Downhole scraping and/or brushing tool and related methods

An improved and enhanced spring loaded downhole tool for cleaning well casing bores comprising a mandrel, at least a first insert having a passageway therethrough, and at least a second insert, wherein both the first insert and the second insert are selected from at least one of a spring loaded scraper insert and at least one wire brush insert, and further wherein the first insert and the second insert are slidingly received within a slot on a first mounting portion on the mandrel and a slot on a second mounting portion on the mandrel, from the outermost respective ends, and wherein the first insert is secured by a first retaining sleeve and the second insert is secured by a second retaining sleeve. Also disclosed is a unique method for cleaning a section of casing with a downhole tool, as herein disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to enhanced and improved wellbore cleaning tool or tool for casing surface cleaning. Generally, a downhole tool of the present invention is connected to a string of casing, such as a drill string used in a downhole environment.

In an embodiment, a downhole tool of the present invention comprises a mandrel operatively connected to a drill string, the mandrel having at least a first slot and at least a second slot therein. A first insert with a passageway therehtrough is operatively received within the first slot and a second insert with a passageway therehtrough is operatively received within the second slot. In varying embodiments, the first and/or the second insert is either a spring loaded scraping insert or a spring loaded brush insert comprising individually spring loaded pods or a spring loaded wire brush insert, both of which spring loaded wire inserts are capable of floating within the first insert and the second insert.

Various embodiments of the present invention generally provide for enhanced casing cleaning by at least one of contoured blade design(s) to provide superior tubular coverage, engagement and/or contact; contoured blade design to promote enlarged internal bore diameters for both the scraping insert and the brushing insert; for an embodiment comprising a brushing means, independent spring loaded pods for increased; enhanced; and/or, improved brushing operations by allowing independent extension of each pod or insert; interchangeable and adaptable construction to allow for various design components; and, improved component retention designs and apparatuses to reduce incidence of tool failure.

Downhole tools of the present invention are capable of use for cleaning an internal surface of a casing string. Various modifications to various profiles of embodiments of the present invention can be made to adapt tool embodiments to varying wellbore/casing situations, such as, but not limited to agglomerations of cement, downhole isolation and cleaning plugs, downhole collars, float equipment, casing scale, casing film, casing hydrate, agglomerations of substrate, pieces of drill string, casing deviation, including highly deviated casing, and/or the like. Various profiles include, but are not limited to drilling profiles, milling profiles, slick profiles, tapered profiles, tru-gauging/drifting profiles and/or the like.

Further interchangeable adaptations possible with embodiments of the present invention include interchangeable housing portions located between the first insert and the second insert. Various embodiments of interchangeable housing portions include, but are not limited to, a blanking portion, a magnetic portion, a tru-gauge portion, combinations of the aforesaid, and/or the like.

Various other embodiments of the present invention generally comprise methods for brushing and/or scraping a surface of a casing; methods of constructing a brushing and/or scraping tool as herein described; and/or the like.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, taken together with the accompanying figures and claims, in which:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term “attached,” or any conjugation thereof describes and refers the at least partial connection of two items.

As used herein, a “fluid” is a continuous, amorphous substance whose molecules move freely past one another and that has the tendency to assume the shape of its container, for example, a liquid or a gas.

As used herein, the term “integral” means and refers to lacking nothing essential after assembly.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients or reaction conditions used herein are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term “about”.

Various embodiments of the present invention generally provide for enhanced casing cleaning by at least one of a contoured blade design to provide superior tubular coverage, engagement and/or contact; a contoured blade design to promote enlarged internal bore diameters for both the scraping insert and the brushing insert; for an embodiment comprising a brushing means, independent spring loaded pods and/or independent spring loaded wire brush insert for increased, enhanced, and/or improved brushing operations by allowing independent extension of each pod or wire brush insert; interchangeable and adaptable construction to allow for various design components; and/or, improved component retention designs and apparatuses to reduce incidence of tool failure.

Referring toFIG. 1, an embodiment of a wellbore cleaning tool is disclosed as a spring loaded downhole tool1with scraping inserts is disclosed. Downhole tool1is commonly inserted as an integral one-piece or portion of a drill string within a wellbore. In various embodiments, tool1is positioned intermediate various other tools and/or drill string portions and connected through male portion25and female portion26. Tool1is most preferred for use in casing strings that are to be cleaned. Generally downhole tool1comprises a mandrel10, a first mounting portion50, a second mounting portion16, at least one first insert2, at least one second insert4, a first profile5, and a second profile30.

Generally, in an embodiment, mandrel10is of a generally similar size and/or circumference along its length with at least three cut away portions60,70, and80. Cut away portion60is of a sufficient depth to allow mounting of insert2to a mounting slot within mounting portion50. Likewise, cut away portion80is of a sufficient depth to allow mounting of insert4to a mounting slot within mounting portion16. Cut away portion70is an optional component and allows for interchangeable mounting of various tool enhancers, such as, but not limited to a magnetic portion, a tru-gauge portion, a flow area enhancement portion, and/or the like.

In an alternate embodiment, first mounting portion50is an enlarged portion of mandrel10of sufficient thickness to allow machining of a mounting slot for at least one first insert2. Likewise, in this alternate embodiment, second mounting portion16is an enlarged portion of mandrel10of sufficient thickness to allow machining of a mounting slot for at least one second insert4.

In an alternate embodiment, mandrel10is of generally uniform circumference and the various further components of this invention are mounted to the mandrel.

Inserts of the present invention are inserted into at least one slot54cut into the mounting portions from the outermost ends and not from the center. In an embodiment, at least one insert2is inserted into a slot in mounting portion50from the outermost side and slid towards the center. Likewise, at least one insert4is inserted into a slot in mounting portion16from the outermost side and slid towards the center. All embodiments of a spring loaded brush insert comprise an insert with a passageway therehtrough.

Slots in mounting portion50and/or mounting portion16can generally be any size desired that is capable of accepting an insert. In an embodiment, the slots are wedged shaped. In an alternate embodiment, the slots are L-shaped. In an alternate embodiment, the slots allow for insertion of a tongued member. Examples of slots suitable for use with various embodiments of the present invention can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,538, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Slots in mounting portion50and/or mounting portion16can generally be cut at any orientation and/or angle from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel that allows at least one first and at least one second insert to be inserted from the outermost side. In an embodiment, all of the slots in mounting portion50are cut at generally the same angle. Likewise, in an embodiment, all of the slots in mounting portion16are cut at generally the same angle. Any number of slots can be used in each of mounting portion50and mounting portion16. In an embodiment, the angle of orientation of the at least one slot is greater than 10 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 20 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 40 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 50 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 70 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 80 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel.

Generally, the orientation/angle and number of slots is chosen to provide 360° coverage around mounting portion50and/or mounting portion16. In an alternate embodiment, 360° coverage is provided by combination of mounting portion50and mounting portion16.

A brush insert comprising individually spring loaded pods is illustrated inFIG. 5and are more fully disclosed with reference toFIG. 6.

Further interchangeable adaptations possible with embodiments of the present invention include interchangeable mid sections/portions located between the first insert and the second insert. Various embodiments of interchangeable housing portions include, but are not limited to, a blanking portion, a magnetic portion, a tru-gauging portion, combinations of the aforesaid, and/or the like. The embodiment inFIG. 1illustrates a magnetic housing15held in place on mandrel10by locking dog20, in this case, a pair of locking dogs.

As well, retaining sleeves of the present invention are interchangeable. In an embodiment, the lower retaining sleeve, retaining sleeve30inFIG. 1, is interchangeable between a tapered mill profile, a top dress profile, a flow area enhancement profile and/or the like. In a tapered mill profile, a degree of taper is capable of selection relative to the desired drilling, milling, fishing, displacement, workover or well intervention operation and/or the like. As well, the upper retaining sleeve, retaining sleeve5inFIG. 1, is also interchangeable.

FIG. 2is an illustration of mandrel10fromFIG. 1without inserts, housings, or profiles. In general, at least one slot54is cut into of mounting portion50and one slot56is cut into mounting portion16.FIG. 2also illustrates a hex connection83and a hex connection85.

Now referring toFIG. 3, an illustration of a cross-section of scraper blade insert51is disclosed. The cross-section illustrated discloses a blade2, a tongue or foot9, a spring loaded base12, and wear indicator7. Generally, insert51has a series of biased members or multiple biased members, such as springs and/or the like, counter-sunk into base12. In an embodiment, foot9is the biased member. Insert51is slid into slot54such that the biased member is positioned between the mounting portion, or mandrel, and the insert, biasing the insert outwardly from the mandrel towards the casing. Wear indicator7is capable of use to indicate when insert51should be replaced. In various embodiments, no foot or tongue is present.

Now referring toFIG. 4, an illustration of a spring loaded blade insert51is disclosed. Generally, scraper blade insert51is contoured generally to the shape of the mandrel such that insert51slides into slot54and/or slot56fromFIG. 2. In an embodiment, the shape of insert51is arcuate. The edges53,57,58, and59of scraper blade insert51are generally beveled to dull the edges of the insert. Beveled edges are less likely to gouge the casing as the tool is raised and lowered in the wellbore.

In an embodiment, the scraper insert has blades on each side such that the scraper insert is capable of scraping a surface of the wellbore as the tool is both raised and lowered in the wellbore.

Now referring toFIG. 5, an illustration of a spring loaded downhole tool100with brush inserts comprising at least one individually spring loaded pod is disclosed. Tool100generally comprises at least one insert105, with a passageway therehtrough, with at least one individually spring loaded pod110, mandrel120, profile115, and profile117.

Generally, in an embodiment, mandrel120is of a generally similar size and/or circumference along its length with at least three cut away portions140,150, and160. Cut away portion140is of a sufficient depth to allow mounting of insert105to a mounting slot within mounting portion102. Likewise, cut away portion150is of a sufficient depth to allow mounting of insert107to a slot within mounting portion104. Cut away portion150is an optional component and allows for interchangeable mounting of various tool enhancers, such as, but not limited to a magnetic portion, a tru-gauge portion, a flow area enhancement portion, and/or the like.

In an alternate embodiment, first mounting portion102is an enlarged portion of mandrel120of sufficient thickness to allow machining of a mounting slot for at least one first insert105. Likewise, in this alternate embodiment, second mounting portion104is an enlarged portion of mandrel120of sufficient thickness to allow machining of a mounting slot for at least one second insert107.

Inserts of the present invention are inserted into at least one slot cut into the mounting portions from the outermost ends and not from the center. In an embodiment, at least one insert is inserted into a slot in mounting portion from the outermost side and slid towards the center. Likewise, at least one insert is inserted into a slot in mounting portion from the outermost side and slid towards the center.

Slots in mounting portion102and/or mounting portion104can generally be any size desired that is capable of accepting an insert. In an embodiment, the slots are wedged shaped. In an alternate embodiment, the slots are L-shaped. In an alternate embodiment, the slots will provide the biasing member. In an alternate embodiment, the slots allow for insertion of a retaining tongue.

Slots in mounting portion102and/or mounting portion104can generally be cut at any orientation and/or angle from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel that allows at least one first and at least one second insert to be inserted from the outermost side. In an embodiment, all of the slots in mounting portion102are cut at generally the same angle. Likewise, in an embodiment, all of the slots in mounting portion104are cut at generally the same angle. Any number of slots can be used in each of mounting portion102and mounting portion104. In an embodiment, the angle of orientation of the at least one slot is greater than 10 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 20 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 40 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 50 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 70 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the angle of orientation is greater than 80 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel.

Generally, the orientation/angle and number of slots is chosen to provide 360° coverage around mounting portion102and/or mounting portion104. In an alternate embodiment, 360° coverage is provided by combination of mounting portion102and mounting portion104.

Further interchangeable adaptations possible with embodiments of the present invention include interchangeable housing portions (clamp) located between the first insert and the second insert. Various embodiments of interchangeable housing portions include, but are not limited to, a blanking portion, a magnetic portion, a flow area enhancement portion, combinations of the aforesaid, and/or the like. The embodiment inFIG. 5illustrates a tru-gauge clamp125held in place on mandrel120by locking dog135, in this case, a pair of locking dogs and/or retention clamps.

Profiles of the present invention are interchangeable. In an embodiment, the lower profile, profile117inFIG. 5, is interchangeable between a tapered mill profile, a top dress profile, a flow area enhancement profile and/or the like. In a tapered mill profile, a degree of taper is capable of selection relative to the desired drilling, milling, fishing, workover or any other cased hole intervention operation and/or the like. As well, the upper profile, profile115inFIG. 5, is also interchangeable.

Further embodiments of the preset invention generally comprise a combination of inserts, both scraper and brush, on the same tool. In an embodiment, one mounting portion has scraper inserts and another mounting portion has brush inserts. In an alternate embodiment, a third or more mounting portion is added with any or both of brush inserts and scraper inserts.

Now referring toFIG. 6, an illustration of a spring loaded insert110is disclosed. In an embodiment, insert110generally comprises at least one individually spring loaded wire pod150comprising at least one port, a insert member111comprising tongue or foot114with at least one passageway113extending therethrough, a biasing member145, and a wire filament112. Pod150generally encases an end of wire filament112wherein an end of the filament112is crimped over a support, such as by bending over a bar. In other embodiments, the wire may be notched and secured on a shelf or extending structure from the pod. In other embodiments, at least one of the wire filaments is bent over the support. In all embodiments with pods, the pod is biased against/from the mandrel and insert110is capable of floating relative to the mandrel within the slot. The mandrel and the pod are therefore the biasing members. In various embodiments, at least one passageway extends through insert member111for each pod150. In various embodiments, insert member111is not tongued and is retained by other means, such as being wedge shaped and/or the like.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a spring loaded wire brush insert positioned within the passageway of the insert and biased outwardly from the mandrel, the spring loaded wire brush insert comprising a body with at least one passageway; at least one wire filament secured at least partially within the spring loaded wire brush insert, and wherein the at least one wire filament at least partially extends through the port on the body, whereby the at least one wire filament is capable of contacting a surface of a casing. Further embodiments comprise a drill string and a housing portion, wherein the spring loaded wire brush insert is slidingly received within a slot on a first mounting portion on the mandrel

In various embodiments, the insert is slidingly received from the outermost end.

Further embodiments secure the insert by a retaining sleeve or profile.

Various embodiments are assembled in various biasing arrangements. In an embodiment, the at least one pod and the at least one biasing member, such as a spring, are associated with one another. In an alternate embodiment, multiple pods are associated with one biasing member. In an alternate embodiment, multiple biasing members are associated one pod. In an alternate embodiment, multiple pods are associated with multiple biasing members.

Several advantages are realized by using spring loaded wire brush inserts of the present invention, such as in the case of repair, allowing for individual pod and/or brush insert replacement, allowing for varied biased members across the insert, allowing for greater casing contact in deviated section of the casing, allowing of ease of change between scraper inserts and brush inserts, allowing for float of the pod inserts and/or the wire brush inserts regardless of casing ovality/inner casing diameter variances thereby reducing and/or eliminating the occurrences of tram lines where fixed radiuses don't match up; allowing for an improved high contact system; allowing for ease of removal of brush inserts, improving safety of personnel during removal and/or changing operations, and/or the like.

No embodiments of the present invention comprise a first spring loaded brush insert and a second spring loaded brush insert operatively associated with the tool, wherein the spring loaded brush insert comprises a mandrel having a slot; an insert received within the slot, wherein the insert has a first section containing an opening for placing a wire filament therethrough; a spring, positioned between the mandrel and the brush insert for biasing the brush insert against the inner diameter of the casing string. All embodiments of brush inserts the present invention comprise at least one individually spring loaded pod or spring loaded insert for enhanced casing cleaning.

FIG. 7is an illustration of a pod-loaded insert175comprising at least one individually spring loaded pod176, spring loaded brush insert178, tongued insert/biasing member183, and access passageway181. The fixed blade will be secured to the mandrel in combination with the slot profile and blade profile. The spring loaded pods will be retained within correlating blade profiles and at independently to the blade. The spring mechanism in combination with the wire pod will be operable and secured within the bored sections of the blade. The wire filaments will be secured to the pod housing by means of a positive locking system. The wire strands, composing of the wire filament, will be folded, twisted, and/or crimped to reduce wire fatigue and improve casing wall contact and/or cleaning. The wire extension, beyond the blade outer diameter, will remain short, rigid, and/or abundant thus providing for an enhanced casing inner diameter cleaning.

FIG. 8is an illustration of an embodiment of a profile250with a gradual tapered mill. Taper252can be varied as desired. Profile250is secured to a mandrel by any means common in the art. In an embodiment, a retaining key locking feature is used to secure the retaining sleeve. In an embodiment of the locking feature, a locking mechanism will be inserted and isolated within the mounting region. In various embodiments, the retaining key locking feature is locking dogs, retaining keys254, ball(s)253, locking wire, screw, bolts, threaded connection, fastner, interference fit, and/or the like. In an embodiment, the retaining device(s) are capable of providing the tensile and compressional resistance necessary to secure the various inserts in the slots during drilling operations. Accordingly, the profiles of the present invention secure the various inserts in the slots.

In various embodiments, an additional locking mechanism, or profile, will be positioned to secure the retaining sleeve torsionally thus not allowing the sleeve to rotate opposite the mandrel. In an embodiment, the retaining sleeves will be positioned over the undercuts in the mandrel. In an alternate embodiment, the retaining sleeve is held in place by alternate means, such as, but not limited to a screw thread, at least one bolt, a pin, a hex fitting, a bearing, a gear, a spline, and/or the like. Generally, any method common in the art can be used to secure the sleeve to the mandrel.

In an embodiment, the undercuts will accept two stainless (or similar material) split halves with the locking profile machined to coincide with the retainer sleeve locking profile. Once aligned, the locking mechanism(s) are capable of being inserted, thus locking the two components together. These split halves are designed to be interchangeable and used to preserve the mandrel integrity and life.

FIG. 9is an illustration of a top dress tapered mill profile270with a taper272.

FIG. 10is an illustration of a sharp tapered mill profile280. The taper282is less than that ofFIG. 8, thereby illustrating that a taper of a profile on a retaining sleeve of the present invention can be modified.

FIG. 11is an illustration of a magnetic housing portion200. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, housing portion200is secured in cut away portion70by locking dog(s)210. Referring back toFIG. 11, housing portion200has ports for accepting the locking dogs. The locking dogs will prevent and/or resist rotation of the housing portion. In this embodiment, magnetic bars220are slid into carriers/slots on portion200.

A housing portion of the present invention is generally a sheet of material or materials that is wrapped around the mandrel. The sheet can be secured by any means common in the art, such as, but not limited to bolting, welding, screwing, stabbing, and/or the like.

The embodiment inFIG. 11comprises magnetic portions. The magnetic portion can be added by any means. The magnetic portion can be used to remove metallic debris from the wellbore, thereby reducing the amount of metallic material in the drilling, completion, and/or wellbore fluid and increasing and/or improving the service life and condition of those fluids, tools, subsequent wellbore activities and/or the like.

FIG. 12is an illustration of a tru-gauge housing portion300. The tru-gauge is a positive casing drill and/or gauging device used to simulate other downhole equipment and/or jewelry to be utilized or deployed in the casing and/or the wellbore on subsequent well intervention runs.

FIG. 13is an illustration of a blanking housing portion400. The illustration of blanking housing portion400provides an alternate/additional means of securing the sheet, such that a bar or key440can be used to connect the opposing ends of the sheet of the housing portion.

In an embodiment, the blanking housing provides protection to the mandrel should no other mid section option be utilized.

FIG. 14discloses an alternate embodiment of a profile and insert locking mechanism. In general, a cut-away portion140and/or cut-away portion160from FIG.5has a geometrical shaped surface and profile retainer505has a complimentary geometrically shaped interior surface such that retainer505locks does not rotate when when inserted into place. Ribs or gears520cooperate with an interior surface of profile530to resist rotation. Further locking of profile530can be achieved with the use of a bearing system510. In various embodiments, gaskets500are used to prevent or inhibit drilling fluid or other fluid from passing between profile530and retainer505.

FIG. 15is an illustration of a spring loaded insert600capable of use in various embodiments of the present invention. Passageway610is elongated along a base of insert600. Cut-out620extend through insert600as is better seen with reference toFIG. 16. Generally,FIG. 16illustrates passageway610is tapered such that when a wire brush insert as disclosed inFIG. 17is inserted into passageway610the taper does not allow the wire brush insert to pass through passageway610. The taper can be gradual, arcuate, shelf like, or generally any other taper common in the art and capable of resisteing the wire brush insert from passing through spring loaded insert610.

Cut-out620is generally any shape capable of allowing a biasing member to bias the mandrel and a wire brush insert. In an embodiment, a circular wound spring is used and cut-out620is generally circular in shape extending at least a portion of the distance through insert600, but not through insert600.

FIG. 17discloses a wire brush insert700capable of use with embodiments of the present invention comprising a base730and at least one wire filament710. Generally, any method of securing wire filaments710within insert700is capable of use in various embodiments. In an embodiment, wire filament710is secured in insert700by crimping of insert700such that insert700is tapered inwardly from base730in at least portion720. Generally, any manner of securing wire filament710is capable of use.

Also disclosed are methods of cleaning a wellbore comprising the steps of lowering or raising a drill string comprising at least one spring loaded wellbore cleaning tool into a wellbore to at least one section of casing that needs cleaning, the tool comprising at least one spring loaded brush insert as herein disclosed; and, cleaning the at least one section by rotating the drill string, whereby each of the at least one spring loaded pods is biased outwardly from the mandrel towards the at least one section of casing wherein the at least one section of casing is brushed. Further embodiments comprise a step of scraping the at least one section of casing. Further embodiments comprise a step of magnetically attracting metallic debris within the at least one section of casing. Further embodiments comprise the step of centering the tool within the wellbore.

Further embodiments comprise the step of circulating a drilling fluid through the inner diameter of the work string.

Methods and apparatuses of the present invention are particularly useful in drill strings with deviated sections. However, a tool of the present invention will work in any wellbore, deviated or not.

As such, embodiments of the present invention are particularly meant to cover a wellbore cleaning tool comprising a mandrel connected to a drill string, said mandrel comprising; at least a first insert with a passageway therethrough; at least a second insert; and, a housing portion, wherein at least said first insert comprises a spring loaded brush insert with a passageway therethrough, wherein said spring loaded brush insert is biased outwardly with a biasing member from said mandrel, and further wherein said first insert and said second insert are slidingly received within a slot on a first mounting portion on said mandrel and a slot on a second mounting portion on said mandrel, from the outermost respective ends, and wherein said first insert is secured by a first retaining sleeve and said second insert is secured by a second retaining sleeve; a spring loaded wellbore cleaning tool comprising a mandrel connected to a drill string; at least a first insert with a passageway therethrough; at least a second insert; and, a mid housing portion, wherein said first insert is selected from at least one of a scraper insert for scraping a surface of at least one section of casing and at least one spring loaded brush insert selected from a spring loaded pod and a spring loaded wire brush insert, and further wherein said first insert and said second insert are slidingly received within a slot on a first mounting portion on said mandrel and a slot on a second mounting portion on said mandrel, from the outermost respective ends, and wherein said first insert is secured by a first retaining sleeve and said second insert is secured by a second retaining sleeve, wherein said spring loaded brush insert is biased against the mandrel; a spring loaded brush insert comprising at least one individually spring loaded pod comprising a body with at least one passageway and at least one wire filament secured at least partially within said body and extending through said passageway; and, at least one insert member with at least one passageway extending therethrough wherein said pod is biased outwardly from said mandrel and further wherein said at least one wire filament is capable of contacting a surface of a casing; and, a method of cleaning a wellbore comprising the steps of lowering, raising or rotating a drill string comprising at least one springy loaded wellbore cleaning tool into a wellbore to at least one section of casing that needs cleaning, said tool comprising at least one brush insert comprising a spring loaded brush insert selected from a spring loaded pod and a spring loaded wire brush insert; and, cleaning said at least one section by rotating said drill string, whereby said spring loaded pod is biased outwardly from the bottom portion of the blade towards said at least one section of casing wherein said at least one section of casing is brushed.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes to the claims that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Further, all published documents, patents, and applications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference, as if presented in their entirety.