Downhole Sampler Trigger Mechanism With Local Pressure Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampler triggering mechanisms in oil and gas drilling operations often fail to reliably activate samplers at the correct location and time, leading to non-representative fluid samples due to insufficient ambient downhole pressure or communication failures.
Innovation Solution
A sampling assembly with a pressure-activated sampler and a remotely-operated local actuator, including a pressurized gas source and electronic or mechanical rupture disks, ensures dependable and reproducible activation of samplers, with optional backup mechanisms for power or communication interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ambient downhole pressure is used to trigger samplers, then the system is simple and passive, but the pressure may be insufficient to reliably activate the sampler
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure source is pre-positioned within the sampling assembly, ready to apply force to the sampler. The pressure source is prepared in advance but remains contained until needed, allowing reliable activation without requiring complex external triggering systems or high ambient pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
A rupture disk acts as an intermediary barrier between the pressure source and the sampler. The rupture disk contains the pressure until activation is needed, then fails in a controlled manner to release the pressure onto the sampler, providing reliable activation while maintaining system safety and simplicity.
2Reliability
If a pressure source is included within the sampling assembly to ensure reliable activation, then sampler activation becomes dependable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure source, rupture disk, and sampler are merged into a single integrated sampling assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate external pressure application systems or complex communication-triggered mechanisms, providing reliable activation while keeping the overall device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling assembly is self-contained with its own pressure source, eliminating dependence on external systems or ambient conditions for activation. The assembly activates itself when the rupture disk fails, providing reliable operation without requiring complex external control systems.
3Ease of operation
If passive rupture disks are used for sampler activation, then the system requires minimal power and control, but activation timing cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure source is pre-positioned and the rupture disk is pre-set to fail at a specific pressure threshold. This preliminary preparation allows the system to achieve precise activation timing based on reaching the predetermined pressure condition, eliminating the need for complex active control while maintaining precision.
4Manufacturing precision
If communication from the surface is used to trigger sampler activation, then activation timing can be controlled, but communication failures can prevent proper sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling assembly carries its own pressure source and can activate autonomously when the rupture disk fails, eliminating dependence on surface communication systems. This self-service capability ensures reliable operation even when communication is unavailable, while still allowing for controlled activation when communication is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a backup pressure source within the assembly that cushions against the risk of communication failure. This preliminary preparation of an independent pressure source ensures that sampling can proceed reliably even if surface communication is lost, protecting against the identified vulnerability.
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 provides reliable and reproducible activation of samplers, ensuring representative fluid samples are collected by minimizing activation failures and maintaining functionality even in the absence of power or communication.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure source within the sampling assembly and coupled to the remotely-operated local actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A well sampling apparatus is described herein. The well sampling apparatus includes one or more pressure-activated samplers in a sampling assembly. The samplers are coupled to an activating mechanism that includes a remotely activated local actuator. The remotely activated local actuator is coupled to a pressure source that, when released by the remotely activated local actuator, operates the pressure-activated sample to obtain a sample fluid.