Coring and Drilling Assembly with Selective Core Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current coring systems for extracting rock core samples from subterranean formations face limitations such as short core lengths, restricted core diameters, and the need for frequent tripping operations, which increase operational costs and risk of core jamming, especially in formations with weak layers.
Innovation Solution
A combined coring and drilling system that allows for continuous coring and drilling without collecting additional core sample material, featuring closure elements with embedded cutting implements to prevent core material from entering the inner tubing and discharge debris into the return drilling fluid flow, enabling selective sampling and drilling without tripping operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional coring systems are used to extract core samples, then core samples can be obtained for geological analysis, but frequent tripping operations are required which increase operational costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines coring and drilling functions into a single integrated system. The coring assembly includes an inner barrel for core collection and an outer barrel with drilling capabilities, allowing both coring and drilling operations to be performed without tripping the drill string. This merging eliminates the need to extract and replace equipment between coring and drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between coring mode and drilling mode by deploying or retracting the inner barrel relative to the outer barrel. The inner barrel can be positioned to collect core samples or retracted to allow full-bore drilling, enabling adaptive operation based on geological conditions without requiring trip operations.
2Measurement precision
If core samples are collected continuously, then comprehensive geological information is obtained, but core jamming occurs in formations with weak layers
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between continuous coring and selective sampling modes. When weak layers are encountered, the inner barrel can be retracted or the coring operation paused while drilling continues, preventing core jamming while maintaining the ability to resume sampling when conditions improve.
Solution Approach 2:
The coring system segments the core collection process into discrete intervals rather than continuous collection. The inner barrel can be deployed for specific intervals of interest and retracted for intervals with weak formations, allowing selective sampling that avoids jamming problems while capturing critical geological data.
3Length of moving object
If the inner tubing length is increased to collect longer core samples, then more geological intervals are covered, but the risk of core jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a deployable inner barrel that can be extended or retracted dynamically. The inner barrel length can be adjusted based on formation conditions - extended when strong formations are present to collect longer cores, and retracted when weak layers are encountered to prevent jamming, optimizing both core length and reliability.
4Measurement precision
If multiple trips are performed to extract core samples and replace equipment, then complete geological sequences can be analyzed, but operational costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges coring and drilling operations into a single integrated assembly that remains in the borehole continuously. The system can alternate between collecting core samples and drilling ahead without extracting equipment, eliminating multiple trips while maintaining complete geological sequence data through continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation by eliminating trip interruptions. The coring assembly can continuously alternate between coring mode and drilling mode while remaining in the borehole, maintaining uninterrupted useful action and significantly improving productivity compared to systems requiring frequent tripping.
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 reduces the frequency of extracting the core drilling assembly from the borehole, minimizes core jamming risks, and allows for efficient sampling and drilling operations across varying geological formations without the need for frequent equipment changes, thereby reducing operational costs and improving data collection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
closure elements with embedded cutting implements for cutting core sample
Implementation Method 2
ports in the drill head may open into the annulus between the drill head and the borehole wall, allowing the debris to be carried to surface with the return flow of drilling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for combined coring and drilling in a wellbore that includes a core drilling assembly with a coring drill head, an outer tubing for conveying forces to the drill head, an inner tubing with a lower end adapted for receiving a core sample. The apparatus further includes: a lifting device; closure elements with embedded cutting implements for cutting the core sample; and one or more controller device(s) for controlling activation and deactivation of the closure elements. The closure elements are connected to the core drilling assembly below an opening of the inner tubing such that, when in an open position the core sample can enter the inner tubing, and when in a closed position core material is cut and the cut core material is prevented from entering the inner tubing and exits to the borehole annulus via drill head openings provided in the wall of the coring drill head.