Subterranean Fluid Probe With Offset Inlets for Unstable Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid sampling apparatuses face challenges in unstable wellbores due to unconsolidated fines dislodging during fluid flow, leading to incomplete sampling, inefficiency, and high operational costs, particularly when multiple sampling points are required.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function probe with two independent packer systems and offset inlets at 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees, allowing simultaneous sampling from different axial positions, equipped with redundant fluid systems and independent sampling capabilities to prevent plugging and enhance operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If variable action pumping arrangements are installed to allow slower fluid draws, then fines dislodgement is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple independent sampling systems, each with its own packer and fluid system. This segmentation allows each system to operate independently with controlled flow rates, preventing fines dislodgement without requiring complex variable action pumping arrangements across the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single complex pumping system with variable action capabilities, the invention employs multiple simpler pumping arrangements that collectively achieve the same effect. Each packer system has its own pump, allowing partial action on multiple fronts simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If a single packer system is used for sealing, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases in unstable wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The single packer system is segmented into multiple independent packer systems (at least two), each capable of sealing independently. This increases reliability in unstable wellbores where one packer might fail, while keeping each individual packer system relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different packer systems are positioned at different locations along the probe, allowing each to address local sealing requirements in unstable wellbore conditions. This distributed approach improves overall reliability without requiring each individual packer to be overly complex.
3Measurement precision
If operators reposition and reset the entire device for setting problems, then sampling accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into multiple independent packer systems that can be set and operated independently. If one packer encounters setting problems, operators can attempt to set other packers without repositioning the entire device, maintaining sampling accuracy while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows operators to change operational parameters by activating different packer systems at different locations along the probe. This provides flexibility to adapt to setting problems without requiring complete device repositioning, balancing accuracy and productivity.
4Device complexity
If sampling is performed at a single axial position, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision decreases in unstable wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The single sampling point is segmented into multiple sampling points distributed along the probe axis, each with its own packer and fluid system. This allows sampling from multiple axial positions simultaneously, improving measurement precision in unstable wellbores while keeping each individual sampling system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling approach transitions from a single-point (zero-dimensional) to a distributed multi-point (one-dimensional along the axis) configuration. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture spatial variations in unstable wellbores, improving representativeness without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments presented provide for a probe for obtaining fluid samples from an underground environment. In embodiments, an arrangement is disclosed which has individually positionable probe blocks and inlets, with internal redundancy is provided for sampling at multiple locations with a single arrangement.