Downhole Fluid Microsampling Using Alternating Hydraulic Pressure Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for downhole fluid sampling are limited by the number of electrically or hydraulically actuated valves, which restricts the collection of large quantities of downhole samples.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two hydraulic pressure lines to alternatingly actuate hydraulic valves in an interlinked series, allowing for a large collection of downhole fluid samples to be obtained without the need for additional electrical support, motors, or solenoids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrically or hydraulically actuated valves are used for each fluid sample vessel, then sample isolation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring one valve per sample
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the hydraulic control into multiple pressure lines (first and second hydraulic pressure lines) that are distributed along the sampling tool. Each pressure line serves specific valves in sequence, allowing the same hydraulic system to control multiple valves without requiring separate actuators for each valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is designed to serve multiple functions: the first hydraulic pressure line actuates multiple first hydraulically actuated valves, and the second hydraulic pressure line actuates multiple second hydraulically actuated valves. This universal hydraulic approach replaces the need for individual electrical actuators at each valve location.
2Productivity
If multiple electrically actuated valves are used to collect large quantities of samples, then sample collection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring additional electrical support, motors, and solenoids
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electrical actuation with hydraulic actuation for all valve operations. Hydraulic fluid is pumped through the first and second pressure lines to alternately actuate the hydraulically actuated valves, eliminating the need for multiple electrical motors, solenoids, and associated electrical infrastructure that would be required for equivalent electrical valve actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system is designed to automatically sequence valve actuation through the interlinked series arrangement of the pressure lines. The system uses its own hydraulic pressure to sequentially open and close valves along the tool, without requiring external electrical control signals for each individual valve operation.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of directly controlled actuators is limited, then device simplicity is maintained, but quantity of samples that can be collected is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pressure lines are arranged in an interlinked series where the first pressure line nests within or alongside the second pressure line structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple valves to be controlled through a compact hydraulic architecture, enabling collection of 10 or more fluid samples without proportionally increasing the number of independent actuator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic alternation between the first and second hydraulic pressure lines to sequentially actuate different sets of valves. By alternating pressure application in a periodic sequence, the system can cycle through multiple valve actuation events using the same hydraulic infrastructure, thereby increasing sample collection capacity without adding proportional actuator complexity.
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 enables the collection of a large number of downhole fluid samples, such as 10 or more, making large-scale downhole sample collection both technically possible and financially viable.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic pressure is created by an electric motor-driven hydraulic pump. It is then communicated via solenoid valves to designated lines
Implementation Method 2
at least two hydraulic pressure lines disposed in an interlinked series to alternatingly actuate the hydraulic valves
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for capturing a large collection of downhole fluid samples and, more particularly, disclosed are methods and systems for using at least two hydraulic pressure lines to alternatingly actuate hydraulic valves disposed in an interlinked series to obtain any large collection of hydraulically actuated components to be energized in sequence. A large collection of downhole fluid samples may be defined as any number of downhole fluid samples wherein the number of downhole fluid samples is larger than the number of actuators.