Downhole Tool Housing Fluid Flow Path Design

Solution Overview

Problem

The presence of orientation devices or downhole components in core sampling operations can impede fluid flow within drill rods, slowing the descent of the assembly and prolonging the core sampling process.

Innovation Solution

A housing with a check valve system is integrated into the downhole assembly, allowing fluid to flow past the assembly by creating a fluid flow path around the housing, ensuring rapid descent without obstructing the fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an orientation device or downhole component is attached to the core tube, then the orientation function is improved, but fluid flow is impeded and descent speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation functionVSAvoiddescent speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple sections with internal flow passages that segment the fluid flow path. The first section receives fluid from the core tube, the second section contains the orientation device, and the third section directs fluid to the outer tube. This segmentation allows fluid to flow around the orientation device through dedicated passages rather than being blocked by it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing acts as an intermediary structure between the core tube and the outer tube. It provides a protected pathway for fluid to flow around the orientation device, mediating the interaction between the fluid and the downhole component. The housing with its internal passages serves as the mediator that enables both the orientation function and fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an orientation device or downhole component is attached to the core tube, then the orientation function is improved, but the overall time for core sampling is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation functionVSAvoidcore sampling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple sections with internal flow passages that segment the fluid flow path. The first section receives fluid from the core tube, the second section contains the orientation device, and the third section directs fluid to the outer tube. This segmentation allows fluid to flow around the orientation device through dedicated passages rather than being blocked by it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing acts as an intermediary structure between the core tube and the outer tube. It provides a protected pathway for fluid to flow around the orientation device, mediating the interaction between the fluid and the downhole component. The housing with its internal passages serves as the mediator that enables both the orientation function and fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the assembly descends rapidly within the borehole, then the core sampling efficiency is improved, but fluid flow may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecore sampling efficiencyVSAvoidfluid flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple sections with internal flow passages that segment the fluid flow path. The first section receives fluid from the core tube, the second section contains the orientation device, and the third section directs fluid to the outer tube. This segmentation allows fluid to flow around the orientation device through dedicated passages rather than being blocked by it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing acts as an intermediary structure between the core tube and the outer tube. It provides a protected pathway for fluid to flow around the orientation device, mediating the interaction between the fluid and the downhole component. The housing with its internal passages serves as the mediator that enables both the orientation function and fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables the assembly to descend rapidly within the borehole, reducing the overall time required for core sampling operations by maintaining unimpeded fluid flow, even with the presence of the orientation device or tool.

Implementation Method 1

A housing with a check valve system is integrated into the downhole assembly, allowing fluid to flow past the assembly by creating a fluid flow path around the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCheck valve: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP2396500B1Downhole tool housing

Publication Date: 2017.03.22 IMDEX TECH AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

AI summary

A housing (15) for connection to a downhole assembly (17), the housing comprising first and second sections (31, 32), the first section (31) being adapted for connection to a portion of the downhole assembly, the second section (32) defining a compartment (23) to receive a downhole tool (11) or component thereof, the second section (32) being configured to provide a path (40) for fluid flow past the compartment (23) as the assembly descends within the borehole, and the first section (31) being configured for fluid communication between a passage in said portion of the downhole assembly and the fluid flow path (40).