ESP blanking plug with sand trap

A system for producing fluids from a fluid-producing formation in the earth comprising:

• a wellbore extending from a well surface to the fluid-producing formation;
• a tubing string positioned in the wellbore;
• a Y-tool having upper and lower connections in fluid communication with the tubing string;
• a pump connected to the Y-tool for pumping fluid from the lower connection to the upper connection of the Y-tool;
• and
• the blanking plug having an upper end and a downhole end positioned in the tubing string between the upper and lower connections of the Y-tool, the blanking plug comprising a sand trap positioned at its upper end, the sand trap comprising a particulate accumulation chamber and a filter in a wall of the chamber,
• wherein the blanking plug and the sand trap are configured to be run-in and retrieved from the well without being separated.

A method of producing fluids from a fluid-producing formation in the earth, comprising the steps:

• drilling a wellbore from a surface to the fluid-producing formation;
• installing a casing in the wellbore;
• installing a production tubing string in the wellbore, providing an annular space between the casing and the tubing string;
• providing a Y-tool in the annular space and having upper and lower connections in fluid communication with the tubing string;
• installing a pump in the Y-tool for pumping fluid from the lower connection to the upper connection of the Y-tool;
• providing a blanking plug having an upper end and a downhole end, the blanking plug comprising a sand trap positioned at its upper end, the sand trap comprising a particulate accumulation chamber and a filter in a wall of the chamber;
• running the blanking plug and the sand trap down the tubing string to a first working position determined by at least one positioning structure on the blanking plug between the upper and lower connections of the Y-tool;
• pumping fluid containing particulates from the formation to the surface via the Y-tool;
• after a period of accumulation of particulates in the sand trap, retrieving and withdrawing the blanking plug from the tubing string;
• disposing of the accumulated particulates contained in the sand trap without separating the blanking plug and the sand trap;
• again running the blanking plug and the sand trap down the tubing string to the first working position;
• and
• resuming pumping fluid containing particulates from the formation to the surface via the Y-tool.