Dual Flowline Testing Tool Pressure Self-Equalizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole formation testing techniques require complex and costly equipment due to the need for separate pumps for each flowline to adjust pumping pressure, increasing the weight and complexity of downhole testers during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A pressure equalizer apparatus is introduced between two flowlines of a downhole tool, using an equalizing chamber and piston to regulate and adjust pressures, allowing for focused fluid sampling with interchangeable flow routing configurations to manage fluid flow and pressure differences between sample and guard ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate pumps are used for each flowline to adjust pumping pressure, then pressure regulation capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pumping functions into a single pump system. The single pump is alternately connected to different flowlines (sample flowline and guard flowline) through a valve mechanism, eliminating the need for separate pumps for each flowline while maintaining the capability to regulate pressure in each line independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump is designed to serve multiple functions by being alternately coupled to different flowlines. The pump can pump fluid from the sample flowline, the guard flowline, or both simultaneously, making it a universal pumping solution that replaces multiple specialized pumps.
2Ease of operation
If separate pumps are used for each flowline, then pressure regulation capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pump units into a single pump system that serves multiple flowlines. This consolidation significantly reduces the overall weight of the downhole tester while maintaining the ability to independently regulate pressure in sample and guard flowlines through alternating connections.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used for multiple flowlines, then device complexity and weight are reduced, but pressure regulation precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the connection of the single pump between different flowlines using a valve mechanism. The pump can be selectively connected to the sample flowline, guard flowline, or both, allowing dynamic pressure regulation in each line while using a single pump, thus maintaining precision without requiring multiple pumps.
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 solution simplifies the equipment by reducing the need for multiple pumps, minimizing weight and cost while enabling precise fluid sampling and pressure regulation, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of formation fluid collection.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure equalizer configured between at least two flowlines
Data Source
AI summary
Flowline pressure equalizer systems, methods and/or apparatuses for use on a downhole tool are provided. A pressure equalizer may be provided in communication with two flowlines. The pressure equalizer may use equalizing chambers and equalizing pistons to regulate pressure in one or both flowlines. Further, one or more flow routing modules may be interchangeable to further alter the flow scheme between the flowlines. Different plugs may house various flow routing configurations such that the plugs may be installed and/or removed in the tool string automatically or by a user.