Downhole Rock Debris Extraction System with Depth-Coded Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole rock sampling methods are imprecise, costly, and inefficient, with traditional methods being affected by fluid flow rates, shaft size, and human factors, leading to inaccurate representation of drilled formations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole rock debris extraction system comprising a downhole marking component, a ground control component, and a ground detection and extraction component, where markers are sprayed onto rock debris during excavation, allowing real-time detection and sorting by depth, enabling precise sampling and accurate representation of formation lithology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rock debris logging is used to collect downhole samples, then the method is simple and easy to implement, but the sampling precision is extremely low and the samples do not accurately reflect formation lithology
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary marking of rock debris with depth-coded markers at the downhole location before the debris returns to the surface. This preliminary action ensures that each debris particle carries its depth identification information, eliminating the need for complex post-sampling depth correlation and ensuring accurate depth attribution without complicating the surface operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces markers as an intermediary element between the drill bit and the rock debris. These markers serve as a mediator that carries depth information from the downhole environment to the surface detection system, enabling precise depth identification of returned debris without requiring complex tracking of fluid flow dynamics
2Measurement precision
If sidewall coring is used to obtain rock samples, then the sampling precision is improved, but the cost becomes extremely high and the operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential function of depth identification from the complex sidewall coring process. Instead of using expensive coring equipment to obtain depth information, the patent extracts depth data through simple marker coding and optical detection, eliminating the need for complex mechanical coring operations while maintaining sampling precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the depth identification function. Rather than physically coring at each depth interval, the system uses optical markers that copy and represent depth information, allowing the detection system to identify depth without the complexity of actual coring operations
3Productivity
If materials are returned through drilling fluid to the surface, then real-time sampling is possible, but the materials from different depths are easily mixed and the sampling accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the continuous stream of returned rock debris into individually identifiable units by marking each with its specific depth code. This segmentation allows the detection system to process and identify each debris particle's origin depth independently, preventing mixing confusion while maintaining real-time sampling throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different colored or patterned markers on rock debris to encode depth information. This visual coding system allows the detection camera to rapidly identify the depth origin of each debris particle through color or pattern recognition, maintaining real-time processing speed while ensuring accurate depth identification without material mixing
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 achieves high precision in rock debris sampling, reduces operational costs, and increases the completeness of sampling data, addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
the marker sprayer is connected with the storage element, and is configured to enable the markers stored in the storage element to be sprayed from the marker sprayer, so that the markers are adhered to the rock debris
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole rock debris extraction system is provided. The downhole rock debris extraction system includes a downhole marking component, a ground control component and a ground detection and extraction component. The downhole marking component is arranged at a drill bit for underground excavation or near the drill bit, and is configured to mark rock debris by spraying different types of markers in real time during the underground excavation performed by the drill bit; the ground detection and extraction component is configured to detect the types of the markers on the rock debris; and the ground control component is configured to manage and control the downhole marking component to mark the rock debris, and to manage and control the ground detection and extraction component to determine the types of the markers on the rock debris. Furthermore, a control method for the downhole rock debris extraction system is provided.