Abstract: A blanking plug for isolating the wellbore of a fluid-producing well during operation of an electric submersible pump is provided with a sand trap positioned at the upper end of the plug. The sand trap is in the form of a flapper valve mechanism and includes a particulate accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A blanking plug for isolating the wellbore of a fluid-producing well during operation of an electric submersible pump is provided with a sand trap positioned at the upper end of the plug. The sand trap is in the form of a mesh basket and includes a particulate accumulation chamber and a filter in a wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A system for producing fluids from a wellbore extending from a well surface to a fluid-producing formation has a Y-tool installed in fluid communication with the tubing string placed in the wellbore. A pump, which may be an electric submersible pump (ESP), is installed in the Y-tool for lifting fluids from the formation to the surface. A blanking plug is positioned in the tubing string between the upper and lower connections of the Y-tool. A flushing tank is run downhole to a position just above the blanking plug. Flushing fluid is dumped from an orifice or nozzle on the lower end of the flushing tank to agitate and disperse any accumulated sand, scale and other particulate matter on top of the blanking plug.

Abstract: A system for producing fluids from a wellbore extending from a well surface to a fluid-producing formation has a Y-tool installed in fluid communication with the tubing string placed in the wellbore. A pump, which may be an electric submersible pump (ESP), is installed in the Y-tool for lifting fluids from the formation to the surface. A blanking plug is positioned in the tubing string between the upper and lower connections of the Y-tool. A flushing port extends through a wall of the tubing string, positioned above and near the upper end of the blanking plug when in its operating position, and a flushing tube is located in the annular space between the tubing string and the wellbore casing. The flushing tube is in fluid communication with the flushing port and extends from the flushing port to the well surface. Flushing fluid is pumped downhole through the flushing tube to agitate and disperse any accumulated sand, scale and other particulate matter on top of the blanking plug.