Apparatus, system and method for debris removal

Abstract

An apparatus, method and system for debris removal using a debris removal tool. The tool has a generally-cylindrical tool body having an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, an interior chamber and an external surface. A nozzle plate, disposed within the tool body, has an array of nozzles disposed therein. Each of the nozzles has a principal axis angled with respect to the central axis of the body of the debris removal tool, in order to direct fluid from the interior chamber of the tool body to the exterior of the tool at an angle.

1 . A debris removal tool comprising:
 a generally-cylindrical tool body having an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, an interior chamber and an external surface;   a nozzle plate, disposed within and secured to the tool body, having an array of nozzles disposed therein, having principal axes angled with respect to the central axis of the body of the debris removal tool, in order to direct fluid from the interior chamber of the tool body to the exterior of the tool at an angle; and   an array of radially-spaced, angled apertures formed in the tool body, connecting the interior chamber of the tool body to the external surface thereof, each having a principal axis aligned to the principal axis of a nozzle in the nozzle plate.   
     
     
         2 . The debris removal tool as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the nozzle plate holds at least 3 nozzles. 
     
     
         3 . The debris removal tool as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the nozzle plate holds at least 4 nozzles. 
     
     
         4 . The debris removal tool as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the nozzles are oriented at approximately 12 degrees from the center line of the body. 
     
     
         5 . The debris removal tool as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising threaded connections at the upper and lower ends of the body. 
     
     
         6 . The debris removal tool as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a debris screen disposed in the lower end of the tool body. 
     
     
         7 . The debris removal tool as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a tube type screen disposed in the upper end of the tool body. 
     
     
         8 . The debris removal tool as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the nozzle plate incorporates o-rings on the outside diameter thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The debris removal tool as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the nozzle plate has a notched slot for proper alignment of the nozzles with the angled apertures. 
     
     
         10 . A method of removing debris from a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
 securing a debris removal tool to a work string;   disposing the work string in the wellbore; and   pumping fluid down the tubing of the work string and through the debris removal tool;   wherein the debris removal tool comprises:
 a generally-cylindrical tool body having an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, an interior chamber and an external surface; 
 a nozzle plate, disposed within the tool body, having an array of nozzles disposed therein, having principal axes angled with respect to the central axis of the body of the debris removal tool, in order to direct fluid from the interior chamber of the tool body to the exterior of the tool at an angle; and 
 an array of radially-spaced, angled apertures formed in the tool body, connecting the interior chamber of the tool body to the external surface thereof, each having a principal axis aligned to the principal axis of a nozzle in the nozzle plate. 
   
     
     
         11 . The method of debris removal as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the nozzle plate holds at least 2 nozzles. 
     
     
         12 . The method of debris removal as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the nozzle plate holds at least 4 nozzles. 
     
     
         13 . The method of debris removal as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the nozzles are oriented at approximately 12 degrees from the center line of the body. 
     
     
         14 . The method of debris removal as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the debris removal tool further comprises threaded connections at the upper and lower ends of the body. 
     
     
         15 . The method of debris removal as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the debris removal tool further comprises a debris screen disposed in the lower end of the tool body. 
     
     
         16 . The method of debris removal as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the debris removal tool further comprises a tube type screen disposed in the upper end of the tool body. 
     
     
         17 . The debris removal tool as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the nozzle plate incorporates o-rings on the outside diameter thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The debris removal tool as set forth in  claim 10  wherein the nozzle plate has a notched slot for proper alignment of the nozzles with the angled apertures. 
     
     
         19 . A system for removing debris from a wellbore, the system comprising:
 a work string, comprising tubing, disposed in a wellbore;   a debris removal tool, secured to the work string; and   a pump in fluid communication with the work string, operable to pump fluid down the tubing of the work string and through the debris removal tool;   wherein the debris removal tool comprises:
 a generally-cylindrical tool body having an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, an interior chamber and an external surface; 
 a nozzle plate, disposed within the tool body, 
   having an array of nozzles disposed therein, having principal axes angled with respect to the central axis of the body of the debris removal tool, in order to direct fluid from the interior chamber of the tool body to the exterior of the tool at an angle; and
 an array of radially-spaced, angled apertures formed in the tool body, connecting the interior chamber of the tool body to the external surface thereof, each having a principal axis aligned to the principal axis of a nozzle in the nozzle plate.