Wellbore Cleanup Magnets

Fit-for-purpose suite of high-capacity ferrous

debris extraction tools

Wellbore Cleanup Magnets:

Engineered approach for mechanical
solutions that optimizes production
and minimizes NPT

Nearly all downhole operations result in

the generation of ferrous debris which
could remain in the wellbore. Even tripping
pipe can leave behind bits of metal that,
if not removed from the wellbore, can
eventually damage both completion tools
and the formation. Failure to recover even
the most minuscule ferrous particles can
result in a costly intervention, effectively
offsetting the benefits of designing the most
reliable and cost effective completion.

Evolving from the pacesetting

MAGNOSTAR magnet, the suite of new
generation magnet debris management
tools from M-I SWACO, a Schlumberger
company, include the MAGNOSWEEP II
compact-design, high-capacity magnet,
MAGNOSHOE magnetic specialized tool,
and CT MAGNOSTAR magnet. These
highly effective magnets are field proven
to extract high volumes of ferrous debris
in any application where circulation alone
provides inadequate debris removal.

Specially engineered magnets

give you a clean path to
optimal production
FEATURES

High-strength rare earth magnets

Single-piece mandrel designs

Casing-protective facing

Robust designs for high-torque,

high-temperature service
Applicable for all casing/liner
sizes and weights
Magnet engineered specifically for
coiled tubing operations

Displacements

Post-perforating

Pre-fracturing

Multizone completions

Optimizes wellbore cleanup

Milling

Minimizes completion, formation

damage

Burning

Fishing

Smart completions

Coiled tubing

High-volume extraction capacities

BENEFITS

The M-I SWACO all-inclusive suite of

wellbore cleanup magnets has raised the
bar for ferrous debris recovery. Designed as
integral components of the work string, our
line of fit-for-purpose magnetic extraction
tools are engineered to recover all sizes of
ferrous debris deposits. Our magnets work
in any wellbore geometry or application,
including:

Enhances cleanup when circulation

alone is insufficient
Captures, extracts large volumes
of metal debris
Simplifies debris removal on surface
Eliminates remediation for ferrous
debris-induced damage

Reduces costs

Helps maximize production

Many operations produce a large amount

of metal debris which can be detrimental
in many ways such as, formation or
completion equipment damage, the
possibility of compromising a well barrier
or acting as a choke if left in the heel of
a deviated wellbore. When a milling job
is required to mill up a packer or in a side
track situation when cutting a window
an enormous amount of metal will be
generated. Perforating and deburring a
perforation interval will also create ferrous
debris that must be managed through
the use of debris management magnets.
In unforeseen situations when a fishing
operation is necessary, magnet tools
can be an extremely effective extraction
tool. Many times these operations are
performed in completion fluids with very
little solids carrying characteristics making
it difficult if not impossible to circulate this
type of heavy debris to surface. In many
cases it is much more beneficial to capture
this debris downhole rather than circulating
it to surface due to the possibility of
compromising a well barrier such as BOPs
or the wellhead.

MAGNOSTAR magnet: The premier

magnet for ferrous debris extraction

Features and benefits

Single-piece mandrel with no

internal connections
Optional dedicated flow path to
prevent flow path restrictions when
packed full of debris
Fixed stabilizer sleeve on box end to
provide stand-off when pulling out of
hole (POOH)
Casing-compatible facing material to
minimize casing wear
Available in common casing/liner sizes
and weights (13 38 to 7)
Large capacity for retrieving up to
150 lbs (68 kg) of ferrous material
High-strength, rare earth magnets
rated to 400 F (204 C)
No flow restriction below the tool
permitting large debris-free access
to magnets
Recovered debris easily removed
on surface

The ground breaking MAGNOSTAR magnet

was designed specifically for large-volume
cleanup applications in high-torque strings.
The pacesetting tool provides superior
magnetic surface area for ferrous debris
extraction when circulation alone is
insufficient for wellbore cleanup.
The MAGNOSTAR magnet works as an
integral component of the work string
during cleanup to remove ferrous debris.
It can be run in conjunction with other
wellbore cleanup tools as part of cased hole
drilling, milling, and polishing assemblies.
It can be rotated and reciprocated without
fear of damage to the casing or the tool
itself. The MAGNOSTAR magnet is
applicable for use in any application with
the potential for significant ferrous debris
deposits in the wellbore.

How it works
The MAGNOSTAR magnet is made up as
a conventional tool. It has no limiting trip
speed factor and can be rotated at common
drilling speeds.
The blades on the housing provide a
generous flow area for fluid bypass around
the tool, while stabilizers simultaneously
provide standoff and a secure area away
from the casing wall to collect debris. On
surface, the tool can be easily cleaned as
per M-I SWACO safety procedures, with
all debris captured, weighed, and, where
appropriate, photographed for subsequent
documentation requirements. Additionally,
the connections of the MAGNOSTAR
magnet can be fitted with mill rings to
produce a heavy-duty tool for more
aggressive applications.

MAGNOSTAR magnet proves itself in the field

Gulf of Mexico: BHA featuring MAGNOSTAR magnet cleans up milling debris
The Situation
The operator was planning a casing exit in
the 14-in. section of its Gulf of Mexico well.
The primary objective was minimizing the
risk of damaging the BOP through exposure
of metallic debris during the window milling
as the milling operation was expected to
generate a large volume of ferrous debris.
The operator was concerned that running
magnets in the milling string would raise the
risk of packing off around the magnets.

The Solution
M-I SWACO recommended the operator
run the MAGNOSTAR magnet which unlike
conventional magnets that only capture
debris on the outside diameter of the
tool, retrieves debris within the ribs of
the mandrel. In addition, even when full
of debris, the MAGNOSTAR magnet still
allows a generous flow area around the
tool. Thus, an innovative BHA design was
selected that included six MAGNOSTAR
magnets spaced out above the milling
operation, which would remain inside the
14-in. casing section once the window was
cut and the rat hole drilled.

The Results
As a result of this novel BHA arrangement,
no pressure spikes/packoff or other
adverse effects were encountered while
milling with the MAGNOSTAR magnets
in the string. During the operation, the
magnets successfully captured and
recovered a cumulative 877 lb (398 kg) of
metal, effectively limiting the exposure of
the BOP elements to potentially damaging
ferrous debris.

Up to

Holds up to

Over

48 50 22
magnets

lbs
of
debris

magnet
section

MAGNOSWEEP II magnet: Compact highcapacity magnet for enhanced recovery

Features and benefits

Compact design

Single-piece mandrel

High-strength rare earth magnets

Fixed stabilizer sleeve to provide

standoff when pulled out of the
hole (POOH)
Optional dedicated flow channel
prevents flow path restrictions when
packed full of debris
Removable magnets for body inspection
Recovered material is easily removed
on location

The compact MAGNOSWEEP II magnet

tool is engineered to collect and extract
large volumes of ferrous debris to ensure
the integrity of the wellbore cleanup.
The MAGNOSWEEP II magnet features a
large magnetic surface area with distinct
flow channels that combine higher magnet
strength with greater volume. The tool can
be run as an integral part of the work string
during wellbore cleanup operations or as a
component for cased hole drilling, milling,
and polishing assemblies. The tool can be
rotated and reciprocated without fear of
damaging the casing or other tools.

High-temperature rating on magnets up

to 400F (204C)
Debris channels allow for collection of
larger volume of ferrous material

How it works
The MAGNOSWEEP II magnet should be
run in any operation that will potentially
generate or encounter ferrous debris.
The MAGNOSWEEP II magnet is made
up as a conventional tool and, like the
MAGNOSTAR magnet, it has no limiting
trip speed factor, and can be rotated at
common drilling speeds. The housing
blades provide a generous flow area for
fluid bypass, while the stabilizers provide
stand-off for a secure debris collection
area away from the casing wall. Once on
surface, the tool should be cleaned per
M-I SWACO safety procedures with the
extracted debris captured, weighed, and
photographed for any subsequent reporting
required.

Field proven performance

Brunei: MAGNOSWEEP II recovers significant metal debris during plug drilling operation
The Situation
A major operator working offshore Brunei
required a wellbore clean up operation
during drill out of an EZSV plug as well as
51m of cement above it. As with most cased
hole drilling operations of this nature metal
debris would be generated creating the
need for magnet tools in the BHA.

The Solution
M-I SWACO recommended utilizing
the MAGNOSWEEP II magnet. The
MAGNOSWEEP II magnet is designed to
recover large volumes of ferrous debris to
ensure the integrity of the wellbore clean
up. The tool features a large magnetic
surface area along with discrete flow
channels to combine higher magnet
strength with greater volume to make
possible enhanced recovery with this
compact magnet tool. The tool can be run
as a component of most drilling/milling/
polishing assemblies or as an integral part
of the drill string during wellbore cleanup
operations.

The Results
On the first trip the 10 inch
MAGNOSWEEP II magnet recovered 25.5
lbs (11.6 kg) and the 7 5/8 inch tool recovered
14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) of metal debris. On the
second trip the 10 inch tool recovered
18.3 lbs (8.3 kg) and the 7 5/8 inch tool
recovered 8.5 lbs ((3.8 kg) of metal debris.
Total recovery was 66.6 lbs of mostly
metal fines with a few larger metal chunks
included.

MAGNOSHOE magnet:
The industrys most
powerful magnet for
large debris extraction
Features and benefits

Fully encased rare earth magnet

Magnet components rated to
570F (300C)

Forward facing circulation ports

Simple three-piece construction

Modular sleeve with

circulating/draining ports
Fully tested protective shroud for
safe shipping and handling
High-strength magnet array can
carry and retain oddly shaped and
heavy debris
Allows circulation below magnet
face to remove or disturb debris prior
to engaging ferrous material
Captured debris is not disturbed by
fluid draining from ports on
modular sleeve
Modular sleeves can be selected to
provide appropriate capture space for
the varying size and shape of debris
Easily cleaned on rig for
subsequent runs
Approved for air shipments with no
special packaging required

The MAGNOSHOE
magnet is engineered
with the latest and
most powerful magnet
technology available,
allowing it to withdraw
large and abnormally-shaped
ferrous debris that has fallen to
the bottom of the wellbore and
cannot be circulated back into the
annular path of a conventional drill
string magnet. Shop tests have shown
the MAGNOSHOE magnet is capable of
effectively lifting up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) of
ferrous debris.
The MAGNOSHOE magnet was designed
to simplify completions and enhance
displacements. It can be used in any
situation where larger metallic debris has
fallen to the low side of the wellbore or
on top of another element higher up in the
well. Since larger debris can be difficult
to mill and circulate back into the fluid
stream, it must be retrieved mechanically.
The MAGNOSHOE magnet can be readily
deployed on the end of the work string
for drilling, displacements, dedicated
cleanouts, or similar wellbore precompletion preparation activities.
The MAGNOSHOE magnet arrives on
location in a protective shroud that
shields its powerful magnetic field.
The MAGNOSHOE magnet has passed an
independent compass deflection test in
accordance with IATA Packing Instruction
953, making it fully compliant for shipping
via passenger or cargo aircraft.
This protective shroud and the designation
for safe shipping facilitate safe transport
to the rig. It also protects personnel from
injury while handling the tool on the
rig floor.

How it works
The MAGNOSHOE magnet can
be used in conjunction with other
wellbore preparation tools, including
the MAGNOSTAR magnet or the
MAGNOSWEEP II magnet. As the tool is
lowered, a unique fluid circulation ring
incorporated in the modular sleeve helps
disturb debris so the tool can locate
directly on the top of the target. When
the MAGNOSHOE magnet contacts the
targeted debris, the magnetic forces hold it
on the magnet until it is physically removed
on the surface. While tripping out, the
circulation ports facilitate draining the
string so the fluid is directed away from the
collected debris so it is not dislodged from
the magnet on the way out of the hole.
The modular sleeve comes in a standard
and elongated version to suit different size
and shape targets. When the tool and its
captured debris are brought out of the hole,
the MAGNOSHOE magnet can be quickly
removed from the string and set aside to
prepare for the next operation. The tool can
be cleaned offline to be ready for another
run or stored in its protective shroud and
transported to another location.

Holds up to

1500

lbs
of
debris

MAGNOSHOE magnet proves itself in the field

Norway: Cable Clamp Fishing with a 9 5 /8 MAGNOSHOE magnet makes life easier
The Situation
During a completion on a well in offshore
Norway it became apparent that a cable
clamp had been lost downhole. Since
milling this debris down to a manageable
size and circulating it to surface was
not an option, a fishing operation would
be required before further completion
operations could resume. Due to the odd
shape of the fish and a 75 deviation in
this section of the well this proved to be a
difficult task to recover.

The Solution
M-I SWACO suggested running in with
one 9 58 (8 OD) MAGNOSHOE magnet
on the end of the string and two 5/8 9 58
MAGNOSTAR magnets to remove the
cable clamp and any residual debris in as
few runs into the well as possible. The
MAGNOSHOE magnet is engineered with
the most powerful magnet technology
available, with the ability to carry and
retain odd shaped metal debris. The tool
has forward facing circulation ports to
remove or disturb debris prior to engaging
the ferrous material. The tool was the ideal
choice for fishing this type of metal debris
from the well.

The Results
In one run the MAGNOSHOE magnet
successfully recovered the most difficult
portions of the clamp material including
a large amount of swarf allowing a
subsequent run with a fishing tool to
complete the operation. The MAGNOSHOE
magnet was instrumental in clearing the
way for completion operations to continue
and reducing the amount of NPT.

Coil Tubing MAGNOSTAR:

Specially engineered magnet
for coiled tubing applications
Features and benefits

Available in 2 /8 and 2 /8 sizes

One-piece, full-strength mandrel

Ridges and valleys design

High-strength rare earth magnet

Offset valleys designed to trap debris

and cover 360 of the wellbore
Design prevents debris from being
washed or scraped off the tool
Through bore allows high flow
and ball drop
Offset valleys designed for high
capacity in a short length

The latest addition in the M-I SWACO suite

of magnetic tools, the CT MAGNOSTAR
tool was engineered specifically to remove
large volumes of ferrous debris from the
wellbore generated during coiled tubing
operations. The unique CT MAGNOSTAR
magnet typically is run on top of the
coiled tubing motor during milling or clean
out operations to attract plug slips,
metal swarf, and other ferrous materials.
The placement of the magnet prevents
the debris from interfering with the milling
operation, thus reducing the risk of motor
stalling and the time required to complete
the cleanout operation.
The CT MAGNOSTAR magnet can be used
while cutting windows with coiled tubing,
drilling out plugs, milling stuck fluid loss
control devices, or in a simple clean out run.
The through bore of the CT MAGNOSTAR
magnet is large enough to allow balls to be
dropped to disconnect a sub below for highrate circulation.
The CT MAGNOSTAR magnet is highly
recommended for use during milling
operations to remove heavy metallic
pieces, which cannot be circulated out,
before they reach the BOP. In addition, the
CT MAGNOSTAR magnet can be used in
fishing operations for smaller pieces that
can be deposited in the valleys of the tool.

How it works
Ideally, the CT MAGNOSTAR magnet is
added to the BHA on top of the motor
where the high-strength rare earth magnet
collects ferrous material. The design
ensures the debris is not washed from the
magnet area or scraped off as the BHA is
removed from the well. In addition, higher
temperatures do not interfere with the
effectiveness of the rare earth magnet
strength.
Once installed atop the motor, the CT
MAGNOSTAR magnet can be run in the
wellbore with no changes to the milling
operation. Back on surface, the metallic
debris is removed from the tool using a nonmagnetic tool. The debris is then classified
and weighed.
It is recommended to run as many CT
MAGNOSTAR magnets as required
to capture the debris expected to be
generated during the milling operation
and to avoid any metallic material from
impeding the milling operation.

Put our wellbore cleanup

magnets to work for you
To find out more about our suite of wellbore
cleanup magnets and how it is performing
for our other customers, contact your local
M-I SWACO representative.

24

Up to

magnets

Over

26

Holds up to lbs
of
debris

magnet
section

CT MAGNOSTAR success
Arkansas: CT MAGNOSTAR quickly recovers all plug slips in milling job
The Situation
The operator had to drill 10 composite plugs
with metal slips during a coiled tubing
application on its 10,500- ft (3,200 m) well
with 90 deviation. The primary concern
was that the slips would not be circulated
out with the fluid and viscous sweeps being
used. Leaving slips in the highly deviated
hole likely would cause debris to collect in
the heel of the well and potentially choke
the wellbore and reduce productivity.
As the well eventually would probably
require an ESP, any debris left in the hole
could damage the stages of the pump
within two to three years after being
put on production.

The Solution
The operator elected to use a 2 7/8-in.
CT MAGNOSTAR magnet on the BHA to
recover the metallic slips of the 10 plugs to
be drilled. The magnet was positioned on
top of the CT MAGNOSTAR magnet motor
assembly to recover the debris while the
milling operation was being carried out.

The Results
The CT MAGNOSTAR magnet recovered
2 lb (.091kg) of very fine metal shavings
and pieces of the plug slips, some of which
were longer than 1-in. Pieces of this length
would have been difficult, if not impossible,
to circulate out of the hole, using only the
water and viscous pills used in this well.
Moreover, positioning the CT MAGNOSTAR
magnet close to the motor kept the hard
slips away from the milling face, thus
speeding up the operation while reducing
stalls. The average milling time was
improved to 29.7 min.

This information is supplied solely for informational purposes and M-ISWACO makes no guarantees or
warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the accuracy and use of this data. All product
warranties and guarantees shall be governed by the Standard Terms of Sale. Nothing in this document
is legal advice or is a substitute for competent legal advice.

2014 M-I L.L.C. All rights reserved. Mark of M-I L.L.C.

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