Subterranean Coring Assembly Flow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subterranean coring operations rely on diversion balls or other surface-introduced components to switch between flushing and coring modes, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination due to the need for timely and precise adjustments, which can result in idle equipment and prolonged operation times.
Innovation Solution
A subterranean coring assembly with movable flow regulating devices that adjust positions based on fluid flow rates, allowing for seamless transitions between tripping, flushing, and coring modes without the need for surface-introduced components, ensuring controlled fluid flow and reduced resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If diversion balls or surface-introduced components are used to switch between flushing and coring modes, then mode switching can be achieved, but equipment idle time increases and operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulating device automatically adjusts between flushing and coring modes by responding to fluid flow rate changes without requiring surface intervention. The device self-regulates the flow path based on operational conditions, eliminating the need for diversion balls or surface-introduced components to switch modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow regulating device is designed with movable components that dynamically adjust the flow path in response to changing fluid flow rates. The device transitions between configurations (flushing mode with higher flow rates and coring mode with lower flow rates) based on real-time operational conditions, enabling seamless mode switching.
2Reliability
If timely and precise adjustments are made during coring operations, then contamination can be prevented, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulating device automatically maintains proper flow conditions to prevent contamination without requiring complex surface operations or precise manual adjustments. The device self-regulates based on flow rate conditions, ensuring core sample integrity while simplifying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow regulating device responds to feedback from fluid flow rate conditions to automatically adjust the flow path. When flow rates indicate flushing conditions, the device directs flow appropriately; when flow rates indicate coring conditions, the device adjusts to prevent contamination, eliminating the need for complex monitoring and manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If surface-introduced components are used for mode switching, then flow control can be achieved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulating device uses the existing fluid flow itself to actuate the flow control mechanism, eliminating the need for additional surface-introduced components or external resources. The fluid's own flow characteristics drive the regulatory action, reducing overall resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow regulating device serves multiple functions: it controls flow distribution, prevents contamination, and enables mode transitions all through a single integrated mechanism that responds to flow rate conditions, eliminating the need for separate surface-introduced components for each function.
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 enables efficient, reliable, and controlled transitions between coring modes, reducing idle time and resource consumption, while preventing contamination by utilizing fluid flow rates to automatically adjust the coring assembly's configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow regulating device movably disposed within the cavity toward the top end, where the first flow regulating device is configured to move from a first default position to a first position within the cavity based on first flow characteristics of fluid that flows into the top end of the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A subterranean coring assembly can include a body having at least one wall that forms a cavity, wherein the cavity has a top end and a bottom end. The subterranean coring assembly can also include a first flow regulating device movably disposed within the cavity toward the top end, where the first flow regulating device is configured to move from a first default position to a first position within the cavity based on first flow characteristics of fluid that flows into the top end of the cavity toward the bottom end of the cavity.