Coring Tool Inner Barrel Sensor Module for Vibration Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coring tools often experience undesirable behaviors such as downhole vibrations and unintended rotation of the inner barrel, which can damage or contaminate core samples during the coring process, reducing their quality as representative samples of the earth formation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor module rotationally secured to the inner barrel of the coring tool, equipped with sensors like accelerometers, temperature sensors, and magnetometers, to measure the dynamic response of the inner barrel during the coring process, and a nontransitory memory to store data for real-time analysis or subsequent extraction, allowing for adjustments to mitigate undesirable behaviors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inner barrel is made stationary while the outer barrel rotates, then the core sample can be properly received and maintained, but the inner barrel may still experience downhole vibrations and unintended rotation that damage the core sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the inner barrel rotatable relative to the outer barrel through a bearing assembly, allowing the inner barrel to dynamically adjust and maintain stability during the coring process. This rotational freedom enables the inner barrel to compensate for vibrations and unintended rotations, thereby protecting core sample quality while maintaining proper core reception.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are added to measure dynamic response of the inner barrel, then real-time analysis and control of inner barrel behavior is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing a sensor module that integrates multiple sensing capabilities (accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes) and memory storage into a single compact unit attached to the inner barrel. This multi-functional integration enables comprehensive dynamic response measurement while minimizing the increase in device complexity through consolidated hardware design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Intermediary principle by introducing a sensor module as an intermediary between the inner barrel and the control system. This module measures dynamic responses (vibrations, rotations, accelerations) and stores data, serving as a mediator that provides real-time feedback without directly complicating the mechanical coring mechanism. The sensor module acts as a bridge that enables monitoring and control while maintaining system modularity.
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
The sensor module enables better analysis and control of the inner barrel's dynamics, leading to higher quality core samples by reducing unwanted interactions and maintaining the integrity of the sample during the coring process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor configured to measure a dynamic response of the inner barrel during a coring process
Data Source
AI summary
Coring tools for procuring core samples from an earth formations may include an inner barrel and an outer barrel located around, and rotatable with respect to, the inner barrel. A coring bit may be affixed to an end of the outer barrel. A sensor module may be rotationally secured to the inner barrel. The sensor module may include at least one sensor configured to measure a dynamic response of the inner barrel during a coring process and a nontransitory memory operatively connected to the at least one sensor, the nontransitory memory configured to store data generated by the at least one sensor.