Reverse Double Helix Borehole Cleaner: Effective Cuttings Bed Elimination for Directional Drilling
The Cuttings Bed Challenge in Directional Wells
In high-angle and horizontal wells, cuttings accumulation causes:
⚠️ Increased torque and drag exceeding equipment limits
⚠️ Stuck pipe incidents from packed cuttings beds
⚠️ Poor hole cleaning leading to slow drilling rates
⚠️ ECD management issues from restricted annular flow
Our reverse double helix borehole cleaner delivers:
✅ Complete cuttings bed elimination through mechanical agitation
✅ Improved mud flow characteristics in low-side annular areas
✅ Reduced torque and drag by preventing cuttings accumulation
✅ Enhanced drilling efficiency through cleaner wellbores
Working Principle & Mechanical Action
Dual-Helix Cuttings Transport Mechanism
| Component | Function | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Helix Design | Creates turbulent flow patterns | Breaks up settled cuttings beds |
| Double Spiral Structure | Generates upward fluid movement | Lifts cuttings from low side to high side |
| Mechanical Agitation | Direct contact with cuttings beds | Disperses accumulated solids |
Tool Rotation
Helical Blades Contact Cuttings Bed
Cuttings Lifted from Low Side
Suspended in Mud Column
Transport to Surface
Clean Wellbore Maintained
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size Range | 3-1/2″ to 9-1/2″ OD |
| Installation Spacing | Every 1-3 drill pipe stands |
| Connection Types | API REG, IF, FH |
| Materials | 4140/4145H steel with hardfacing |
| Helix Design | Reverse double spiral configuration |
| Compliance | API Spec 7-1, ISO 9001:2015 |
Field Applications & Performance Data
Optimal Application Scenarios
- High-Angle Wells (30°-70° inclination)
- Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) operations
- Horizontal Sections with cuttings transport challenges
- Slimhole Drilling with restricted annular clearance
Documented Performance Improvements
✅ Torque Reduction – 25-35% decrease in rotational resistance
✅ Drag Reduction – 40-50% improvement in sliding efficiency
✅ ROP Increase – 15-25% faster drilling through cleaner holes
✅ ECD Management – More consistent pressure profiles
Case Study: North Sea Extended Reach Well
Challenge: Cuttings beds causing 50,000 ft-lbs torque and multiple stuck pipe events at 17,000ft MD
Solution: Installed borehole cleaners every 2 stands in build and lateral sections
Results:
- Torque reduced to 32,000 ft-lbs (36% reduction)
- Zero stuck pipe incidents after installation
- 18% ROP increase in lateral section
- Successful TD at 21,500ft MD – 1,500ft beyond previous limit
Installation & Operational Guidelines
Optimum Placement Strategy
| Well Type | Recommended Spacing | Critical Sections |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Wells | Every 1-2 stands | Entire lateral section |
| High-Angle Wells | Every 2-3 stands | Build section and tangent |
| Extended Reach | Every 1-2 stands | From kickoff point to TD |
Operational Benefits
- Continuous cleaning while drilling and reaming
- Compatible with all drilling fluid types
- No additional operations required – works during normal drilling
- Minimal pressure loss through tool
