Composite Sampler and Nitrogen Bottle for Subterranean Fluid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid samplers face challenges in maintaining sample integrity during collection and retrieval from subterranean formations, particularly in high-pressure and high-temperature environments, and lack the ability to communicate sampling process data to the surface for real-time adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A single-phase fluid sampling apparatus using lightweight, non-metallic fiber-reinforced composite materials for sampling chambers and gas bottles, which eliminates the need for welding and prevents contamination, and incorporates embedded transducers and communicators to measure and transmit parameters like temperature, pressure, and composition, ensuring sample integrity and enabling real-time data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal sampling containers and nitrogen bottles are used in high-pressure, high-temperature environments, then sample integrity can be maintained, but the equipment becomes expensive, heavy, and requires welding which increases complexity and potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials (specifically fiber-reinforced plastics) to manufacture sampling containers and nitrogen bottles that can withstand high-pressure and high-temperature environments without requiring welding. These composite containers maintain sample integrity while eliminating the complexity and contamination risks associated with welding traditional metal equipment.
2Volume of moving object
If sampling containers are made long and thin to fit in wellbores and provide adequate capacity, then the equipment can access deep formations, but welding requirements increase and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to manufacture long, thin sampling containers and nitrogen bottles that can be produced without welding. The composite construction allows these elongated structures to be manufactured as integral pieces, eliminating welding joints while maintaining the necessary length and volume for deep wellbore access and adequate sample capacity.
3Device complexity
If passive sampling equipment is used, then the design is simpler, but the ability to monitor sampling process and detect insufficient samples is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and communicators into the sampling equipment that provide real-time feedback on the sampling process. These devices monitor parameters such as sample volume, pressure, and temperature, and can communicate with surface equipment to alert operators when sampling is insufficient or when additional sampling is needed, thereby preventing loss of critical sampling information.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple samples are collected during retrieval, then better data coverage is achieved, but the risk of phase change degradation increases with longer retrieval time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nitrogen bottles filled with inert nitrogen gas to maintain a constant pressure environment during sample retrieval. This inert atmosphere prevents phase change degradation of the collected samples by counteracting the pressure drop that occurs during upward travel through the wellbore, thereby preserving sample integrity even when multiple samples are collected over extended retrieval periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well includes a carrier, a plurality of sampling chambers and a plurality of pressure sources. The sampling chambers and pressure sources substantially comprises non-metallic materials. One or more of the following: conductors, transducers, power sources, communicators, data memory and processors are embedded in the materials comprising the sampler apparatus. One or more transducers for measuring the temperature, pressure, and volume of the sample are present in at least one of the plurality of sampling chambers. Means for measuring the parameters of the wellbore fluid are also present in the sampler apparatus. Means for communicating measured data to the surface are provided in the sampling apparatus.