Downhole Sampling Tool Phase Maintenance Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling technologies face challenges in efficiently collecting fluid samples in harsh drilling environments, particularly while drilling, as they struggle to maintain the phase of the collected fluid and ensure accurate sampling of hydrocarbon deposits in subsurface formations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole sampling tool with a self-closing system and pressure compensation mechanism, featuring a rod that biases axially when subjected to pressurized fluid, allows for efficient fluid collection and maintains the collected fluid in the same phase by using a combination of pistons and passageways to manage fluid communication and pressure within the tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sampling technologies are used in harsh drilling environments, then fluid collection can be performed, but the phase of the collected fluid cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure equalization piston is introduced as an intermediary element between the sample chamber and the external environment. This piston mediates pressure changes by moving in response to pressure differential, allowing the sample chamber to maintain constant pressure and preserve fluid phase while adapting to harsh drilling environments with varying external conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts internal pressure parameters through the pressure equalization piston mechanism. By allowing the piston to move and equalize pressure between chambers, the system maintains optimal pressure conditions for phase preservation despite changes in external drilling environment parameters.
2Productivity
If sample chambers are positioned in the downhole tool for fluid collection, then sampling can be performed, but sampling efficiency is insufficient in harsh drilling environments
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization piston is pre-positioned and the pressure balance system is established before sampling begins. This preliminary setup ensures that pressure conditions are optimized for efficient fluid collection from the outset, allowing sampling to proceed effectively even in harsh drilling environments without requiring mid-process adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If fluid is drawn from the formation into the downhole tool for testing and sampling, then formation evaluation can be performed, but the fluid phase changes during retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization piston serves as a protective intermediary that shields the fluid sample from external pressure variations during retrieval. By maintaining constant pressure in the sample chamber through piston-mediated pressure equalization, the system preserves fluid phase stability and ensures measurement precision is not compromised by phase changes during bringing the sample to surface.
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 efficient and accurate sampling of hydrocarbon fluids, ensuring that the collected fluid remains in the same phase as collected, even when retrieved from the wellbore, thereby maintaining the integrity of the sample for further analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The rod is adapted to be biased in an axial direction when subjected to a pressurized fluid within the second chamber
Implementation Method 2
activating a pressure compensation system with the rod in order to maintain the collected formation fluid in the same phase as in the formation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for collecting fluid include a self-closing system that automatically halts fluid collection once a sufficient amount of fluid has been collected and a locking mechanism that automatically activates a pressure compensation system in order to maintain the collected fluid in the same phase in which it was collected.