U.S. patent application number 11/089277 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-02 for magnetic tool for retrieving metal objects from a well bore when using coil tubing.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rattler Tools, Inc.. Invention is credited to David J. Ruttley.
Application Number | 20060042790 11/089277 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37667356 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060042790 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ruttley; David J. |
March 2, 2006 |
Magnetic tool for retrieving metal objects from a well bore when
using coil tubing
Abstract
A magnetic tool for retrieval of metal debris from a well bore
particularly adapted for use in coil tubing systems. The tool has a
cylindrical body and a plurality of separate magnet assemblies
mounted on the tool body. The magnet assemblies are separated by
spacers, which define a secondary settling area for the metal
objects attracted to the magnetic tool. Each magnet assembly has
one or more magnet member encased in a protective sleeve
Inventors: |
Ruttley; David J.; (Marrero,
LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEATY PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION;THOMAS S. KEATY
2533 AMERICAN WAY
PORT ALLEN
LA
70767
US
|
Assignee: |
Rattler Tools, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37667356 |
Appl. No.: |
11/089277 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10935367 |
Sep 7, 2004 |
|
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11089277 |
Mar 24, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
166/99 ;
166/66.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 31/06 20130101;
E21B 21/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/099 ;
166/066.5 |
International
Class: |
E21B 31/06 20060101
E21B031/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 31, 2004 |
VE |
2.004-1414 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for retrieving metal objects from a wellbore,
comprising: a cylindrical tool body with a central opening
therethrough; and a plurality of spaced-apart magnet assemblies
configured for positioning in a surrounding relationship over at
least a portion of said tool body, said magnet assemblies defining
a primary settling area for the metal objects; and at least one
spacer mounted between adjacent magnet assemblies, said spacer
member defining a secondary settling area for the metal
objects.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said magnet assemblies
has a generally ring-shaped cross-section.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said magnet assemblies
comprises a magnet member encased in a sleeve.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said sleeve comprises a
generally cylindrical main portion and opposing end portions having
a generally frustoconical configuration.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of said magnet assemblies
comprises a plurality of elongated magnet members circumferentially
disposed about the tool body and extending in a generally parallel
relationship to a central axis of the tool body.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one spacer has a
generally tubular configuration.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at least one spacer
comprises a plurality of elongated plates disposed in a
circumferential relationship about said tool body and extending in
a generally parallel relationship to a central axis of the tool
body.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein an external diameter of said
spacer is smaller than an external diameter of each of said magnet
assemblies.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said magnet assemblies
and said spacer is detachably mounted on said tool body.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tool body is provided
with an upper connector located above said magnet assemblies and a
lower connector located below said magnet assemblies, said upper
connector and said lower connector allowing connection of said tool
body to a drill string lowered into the well bore.
11. An apparatus for retrieving metal objects from a wellbore,
comprising: a cylindrical tool body with a central opening
therethrough; and at least a pair of spaced-apart magnet assemblies
configured for positioning in a surrounding relationship over at
least a portion of said tool body, said magnet assemblies defining
a primary settling area for the metal objects; and at least one
tubular spacer mounted between said magnet assemblies in a
surrounding relationship to said tool body, said spacer member
defining a secondary settling area for the metal objects.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein an external diameter of said
spacer member is smaller than an external diameter of each of said
magnet assemblies.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of said magnet
assemblies comprises a magnet member encased in a sleeve.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said sleeve is formed from a
non-corrosive material.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said sleeve comprises a
generally cylindrical main portion and opposing end portions having
a generally frustoconical configuration.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of said magnet
assemblies and said spacer is detachably mounted on said tool
body.
17. An apparatus for retrieving metal objects from a wellbore,
comprising: a cylindrical tool body with a central opening
therethrough; and at least a pair of spaced-apart magnet assemblies
configured for positioning in a surrounding relationship over at
least a portion of said tool body, said magnet assemblies defining
a primary settling area for the metal objects, each of said magnet
assemblies comprising a plurality of elongated magnet members
secured in a surrounding relationship over at least a portion of
said tool body and extending in a generally parallel relationship
to a central axis of the tool body; and at least one tubular spacer
mounted between said magnet assemblies in a surrounding
relationship to said tool body, said spacer member defining a
secondary settling area for the metal objects.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said at least one spacer
comprises a plurality of elongated plates disposed in a
circumferential relationship about said tool body and extending in
a generally parallel relationship to a central axis of the tool
body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending
application Ser. No. 10/935,367 filed on Sep. 7, 2004 entitled
"Magnetic Tool for Retrieving Metal Objects from a Well Bore," the
full disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. I
claim priority of my co-pending prior application in Venezuela,
Application Serial Number 2.004-01414 filed on Aug. 31, 2004
entitled "Magnetic Tool for Retrieving Metal Objects from a Well
Bore" and in prior U.S. application Ser. No. 10/935,367 filed on
Sep. 7, 2004 entitled "Magnetic Tool for Retrieving Metal Objects
from a Well Bore."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to wellbore tools and more
particularly to a magnetic tool for retrieval of metal objects,
such as cuttings and other foreign objects that accumulate in the
process of perforating or milling over bridge plugs and other down
hole obstructions from a wellbore.
[0003] As the conventional petroleum resources are becoming more
difficult to access, the industry started developing means for
drilling in more difficult strata, often in high-pressure or less
stable environments. A new technique called coiled tubing drilling
has been used in places where air drilling, mud drilling or fluid
drilling are impracticable. Instead of conventional vertical drill
string, the coil tubing method uses a continuous string of
concentric coil tubing, which allows fluid circulation through the
tubing. Coil tubing drilling is believed to reduce formation damage
as it allows for drilling with less contact between a drill string
and the surrounding formation. An additional advantage of coiled
tubing method is related to continuous circulation while drilling,
which is believed to minimize pressure fluctuations and reduces
formation damage.
[0004] However, similar to conventional technique, coiled tubing
method generates metal cuttings, or shavings, which have to be
removed to stimulate fluid circulation. The present invention
contemplates provision of a magnetic tool for retrieval of metal
objects from a well bore when using coil tubing drilling
method.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus for retrieval of metal cuttings and other
foreign objects from a wellbore, which can be used in a coil tubing
system.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
magnetic tool for retrieving metal objects from a well bore that
forms secondary debris settling area between magnet members.
[0007] These and other objects of the present invention are
achieved through a provision of a magnetic tool adapted for
retrieval of metal objects from a well bore. The tool has an
elongated mandrel, which carries a plurality of spaced-apart magnet
assemblies detachably mounted on the mandrel. The mandrel has a
central opening therethrough to allow fluid circulation through the
tool. Opposite ends of the tool carry connectors for securing the
tool in a drill string.
[0008] Each magnet assembly comprises one or more magnet members
encased in a protective sleeve, which is made from a non-corrosive,
structurally stable material. Each magnet assembly has a generally
ring-shaped cross section and end portions having a generally
frustoconical configuration. One of the embodiments provides for a
magnet member having a unitary ring-shaped configuration. Another
embodiment provides for the magnet assemblies having three of more
elongated magnet members, which have a magnet encased in a
protective sleeve.
[0009] Mounted between adjacent magnet assemblies is a tubular
spacer, the exterior surface of which forms a secondary settling
area for the metal objects attracted to the magnet assemblies. By
strategically spacing the magnet assemblies along the length of the
tool body, it is possible to create a magnetic field strong enough
to cause metal objects to settle on the spacer(s).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like
parts are designated by like numerals and wherein
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mandrel of the magnetic
tool of first embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the magnet member of the
first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a magnet assembly of the
first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken
along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a detail elevation view of a connector member of
the first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a detail elevation view of a spacer member of the
first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a detail view showing magnetic tool connectors of
the second embodiment of the present invention engaged with top and
bottom subs.
[0018] FIG. 8 is detail view of a mandrel of the magnet tool of the
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a detail exploded view showing magnet assemblies
and spacer members of the second embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0020] FIG. 10 is a detail view of set screw for securing the
connector members to the mandrel.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10
designates the well bore magnetic tool in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention. The tool 10 comprises a
tubular cylindrical mandrel, or body 12 having a through opening 14
for admitting circulating fluid into a wellbore. An upper part 16
of the cylindrical body 12 is provided with external threads 18.
The upper part 16 carries an upper connector member 20, which
threadably detachably engages the upper part 16.
[0022] The upper connector member is provided with a central
opening 22. The walls of the inner opening 22 are provided with two
sets of internal threads. A lower set of internal threads 24
threadably matchingly engages with the threads 18 of the mandrel
12. An upper set of threads 26 is adapted for engagement with other
subs forming a drill string (not shown).
[0023] A lower part 30 of the mandrel 12 carries a lower connector
member 32, which has an enlarged diameter portion 34 and a reduced
diameter portion 36. The reduced diameter portion 36 is provided
with external threads 38. The threads 38, similarly to the threads
26 allow connection of the tool 10 to other subs forming the drill
string (not shown).
[0024] Mounted in a surrounding relationship over the mandrel 12,
between the upper connector 20 and the lower connector 32 is a
plurality of magnet assemblies 40, 42, and 44. The tool 10 may be
provided with one or more magnet assemblies, depending on the
design selected by the manufacturer. The magnet assemblies 40, 42,
and 44 are vertically spaced from each other. The outer surface of
each of the magnet members defines a primary settling area for the
metal debris.
[0025] One or more tubular spacers 46, 48 (FIG. 6) are positioned
on the mandrel 12 between the magnet assemblies 40, 42, and 44; the
spacers 46, 48 form secondary debris settling areas between
adjacent magnet members. Due to the predetermined spacing of the
magnet assemblies on the mandrel 12, the magnetic field created by
adjacent magnets overlaps the areas 46, 48, causing metal debris to
settle on the exterior of the spacers 46 and 48, as well.
[0026] As can be seen in the drawings, each of the magnet members
40, 42, and 44 comprises a body having a generally ring-shaped
cross-section with a central opening therethrough. Each magnet
assembly 40, 42, and 44 comprises a magnet member 52 completely
encased in a metal sleeve 54 (FIG. 4). The sleeve 54 may be formed
from a non-corrosive structurally stable material, such as for
instance stainless steel. Each magnet assembly has a generally
tubular configuration. The sleeve 54 has an upper portion 56, which
is shaped as a truncated cone.
[0027] Each sleeve 54 comprises a lower portion 58, which also has
a generally frustoconical configuration, such that the upper and
lower edges of the sleeve 54 are configured with smaller diameters
than the remaining portion of the sleeve body.
[0028] An upper edge 60 of each sleeve 54 of the magnet assembly 40
contacts a lower edge 62 of the upper connector 20 and matches its
reduced diameter size. A lower edge 64 of the magnet assembly 40
contacts and rests on an upper edge 66 of the spacer 40. The
external diameter of the spacer body substantially matches the size
of the edge 64, supporting the magnet assembly 40 on the mandrel
12.
[0029] In a similar manner, an upper edge 68 of the magnet assembly
42 contacts a bottom edge 70 of the spacer 46, while a lower edge
72 contacts and rests on a top edge 74 of the spacer 48. Also
similarly, an upper edge 78 of the magnet assembly 44 contacts the
lower edge 76 of the spacer 48, while a lower edge 80 rests on a
top edge 82 of the connector 32. As a result, the magnet assemblies
and the spacers are "threaded" on the mandrel 12, supporting each
other and retaining each other on the mandrel 12. The magnet
assemblies and the spacers are detachably mounted on the mandrel
12.
[0030] The mandrel 12 shown in FIG. 2 illustrates the lower
connector member 32 unitary formed with the main body of the
mandrel 12. If desired, the connectors 20 and 32 may be secured on
the mandrel 12 with set screws 90, 92, as shown in FIGS. 1 and
5.
[0031] Turning now to FIGS. 7-10, the magnetic tool of the second
embodiment of the present invention is shown. Similarly to the
first embodiment, the magnetic tool of the second embodiment
comprises an elongated tubular mandrel 100 having top 102 and
bottom 104 threaded portions. A top connector member 106 and bottom
connector member 108 are each provided with internal threaded
portions 110 and 112, respectively, which match the threads on the
mandrel portions 102 and 104.
[0032] A top sub 114 and a bottom sub 116 is secured to the top
connector 106 and the bottom connector, respectively. Set screws
118 are configured for positioning into drilled openings 120 formed
in the top connector member 106 and the bottom connector member
108. The openings 120 are trilled and tapped to receive the set
screws 118. The top sub 114 has internal threads 122 for connecting
to the drill string (not shown). The bottom sub 116 has external
threads 124 for connection to other equipment lowered into a well
bore (not shown).
[0033] The magnet assemblies of the second embodiment are each
formed as tubular members with a central opening therethrough. In
this embodiment, each magnet assembly 130 is made of a plurality of
elongated magnet members 132, which are secured together to form an
open center polygon in cross section. Each magnet member 132
extends longitudinally, in a generally parallel relationship to the
central axis of the tool. Each magnet member 132, similarly to the
first embodiment, has a magnet encased in a sleeve. Depending on a
particular design, the magnet assembly 130 may have three or more
magnet members 132.
[0034] Mounted between adjacent magnet assemblies 130 is a spacer
member 140, which also has a generally ring-shaped cross section.
The spacer member 140 comprises a plurality of elongated plates
142, which extend longitudinally in a generally parallel
relationship to the central axis of the tool 100. Depending on
design, the spacer member 140 may be formed with three or more
plates 142.
[0035] It is envisioned that the tool 100 may be particularly
beneficial in the environment, where manufacturing constraints
require construction of magnet assemblies and spacer members from a
plurality of smaller parts. An additional advantage may be that
individual magnet assemblies 132 are easier to replace when damaged
or worn. The same may be true for individual plates 142 of the
spacer member 140.
[0036] It will be understood that the relative dimensions of the
magnet assemblies, spacers and connectors may differ, depending on
the particular design of the magnetic tool 10. If desired, the
magnet assemblies may have a vertical dimension of between 3''-6'',
while the spacers may have a vertical dimension of 0.5''-2''. The
external diameter of the connector members may be between 2'' and
3'', while the diameter of the opening 50 may be 1''-1.5''. Of
course, other dimensions may be successfully employed, when
desired.
[0037] Many changes and modifications may be made in the design of
the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. I,
therefore, pray that my rights to the present invention be limited
only by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *