Formation Fluid Sampling Probe System with Clean-Up Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting formation fluid samples are inefficient due to contamination from the invaded zone, leading to prolonged sampling times and pressure kick-backs, which hinder the collection of clean fluid samples for analysis.
Innovation Solution
A formation evaluation system utilizing two probes with separate pumps and flow control devices to extract and direct fluid, where the inner probe fluid is pumped into a sample chamber once clean, and the outer probe fluid is collected into a storage device using pressure differential, avoiding the need for additional pumps and reducing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump is used to extract fluid from the formation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is decreased due to prolonged sampling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid extraction system into two separate pumps: a first pump for extracting fluid through the inner probe and a second pump for extracting fluid through the outer probe. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of both probes, enabling parallel fluid extraction and significantly reducing sampling time compared to single-pump systems.
2Measurement precision
If the outer probe fluid is collected into a sample chamber, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional flow control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sample clean-up device as an intermediary component between the outer probe and the sample chamber. This device includes a clean-up chamber that receives outer probe fluid, allows drilling fluid to separate and drain away, and then directs the cleaned formation fluid into the sample chamber. This intermediary step ensures sample purity while managing flow control complexity through gravitational separation.
3Productivity
If drilling fluid circulation continues during sampling, then the productivity is maintained, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to formation fluid contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts formation fluid samples directly from the formation through sealed probes before the drilling fluid can contaminate them. By taking samples directly from the formation zone through the inner and outer probes, the system obtains clean formation fluid samples without exposure to contaminated wellbore environment, maintaining sample purity while drilling operations continue.
4Measurement precision
If the inner probe is used for sampling, then the measurement precision is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to pressure kick-backs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sample clean-up device as an intermediary component between the outer probe and the sample chamber. This device includes a clean-up chamber that receives outer probe fluid, allows drilling fluid to separate and drain away, and then directs the cleaned formation fluid into the sample chamber. This intermediary step ensures sample purity while managing flow control complexity through gravitational separation.
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 method enables faster and more efficient collection of clean formation fluid samples by preventing wellbore fluid from entering the inner probe and utilizing natural pressure differential for fluid collection, reducing sampling time and pressure kick-backs.
Implementation Method 1
a storage device for receiving the fluid extracted via the second probe due to pressure differential between the formation pressure and the pressure in the storage device
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, a method of obtaining a fluid from a formation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: pumping fluid received by a first probe from the formation into the wellbore; pumping fluid received by a second probe from the formation into the wellbore; determining when the fluid received by one of the first and second probes is clean; and pumping the fluid received by the first probe into a sample chamber while collecting the formation fluid received by the second probe from the formation into a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than the pressure of the formation.