Double Rod Lock System for Well Fluid Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In well applications, sampling tools face issues with inadvertent closure and opening of the sample chamber, leading to potential loss of fluid samples during sampling operations.

Innovation Solution

A sampling tool with a rod shiftable within the tool, equipped with a locking mechanism comprising a pair of locking features that engage a groove to prevent premature closure and opening, ensuring secure fluid collection and minimizing sample loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single locking feature is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing inadvertent closure and opening is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of inadvertent closure and openingVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct locking features: a first locking feature that prevents inadvertent closure of the sample chamber, and a second locking feature that prevents inadvertent opening. This segmentation allows each locking feature to specialize in preventing a specific type of error, thereby improving overall reliability without requiring an overly complex integrated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first locking feature engages in advance to prevent inadvertent closure before sampling occurs. This preliminary locking action ensures that the sample chamber remains securely closed during critical operations, addressing the reliability concern proactively rather than reactively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the rod is made freely movable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of controlling sample chamber access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod movement controlVSAvoidsample chamber access control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rod's movement characteristics are made dynamic rather than static. The rod can move freely when not locked, allowing easy operation during intentional opening and closing. However, when the locking features engage, the rod becomes fixed in position, providing precise control over sample chamber access. This dynamic transition between free movement and locked position resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and precision control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the rod's operational range have different movement characteristics. In the unlocked state, the rod exhibits free movement for ease of operation. When locked by the locking features, the rod exhibits fixed positioning for precise control. This local differentiation of movement quality allows the system to optimize both ease of operation and precision control at different stages of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10669847B2Double Rod Lock System

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique facilitates obtaining samples of well fluid or other fluid. A sampling tool comprises a sample chamber for collecting the fluid sample. Access to the sample chamber is controlled with a rod shiftable within the sampling tool. Additionally, a locking mechanism works in cooperation with the rod to lock the rod against undesirable movement at various stages of the sampling operation. The locking mechanism may comprise a pair of locking features which engage a groove in the rod to initially block inadvertent closure of access to the sample chamber and subsequently to block inadvertent opening of access to the sample chamber after collection of the fluid sample.