Expandable Fluid Chamber for Core Retrieval Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current core retrieving tools face challenges in effectively managing pressure differentials during the retrieval of underground core samples, which can lead to unsafe pressure build-ups and inefficient collection of fluids released by the core samples.
Innovation Solution
A core retrieving tool with an expandable fluid chamber that equalizes pressure with the core-receiving chamber, utilizing a movable piston and pressure valve to expand and collect fluids, ensuring safe pressure management and efficient fluid retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the core-receiving chamber is sealed immediately upon receiving the core sample, then the core sample is securely contained, but pressure differential causes unsafe pressure build-up and prevents efficient collection of released fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid management system is segmented into two distinct chambers: a core-receiving chamber for containing the core sample and an expandable fluid chamber for collecting released fluids. This segmentation allows the core sample to be sealed securely while providing a separate controlled environment for fluid collection, preventing pressure build-up from compromising core containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid chamber is designed to be expandable rather than fixed in volume. As fluids are released from the core sample, the fluid chamber dynamically expands to accommodate the increasing fluid volume, maintaining pressure equilibrium and preventing dangerous pressure differentials between the core-receiving chamber and the external environment.
2Reliability
If the core-receiving chamber is sealed immediately upon receiving the core sample, then the core sample is securely contained, but collection of released fluids becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable fluid chamber acts as an intermediary between the sealed core-receiving chamber and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface that allows fluids to be collected from the core sample while the core itself remains securely contained, enabling simultaneous achievement of secure containment and efficient fluid collection.
3Device complexity
If a fixed-volume chamber is used to contain the core sample and collect fluids, then the structure is simple, but pressure differential cannot be managed safely
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid chamber transitions from a fixed-volume structure to a dynamic expandable structure. This allows the chamber volume to adjust automatically in response to pressure differentials and fluid accumulation, maintaining safe operating conditions without requiring complex active pressure control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the volume parameter of the fluid chamber dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed volume. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to varying pressure conditions and fluid volumes, improving pressure management reliability while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
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 tool safely compensates for pressure changes during retrieval, allowing for the effective collection and transfer of fluids from the core sample, enhancing the integrity and analysis of the sample by equalizing pressures and preventing dangerous pressure differentials.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable fluid chamber in fluid communication with the second end of the core-receiving chamber... when the valve seals the first end of the core-receiving chamber, the expandable fluid chamber is expandable in response to a pressure differential between a pressure of the core-receiving chamber and a pressure outside the core barrel
Implementation Method 2
the expandable fluid chamber may comprise a piston movable between a first position toward the core receiving chamber and a second position away from the core receiving chamber, wherein the piston moves in response to the pressure differential
Data Source
AI summary
A core retrieving tool for retrieving a core sample of an underground formation includes a coring assembly having a coring bit, a core barrel within a core-receiving chamber, an expandable fluid chamber in fluid communication with the core-receiving chamber, and a valve that selectively seals the core-receiving chamber. The expandable fluid chamber is expandable in response to a pressure differential between the pressure of the core-receiving chamber and an external pressure. With the valve closed, the expandable fluid chamber is in open fluid communication with the core-receiving chamber such that a pressure of the expandable fluid chamber is equalized with the pressure of the core-receiving chamber.