Fluid Container Reloading Tool for Downhole Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well drilling operations require retrieving the entire sampling tool to the surface to access downhole fluid samples, which is inefficient and does not allow for real-time analysis or reloading of samples.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sampling tool that deploys and reloads individual fluid containers at the surface, using a cache system within the drilling system to capture and analyze formation fluids, allowing for real-time data collection and sample retrieval without needing to retrieve the entire tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the entire sampling tool is retrieved to the surface to access fluid samples, then the samples can be accessed and analyzed, but drilling operations experience downtime and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling tool is divided into modular components: a reusable sampling tool body that remains downhole and disposable/removable fluid containers that can be individually retrieved and replaced. This segmentation allows the fluid container to be accessed and replaced without retrieving the entire sampling tool, resolving the contradiction between sample access and drilling downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid container is extracted as a separate, removable component from the sampling tool body. The container can be individually retrieved through a port in the sampling tool body using a container retrieval device, allowing sample access without bringing up the entire tool assembly, thus eliminating drilling downtime while maintaining sample accessibility.
2Quantity of substance
If the sampling tool is designed with integrated fluid storage, then samples can be captured downhole, but the tool cannot be reloaded or reused efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid container is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use, while the sampling tool body is recovered and can be reloaded with new containers. This allows continuous sampling operations without retrieving the main tool, improving productivity while maintaining adequate sample capacity through multiple container loads.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid containers are prepared and loaded into the sampling tool body before deployment. The tool body has a cache mechanism that can hold multiple pre-loaded containers, allowing the system to maintain sufficient sample capacity while enabling rapid replacement of depleted containers during drilling operations, thus improving overall sampling efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual fluid containers are used instead of integrated storage, then containers can be retrieved and reloaded at the surface, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling tool body is designed with universal features that accommodate multiple fluid containers of the same type. The cache mechanism and retrieval system serve multiple functions: storing containers, advancing them to the sampling position, and retrieving used containers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added versatility of individual container retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid container reloading tool for a downhole fluid sampling tool is described. The reloading tool includes an elongated cylindrical body. The body may include a bottom opening sized to engage with a fluid sampling tool deployed within a borehole. A cache of empty fluid containers may be included within the body. A piston may be coupled to at least one of the fluid containers in the cache of fluid containers. The piston may be used to transfer the cache of fluid containers into the fluid sampling tool. The reloading tool may also include a pump in fluid communication with the piston.