A flat bottom mill is a specialized downhole milling tool extensively employed in the oil and gas sector to grind and eliminate undesirable elements, commonly referred to as “junk,” from a wellbore. This type of milling tool is widely recognized for its versatility, capable of handling a diverse range of junk items such as squeeze tools, packers, tubing, bridge plugs, and bit cones.
Key characteristics of a flat bottom mill include a flat, abrasive bottom face typically coated with tungsten carbide or other hard, wear-resistant materials. This feature enables efficient grinding and breakdown of the targeted junk. Additionally, flat bottom mills boast large circulation ports that facilitate the flow of drilling fluid through the tool, effectively cooling it down and removing cuttings. Their straightforward design makes flat bottom mills easy to operate and maintain.
The versatility of flat bottom mills is a standout feature, allowing them to handle various types of junk, making them a preferred tool for diverse wellbore cleaning operations.
Flat bottom mills find application in specific scenarios, including:
- Removal of lost or broken downhole equipment.
- Clearing debris from a wellbore that has become plugged.
- Preparation of a well for stimulation or completion operations.
Benefits of using a flat bottom mill:
- Effective: They are very effective at grinding and removing a wide variety of junk.
- Durable: The tungsten carbide face makes them highly wear-resistant.
- Easy to use: Their simple design makes them easy to run and maintain.
- Versatile: They can be used in a variety of wellbore cleaning operations.
In summary, flat bottom mills emerge as indispensable tools in oil and gas wellbore cleaning operations, thanks to their adaptability, efficiency, and resilience, making them a preferred choice for fishing or milling operation of applications.
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References
The Guide to Oilwell Fishing Operations: Tools, Techniques, and Rules of Thumb (Gulf Drilling Guides) by Joe P. DeGeare, David Haughton, Mark McGurk
