Well cleaning apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for removing debris from a well is provided. The apparatus comprises a tool body having a head, a chamber, a connector, a conduit, and a filter. The head has an opening and comprises protrusions extending from the outer surface for moving debris. The chamber is in the tool body to store debris. The connector is for attaching the tool body to a drilling system. The conduit is connected to the opening in the head to convey debris and fluid from the well to the chamber. The filter is in the tool body to limit the size of the particles that can pass into the drilling system from the chamber. In use, fluid flow and the protrusions move the debris from the well and through the apparatus.

1 . An apparatus for removing debris from a well, comprising:
 a tool body having a head, the head having an opening and comprising protrusions extending from the outer surface of the head for moving debris in the well;   a chamber in the tool body to store debris;   a connector for attaching the tool body to a drilling system;   a conduit connected to the opening in the head to convey debris and fluid from the well to the chamber; and   a filter in the tool body to limit the size of the particles that can pass into the drilling system from the chamber;   wherein, in use, fluid flow and the protrusions move the debris from the well and into and through the apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is attached to a drilling system. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the drilling system is a bottomhole drilling assembly (BHA). 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the drilling system comprises a pumping system operable to circulate fluid through the tool body and drilling system. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the drilling system comprises a rotary mechanism operable to rotate the apparatus. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the drilling system comprises an orientation mechanism operable to direct the apparatus in a predetermined direction. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is integrated into a drill bit of a BHA of the drilling system. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the opening is in the center of the head. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the conduit opening is offset from the center of the head. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the head includes rigid protrusions. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the head includes flexible protrusions. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the head includes protrusions that are cutting elements. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the conduit is rotatable.