Downhole debris-collecting tool having an improved valve

• Main Authors: Espen Osaland, Lasse Haugland
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 23.01.2020
• Subjects: EARTH DRILLING; EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; MINING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR ASLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS

The invention relates to a downhole tool (100) for collecting debris in a petroleum well. The downhole tool (100) comprises: i) a housing (120) connected with a collection chamber (130-1, 130-2) for receiving debris, the housing (120) having an opening (105) for collecting the debris from the petroleum well, the opening (105) being in fluid communication with the collection chamber (130-1, 130-2) through the housing (120); ii) a rotatable shaft (110b) with transport blades (119) arranged within the housing (120) and extending from the opening (105) to the collection chamber (130-1, 130-2), the rotatable shaft (110b) being configured for transporting the debris from the opening (105) to the collection chamber (130-1, 130-2) in operational use; iii) an annular area (121) defined between the rotatable shaft (110b) and an inner wall of the housing (120), and iv) a valve (125) configured for keeping the debris in the collection chamber (130-1, 130-2), wherein the valve (125) is located within the housing (120) between the opening (105) and the collection chamber (130-1, 130-2), wherein the valve (125) further comprises a seal member (125s) with a movable part (125sm) being mounted in the annular area (121) and around the rotatable shaft (110b), wherein the valve (125) is opened when the movable part (125sm) moves in direction of the collection chamber (130-1, 130-2), wherein the valve (125) is configured such that the movable part (125sm) of the seal member (125s) is only movable in the direction towards the collection chamber (130-1, 130-2) when closed. The downhole tool of the invention provides a valve, which is easily opened, requiring a very small force, while at the same time providing a very good sealing effect when the seal member is closed.