Deployable Fluid Sampling Tool with Cache Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing well drilling operations require retrieving the entire sampling tool to the surface for fluid sample access, which is inefficient and time-consuming, as they typically store samples within the tool itself.

Innovation Solution

A fluid sampling tool that deploys and reloads retrievable and reloadable fluid samples, using a cache of individually deployable fluid containers within the drilling system, allowing for surface capture and subsequent reloading without needing to retrieve the entire tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire sampling tool is stored with fluid samples and retrieved to the surface, then the samples can be accessed, but the operational time and cost increase due to frequent tool retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample access capabilityVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling tool is divided into multiple discrete fluid containers (first container, second container, third container) that can be independently deployed and retrieved. This segmentation allows individual containers to be accessed and brought to the surface separately, eliminating the need to retrieve the entire tool assembly for each sample access event.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid samples are extracted from the main tool body into separate deployable containers. These containers can be deployed downhole, filled with formation fluids, and then individually retrieved to the surface through the annulus, separating the sampling function from the main tool retrieval requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If multiple fluid samples are stored in separate containers within the tool, then continuous sampling is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous sampling capabilityVSAvoidtool structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fluid containers are nested within the tool body in a compact arrangement. The first, second, and third containers are positioned one after another within the tool, allowing multiple samples to be stored in a space-efficient manner while maintaining the ability to deploy and retrieve them individually through the annulus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing annulus space between the drill string and wellbore wall for container deployment and retrieval, rather than requiring additional complex retrieval mechanisms. The containers self-serve their own deployment and retrieval functions by utilizing the natural flow path of drilling fluids through the annulus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9085963B2Fluid sampling tool with deployable fluid cartidges

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A system and method for sampling formation fluids is described. The system include a fluid sampling tool (200) with an elongated tool body (201). A cache of fluid containers may be disposed within the tool body. Each of the fluid containers within the cache of fluid containers may be individually deployable from the fluid sampling tool while the fluid sampling tool is positioned within a borehole. The fluid sampling tool may also include a pump in fluid communication with the cache of fluid containers.