US3720264A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High pressure jet well cleaning
Assignee: Chevron USA Inc
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Filing: 1971-06-07
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Granted: 1973-03-13
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Expires: 1991-06-07
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for directionally applying high pressure jets to well liners to clean openings which are plugged with foreign matter. High velocity jets of liquid having a velocity in excess of 700 feet per second are jetted from jet orifices having a standoff distance between 5 and 10 diameters of the orifice from the openings to remove substantially all plugging material from the openings. Apparatus for circulating foam is provided in combination with apparatus for delivering high pressure jets. New swivels and check valves permit rotation and reciprocation of the jet tool and tubing string while maintaining high pressure in the apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 S Hutchison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:35
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B21/00; E21B21/14; E21B37/00; E21B37/08; E21B41/00; E21B41/0078; E21B7/00; E21B7/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of jet cleaning openings in a well liner positioned adjacent a fluid producing formation comprising providing a flow path from the earth''s surface to a location adjacent a liner having plugged openings, flowing high pressure liquid down said flow path, forming a jet of said liquid having a velocity of at least 700 feet per second and directing said jet at a liner to clean the openings thereof from a standoff distance of not more than 10 times the initial diameter of the jet.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of jet cleaning openings in a well liner positioned adjacent a fluid producing formation comprising providing a flow path from the earth''s surface to a location adjacent a liner having plugged openings, flowing high pressure liquid down said flow path, forming a jet of said liquid having a velocity of at least 700 feet per second and directing said jet at a liner to clean the openings thereof from a standoff distance of not more than 10 times the initial diameter of the jet.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of jet cleaning openings in a well liner positioned adjacent a fluid producing formation comprising providing a flow path from the earth''s surface to a location adjacent a liner having plugged openings, flowing high pressure liquid down said flow path, forming a jet of said liquid having a velocity of at least 700 feet per second and directing said jet at a liner to clean the openings thereof from a standoff distance of not more than 10 times the initial diameter of the jet.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of jet cleaning openings in a well liner positioned adjacent a fluid producing formation comprising providing a flow path from the earth''s surface to a location adjacent a liner having plugged openings, flowing high pressure liquid down said flow path, forming a jet of said liquid having a velocity of at least 700 feet per second and directing said jet at a liner to clean the openings thereof from a standoff distance of not more than 10 times the initial diameter of the jet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 where the jet is formed in an orifice having a diameter of less than one-eighth of an inch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2 where the standoff distance is between five and 10 diameters of the orifice.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 3 where the diameter of the orifice is about one thirty-second of an inch.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of jet cleaning openings in a well liner positioned adjacent a fluid producing formation comprising providing a first flow path from the earth''s surface to a location adjacent a liner having plugged openings, forming a second flow path from the earth''s surface to a location below the end of said first flow path, flowing high pressure liquid down said first flow path, forming a jet of said liquid having a velocity of at least 700 feet per second and directing said jet at a liner to clean the openings thereof from a standoff distance of not more than 10 times the diameter of the jet.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of jet cleaning openings in a well liner positioned adjacent a fluid producing formation comprising providing a first flow path from the earth''s surface to a location adjacent a liner having plugged openings, forming a second flow path from the earth''s surface to a location below the end of said first flow path, flowing high pressure liquid down said first flow path, forming a jet of said liquid having a velocity of at least 700 feet per second and directing said jet at a liner to clean the openings thereof from a standoff distance of not more than 10 times the diameter of the jet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 5 further characterized in that foam is flowed down said second flow path and circulated adjacent said well liner prior to flowing high pressure liquid down said flow path.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 5 further characterized in that foam is flowed down said second flow path and circulated adjacent said well liner while high pressure liquid is being flowed down said first flow path.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 5 further characterized in that foam is flowed down said second flow path and circulated adjacent said well liner after high pressure liquid is flowed down said first flow path.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 5 where the jet is formed in an orifice having a diameter of less than one-eighth of an inch.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 9 where the standoff distance is between five and 10 diameters of the orifice.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-12 | 1976-09-11 | 1977-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-12 | 1980-09-11 | 1981-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-12 | 1984-09-11 | 1985-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |