System and Method for Monitoring Scale Removal from a Wellbore
OwnerRobert Greenawayinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A technique enables the cleaning of scale from a well and the monitoring of scale removal. A scale removal tool and a radiation detector are deployed simultaneously into a wellbore having scale with a radioactive signature. The scale removal tool is used to remove deposits from a well component, e.g. from the interior of a tubular member. The radiation detector enables the measuring and monitoring of scale removal. Data related to the scale removal can be output for use by an operator to help optimize scale removal and fluid flow.
Claims25
A method of performing a well cleanout, comprising:
- simultaneously deploying a jetting tool and a gamma ray detector downhole into a wellbore on coiled tubing;
- locating scale at a wellbore location with the gamma ray detector;
- pumping a cleanout material down through the coiled tubing and out through the jetting tool to remove scale at a the wellbore location;
- and
- monitoring the removal of scale with the gamma ray detector.
A system for use in a wellbore, comprising:
- a bottom hole assembly having:
- a jetting tool comprising at least one jetting nozzle oriented to direct a scale removal material against a well component surface;
- a radiation detector positioned to detect and locate scale buildup along the well component surface.
A method, comprising:
- determining a location of a scale deposit within an interior of a tubular positioned in a wellbore;
- removing scale from an the interior of the tubular positioned in a wellbore;
- monitoring scale removal with a radiation detector;
- providing data on the scale removal in real time to a surface acquisition unit and
- determining the extent of the remaining scale deposit.
A system, comprising:
- a surface acquisition unit;
- a coiled tubing string;
- a communication line routed along the coiled tubing string to communicate data to the surface acquisition unit;
- and
- a bottom hole assembly coupled to the coiled tubing string and the communication line, the bottom hole assembly comprising:
- a jetting tool oriented for scale removal;
- and
- a gamma ray detector to determine a location of scale and to monitor the extent of scale removal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.