Drilling Sample Module Buffer Piston Shock Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling techniques for subsurface formations face challenges in harsh drilling environments, including limited space, shock resistance, sample contamination, and failure to maintain fluid integrity during transport, particularly in maintaining single-phase samples.
Innovation Solution
A sample module with a primary piston dividing the chamber into a sample volume and a buffer volume, using a secondary piston with buffer fluid to maintain pressure and prevent contamination, along with modular design for easy access and protection from shocks and vibrations, and redundant retainer mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sample chamber is used to collect fluid samples in harsh drilling environments, then sampling capability is provided, but the sample chamber is susceptible to shocks, vibrations, and cyclic deformations that can compromise sample integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a buffer volume filled with buffer fluid that absorbs and cushions the effects of shocks, vibrations, and cyclic deformations during drilling operations. This buffer volume is positioned between the sample volume and the harsh external environment, protecting the collected sample from damage while maintaining sampling capability in harsh drilling environments
2Reliability
If a piston is used to maintain sample pressure, then sample integrity is improved, but the piston may move during drilling shocks causing seal deterioration and sample contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer volume filled with buffer fluid serves as a cushioning element that absorbs drilling shocks before they can transfer to the piston, preventing excessive piston movement that would cause seal deterioration and contamination. This cushioning effect maintains piston stability and sample integrity throughout the drilling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer fluid in the buffer volume acts as an intermediary between the external harsh environment and the sample volume, absorbing shock loads and preventing direct transmission of forces that would move the piston and compromise the sample. This intermediary buffer protects the sample while maintaining pressure control
3Ease of operation
If sample chambers are made removable for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking and sealing mechanisms become more complex and vulnerable to downhole stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer volume cushions shock loads that would otherwise directly affect the locking and sealing mechanisms of removable sample chambers. This beforehand cushioning protects these complex mechanisms from downhole stresses while maintaining ease of sample chamber access and removal
4Quantity of substance
If the sample chamber space is maximized for more sampling, then quantity of sample is improved, but the device occupies more limited downhole tool space
Solution Approach 1:
The sample module is segmented into distinct functional volumes: a sample volume for collecting formation fluid samples and a separate buffer volume for absorbing shocks and maintaining pressure. This segmentation allows the sample volume to be maximized for increased sampling capacity while the buffer volume is optimized for its protective function, together fitting within the constrained downhole tool space
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
Enhances sampling efficiency by providing selective access, shock resistance, and maintaining sample integrity during transport, ensuring the fluid remains in a single phase from collection to surface analysis.
Implementation Method 1
using a secondary piston with buffer fluid to maintain pressure and prevent contamination
Implementation Method 2
A primary piston is slidably disposed within the sample chamber and divides the sample chamber into a sample volume and a buffer volume
Data Source
AI summary
A sample module for a sampling while drilling tool includes a sample fluid flowline operatively connectable between a sample chamber and an inlet, for passing a downhole fluid. A primary piston divides the sample chamber into a sample volume and a buffer volume and includes a first face in fluid communication with the sample volume and a second face in fluid communication with the buffer volume. An agitator is disposed in the sample volume for agitating the sample fluid. A secondary piston includes a first face in fluid communication with the buffer volume having buffer fluid disposed therein and a second face.