Metal debris cleanout system and method
AssigneeRattler Tools, Inc.
InventorDavid Ruttley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A cleanout system and method for removal of metal debris from a fluid flow, such a flow of re-circulated drilling mud employs one or more magnetic unit positioned in the path of the fluid for collecting metal particles from the flow. The magnetic unit has a removable magnet core positioned in a non-magnetic sleeve. When the core is removed from the sleeve the attracted metal particles are allowed to drop from the sleeve under gravity to facilitate their collection and disposal. A fluid deflector is positioned upstream from each magnetic unit, protecting the magnetic unit from direct impact by the strong flow. The magnetic units are allowed to pivot from side-to-side and adjust their position in the flow.
Claims23
A cleanout system for removal of metal debris from a fluid flow, the system comprising at least one magnetic unit configured for positioning in a path of the fluid, said at least one magnetic unit comprising a hollow sleeve and a removable magnetic core configured for positioning in said sleeve.
A cleanout system for removal of metal debris from a well bore re-circulating fluid, the system comprising:
- a base plate;
- a plurality of magnetic units configured for positioning in a path of re-circulating fluid, each of said magnetic units comprising a non-magnetic hollow sleeve and a removable magnetic core configured for positioning in said sleeve;
- and
- a fluid deflector member positioned upstream of each of said magnetic units for deflecting direct impact of the re-circulating fluid on a respective magnetic unit.
A method of removing metal debris from a fluid flow, the method comprising the following steps:
- providing at least one magnetic unit comprising a non-magnetic hollow sleeve and a magnetic core removably positionable in said hollow sleeve;
- positioning said at least magnetic unit in a normal path of the fluid flow;
- allowing the fluid to contact the hollow sleeve and settle on exterior of the hollow sleeve under the magnetic force generated by said magnetic core;
- removing said at least one magnetic unit from the path of the fluid flow upon detecting accumulation of the metal debris on the hollow sleeve;
- and
- removing the magnetic core from the hollow sleeve and allowing the metal debris to fall under gravity from exterior of said hollow sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.