Patent ID: 6732793
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A jetting tool assembly for use in cleaning tubular components used in drilling for gaseous or liquid hydrocarbons in producing formations, said assembly being connectable to a hollow drill string and having a first mode of operation which allows through-flow of fluid and lengthwise of the drill string, and a second mode of operation which routes the fluid transversely outwardly of the string, in which the assembly comprises:a hollow main body through which axial flow of fluid can take place between an inlet end and an outlet end of the main body, in the first mode of operation; an outlet port in the wall of the main body through which fluid can flow transversely of the drillstring in the second mode of operation; a control sleeve slidably mounted in the main body for movement between a first position in which it blocks communication between the interior of the main body and said outlet port and a second position in which it allows communication between the interior of the main body and said outlet port means; a biasing arrangement urging the sleeve in a direction towards said first position; a ball-receiver arrangement at one end of the sleeve to receive a ball when the latter is launched down the drillstring to activate the tool assembly, said arrangement being operative when engaged by a launched ball to move the sleeve to the second position against the biasing arrangement, and returning the sleeve to the first position under the action of the biasing arrangement upon dislodgement of the ball; a jetting body mounted externally on the main body; and one or more jet outlet in the wall of the jetting body and communicating with said outlet port so as to direct fluid outwardly against the internal wall of a surrounding tubular component for cleaning purposes when the tool assembly has been activated.