US3791447A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Well methods for sand bridge removal using small diameter tubing
Assignee: Camco Inc
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Filing: 1971-04-28
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Granted: 1974-02-12
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Expires: 1991-04-28
Abstract
Abstract Well methods using small diameter tubing introduced into and withdrawn from the well by an injector apparatus, for removing sand bridges from wells. The tubing is introduced into and withdrawn from the well by the injector from a tubing-holding reel and introduction of an inert gas such as nitrogen through the small diameter tubing breaks up the sand bridge and carries the sand out of the well in gasified suspension. Other gases may also be introduced through the small diameter tubing for sand bridge removal. The methods are especially suitable for use in petroleum wells, but may if suitable be used in water wells.
Inventors
- 👤 A Smith
- 👤 R Plummer
- 👤 C Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 09:22
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B37/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
Method for sand bridge removal from wells, comprising running a small diameter tubing down a well by means of a tubing injector apparatus, said tubing injector apparatus including a reel for storing the tubing wound thereon and having gas entrance means to said tubing at the hub of said reel, said tubing being run to adjacent the upper end of a sand bridge in the well and lowered through the thickness of the sand bridge while continuously introducing said pressured gas therethrough whereby said gas agitates and fluidizes the sand of the said bridge to break up the sand bridge and circulate the sand from the well.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
Method for sand bridge removal from wells, comprising running a small diameter tubing down a well by means of a tubing injector apparatus, said tubing injector apparatus including a reel for storing the tubing wound thereon and having gas entrance means to said tubing at the hub of said reel, said tubing being run to adjacent the upper end of a sand bridge in the well and lowered through the thickness of the sand bridge while continuously introducing said pressured gas therethrough whereby said gas agitates and fluidizes the sand of the said bridge to break up the sand bridge and circulate the sand from the well.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
10 words
Method according to claim 1, said pressured gas being nitrogen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
59 words
Method according to claim 1, said well having liquid material therein above the upper end of the sand bridge, and including introducing pressured gas through said tubing while said tubing is being run to adjacent the upper end of the sand bridge to gasify the liquid material and circulate same from the well prior to said sand bridge removal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
Method according to claim 3, said pressured gas being nitrogen.
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) | 1977-02-11 | 1977-08-13 | 1978-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |