Downhole Valve Subassembly for Real-Time Formation Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole formation evaluation tools face challenges in reliability, efficiency, and adaptability due to multiple moving parts, high hydrostatic pressure, and varying temperature conditions, making them less than optimal for real-time formation property measurements during the drilling process.
Innovation Solution
A valve subassembly is integrated into the downhole drilling module, featuring an active valve and a passive valve that regulate fluid flow based on pressure differentials, allowing for efficient control of fluid flow through internal and external volumes, enhancing the tool's ability to operate under diverse formation and mud circulation conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireline tools are used for formation evaluation, then measurement capability is improved, but trip time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines formation evaluation tools with the drilling system, integrating measurement capabilities directly into the drill string or bottom hole assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate wireline tool trips, as formation properties can be measured while drilling operations continue, thereby reducing trip time while maintaining measurement capability
2Productivity
If formation testing tools are deployed during drilling, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the drilling system components to serve multiple functions. The drilling system itself is configured to both drill the wellbore and perform formation evaluation measurements simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows real-time measurement capability without requiring separate dedicated testing tools, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity through functional integration
3Reliability
If passive valve is used for flow regulation, then reliability is improved by reducing moving parts, but control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an active valve component as an intermediary element that works in conjunction with the passive valve. The active valve provides precise control signals or adjustments to the passive valve mechanism, enabling accurate fluid flow regulation while the passive valve maintains reliability through its simpler, more robust structure. This intermediary approach allows both precision control and high reliability to be achieved simultaneously
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 valve subassembly improves the reliability and efficiency of downhole formation evaluation tools by effectively managing fluid flow, enabling more precise and adaptable formation property measurements during drilling, even under extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a passive valve to regulate flow of the fluid through the internal flowline exit based on a pressure differential between a first pressure within a first volume defined by a collar surrounding the downhole drilling module and a second pressure within an annulus surrounding the collar
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a valve subassembly configured to be disposed along an internal flowline exit of a first internal flowline within a downhole drilling module. The valve subassembly includes an active valve configured to regulate flow of a fluid through the internal flowline exit and a passive valve configured to be passively controlled based on a differential pressure between a first volume of the downhole drilling module and a second volume surrounding the downhole drilling module.