Subsurface Well Docking Receiver Zone Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accurately and cost-effectively extracting fluid samples from subsurface wells are inefficient due to large riser pipe diameters, high gas consumption, adverse effects on volatile organic compounds, pressure sensor inaccuracies, and equipment failures, as well as the limitations of inflatable packers for zone isolation.
Innovation Solution
A docking receiver system for subsurface wells that includes a fluid inlet structure, a riser pipe, and a docking apparatus, allowing for selective isolation of fluid zones using a tapered lower section and a resilient seal to maintain a fluid-tight seal with the docking apparatus, reducing gas consumption and equipment failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wet casing methods are used with large diameter riser pipes, then fluid can be extracted from subsurface wells, but large volumes of fluid must be purged from the well to obtain representative samples, resulting in significant time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The riser pipe is segmented into multiple isolated zones using packers that can be positioned at different depths. This allows fluid to be sampled from specific target zones without requiring complete purging of the entire well, as each zone can be independently accessed and sampled.
Solution Approach 2:
A sampling probe or device is introduced as an intermediary tool that can be lowered through the riser pipe to reach specific depth zones. This probe enables direct sampling from target zones without requiring the entire column of fluid to be purged, thereby reducing time and maintaining sample accuracy.
2Productivity
If coaxial gas displacement is used to purge fluid from the well, then fluid can be removed and samples obtained, but gas consumption is substantial due to the large diameter and length of the riser pipe
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the riser pipe into isolated zones using packers, gas displacement is only required for the specific zone being sampled rather than the entire well. This significantly reduces the volume of gas needed to purge and replace fluid in the target zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of high gas consumption is eliminated by extracting the sampling function from the bulk purging process. A sampling probe can obtain representative samples without requiring complete gas displacement of the entire riser pipe volume.
3Productivity
If large volumes of gas are introduced into the riser pipe for purging, then fluid can be displaced, but this has adverse effects on the volatile organic compounds being measured in the collected fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling function is extracted from the bulk gas displacement process. A sampling probe can obtain fluid samples with minimal gas introduction, preserving volatile organic compounds while still achieving the goal of fluid removal and sample collection.
Solution Approach 2:
A sampling probe acts as an intermediary that enables fluid sample collection with minimal gas contact. This intermediary approach allows fluid to be removed and sampled without the adverse effects of large volume gas introduction that would otherwise contaminate or alter volatile organic compounds.
4Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is present within the riser pipe, then pressure measurements can be obtained, but repeated significant pressure changes from pressurization negatively impact the accuracy of pressure measurements over time
Solution Approach 1:
A sampling probe serves as an intermediary that enables fluid sample collection without requiring repeated pressurization cycles. This eliminates the harmful pressure fluctuations that would otherwise degrade pressure sensor accuracy over time, while still allowing fluid to be removed and sampled.
5Productivity
If a bladder pump is used to purge fluid from the well, then fluid can be moved through the pump system, but the pump is susceptible to leakage due to becoming fatigued or detached during pressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder pump is removed from the system entirely. Instead, a sampling probe or alternative pumping mechanism is used that does not rely on a bladder that can fatigue or detach, thereby eliminating the leakage problem while maintaining fluid movement capability.
6Productivity
If an electric submersible pump system is used to purge fluid, then fluid can be pumped through the system, but the electric motor is susceptible to electrical shorts and burning out
Solution Approach 1:
The electric submersible pump system is removed from the well environment. Instead, pumping or fluid movement is achieved through alternative means that do not require submersing electrical motors in the well, thereby eliminating the risk of electrical shorts and burning out while maintaining fluid pumping capability.
7Measurement precision
If inflatable packers are used to isolate fluid zones, then zone isolation can be achieved, but the packers are subject to leakage and can be cumbersome and relatively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or replaceable isolation elements that are simpler and less expensive than traditional inflatable packers. These elements can be easily deployed and removed, providing zone isolation without the complexity, cost, and maintenance requirements of inflatable packers.
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 docking receiver system enables efficient and accurate fluid sampling by minimizing gas consumption, protecting volatile organic compounds, and maintaining accurate pressure measurements, while reducing equipment failures and costs associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient seal to maintain a fluid-tight seal with the docking apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A docking receiver (48) for a subsurface well (12) having a fluid inlet structure (29), a riser pipe (30) and a docking apparatus (50) includes an upper section (372A) and a lower section (374A). The upper section (372A) is secured to the riser pipe (30). The lower section (374A) is secured to the fluid inlet structure (29). The lower section (374A) receives the docking apparatus (50) into an engaged position wherein fluid communication between a first zone (26) and a second zone (28) of the well (12) is inhibited. The lower section (374A) includes a contact surface (376A) and a distal region (377A). The contact surface (376A) contacts the docking apparatus (50) when the docking apparatus (50) is in the engaged position. The distal region (377A) is positioned more distally from a surface region (32) of the well (12) than the contact surface. The lower section (374A) can have a lower inner diameter (380UD, 380LD) that varies within the distal region (377A). When the docking apparatus (50) is not in the engaged position with the docking receiver (48), the first zone (26) is in fluid communication with the second zone (28).