsetting member, such as a centraliser or sleeve, on the tube.
  • the centraliser may rotate with tne tube, that is oe fixed to the tube ana rotate relative to the bore.
  • the centraliser may be rotatable relative to the tube, such that the centraliser will tend not to rotate m the bore. This ma ⁇ be achieved by providing a bearing, possibly an offset oearmg, between the tube ana tne centraliser.
  • the tube may define a non-circular outer profile, for example the tube may be oval or square, or the tuoe wall may carry a longitudinally extending rib, extension, or the like.
  • the outer profiles of adjacent sections of such a tuoe are not continuous along the length of the tube, but rather are arranged to centralise the tube m the bore.
  • the orientation of adjacent sections of oval pipe vary by 90° such that the tube axis remains substantially central as the tube rotates.
  • the fluid will typically be passed down from surface through the tuoe, ana then return to tne surface via tne annulus.
  • the fluid may be a cleaning fluid, typically a brine, or may be drilling fluid.
  • the tube may form part of a tubing string, and the tubing string may be offset along some or all of its length .
  • tuoe nay be completion or production tubing.
  • tne tube may be drill pipe or the like.
  • the bore may be an open hole, or may be lined witn a larger diameter second tube such as casing or liner.
  • the first tuoe may have been ran into the bore with the second tuoe, or may be run into the bore subsequent to the second tube .
  • bore cleaning apparatus comprising: a first tube for location m a bore; means for offsetting at least a portion of the tube re_at ⁇ ve to the bore axis; means for circulating fluid between the tube and the bore wall; and means for rotating the tube such that the radial extent of the annulus varies with rotation of the tuoe.
  • the circulating means may comprise a surface, subsurface or downhole pump.
  • the circulating means may take the form of blades or other impeller forms provided on the tube.
  • the rotating means may comprise a surface motor, such as a too drive or a rotary table, or may comprise a doi.-nole motor.
  • bore cleaning apparatus comprising : a first tube for location a bore, the tube defining a non-circular outer profile; means for circulating fluid between tne tuoe and tne
  • Dore wall; and C means for rotating the tuoe such that the radial extent of the annulus varies witn rotation of the tube.
  • the tube may oe oval, teardrop shaped, elliptical or square, or indeed of any suitable non-circular form.
  • the tube wall may oe circular and carry a longitudinally extending blade, rib, extension, or tne like.
  • the outer profiles of adjacent sections of tube are not axially continuous along the length of tne tube, but rather are arranged to centralise the tube m the bore, and thus obviate the requirement to provide stabilisers or centralisers in combination with the tube.
  • the orientation of adjacent sections of oval pipe may alternate by 90° such that tne tube axis remains substantially central m the bore as the tube rotates.
  • the orientation of the ovality may vary along the length of the tube a gentle helix.
  • Tne manufacture of sucn tube may oe relative./ straightforward, for example a conventional length of drill pipe may simply be passed between rollers and cold formed to create an oval profile.
  • a bore cleaning method comprising the steps of: passing fluid through a bore annulus externally of a first tube; and rotating the tube such that the radial extent of tne annulus varies witn rotation of the tube.
  • bore cleaning apparatus comprising : a first tube for location m a bore; means for circulating fluid between the tuoe ano the bore wall; and means for rotating the tube such that tne radial extent of the annulus varies with rotation of the tube.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of apparatus for use a bore cleaning method m accordance with a preferred embodiment of tne present invention
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view on line 2-2 of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view on line 3-3 of Figure 1;
  • Figure & is a schematic view of bore cleaning apparatus accordance with another aspect ot the present invention; ana
  • Figure 5 _s an enlarged cross-sectional view on _me 5-5 of Figure L - Reference _s first made to Figure i or tne drawings, whicn illustrates a oore 10 being cleaned using a method _n accordance with a preferred embodiment or tne present invention.
  • the illustrated bore 10 has seen lined with stee casing 12 and accommodates ⁇ smaller diameter production or completion tubing string 14.
  • the Figure illustrates two of tne "pipe joints" 16, 17 forming the production string 14 and which are coupled conventional fasnion by pin and box couplings 18.
  • the string Id is positioned relative to the casing 12 by a number ot centralisers 20, 21, two of wnich are illustrated n Figure .
  • the first of these certrai sers 20 is illustrated _n Figure 2 of the drawings, which shows a cross section of a "rotating" centraliser 20, that is a centraliser which is fixed to the string 14 and rotates witn the string 14.
  • the centraliser 20 comprises a generally annular body 22 which is axially and rotationally fixed to the string 14 by a lock screw 24.
  • the body 22 defines six olades 26 defining a swept diameter slightly smal.er than the internal diameter of tne casing ⁇ 2.
  • FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a "non-rotating" centraliser 21, that is a centraliser which is rotatable relative to the string 14 ana tends not to rotate witnm the casing 12.
  • the centraliser 21 comprises a generally annular body 42 which is mounted on the string 14 via an eccentric bearing 43 fixed relative to the string 14 by a loc screw 44.
  • the body 42 defines six blades 46 defining a swept diameter slight / smaller than tne internal diameter of tne casing 12.
  • tne string 14 is positioned in the casing 12, either after tne casing 12 has been run and cemented place, or some cases the production string 14 and casing 12 are run m together.
  • the cementing operations, and other operations carried out the Pore will have resulted in solid particles gathering the Pore 10, particularly on tne .o side of inclined portions of tie bore 10.
  • cleaning fluid is circulated down tnrough tne string 14 and up through tne annulus 52 between the string 14 and the casing 12, while the string 14 is rotated from surface .
  • the offset created by tne centralisers 20, 21 induces a sweeping eccentric movement of the string 14, which tends to sweep the cleaning fluid around the bore 10.
  • the fluid thus provides a more effective scouring action than solely axial flow, and the sweeping action is effective m agitating solid material which has settled on tne low side of inclined bores.
  • the sweeping motion cr the string 14 tends to induce helical fluid flow in the arnulus 52, improving fluid distribution around the annulus 52.
  • the motion of the string 14 may be controlled by the relative orientation and positioning of the centralisers
  • FIGS. 4 ana 5 of tne drawings illustrate oore cleaning apparatus m accordance with a further embodiment of tne present invention.
  • the apparatus 50 is shown located a cas g- lined bore 52, and comprises a number of pipe joints 54, 55 joined by conventional connectors.
  • Each pipe joint 54, 55 comprises three oval sections 54a, 54b, 54c and 55a, 55b, 55c, one of which is illustrated m enlarged cross-section m Figure 5. It will be noted from Figure 4 that the ovality of adjacent sections are oriented 90° from one another .
  • the offset may be induced by providing an imbalance in the tube, which may be coaxial with the bore when stationary, such that on rotating the tube the imbalance causes the tube to bow or oend.
  • embodiments specifically descrme a cleaning operation; embodiments of the invention ⁇ ay also be utilised m d ⁇ llm ⁇ operations, where tne eccentric or sweeping motion cf the rotating drml string serves to facilitate entramment of drill cuttings in circulating drilling fluid and prevent settlement of drill cuttings, and references herein to "bore cleaning" are intended to encompasses such uses of the invention.

Abstract

The invention relates to a bore cleaning method and apparatus, fore cleaning a bore drilled to access a subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing formation. In one embodiment of the invention, bore cleaning apparatus for cleaning a bore (10) includes a tubing string (14) positioned relative to a casing (12) in the bore (10) by centralisers (20, 21). The centraliser (20) is fixed to the string (14) and rotates with the string, whilst the centraliser (21) is rotatable relative to the string (14) and stationary in the casing (12). The centralisers (20, 21) offset the string in the casing (12) to induce a sweeping eccentric movement of the string (14) when the string is rotated, sweep cleaning fluid around the bore (10). This is assisted by blades (26, 46) on the centralisers (20, 21).

Description

BORE CLEANING
This invention relates to a bore cleaning method, and m particular to a method of cleaning a bore drilled to access a subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing formation.
In the oil and gas exploration and production industry, bores are drilled from surface to access subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing formations . During the drilling operation, drilling fluid, known as "mud", is circulated in the core to inter al ia carry drill cuttings out of the bore to the surface. The drilled bores are then lined with metal tubing, known as casing or liner, the casing being cemented in the bore by injecting cement slurry between the casing and the bore wall. Once the bore nas been completed, oil and gas are carried through the bore, from the hydrocarbon-bearing formation to the surface, via production tubing wnich is located within the casing. The annulus between the production tubing and the casing may be filled with a fluid such as Dπne and wιl_ accommodate seals, known as packers, and possibly other tools and devices, between the tubing and the casing. The circulation of drilling mud during the drilling operation, and ~he circulation of cement slurry during casing cementing operations, results m solid material gathering m the bore, and it is desirable that this solid material _s removed from the ϋore before production commences; the material ma\ settle on top of packers and other tools and devices m the annulus between the production tubing and the casing, creating difficulties in subsequent workover or repair operations. At present, the bore, and m particular the bore annulus, may be cleaned by circulating "clean" fluid through the bore, however this is time consuming and often of limited effectiveness; particularly in deviated bores, solid material tends to collect on the low side of the bore, and may not be dislodged or entrained by tne circulated cleaning fluid.
It is among the objectives of embodiments of the present invention to obviate or mitigate these disadvantages, and to provide an improved well cleaning method.
According to a first aspect the present invention, there is provided a oore cleaning method, the method comprising the steps of: passing fluid through a bore annulus externally of a first tube, the first tube defining a non-circular outer profile; and rotating the tune such that the radial extent of the annulus varies with rotation of the tube.
Conveniently, the method further comprises the step of coupling adjacent sections of tube toσether such that tne outer profiles of tne adjacent sections are not axiallv continuous along tne lengtn of the tube . The method may farther comprise tne step of coupling adjacent sections of tube together such that the outer profiles of the adjacent sections centralise the tube m the bore. According to second aspect of the present invention there is provided a oore cleaning method, the method comprising the steps: passing fluid through a bore annulus externally of a first tube; offsetting at _east a portion of the tube relative to the bore axis; and rotating the tube such that the radial extent of the annulus varies with rotation of the tube.
The variation m the radial extent of the annulus creates turbulence and agitation in the fluid m the annulus, thus facilitating the entramment of solids in the fluid, hicn solids may be drill cuttings, cement particles, or other debris. In particular, it is believed that the rotation of the offset tube produces a sweeping motion m the fluid, tending to dislodge and facilitate entramment of solids lying in the annulus.
Preferably, the second aspect, the tube is suDstantially cylindrical and the tube axis is offset from the core axis. The offset may be provided by mounting at least one offsetting member, such as a centraliser or sleeve, on the tube. The centraliser may rotate with tne tube, that is oe fixed to the tube ana rotate relative to the bore. Alternatively, the centraliser may be rotatable relative to the tube, such that the centraliser will tend not to rotate m the bore. This ma\ be achieved by providing a bearing, possibly an offset oearmg, between the tube ana tne centraliser. As m tne first aspect, the tube may define a non-circular outer profile, for example the tube may be oval or square, or the tuoe wall may carry a longitudinally extending rib, extension, or the like. Conveniently, the outer profiles of adjacent sections of such a tuoe are not continuous along the length of the tube, but rather are arranged to centralise the tube m the bore. For example, the orientation of adjacent sections of oval pipe vary by 90° such that the tube axis remains substantially central as the tube rotates.
The fluid will typically be passed down from surface through the tuoe, ana then return to tne surface via tne annulus. The fluid may be a cleaning fluid, typically a brine, or may be drilling fluid. The tube may form part of a tubing string, and the tubing string may be offset along some or all of its length .
The tuoe nay be completion or production tubing. Alternatively, tne tube may be drill pipe or the like. The bore may be an open hole, or may be lined witn a larger diameter second tube such as casing or liner. The first tuoe may have been ran into the bore with the second tuoe, or may be run into the bore subsequent to the second tube .
According to a further aspect of tne present invention there is provided bore cleaning apparatus comprising: a first tube for location m a bore; means for offsetting at least a portion of the tube re_atιve to the bore axis; means for circulating fluid between the tube and the bore wall; and means for rotating the tube such that the radial extent of the annulus varies with rotation of the tuoe.
The circulating means may comprise a surface, subsurface or downhole pump. Alternatively, the circulating means may take the form of blades or other impeller forms provided on the tube.
The rotating means may comprise a surface motor, such as a too drive or a rotary table, or may comprise a doi.-nole motor. According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided bore cleaning apparatus comprising : a first tube for location a bore, the tube defining a non-circular outer profile; means for circulating fluid between tne tuoe and tne
Dore wall; and C means for rotating the tuoe such that the radial extent of the annulus varies witn rotation of the tube.
The tube may oe oval, teardrop shaped, elliptical or square, or indeed of any suitable non-circular form. Alternatively, the tube wall may oe circular and carry a longitudinally extending blade, rib, extension, or tne like. Preferably, the outer profiles of adjacent sections of tube are not axially continuous along the length of tne tube, but rather are arranged to centralise the tube m the bore, and thus obviate the requirement to provide stabilisers or centralisers in combination with the tube. For example, the orientation of adjacent sections of oval pipe may alternate by 90° such that tne tube axis remains substantially central m the bore as the tube rotates. Alternatively, the orientation of the ovality may vary along the length of the tube a gentle helix.
Tne manufacture of sucn tube may oe relative./ straightforward, for example a conventional length of drill pipe may simply be passed between rollers and cold formed to create an oval profile.
According to a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bore cleaning method, tne me nod comprising the steps of: passing fluid through a bore annulus externally of a first tube; and rotating the tube such that the radial extent of tne annulus varies witn rotation of the tube. according to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided bore cleaning apparatus comprising : a first tube for location m a bore; means for circulating fluid between the tuoe ano the bore wall; and means for rotating the tube such that tne radial extent of the annulus varies with rotation of the tube. These ana other aspects of tne present invention ill now be described, by way of example, witn reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of apparatus for use a bore cleaning method m accordance with a preferred embodiment of tne present invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view on line 2-2 of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view on line 3-3 of Figure 1; Figure & is a schematic view of bore cleaning apparatus accordance with another aspect ot the present invention; ana
Figure 5 _s an enlarged cross-sectional view on _me 5-5 of Figure L- Reference _s first made to Figure i or tne drawings, whicn illustrates a oore 10 being cleaned using a method _n accordance with a preferred embodiment or tne present invention. The illustrated bore 10 has seen lined with stee casing 12 and accommodates ώ smaller diameter production or completion tubing string 14. The Figure illustrates two of tne "pipe joints" 16, 17 forming the production string 14 and which are coupled conventional fasnion by pin and box couplings 18.
The string Id is positioned relative to the casing 12 by a number ot centralisers 20, 21, two of wnich are illustrated n Figure . The first of these certrai sers 20 is illustrated _n Figure 2 of the drawings, which shows a cross section of a "rotating" centraliser 20, that is a centraliser which is fixed to the string 14 and rotates witn the string 14. The centraliser 20 comprises a generally annular body 22 which is axially and rotationally fixed to the string 14 by a lock screw 24. The body 22 defines six olades 26 defining a swept diameter slightly smal.er than the internal diameter of tne casing ^2.
It will be noted from Figure 2 that the raoml extent of the body 22 varies, from a maximum thickness at the lock screw xocation, to a minimum thickness on the opposite side of tne body. This has the effect of offsettmα the body oore 28, and thus offsetting the string 14, relative to tne olaoe faces and thus also relative to tne casing 12. Accordingly, as the sfrinci 1 Δ is rotated in tne oore 1^, the string 14 rotates eccentrically, the path of the string axis 14 being illustrated by the chain-dotted circle 30.
Reference is now made to Figure 3 of the drawings, whicn shows a cross section of a "non-rotating" centraliser 21, that is a centraliser which is rotatable relative to the string 14 ana tends not to rotate witnm the casing 12. The centraliser 21 comprises a generally annular body 42 which is mounted on the string 14 via an eccentric bearing 43 fixed relative to the string 14 by a loc screw 44. As with the centraliser 20, the body 42 defines six blades 46 defining a swept diameter slight / smaller than tne internal diameter of tne casing 12.
As the string 14 is rotated m the Pore 10, tne centraliser body 42 remains stationary with the bearing 43 inducing an eccentric rotation of the string 14, the path of the string axis 14 being illustrated by the chain-dotted circle 50.
In use, tne string 14 is positioned in the casing 12, either after tne casing 12 has been run and cemented place, or some cases the production string 14 and casing 12 are run m together. The cementing operations, and other operations carried out the Pore, will have resulted in solid particles gathering the Pore 10, particularly on tne .o side of inclined portions of tie bore 10. To dislodge and then remove tnese particles from the bore 10, cleaning fluid is circulated down tnrough tne string 14 and up through tne annulus 52 between the string 14 and the casing 12, while the string 14 is rotated from surface .
The offset created by tne centralisers 20, 21 induces a sweeping eccentric movement of the string 14, which tends to sweep the cleaning fluid around the bore 10. The fluid thus provides a more effective scouring action than solely axial flow, and the sweeping action is effective m agitating solid material which has settled on tne low side of inclined bores. Also, the sweeping motion cr the string 14 tends to induce helical fluid flow in the arnulus 52, improving fluid distribution around the annulus 52.
The motion of the string 14 may be controlled by the relative orientation and positioning of the centralisers
20, 21, a "random" orientation producing a random eccentric movement or "squirming" motion, while aligning the offsets wil. produce a single sweeping motion of the entire string.
It will therefore oe apparent to those of s ιll tne art tnat tne above described emopdiments of the invention provide for more effective and efficient cleaning of a bore than is achievable using conventional axial cleaning fluid low. Thus, the cleaning operation is completed within a shorter timescale and using a smaller volume of cleaning fluid, all of which reduces cleaning costs.
Reference is now made to Figures 4 ana 5 of tne drawings, which illustrate oore cleaning apparatus m accordance with a further embodiment of tne present invention. The apparatus 50 is shown located a cas g- lined bore 52, and comprises a number of pipe joints 54, 55 joined by conventional connectors. Each pipe joint 54, 55 comprises three oval sections 54a, 54b, 54c and 55a, 55b, 55c, one of which is illustrated m enlarged cross-section m Figure 5. It will be noted from Figure 4 that the ovality of adjacent sections are oriented 90° from one another .
When the pipe joints 54, 55 are rotated m the course of a bore cleaning operation, the rotation of the oval sections tends to sweep the cleaning fluid around the annulus between the pipe joints and the bore wall, tnus tending to dislodge any drill cuttings, cement residue or other material which has settled in the bore, and allowing the dislodged material to be circulated out of the bore.
It will be apparent to those of skill in the art tnat the above described embodiments are merely exemplary of tne present invention and that modifications and variations nay be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in other embodiments, the offset may be induced by providing an imbalance in the tube, which may be coaxial with the bore when stationary, such that on rotating the tube the imbalance causes the tube to bow or oend. Further, the above embodiments specifically descrme a cleaning operation; embodiments of the invention ~ay also be utilised m dπllmα operations, where tne eccentric or sweeping motion cf the rotating drml string serves to facilitate entramment of drill cuttings in circulating drilling fluid and prevent settlement of drill cuttings, and references herein to "bore cleaning" are intended to encompasses such uses of the invention.

Claims

1. A bore cleaning method, the method comprising tne steps of : passing fluid through a bore annulus externally of a first tube, the first tube defining a non-circular outer profile; and rotating the tube such that the radiai extent of tne annulus varies with rotation of tne tube.
2. A method as claimed m claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of coupling adjacent sections of tube together such that the outer profiles of the adjacent sections are not axially continuous along the length of the tube .
3. A method as claimed m either of claims 1 or 2 where:: the method further comprises the step of coupling ad acer: sections of tube together such that the outer profiles o: the adjacent sections centralise the tube in the bore.
4. A bore cleaning method, the method comprising tr.; steps of : passing fluid through a bore annulus externally of ; first tube; offsetting at least a portion of the tube relative to the oore axis; and rotating the tube such that the radial extent of the annulus varies with rotation of the tube.
5. The method of claim 4, wnerein the tube is substantially cylindrical and the tube axis is offset from the Pore axis .
6. The method of claim 5, wherein tne offset is provided by mounting at least one offsetting member on the tube.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the offsetting member is rotated with the tube.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the offsetting member rotates remtive to the tube.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein a oearmg is provided between the tube and the offsetting member.
10. The method of claim 4, wherein the tube defines a non- circular cuter profile.
11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wnerein the fluid is a cleaning fluid.
12. The method of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fluid is a drilling fluid.
13. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the tube is completion or production tubing.
14. The method of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the tube __s drill pipe .
15. The method or a cf tne preceding claims, wherein the bore is an open hole.
16. The method of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the bore is lined with larger diameter second tube.
17. Tne method of ciaim 16, wherein the first tube is run into the Pore j-ith the second tube.
13. The method of claim 16, wherein the first tube is run into tne bore subsequent to the second tube.
19. 3ore cleaning apparatus comprising: a first tuoe for location a bore, the tube defining a non-circular outer profile; means for circulating fluid between the tube and the bore wall; and means for rotating the tube such that the radial extent of the annuius varies with rotation of the tube.
20. Bore cleaning apparatus as claimed m claim 19, wherein the tube is one of oval, teardrop shaped, elliptical and square.
21. Bore cleaning apparatus as claimed m claim 19, wherein the tube wall is circular and carries one of a longitudinally extending blade, rib, and extension.
22. Bore cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the outer profiles of adjacent sections of tube are not axially continuous along the length of the tube.
23. Bore cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the outer profiles of adjacent sections of tube are arranged to centralise the tube the oore.
24. Bore cleaning apparatus as claimed claim 23 wherein the tubes are oval, the orientation of adjacent sections of pipe alternating oy 90° such that the tube axis remains substantial!/ central in the oore as tne tube rotates.
25. Bore cleaning apparatus as claimed m claim 23, wnerein tne tubes are oval, the orientation of the ovality varying along the length of the tube m a gentle helix.
26. Bore cleaning apparatus as claimed m either of claims 24 or 25, wherein tne tube is manufactured by passing a conventional length of drill pipe between rollers and cold forming t: create an oval profile.
I"7. Bore cleaning apparatus comprising: a first tube for location m a bore; means for offsetting at least a portion of the tube relative to the bore axis; means for circulating fluid between the tube and the bore wall; and means for rotating the tube such that the radial extent of tne annulus varies witn rotation of the tube.
28. Bore cleaning apparatus as claimed m any of claims 19 to 27, wherein the circulating means comprises one of a surface, s„osurface ano downhole pump.
29. Bore cleaning apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 27, wherein the circulating means ta es the form of impeller forms provided on the tube.
30. A bore cleaning method, the method comprising the steps of : passing fluid through a bore annulus externally of a first tube; and rotating the tube sucn that the radial extent of tne annulus varies with rotation of the tube.
31. Bore cleaning apparatus comprising: a first tube for location m a bore; means for circulating fluid between the tube and the bore wall; and means for rotating the tube such that the radial extent of the annulus varies with rotation of the tube.
PCT/GB2001/000800 2000-02-24 2001-02-23 Bore cleaning WO2001063087A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001233961A AU2001233961A1 (en) 2000-02-24 2001-02-23 Bore cleaning

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0004251.5 2000-02-24
GB0004251A GB0004251D0 (en) 2000-02-24 2000-02-24 Bore Cleaning
GB0010376.2 2000-04-29
GB0010376A GB0010376D0 (en) 2000-04-29 2000-04-29 Bore cleaning

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002035055A1 (en) * 2000-10-27 2002-05-02 Sps-Afos Group Limited Combined milling and scraping tool
WO2004085787A2 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-10-07 Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited Dual function cleaning tool
GB2412393A (en) * 2004-03-26 2005-09-28 Downhole Products Plc Apparatus and method for mobilising drill cuttings in a well
US8550183B2 (en) 2008-10-09 2013-10-08 National Oilwell Varco, L.P. Drilling method
CN105114016A (en) * 2015-08-19 2015-12-02 中国石油天然气集团公司 Tubular column cleaning device
US9689209B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2017-06-27 Nov Downhole Eurasia Limited Large gauge concentric underreamer
CN107497735A (en) * 2017-08-23 2017-12-22 苏州市吴通电子有限公司 A kind of pcb board hole deslagging device

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US3656565A (en) * 1970-09-23 1972-04-18 Fred K Fox Rotary drilling tool
US4428441A (en) * 1979-04-04 1984-01-31 Mobil Oil Corporation Method and apparatus for reducing the differential pressure sticking tendency of a drill string
US4653598A (en) * 1984-11-23 1987-03-31 Atlantic Richfield Company Drainhole drilling assembly with oriented elliptic drill collar
US5447200A (en) * 1994-05-18 1995-09-05 Dedora; Garth Method and apparatus for downhole sand clean-out operations in the petroleum industry

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3656565A (en) * 1970-09-23 1972-04-18 Fred K Fox Rotary drilling tool
US4428441A (en) * 1979-04-04 1984-01-31 Mobil Oil Corporation Method and apparatus for reducing the differential pressure sticking tendency of a drill string
US4653598A (en) * 1984-11-23 1987-03-31 Atlantic Richfield Company Drainhole drilling assembly with oriented elliptic drill collar
US5447200A (en) * 1994-05-18 1995-09-05 Dedora; Garth Method and apparatus for downhole sand clean-out operations in the petroleum industry

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002035055A1 (en) * 2000-10-27 2002-05-02 Sps-Afos Group Limited Combined milling and scraping tool
GB2402949A (en) * 2000-10-27 2004-12-22 Specialised Petroleum Serv Ltd Combined milling and scraping tool
GB2402949B (en) * 2000-10-27 2005-06-22 Specialised Petroleum Serv Ltd Combined milling and scraping tool
WO2004085787A2 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-10-07 Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited Dual function cleaning tool
WO2004085787A3 (en) * 2003-03-25 2005-04-07 Specialised Petroleum Serv Ltd Dual function cleaning tool
US7559374B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2009-07-14 Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited Dual function cleaning tool
GB2414758A (en) * 2003-03-25 2005-12-07 Specialised Petroleum Serv Ltd Dual function cleaning tool
GB2414758B (en) * 2003-03-25 2007-07-18 Specialised Petroleum Serv Ltd Dual function cleaning tool
GB2412393B (en) * 2004-03-26 2008-02-13 Downhole Products Plc Apparatus and method
GB2412393A (en) * 2004-03-26 2005-09-28 Downhole Products Plc Apparatus and method for mobilising drill cuttings in a well
US8550183B2 (en) 2008-10-09 2013-10-08 National Oilwell Varco, L.P. Drilling method
US9689209B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2017-06-27 Nov Downhole Eurasia Limited Large gauge concentric underreamer
CN105114016A (en) * 2015-08-19 2015-12-02 中国石油天然气集团公司 Tubular column cleaning device
CN105114016B (en) * 2015-08-19 2017-12-05 中国石油天然气集团公司 String cleaner
CN107497735A (en) * 2017-08-23 2017-12-22 苏州市吴通电子有限公司 A kind of pcb board hole deslagging device
CN107497735B (en) * 2017-08-23 2023-08-18 苏州市吴通电子有限公司 PCB hole deslagging device

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