Method and Apparatus for Catching and Retrieving Objects in a Well

Abstract

A magnet assembly can be attached to, or placed in the vicinity of, a conventional bell nipple to generate a magnetic field within the central bore of the bell nipple. The magnetic field catches falling metal objects and prevents such objects from passing beyond the bell nipple and entering the subterranean portions of a wellbore. An optional diverter assembly slows the velocity of falling metal objects before reaching the magnet assembly, while also wiping the outer surface of pipe or other items lowered into a wellbore.

1 . A magnet assembly comprising at least one magnet proximate to a bell nipple assembly having an upper end, a lower end and a central bore, wherein said at least one magnet generates a magnetic field directed toward said central bore. 
     
     
         2 . The magnet assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a gate assembly disposed below said at least one magnet. 
     
     
         3 . The magnet assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a diverter assembly disposed above said at least one magnet, wherein said diverter assembly comprises at least one flexible member extending into said central bore of said bell nipple assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The magnet assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one magnet comprises a rare earth material. 
     
     
         5 . The magnet assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one magnet comprises a ceramic material. 
     
     
         6 . The magnet assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a. a first body member having at least one magnet attached thereto;   b. a second body member having at least one magnet attached thereto, said second body member hingeably attached to said first body member.   
     
     
         7 . The magnet assembly of  claim 6 , further comprising an automated assembly for opening and closing said first and second body members. 
     
     
         8 . A method for catching objects falling in a well comprising the step of placing at least one magnet proximate to a bell nipple assembly having a central bore, wherein said at least one magnet generates a magnetic field directed at said central bore of said bell nipple assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising a gate valve assembly disposed below said at least one magnet. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising a diverter assembly disposed above said at least one magnet. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said diverter assembly comprises at least one flexible member extending into said central bore of said bell nipple assembly. 
     
     
         12 . A method for catching objects falling in a bore extending between a rig floor of a rig and a wellhead of a well, comprising the step of generating a magnetic field directed at said bore. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said magnetic field is generated by at least one magnet disposed between said rig floor and said wellhead. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising a gate valve assembly disposed below said at least one magnet. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising a diverter assembly disposed above said at least one magnet. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said diverter assembly comprises at least one flexible member extending into said bore.