FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of the invention relates to well boring and, more particularly, to a device
and a method for removing deposits from a wellbore wall or an equipment arranged in
a wellbore of a subterranean formation in order to improve the recovery of formation
fluids and/or gases. The device and method according to the invention may advantageously
be used to remove deposits from e.g. a wellbore wall, a casing, a tubing or a well
completion equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the art of well boring, a borehole is drilled into the earth through an oil or
gas producing subterranean formation or, for some purposes, through a water bearing
formation or a formation into which water or gas or other liquids are to be injected.
[0003] Completion of a well may be carried out in a number of ways dependent upon the nature
of the formation of interest. In particular, it is known to arrange a casing into
the wellbore to control formation elements. Once installed into the wellbore, the
casing is then perforated in a plurality of areas for allowing the passage of oil
and/or gas from the formation into the casing. In order to produce formation fluids
or gases, completion strings are arranged in the borehole. Such a completion string
generally comes as a production tubing which comprises a plurality of different equipment
such as e.g. safety valves, sliding side doors, side pocket mandrels, etc.
[0004] In any event, after a period of production, injection or transportation of fluids
or gases, there is a tendency for the wellbore wall and/or different wellbore equipment
to become plugged with various types of deposits like e.g. residues. For example,
organic residues like scale, paraffin, asphalts and other gummy residues of petroleum
origin often cause plugging problems.
[0005] Usually these deposits can cause significant problems, because of their composition
and the fact that they can precipitate under certain conditions (pressure, temperature,
composition). These materials of mineral or organic origins either together with chemicals
from water, normally produced with the oil, such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate,
barium sulfate, sulfur and the like, or such chemicals themselves have a tendency
to form extremely hard deposits on the wellbore wall and/or different parts of wellbore
equipment. Such deposits can thus adhere to the wellbore wall and/or various equipment
arranged in a borehole or a pipeline, restricting their use seriously and/or reducing
or completely preventing the flow of fluids or gases through the completion string
or the pipeline. For example, deposits may prevent opening or closing safety valves
or sliding side doors, etc.
[0006] Such deposits are difficult to dissolve by known chemical means or to dislodge by
known mechanical means. For example, chemical treatments, such as, treatments with
acids, surface active agents and the like have been utilized in order to clean out
scaled wellbore wall or equipment. However, such techniques, while less expensive
than a complete workover, are substantially less effective, since they are incapable,
in most cases, of dissolving significant amounts of the plugging materials. Another
technique, which can be classified as a mechanical technique and has also been suggested
for the purpose of cleaning wellbore equipment, includes using brushes, scrapers or
pigs. Such technique allows only removing most of the encrusted deposits in areas
of the wellbore equipment which are easily accessible. However, brushes, scrapers
or pigs are quite inefficient removing encrusted deposits in areas of the wellbore
equipment accessible with difficulty or inaccessible. Consequently, it is often necessary
to rework the well and replace one or several equipment of the completion string or
the pipeline. Such tactics are, of course, both time-consuming and expensive.
[0007] Another method used for removing deposits consists in using an electrical discharge
generating device which generates shock waves for creating an electrohydraulic effect.
More precisely, in an existing solution, the electrical discharge generating device
comprises electrodes in between which a high-voltage current is discharged. The discharge
of said high-voltage current generates high-energy shock waves that transmit in the
borehole toward a well completion equipment and/or a tubing and/or a casing, the wellbore
wall and the subterranean formation.
[0008] When deposits are removed for an equipment or a wellbore wall using these methods,
the deposits fall in the wellbore and may block said wellbore or equipment, therefore
reducing or preventing the efficiency of oil recovery.
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and method
for avoiding blocking a wellbore or a wellbore equipment with debris of deposits removed
from the wellbore wall and/or a wellbore equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] To this end, the present invention concerns a collecting device for collecting debris
of deposits while said deposits are being removed from a wellbore wall or an equipment
arranged in a wellbore of a subterranean formation in order to improve the recovery
of formation fluids and/or gases, said collecting device being configured for being
attached to a cleaning device, said cleaning device being configured for removing
deposits from a wellbore wall or a wellbore equipment arranged in a wellbore, said
collecting device comprising:
- a deflector configured for deflecting falling debris of deposits while said deposits
are being removed from said wellbore wall or said wellbore equipment, and
- a debris storing module connected to said deflector, said debris storing module being
configured for collecting and storing debris deflected by said deflector.
[0011] The collecting device according to the invention allows collecting debris falling
by gravity when deposits are removed (i.e. cleaned) from a wellbore wall and/or an
equipment arranged in a wellbore. Thus, the collecting device allows thus avoiding
debris to fall into the wellbore and block said wellbore and/or some wellbore equipment.
The device according to the invention also allows extracting quickly deposits from
a wellbore.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the deflector comprises a tubular portion comprising a
first end connected to the debris storing module and a second end configured for collecting
debris, said tubular portion being adapted to convey debris from said second end into
the debris storing module through said first end.
[0013] According to an aspect of the invention, the deflector comprises a connecting shaft
mounted on the second end of the tubular portion and configured for attaching the
collecting device to a cleaning device.
[0014] Preferably, the deflector comprises at least one annular portion extending from the
second end of the tubular portion.
[0015] In an embodiment, the at least one annular portion extends radially from the second
end of the tubular portion.
[0016] Preferably, the at least one annular portion is flexible or pliable. This allows
said at least one annular portion to abut against the surface to be cleaned, for example
a casing or the wellbore wall, in order to avoid debris falling between said surface
and the deflector into the wellbore.
[0017] In an embodiment, the deflector comprises three annular portions extending from the
second end of the tubular portion.
[0018] Advantageously, the debris storing module comprises at least one tubular section
configured for storing debris.
[0019] In an embodiment, the debris storing module comprises a plurality of tubular sections
connected together along a same longitudinal axis.
[0020] Advantageously, each tubular section comprises a plurality of slots for evacuating
liquids and/or gases from the inner part of the debris storing module.
[0021] In an embodiment, the collecting device further comprises an unloading plug connected
to the debris storing module and being configured for switching between a first position
in which the unloading plug prevents the debris stored in the debris storing module
to leave said debris storing module and a second position in which the unloading plug
allows the debris stored in the debris storing module to leave said debris storing
module.
[0022] According to an aspect of the invention, the unloading plug comprises a trap door
allowing the unloading plug to switch (i.e. move) between the first position and the
second position (and vice-and-versa).
[0023] Advantageously, the trap door is removable to easily evacuate debris stored in the
debris storing module.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the unloading plug comprises a tubular portion delimiting
an internal opening, the trap door being configured to be moved between a blocking
position, in which the trap door obstructs said internal opening, and a free position
in which debris stored into the debris storing module may flow though said internal
opening to unload the said debris storing module.
[0025] The invention also relates to an assembly for removing deposits from a wellbore wall
or an equipment arranged in a wellbore of a subterranean formation and for collecting
debris of said deposits, said assembly comprising a cleaning device configured for
removing deposits from said wellbore wall or said equipment and a collecting device
as previously presented, said collecting device being attached below said cleaning
device in order to collect debris from deposits removed by the cleaning device.
[0026] According to an embodiment, the cleaning device and the collecting device extend
along a same longitudinal axis in order to ease the use of the assembly in the wellbore,
in particular to insert or withdraw the assembly from the wellbore.
[0027] The invention also relates to a method for collecting debris of deposits in a wellbore
of a subterranean formation in order to improve the recovery of formation fluids and/or
gases, said method comprising the steps of:
- removing deposits from a wellbore wall or an equipment arranged in a wellbore using
a cleaning device,
- collecting falling debris of deposits, using a collecting device, as previously presented,
attached below said cleaning device, while said deposits are being removed from said
wellbore wall or said equipment by the cleaning device.
[0028] Advantageously, the collecting step comprises deflecting the debris so that said
debris are received by the second end of the tubular portion of the deflector, conveying
the debris from the second end of the deflector to the debris storage module through
said tubular portion of the deflector and storing the debris into the debris storage
module.
[0029] In an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of unloading the debris stored
in the debris storage module.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the unloading step comprises opening or removing a trap
door to open the unloading plug and unload the collecting device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are better
understood with regard to the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments,
appended Claims, and accompanying Figures, where:
FIGURE 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a wellbore comprising
a casing in which is arranged an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;
FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a collecting device
according to the invention;
FIGURE 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the collecting device of
FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 4 schematically illustrates another perspective view of the collecting device
of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 5 schematically illustrates a partial exploded view of the collecting device
of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 6 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the deflector of the collecting
device of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 7 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the adapter of the collecting
device of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 8 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a section connector of the
collecting device of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 9 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the unloading plug of the
collecting device of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 10 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the trap door of the unloading
plug of the collecting device of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 11 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the unloading plug of
FIGURE 9, the trap door of FIGURE 10 being mounted on said unloading plug;
FIGURE 12 schematically illustrates a collection of debris using the collecting device
of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 13 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the method according
to the invention.
[0032] In the accompanying Figures, similar components or features, or both, may have the
same or a similar reference label.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The Specification, which includes the Summary of Invention, Brief Description of
the Drawings and the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments, and the appended
Claims refer to particular features (including process or method steps) of the invention.
Those of skill in the art understand that the invention includes all possible combinations
and uses of particular features described in the Specification. Those of skill in
the art understand that the invention is not limited to or by the description of embodiments
given in the Specification. The inventive subject matter is not restricted except
only in the spirit of the Specification and appended Claims. Those of skill in the
art also understand that the terminology used for describing particular embodiments
does not limit the scope or breadth of the invention. In interpreting the Specification
and appended Claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner
consistent with the context of each term. All technical and scientific terms used
in the Specification and appended Claims have the same meaning as commonly understood
by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless defined
otherwise. As used in the Specification and appended Claims, the singular forms "a",
"an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The verb "comprises" and its conjugated forms should be interpreted as referring to
elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive manner. The referenced elements,
components or steps may be present, utilized or combined with other elements, components
or steps not expressly referenced. The verb "couple" and its conjugated forms means
to complete any type of required junction, including electrical, mechanical or fluid,
to form a singular object from two or more previously non-joined objects. If a first
device couples to a second device, the connection can occur either directly or through
a common connector. "Optionally" and its various forms means that the subsequently
described event or circumstance may or may not occur. The description includes instances
where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not occur. "Operable"
and its various forms means fit for its proper functioning and able to be used for
its intended use. Spatial terms describe the relative position of an object or a group
of objects relative to another object or group of objects. The spatial relationships
apply along vertical and horizontal axes. Orientation and relational words including
"uphole" and "downhole"; "above" and "below"; "up" and "down" and other like terms
are for descriptive convenience and are not limiting unless otherwise indicated. Where
the Specification or the appended Claims provide a range of values, it is understood
that the interval encompasses each intervening value between the upper limit and the
lower limit as well as the upper limit and the lower limit. The invention encompasses
and bounds smaller ranges of the interval subject to any specific exclusion provided.
Where the Specification and appended Claims reference a method comprising two or more
defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously
except where the context excludes that possibility.
[0034] The invention is described hereunder in reference to a well for producing formation
fluids or gases such as e.g. oil. This does not limit the scope of the present invention
which may be used with any type of formation.
[0035] FIGURE 1 shows a subterranean formation 1 comprising a treatment zone 3. For example,
such a treatment zone 3 may be made of rock. The treatment zone 3 may comprise a porous
zone that constitutes a reservoir of hydrocarbons, such as oil or gas. The porous
zone is accessible through a wellbore 5 extending from the surface through to the
treatment zone 3. The treatment zone 3 interfaces with the wellbore 5 at wellbore
wall 5A and extends radially from wellbore 5.
[0036] In the example illustrated on FIGURE 1, a wellbore equipment constituted of a metallic
casing 7 is arranged in the wellbore 5. This casing 7 may comprise perforations that
allow creating some flow paths within the treatment zone 3 adjacent to the wellbore
5. In another embodiment, the wellbore equipment could be for example a completion
string equipment, a production tubing element or any type of equipment arranged in
the wellbore 5.
[0037] The wellbore 5 may be partially filled with a liquid, called "wellbore liquid" 6
that reaches a given wellbore liquid 6 level in such a manner that some parts of the
casing 7 are arranged above said wellbore liquid level (i.e. in a dry volume of the
wellbore 5), whereas some parts of the casing 7 are arranged under the wellbore liquid
6 level. Alternatively, the wellbore 5 could be completely dry (i.e. deprived of liquid).
[0038] As illustrated on FIGURE 1, an electrical discharge generating device 10 is arranged
in the wellbore 5. The electrical discharge generating device 10 is configured for
generating electrical discharges that propagate shock waves 11 (FIGURE 12), in particular
for cleaning the casing 7 in order to improve the recovery of formation fluids and/or
gases. In this illustrated example, the electrical discharge generating device 10
constitutes a source of electrohydraulic energy that can be arranged into the wellbore
5 near (i.e. next to) a part of the casing 7 that needs cleaning, in particular to
remove deposits 8 stuck on or inside said casing 7 as shown on FIGURE 12.
[0039] The electrical discharge generating device 10 is coupled to a wireline 12 which is
operable to raise and lower said electrical discharge generating device 10 and to
supply power from the surface to said electrical discharge generating device 10. A
voltage source (not shown) located external of the wellbore 5 and an electrical circuit
(not shown) mounted within said wireline 12 allow to connect said voltage source to
the electrical discharge generating device 10. Electrical power is supplied by the
low voltage source at a steady and relatively low power from the surface through the
wireline 12 to the downhole electrical discharge generating device 10.
[0040] In this exemplary embodiment, the electrical discharge generating device 10 has a
substantially cylindrically shape and may comprises, as already described in
US patent 4,345,650 issued to Wesley or
US patent 6,227,293 issued to Huffman, incorporated hereby by reference, a power conversion unit, a power storage unit,
a control unit and a discharge unit.
[0041] As illustrated on FIGURE 1, an example of collecting device 20 according to the invention
is attached to the bottom end 10A of the electrical discharge generating device 10
in order to collect debris 8A of deposits 8 that are removed from the casing 7 by
said electrical discharge generating device 10 as shown on FIGURE 12.
[0042] FIGURES 2 to 5 show an exemplary embodiment of a collecting device 20 according to
the invention. The collecting device 20 according to the invention allows collecting
debris 8A of deposits 8 while said deposits 8 are being removed from the casing 7
in order to improve the recovery of formation fluids and/or gases.
[0043] In this example, as illustrated on FIGURES 2 to 5, the collecting device 20 is of
cylindrical shape having a circular section and comprises a plurality of elements.
The collecting device 20 comprises a deflector 210 and a debris storing module 220.
[0044] The deflector 210 is configured for deflecting falling debris 8A of deposits 8 being
removed from the casing 7 by the electrical discharge generating device 10.
[0045] In reference to FIGURES 5 and 6, the deflector 210 comprises a tubular portion 212
comprising a first end 212A, adapted to be connected to the debris storing module
220 via an adapter 215, and a second end 212B configured for collecting debris 8A.
The tubular portion 212 is adapted to convey debris 8A from said second end 212B through
said first end 212A into the debris storing module 220.
[0046] The deflector 210 comprises a connecting shaft 214 extending from the second end
212B of the tubular portion 212 and comprising a free end 214A which is configured
for attaching the collecting device 20 to the electrical discharge generating device
10. For example, the free end 214A of the connecting shaft 214 may comprise a hollow
central portion which allow inserting a rod (not shown) protruding from the bottom
end 10A of the electrical discharge generating device 10.
[0047] As illustrated on FIGURE 6, the second end 212B of the tubular portion 212 comprises
an annular flange 212B1 from which extend three wings 213 and in which are formed
three openings 213A delimited between said wings 213. The wings 213 allow reinforcing
the deflector 210 and guiding debris 8A toward openings 213A into the tubular portion
212.
[0048] In the example illustrated on FIGURE 5, the deflector 210 comprises three annular
portion 216 mounted around the annular flange 212B1 and the second end 212B of the
tubular portion 212. The annular portion 216 aims the debris 8A removed from the casing
7 into the inner flow path of openings 213A of the deflector 210. The annular portions
216 are made with a pliable or flexible material such that contact is maintained between
the deflector 210 and the wellbore wall 5A or casing 7 (or deposits 8 - see figure
12) so that all material is directed into the openings 213A and collected by the collecting
device 20.
[0049] As illustrated on FIGURES 2 to 5, the debris storing module 220 comprises three tubular
sections, namely a first tubular section 220A, a second tubular section 220B and a
third tubular section 220C connected together along a same longitudinal axis X (FIGURES
2 and 5). In another embodiment, the debris storing module 220 could comprise more
or less than three tubular sections. As illustrated on FIGURE 5, each of the first
tubular section 220A, the second tubular section 220B and the third tubular section
220C comprises a plurality of slots 2200 which allow liquids that enter into the debris
storing module 220 via the deflector 210 to be evacuated. More precisely, the dimensions
of the slots 2200 are adapted to allow liquids that enter into the debris storing
module 220 via the deflector 210 to be evacuated while debris 8A stored inside the
first tubular section 220A, second tubular section 220B and/or third tubular section
220C remain inside the debris storing module 220.
[0050] The debris storing module 220 is configured to be connected to the deflector 210
for storing debris 8A deflected by said deflector 210. To this end, the collecting
device 20 comprises an adapter 215, shown on FIGURE 7, which allows connecting the
first end 212A of the tubular portion 212 of the deflector 210 to an end 220A1 of
the first tubular section 220A as shown on FIGURE 5. In this example, the adapter
215 comprises a first end 215A of tubular shape, adapted to receive the first end
212A of the tubular portion 212 of the deflector 210, for example by clipping or press-fitting,
and a second end 215B, also of tubular shape but of a smaller diameter, and which
is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding end 220A1 of the first tubular section
220A. In order to fix the end 220A1 of the first tubular section 220A to the second
end 215B of the adapter 215, the adapter 215 comprises a plurality of pins 215C (FIGURE
7) which are configured to fit into corresponding plurality of holes (not visible)
forms onto the end 220A1 of the first tubular section 220A. The adapter 215 also comprise
two grooved portions 215D formed on opposite parts of the side wall of the adapter
215 for carrying the collecting device 20 with a lifting tool such as e.g. a crane
or a forklift.
[0051] As shown on FIGURE 5, the collecting device 20 also comprises a first section connector
221-1 and a second section connector 221-2. The first section connector 221-1 allows
connecting the first tubular section 220A and the second tubular section 220B. The
second section connector 221-2 allows connecting the second tubular section 220B and
the third tubular section 220C.
[0052] As illustrated on FIGURE 8, a section connector 221, such as the first section connector
221-1 and the second section connector 221-2, has a tubular shape and comprises two
ends 221A, 221B adapted to be inserted into a corresponding end of the first tubular
section 220A, the second tubular section 220B and the third tubular section 220C.
The section connector 221 is fixed to the first tubular section 220A, second tubular
section 220B and third tubular section 220C by clipping using pins 221C protruding
from ends 221A, 221B of said section connector 221.
[0053] In this preferred embodiment, the collecting device 20 further comprises an unloading
plug 230 that allows evacuating easily the debris 8A stored in the debris storage
module 220, in particular when the debris storage module 220 is full and/or when the
collecting device 20 is pulled out of the wellbore 5.
[0054] To this end, the unloading plug 230 is connected to the debris storing module 220
and is configured to be placed in a first configuration, in which the unloading plug
230 prevents the debris 8A stored in the debris storing module 220 to leave said debris
storing module 220, and a second configuration, in which the unloading plug 230 allows
the debris 8A stored in the debris storing module 220 to leave said debris storing
module 220.
[0055] In reference to FIGURES 9 to 11, the unloading plug 230 comprises a connecting end
231A, a tubular portion 231 delimiting an internal opening 232, a free end 231B and
a trap door 235. In the example illustrated on FIGURE 9, the connecting end 231A comprises
pins 233 protruding from said connecting end 231A, which are configured to engage
with holes formed in the end 220C1 of the third tubular section 220C in order to fix
the unloading plug 230 on the third tubular section 220C by clipping. As shown on
FIGURE 11, the tubular portion 231 comprises a slot 234 formed in the side wall of
said tubular portion 231, which is configured for receiving the trap door 235.
[0056] The trap door 235, illustrated on FIGURE 10, may be mounted in a removable manner
in the slot 234 of the tubular portion 231. In this exemplary embodiment, the trap
door 235 is a one-piece element comprising a plate portion 235A and a connection portion
235B extending perpendicularly from said plate portion 235A and which is configured
for receiving a screw 236 (FIGURE 11) allowing fixing the trap door 235 on the tubular
portion 231.
[0057] Thus, when the trap door 235 is mounted in the slot 234 of the tubular portion 231,
in a position called blocking position, the trap door 235 obstruct entirely the internal
opening 232 of the tubular portion 231 to prevent the debris 8A from leaving the debris
storing module 220 (first configuration of the unloading plug 230).
[0058] When the trap door 235 is removed from the slot 234 of the tubular portion 231 (called
free position), the internal opening 232 of the tubular portion 231 allows debris
8A to leave the debris storing module 220 to empty said debris storing module 220
from debris 8A (second configuration of the unloading plug 230).
[0059] An exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention will now be described
in reference to FIGURE 13.
[0060] In a step S1, the connecting shaft 214 of the collecting device 20 is first attached
to the bottom end 10A of the electrical discharge generating device 10, extending
along the same longitudinal axis X, to form an assembly 300 which is then lowered
inside the casing 7 down the wellbore 5 using the wireline 12.
[0061] When the electrical discharge generating device 10 is arranged near a portion of
the casing 7 which needs to be cleaned from deposits 8, the electrical discharge generating
device 10 is activated to generate electrical discharges that propagate shock waves
11 to remove deposits 8 from the casing 7 internal wall in a step S2.
[0062] When debris 8A of deposits 8 being removed fall under the effect of gravity, the
deflector 210, and in particular the annular portions 216, deflect said debris 8A,
in a step S3, toward the openings 213A so that said debris 8A go through the tubular
portion 212 up to debris storing module 220 where the debris 8A are stored in a step
S4.
[0063] The assembly 300 formed of the electrical discharge generating device 10 and the
collecting device 20 may then be moved toward another portion of the casing 7 that
needs to be cleaned from deposits 8.
[0064] When the debris storing module 220 is full or when the casing 7 is clean from deposits
8 or when the debris storing module 220 is full, the assembly 300 may be pulled out
of the wellbore 5 and the trap door 235 may be open, by removing screw 236, to unload
debris 8A stored in the debris storing module 220 in a step S5.
[0065] In the exemplary embodiment described here above, the cleaning device is an electrical
discharge generating device. However, in another embodiment, the cleaning device could
be any type of device adapted to remove the deposits for a wellbore wall 5A or an
equipment arranged in a wellbore 5.
[0066] The device and method according to the invention allow therefore efficiently, rapidly
and easily collect deposits that are removed from a wellbore wall and/or a wellbore
equipment.
Table of references
1 |
subterranean formation |
3 |
treatment zone |
5 |
wellbore |
6 |
wellbore liquid 6 |
7 |
casing |
8 |
deposits |
8A |
debris |
10 |
electrical discharge generating device |
10A |
bottom end |
11 |
shock wave |
12 |
wireline |
20 |
collecting device |
210 |
deflector |
212 |
tubular portion |
212A |
first end |
212B |
second end |
212B1 |
annular flange |
213 |
wings |
213A |
openings |
214 |
connecting shaft |
214A |
free end |
215 |
adapter |
215A |
first end |
215B |
second end |
215C |
pin |
215D |
grooved portion |
216 |
annular portion |
220 |
debris storing module |
2200 |
slot |
220A |
first tubular section |
220A1 |
end |
220B |
second tubular section |
220C |
third tubular section |
220C1 |
end |
221 |
section connector |
221A |
end |
221B |
end |
221-1 |
first section connector |
221-2 |
second section connector |
221C |
pin |
230 |
unloading plug |
231 |
tubular portion |
231A |
connecting end |
231B |
free end |
232 |
internal opening |
233 |
pin |
234 |
slot |
235 |
trapdoor |
235A |
plate portion |
235B |
connection portion |
236 |
screw |
300 |
assembly |
1. A collecting device (20) for collecting debris (8A) of deposits (8) while said deposits
(8) are being removed from a wellbore wall (5A) or an equipment (7) arranged in a
wellbore (5) of a subterranean formation (1) in order to improve the recovery of formation
fluids and/or gases, said collecting device (20) being configured for being attached
to a cleaning device (10), said cleaning device (10) being configured for removing
deposits (8) from a wellbore wall (5A) or a wellbore equipment (7) arranged in a wellbore
(5), said collecting device (20) comprising:
- a deflector (210) configured for deflecting falling debris (8A) of deposits (8)
while said deposits (8) are being removed from said wellbore wall (5A) or said wellbore
equipment (7), and
- a debris storing module (220) connected to said deflector (210), said debris storing
module (220) being configured for collecting and storing debris (8A) deflected by
said deflector (210).
2. A collecting device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the deflector (210) comprises
a tubular portion (212) comprising a first end (212A) connected to the debris storing
module (220) and a second end (212B) configured for collecting debris (8A), said tubular
portion (212) being adapted to convey debris (8A) from said second end (212B) into
the debris storing module (220) through said first end (212A).
3. A collecting device (20) according to claim 2, wherein the deflector (210) comprises
a connecting shaft (214) mounted on the second end (212B) of the tubular portion (212)
and configured for attaching the collecting device (20) to a cleaning device (10).
4. A collecting device (20) according to any of claims 2 to 3, wherein the deflector
(210) comprises at least one annular portion (216) extending from the second end (212B)
of the tubular portion (212).
5. A collecting device (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the debris
storing module (220) comprises at least one tubular section (220A, 220B, 220C) configured
for storing debris (8A).
6. A collecting device (20) according to claim 5, wherein the debris storing module (220)
comprises a plurality of tubular sections (220A, 220B, 220C) connected together along
a same longitudinal axis (X).
7. A collecting device according to any of claim 5 or 6, wherein each tubular section
(220A, 220B, 220C) comprises a plurality of slots (2200).
8. A collecting device (20) according to any of the preceding claims, said collecting
device (20) further comprising an unloading plug (230) connected to the debris storing
module (220) and being configured for switching between a first position in which
the unloading plug (230) prevents the debris (8A) stored in the debris storing module
(220) to leave said debris storing module (220) and a second position in which the
unloading plug (230) allows the debris (8A) stored in the debris storing module (220)
to leave said debris storing module (220).
9. A collecting device (20) according to claim 8, wherein the unloading plug (230) comprises
a trap door (235) allowing the unloading plug (230) to switch between the first position
and the second position.
10. A collecting device (20) according to claim 9, wherein the trap door (235) is removable.
11. A collecting device (20) according to any of claims 8 and 9, wherein the unloading
plug (230) comprises a tubular portion (231) delimiting an internal opening (236).
12. A collecting device (20) according to claim 11, wherein the trap door (235) is configured
to be moved between a blocking position, in which the trap door (235) obstructs said
internal opening (236), and a free position in which debris (8A) stored into the debris
storing module (220) may flow though said internal opening (236) to unload the said
debris storing module (220).
13. An assembly (300) for removing deposits (8) from a wellbore wall (5A) or an equipment
(7) arranged in a wellbore (5) of a subterranean formation (1) and for collecting
debris (8A) of said deposits (8), said assembly (300) comprising a cleaning device
(10) configured for removing deposits (8) from said wellbore wall (5A) or said equipment
(7) and a collecting device (20) according to any of the preceding claims, said collecting
device (20) being attached below said cleaning device (10) in order to collect debris
(8A) from deposits (8) removed by the cleaning device (10).
14. The assembly (300) according to claim 13, wherein the cleaning device (10) and the
collecting device (20) extend along a same longitudinal axis (X).
15. A method for collecting debris (8A) of deposits (8) in a wellbore (5) of a subterranean
formation (1) in order to improve the recovery of formation fluids and/or gases, said
method comprising the steps of:
- removing (S2) deposits (8) from a wellbore wall (5A) or an equipment (7) arranged
in a wellbore (5) using a cleaning device (10),
- collecting (S3, S4) falling debris (8A) of deposits (8), using a collecting device
(20), according to any of claims 1 to 12, attached below said cleaning device (10),
while said deposits (8) are being removed from said wellbore wall (5A) or said equipment
(7) by the cleaning device (10).