Downhole Probe with Segmented Channels for Fluid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for fluid sampling in wellbores face challenges in minimizing contamination of virgin fluid during extraction, leading to suboptimal sample quality and efficiency due to contamination from drilling mud and other substances, which affects the accuracy of hydrocarbon reservoir evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole fluid sampling system with a probe having adjustable interior and exterior channels, where contaminated fluid is diverted away from the sampling channel, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of fluid flow to separate and collect virgin fluid effectively, utilizing adjustable walls and flow control devices to optimize fluid extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fluid is sampled through the borehole, mudcake, cement and/or other layers, then fluid extraction from the formation is achieved, but contamination of the fluid sample occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple channels: a first channel for extracting fluid from the formation and a second channel for extracting contaminating fluid. This segmentation allows simultaneous extraction of both virgin and contaminated fluid through separate pathways, enabling the system to collect pure samples while removing contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful contaminating fluid from the system by providing a dedicated second channel that removes mudcake and other contaminants before they can contaminate the virgin fluid sample. This extraction of the harmful element resolves the contradiction by eliminating the contamination source.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple channels are used for fluid extraction, then contamination is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure employs a nested configuration where the first and second channels are integrated within a single probe body. The channels are positioned concentrically or adjacently, allowing multiple fluid extraction functions to be housed within one compact structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining contamination reduction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple channels into a single integrated probe assembly. By combining the virgin fluid extraction channel and contaminant removal channel within one probe structure, the system achieves contamination reduction without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the channels share common structural support and control mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If flow control devices are added to manage fluid separation, then sample quality improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control devices are designed to automatically regulate fluid flow based on pressure differentials and flow rates. The system self-adjusts to separate virgin fluid from contaminated fluid without requiring constant manual intervention, thereby maintaining high sample quality while preserving ease of operation. The devices essentially manage themselves once activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control devices incorporate feedback mechanisms that monitor fluid flow characteristics and automatically adjust control parameters to optimize separation. This feedback system ensures consistent sample quality while minimizing the need for manual operation, as the devices autonomously respond to changing flow conditions.
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 system significantly reduces contamination, enhances the quality of extracted fluid samples, and optimizes the sampling process by selectively diverting contaminants, thereby improving the accuracy of hydrocarbon reservoir evaluations and reducing operational delays.
Implementation Method 1
fluid from the formation is drawn into the downhole tool through an inlet by lowering the pressure in the downhole tool
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising first and second fluid intakes, a pump, and a sample chamber, may be positioned in a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation. A method of use thereof may comprise drawing fluid from the subterranean formation and into the first and second fluid intakes using the pump, discharging into the borehole at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the second fluid intake, and selectively diverting at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the first fluid intake to the sample chamber.