Fluid Manipulation During Drilling Using Isolation Line
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional formation tester tools require cessation of pumping operations to measure fluid properties like the bubble point, leading to contamination and slowed processes.
Innovation Solution
A system with a measurement module that allows fluid manipulation without stopping the pumping operation, using an isolation line and pump to draw fluid samples for analysis without significantly affecting the flow line pressure, enabling continuous fluid property measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional formation tester tools are used to measure fluid properties like bubble point, then fluid property measurements can be obtained, but the pumping operation must cease during measurement which leads to contamination encroachment and process slowdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid sampling and measurement function into a separate, independent module that operates parallel to the main pumping operation. The sampling module extracts fluid through a sampling line and performs measurements independently, allowing the main pumping operation to continue without interruption while fluid property measurements are obtained simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A sampling line acts as an intermediary between the formation fluid source and the measurement system. This intermediate pathway allows fluid to be diverted for measurement without stopping the main pumping operation, and includes pressure equalization mechanisms to prevent contamination while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If pumping operation ceases during fluid measurement, then accurate bubble point measurements can be taken, but contamination encroaches into the sample zone and the overall process slows down
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure equalization is performed before fluid sampling begins. The system equalizes pressure between the sampling line and the formation fluid source to prevent contamination encroachment during the measurement process, ensuring sample integrity while maintaining continuous pumping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling line with pressure equalization mechanisms serves as an intermediary that isolates the measurement process from the main pumping operation, preventing contamination while enabling accurate bubble point measurements to be taken during continuous operation.
3Measurement precision
If fluid is manipulated in the flow line during pumping, then fluid property measurements can be made, but it becomes difficult to manipulate fluid independently without affecting flow line pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid manipulation function into a separate sampling module with its own dedicated line and pressure control mechanisms. This independent module can manipulate fluid for measurement purposes without affecting the main flow line pressure or pumping operation, achieving both measurement capability and operational independence.
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
Enables continuous drilling and pumping operations with frequent bubble point measurements, reducing contamination and increasing operational efficiency by allowing fluid property analysis without halting the primary pumping process.
Implementation Method 1
using an isolation line and pump to draw fluid samples for analysis without significantly affecting the flow line pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for manipulating fluid, such as measuring bubble point, during drilling or pumping operations including pumping fluid in a borehole through a flow line (200) and drawing fluid from the flow line through an isolation line (232) without substantially dropping pressure of the flow line or without ceasing pumping operations.