Apparatus and method for cleaning well risers
OwnerMark Carmichael, Paul David Howlettinventors
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning a well riser. In particular, the method comprises the steps of suspending in a drill pipe from the surface a circulating tool in the well riser, and causing the circulating tool to axially collapse so as to open one or more radial outlets in the tool and allow cleaning fluid to be expelled out of the tool and impact on the inside of the well riser.
Claims7
A method of cleaning a well riser, the riser being provided with a blow out pointer incorporating drill pipe rams, wherein the method comprises the steps of suspending from a surface in a drill pipe a circulating tool in the well riser, causing the tool to axially collapse by closing the drill pipe rams around the drill pipe below the circulating tool and slacking off sufficient drill pipe weight to hang the drill pipe and collapse the circulating tool, whereby collapsing of the circulating tool serves to open one or more radial outlets in the circulating tool, allowing a cleaning fluid to be expelled out of the circulating tool and impact on the side of the well riser.
A circulating tool for cleaning well risers, the tool comprising a generally axial body having an axial through passage between an inlet and a first outlet, the inlet and the first outlet being adapted for connection in a drill string supported from the surface, a second outlet extending generally transversely of the tool, wherein the tool further includes an obturating member movable between a first position closing the second outlet when the tool is in an expanded state and a second position permitting fluid flow through the second outlet when collapsed, wherein the obturating member includes one or more collets for engaging respective one or more cavities in the body when the tool is in said expanded state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.