Borehole cleaning apparatus and method

A method of cleaning the inner wall of an oilfield tubular, the method comprising:

• introducing into the tubular a body provided with at least one cleaning element on at least one annular member such that a central axis of the at least one cleaning element is inclined relative to an axis of rotation of the annular member so that the at least one cleaning element contacts the inner wall of the tubular;
• operating a drive to oscillate the at least one cleaning element to scrape the inner wall with the at least one cleaning element;
• and
• pumping fluid through an axial fluid pathway formed in the body to wash away debris dislodged from the inner wall.

An apparatus for cleaning the inner wall of an oilfield tubular, comprising:

• a body to be introduced into the tubular, the body being provided with at least one cleaning element;
• drive means acting to oscillate the cleaning element in contact with the inner wall of the tubular to scrape the inner wall with the cleaning element;
• and
• a catcher element mounted on the body for catching heavy debris dislodged from the inner wall by the at least one cleaning element.

An apparatus for cleaning the inner wall of an oilfield tubular, comprising:

• a body to be introduced into the tubular, the body being provided with at least one cleaning element;
• drive member acting to oscillate the cleaning element in contact with the inner wall of the tubular to scrape the inner wall with the cleaning element;
• and
• at least one traction element having a plurality of outwardly extending legs for engaging the inner wall to impart a propulsion force for moving the body along the tubular when driven by a fluid-driven member.