Downhole Sampling Apparatus Using Self-Driven Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for sampling well fluids in petroleum wells are complex, prone to damage due to harsh environments, and often require energy from the surface or internal pumps, which can malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A simplified apparatus using a piston arrangement with a holding device that allows the well fluid to increase the volume of a dump chamber, allowing the fluid to be sucked into a sampling device without the need for external energy, utilizing a valve to control the movement and prevent uncontrolled fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing sampling apparatuses are used, then fluid sampling can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to harsh environment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex components such as pumps, valves, and seals from the downhole sampling apparatus, retaining only the essential piston and cylinder elements. This extraction of non-essential components directly reduces device complexity while improving reliability by eliminating potential failure points in the harsh downhole environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes the formation fluid's own pressure to drive the piston and accomplish sampling, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control mechanisms. The formation fluid serves itself by providing the driving force for sampling, which simplifies the apparatus structure and removes components that could fail.
2Productivity
If pumps or external energy sources are used, then fluid sampling is enabled, but the device complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The formation fluid provides its own driving pressure to move the piston and accomplish sampling without requiring external pumps or power sources. The system uses the natural pressure of the formation fluid to perform work, eliminating energy requirements and associated complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs hydraulic principles where formation fluid pressure directly acts on the piston to drive sampling. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach eliminates mechanical pumps and external energy sources by using the fluid's own pressure characteristics to accomplish the sampling function.
3Ease of operation
If complex apparatus structures are used, then sampling function is achieved, but the risk of malfunction and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex components such as multiple valves, seals, and control mechanisms, retaining only the essential piston-cylinder-sampler structure. This extraction of non-essential parts reduces the number of potential failure points while maintaining the core sampling function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanisms to control fluid flow, the patent inverts the approach by allowing formation fluid pressure to naturally drive the piston. The simple mechanical advantage of the piston-cylinder arrangement replaces complex control systems, reducing malfunction risk.
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 apparatus effectively brings well-fluid samples into a sampling device without the need for external energy, reducing the risk of malfunction and damage from complex structures, while allowing for controlled and reliable fluid sampling.
Implementation Method 1
the movement brings about an increase in a volume of the dump chamber when the holding device is in its inactive position. When the volume of the dump chamber is increased in this way, the well fluid will be sucked through the sampling device and into the dump chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and a method are provided for bringing a well-fluid sample in a well through a sampling device which is in fluid communication with the apparatus. The apparatus includes: a dump chamber for receiving the well-fluid sample; a first hydraulic piston arranged in a first cylinder housing; a second hydraulic piston arranged in a second cylinder housing; a piston rod for mechanically connecting the first piston to the second piston to form a piston arrangement, the dump chamber being defined by the first piston and a portion of the first cylinder housing. The apparatus further includes at least one holding device arranged to switch between an active position, in which the piston arrangement is held fixed against movement, and an inactive position, in which the piston arrangement is allowed a movement relative to the cylinder housings.