Downhole Tool Translating Member for Sequential Fluid Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional downhole tools for hydrocarbon recovery face limitations in capturing multiple formation fluid samples due to the need for independent electrical actuation of each vessel, leading to duplication of components and restricted capacity for large-scale sampling.

Innovation Solution

A downhole tool configuration utilizing a translating member and a single motor to actuate multiple rods, allowing sequential shifting from an open to a closed position to isolate fluid samples, thereby increasing sample capacity without additional electrically actuated components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple vessels are used to capture multiple fluid samples, then the sample capacity increases, but the device complexity increases due to duplication of electrical actuation components for each vessel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of fluid samplesVSAvoidelectrical actuation components

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple rods are merged into a single integrated assembly that is actuated by one translating member. The translating member simultaneously controls the isolation mechanism for all rods, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple independent electrical actuators into a single mechanical actuation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The translating member serves multiple functions: it actuates all rods sequentially, controls the isolation mechanism for multiple vessels, and enables single-point electrical actuation to achieve multi-vessel sampling. This universal component replaces multiple specialized actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent electrical actuators are used for each vessel, then each vessel can be independently actuated, but the electrical infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent vessel actuationVSAvoidelectrical infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The translating member acts as an intermediary mechanical device that translates a single electrical actuation input into multiple independent rod movements. It mediates between the single electrical motor and the multiple rods, providing independent actuation capability without requiring multiple electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple electrical actuation systems are replaced with a single electrical motor driving a mechanical translating member. The translating member uses mechanical linkages and sequential engagement to achieve independent rod actuation, substituting complex electrical infrastructure with a simpler mechanical transmission system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If vessel size is increased to capture larger fluid samples, then the sample volume increases, but the tool space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid sample volumeVSAvoidvessel volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The total sample capacity is segmented across multiple smaller rods instead of using one large vessel. Each rod captures a portion of the total required sample volume, and collectively they provide the equivalent of a larger sample capacity while maintaining compact individual component sizes that fit within the tool housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing sample volume in one dimension (larger single vessel), the solution distributes sample capacity across multiple dimensions by using several smaller rods arranged in series. This dimensional distribution allows the tool to achieve large total sample capacity while maintaining a compact overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration enables the capture of multiple fluid samples with reduced electrical components, allowing for safer and more efficient sampling, as the tool can handle smaller sample volumes and increased sample quantities without the constraints of limited space or infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

a translating member configured to actuate each rod. A motor may translate the translating member upon a threaded rod to sequentially shift each rod from an open position to a closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical translation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250020059A1Fluid multisample capturing with translating member

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A downhole tool to be positioned in a wellbore in a subsurface formation. The downhole tool comprises a first rod configured with a first cavity to obtain samples of formation fluid. The downhole tool comprises a translating member configured to shift the first rod from an open position to a closed position to obtain, via the first cavity, a first fluid sample of the formation fluid from a first location in the wellbore.