Single-Trip Coring Bit Deflector System for Lateral Wellbore Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coring systems require multiple trips to extract core samples from lateral sections of wellbores, which can lead to sample compaction and deformation, and are inefficient in obtaining core samples that resemble the natural formation state.
Innovation Solution
A single-trip coring system that includes a coring assembly with a deflector and a coupler, allowing the coring assembly to be decoupled from the deflector assembly to drill and extract a core sample from the wellbore sidewall, and then be retrieved in a single trip, minimizing compaction and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple trips are used to extract core samples from lateral sections, then the operational complexity increases, but the sample quality deteriorates due to compaction and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operations (drilling lateral section, extracting core sample, and retrieving equipment) into a single trip through the wellbore. The coring assembly with deflector is lowered, the lateral section is drilled and cored in one continuous operation, and the entire assembly is retrieved in the same trip, eliminating the need for multiple separate trips and preventing sample degradation from repeated handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coring assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a deflector for creating the lateral section, a coring bit for drilling, and a core barrel for sample collection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while being integrated in a single deployable unit that can be lowered and retrieved in one trip.
2Ease of operation
If multiple trips are required for coring operations, then the number of operations increases, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is positioned and oriented before the coring operation begins, with the lateral section trajectory pre-planned and the deflector angled accordingly. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for intermediate adjustments or repositioning during the operation, allowing the coring bit to directly engage the formation and drill the lateral section in one continuous motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The coring operation maintains continuous useful action throughout the single trip: the coring bit continuously drills the lateral section while the core barrel simultaneously collects the formed core sample, and fluid circulation continuously removes cuttings. This continuous operation without interruption or repeated deployment maximizes efficiency and minimizes time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A coring system and method enable a single-trip operation for setting a deflector assembly, deploying a coring assembly and obtaining a core sample from a borehole drilled in a wellbore. The coring assembly has a barrel with a bore for collecting the core sample and has a coring bit coupled to an end portion of the barrel. The deflector system is arranged to deflect the coring bit into a side wall of the wellbore to drill the borehole therein. The deflector system includes a deflector and a collar. The collar, coupled to the deflector, restricts upward movement of the coring assembly relative to the deflector assembly. The collar may also be used as a retrieval device to engage the coring assembly and permit removal of the coring assembly and the deflector assembly as well as the core sample after the core sample has been obtained.