Subsurface Core Acquisition System with Real-Time Telemetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coring techniques lack real-time feedback on core sample acquisition status and quality, leading to inefficient and costly operations, as operators must infer sample fullness and quality post-retrieval, which can result in incomplete or lost samples.
Innovation Solution
A core sample acquisition device with sensors and communication capabilities integrated into the drill string, allowing for real-time measurement and transmission of core sample properties via electrical and optical channels, enabling operators to confirm sample fullness and quality during drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional coring techniques are used without real-time sensors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of core sample acquisition status cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by using sensors to detect core sample acquisition status and transmitting this information to the surface via communication devices integrated into the drill string. This allows operators to know immediately whether the core barrel is full or if sample quality is compromised, eliminating the need to infer status from indirect indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces communication devices as intermediaries between the sensors and the surface operations. These devices transmit data through the drill string, enabling real-time information transfer without requiring physical retrieval of the core drilling tool assembly, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the drill string is retrieved frequently to check core sample status, then the reliability of sample acquisition is improved, but the loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time feedback system continuously monitors core sample acquisition status and transmits this information to the surface, eliminating the need for frequent drill string retrieval to check sample status. Operators can maintain confidence in sample retention and quality without interrupting the drilling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring of core sample status through integrated sensors and communication devices, allowing the drilling system to provide its own status information without external intervention or retrieval operations, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
3Loss of information
If indirect indicators are used to determine core barrel fullness, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information regarding actual sample status occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical inference methods (relying on drilled length equal to core barrel axial length) with electronic and optical sensing systems. Sensors directly measure core sample properties and communication devices transmit this information, eliminating information loss associated with indirect mechanical indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
Communication devices serve as intermediaries that directly capture and transmit information about core sample status from the drill string to the surface, preventing information loss that occurs when relying on indirect indicators and post-retrieval analysis.
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 solution enhances the efficiency of coring operations by providing real-time assurance of core sample acquisition and quality, reducing unnecessary drill string retrieval and potential sample loss, thereby optimizing the coring process.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is provided for measuring a property of a core sample
Implementation Method 2
transmitting signals from the sensor over at least one of an electrical and an optical communication channel associated with the drill string
Implementation Method 3
transmitting signals from the sensor over at least one of an electrical and an optical communication channel associated with the drill string
Data Source
AI summary
A core sample acquisition device includes a core receiving barrel configured to couple to a drill string proximate a core drilling bit. The device includes a sensor for determining a property of a core sample urged into the receiving barrel by drilling the core sample. The sample acquisition device includes a communication device for transmitting signals from the sensor over at least one of an electrical and an optical communication channel associated with the drill string.