Dual Displacement Sampling Probe Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual inlet sampling probes for reservoir fluid sampling face challenges in controlling relative pumping rates and differential pressures, leading to contamination and operational inefficiencies, particularly due to the need for independent pumpout systems and frequent displacement unit replacements.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool apparatus with synchronized dual displacement units and a motor, allowing adaptive control of differential pressures and pumping rates between the guard and sample flowlines, eliminating the need for separate power sources and displacement unit replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent pumpout systems are used for guard and sample inlets, then sampling can be performed, but device complexity increases and power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guard inlet pumpout and sample inlet pumpout into a single integrated pumpout system. The pumpout assembly includes a single piston that can selectively pump fluid from either the guard inlet or the sample inlet through valve control, eliminating the need for separate pumpout systems while maintaining sampling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pumpout assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively pumping from different inlets. The pumpout system can operate in different modes (guard inlet mode, sample inlet mode, or both simultaneously) depending on valve positioning, providing universal pumping capability for various sampling scenarios.
2Productivity
If fixed displacement units are used, then initial sampling can be performed, but adaptability to varying formation characteristics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement units are designed with adjustable displacement characteristics. The piston area, chamber volume, or stroke length can be modified to change the displacement rate, allowing the system to adapt to different formation permeability, pressure, and fluid properties while maintaining effective sampling rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing operational parameters such as pumping rate, differential pressure, and displacement volume to match varying formation characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the pumpout system can optimize sample acquisition for different geological conditions without requiring fixed displacement units.
3Ease of operation
If separate power sources are used for each displacement unit, then independent control is achieved, but power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power sources into a single power source that drives the pumpout assembly. The single motor or hydraulic power source provides centralized power delivery, improving power efficiency by eliminating redundant power systems while maintaining control capability through valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Valves act as intermediaries that enable independent control of fluid flow paths from different inlets without requiring separate power sources. The valve system selectively directs pumped fluid to different destinations (guard flowline, sample flowline, or both) based on operational requirements, providing independent control functionality through a unified power system.
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 more rapid and accurate sampling with reduced contamination, improved power efficiency, and adaptability to varying formation characteristics, minimizing the risk of packer failure and optimizing sample purity.
Implementation Method 1
A first displacement unit is coupled to a first flowline and configured to vary a first fluid characteristic associated with the first flowline. A second displacement unit is coupled to a second flowline and configured to vary a second fluid characteristic associated with the second flowline
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods to perform focused sampling of reservoir fluid are described. An example method couples a sampling probe to a subterranean formation and, while the sampling probe is coupled to the subterranean formation, varies a pumping ratio of at least two displacement units to reduce a contamination level of a formation flu id extracted via the sampling probe from the subterranean formation.