Downhole Double Flow Line Fluid Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional formation testing techniques fail to provide continuous evaluation of pure formation fluid due to contamination by drilling mud filtrate, which is not miscible with the formation fluid, leading to incomplete data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with double flow line architecture is used, where both phases enter the same flow line and are subsequently split, with the denser mud filtrate diverted downward and the lighter formation fluid diverted upward, allowing for efficient separation based on gravity and pumps, enabling continuous evaluation of formation fluid properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional formation testing techniques are used, then drilling mud filtrate is collected along with formation fluid, but the formation fluid becomes contaminated and cannot be evaluated accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single flow line into multiple flow lines (first flow line for mud filtrate, second flow line for formation fluid). This segmentation allows separate handling and evaluation of each fluid phase, preventing contamination and enabling accurate measurement of formation fluid properties independently from mud filtrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful mud filtrate phase from the mixed fluid stream by using a separator that divides the flow into multiple lines. The mud filtrate is removed from the formation fluid path, allowing only pure formation fluid to proceed to evaluation instruments, thus eliminating contamination.
2Productivity
If focused sampling is used to obtain pure formation fluid, then contamination is reduced, but continuous evaluation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous flow through multiple parallel flow lines rather than intermittent sampling. The first flow line continuously transports mud filtrate while the second flow line continuously transports formation fluid to evaluation instruments, enabling uninterrupted real-time measurement of formation fluid properties.
3Measurement precision
If a single flow line architecture is used, then the device is simpler, but separation of fluid phases is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow line system into multiple distinct flow lines (first flow line, second flow line, third flow line) that are spatially separated. Each flow line is dedicated to transporting specific fluid phases, and the segmentation continues at the instrument level where separate sensors evaluate each phase independently.
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 approach effectively separates mud filtrate from formation fluid, allowing for continuous and accurate measurement of formation fluid properties, enhancing the understanding of hydrocarbon reservoirs and improving extraction optimization.
Implementation Method 1
both phases enter the same flow line and are subsequently split, with the denser mud filtrate diverted downward and the lighter formation fluid diverted upward, allowing for efficient separation based on gravity and pumps
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a separating a fluid having multiple phases during formation testing. For example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to receiving contaminated formation fluid on a first flow line and separating a contamination (e.g., mud filtrate) from the formation fluid by diverting the relatively heavier and/or denser fluid (e.g., the mud filtrate) downward through a second flow line and diverting the relatively lighter and/or less dense fluid upward through a third flow line. In some embodiments, the third flow line is generally oriented upwards at a height that may facilitate the separation of the heavier fluid from the relatively lighter fluid based on gravity and/or pumps.