Adaptive Formation Fluid Sampling Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for extracting heavy oil and low mobility formation fluids are inefficient as they often employ a single approach without considering the specific characteristics of the formation or fluid, leading to difficulties in sampling highly viscous crude oils.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates the permeability and viscosity of the formation fluid, selecting appropriate tools such as heating, injection, or coring tools, and adjusting retrieval processes based on measured downhole parameters to enhance fluid mobility and facilitate sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single approach (heating, injection, or coring) is used to retrieve formation fluid, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle different formation characteristics and fluid viscosities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole tool is designed to perform multiple retrieval functions (heating, injection, and coring) within a single device. The tool can selectively activate different retrieval mechanisms based on the estimated formation permeability and fluid viscosity, making it universally applicable to various formation types without requiring multiple separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates dynamic selection capability where the retrieval process is adjusted in real-time based on measured downhole parameters. The system can switch between different retrieval approaches (heating for high viscosity, injection for moderate viscosity, coring for low mobility) depending on the actual formation conditions encountered during operation.
2Ease of operation
If retrieval process is fixed and predetermined, then the ease of operation is improved, but the effectiveness for specific formation characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where downhole parameters (temperature, pressure, fluid properties) are measured during the retrieval process. Based on this feedback, the tool automatically adjusts the retrieval approach to optimize sampling effectiveness for the specific formation characteristics being encountered, while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to autonomously select and execute the appropriate retrieval method based on pre-estimated formation characteristics and real-time measurements. The system self-adjusts the retrieval process without requiring continuous operator intervention, combining automated decision-making with adaptive response to formation conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach expedites the sampling of high viscosity hydrocarbons by tailoring the retrieval process to the specific formation and fluid characteristics, improving the efficiency of fluid extraction and sample quality.
Implementation Method 1
A first tool is selected based on the estimation, the first tool being selected from one of a heating and sampling tool, an injection and sampling tool, and a coring tool
Implementation Method 2
A first tool is selected based on the estimation, the first tool being selected from one of a heating and sampling tool, an injection and sampling tool
Data Source
AI summary
A method of retrieving a formation fluid from a formation adjacent a borehole wall includes estimating at least one of a permeability of the formation and a viscosity of the formation fluid. A first tool is selected based on the estimation, the first tool being selected from one of a heating and sampling tool, an injection and sampling tool, and a coring tool. An attempt to retrieve a formation fluid sample from the formation is then made with the first tool, and a formation fluid sample is retrieved from the formation. A second retrieval process may then be initiated, in which the second retrieval process includes increasing the mobility of the formation fluid.