Downhole Fluid Sampling Valve for Real-Time Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole fluid analysis in hydrocarbon drilling is hindered by the difficulty in introducing representative samples due to inhospitable conditions and space restrictions, leading to inaccurate real-time analysis unless selectivity in the inlet system is quantified and corrected.
Innovation Solution
A device with an inlet port, injector, and high-pressure valve system that allows for the precise sampling and analysis of fluid constituents in a borehole, using an injection chamber and vacuum chamber to direct a small volume of fluid to an analysis unit, capable of withstanding pressures up to 10,000 psi and handling samples of less than one microliter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If surface analysis is used to identify gases in formation fluid, then analysis can be performed with simple equipment, but the evaluation of reservoir prospect is delayed by months due to the need to remove and send fluid samples to a surface lab
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surface-based fluid handling and analysis systems with a downhole analysis system that performs gas chromatography and mass spectrometry directly in the borehole environment, eliminating the need to physically transport fluid samples to surface laboratories
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adapts analysis equipment to operate under extreme downhole conditions by withstanding high pressures (up to 10,000 psi) and temperatures, enabling real-time analysis without changing the physical location of the fluid sample
2Ease of operation
If the inlet system selectively passes some constituents over others to simplify sampling, then the sampling process becomes easier, but the measurement of relative distribution of constituents becomes erroneous unless correction is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a non-selective inlet system that maintains the homogeneous composition of the formation fluid, allowing all constituents to pass through without preferential transmission, thereby preserving the true relative distribution of gases for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a representative sample injection system that acts as an intermediary between the formation fluid and analysis equipment, ensuring that the sampled fluid accurately reflects the original composition while facilitating easy introduction into the analysis system
3Measurement precision
If a large volume of fluid is sampled to ensure representative composition, then measurement accuracy improves, but the device size and complexity increase due to space restrictions in the downhole environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a small-volume injection system that introduces only the necessary amount of fluid sample (less than one microliter) into the analysis equipment, avoiding the need to handle large volumes while still obtaining representative compositional data through efficient sample introduction
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
Enables accurate real-time downhole fluid analysis by ensuring representative samples are introduced without preferential transmission of constituents, reducing delays and improving the accuracy of compositional analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a high pressure valve configured to admit the portion of the fluid at a borehole pressure and release the portion of the fluid into the injector
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum chamber in fluid communication with the nozzle, the vacuum chamber being at least partially evacuated of gases
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sampling fluid from an earth formation is disclosed. The device includes: an inlet port disposable in fluid communication with the fluid in a borehole; an injector including an injection chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port, the injector configured to receive a portion of the fluid and direct the fluid toward an analysis unit for analyzing constituent materials in the fluid; and a high pressure valve configured to admit the portion of the fluid at a borehole pressure and release the portion of the fluid into the injector, the portion having a volume that is less than or equal to about one microliter. A system and method for analyzing constituents of fluid in a borehole in an earth formation is also disclosed.