Formation Tester Probe Extension Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formation testers face challenges in applying the right amount of force to seal against earth formations, as insufficient force may fail to achieve a seal in hard formations, while excessive force can damage soft formations, making it difficult to obtain accurate pressure measurements and prevent fluid contamination.
Innovation Solution
A formation tester with a flow control device that adjusts the extension pressure of the probe based on detected properties of the formation, using sensors to prevent excessive pressure and ensure sealing contact without damaging the formation, allowing for remote control and automatic adjustment of the maximum pressure applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high extension force is applied to the probe to seal against hard formations, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but formation damage occurs in soft formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamically adjustable extension force mechanism that can vary the probe extension force based on formation characteristics. The system includes a force control mechanism that adjusts the extension force in real-time during probe deployment, allowing high force for hard formations and low force for soft formations, thereby resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and formation damage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of extension force based on detected formation properties. Sensors detect formation hardness or compliance, and the system adjusts the extension force parameter accordingly - applying higher forces to hard formations for effective sealing while using lower forces on soft formations to prevent damage, thus resolving the technical contradiction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low extension force is applied to the probe to prevent formation damage, then formation integrity is maintained, but sealing contact is insufficient in hard formations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts extension force based on real-time feedback from sensors that detect formation properties. The force control mechanism increases extension force when hard formations are detected to ensure adequate sealing contact, while maintaining lower force for soft formations, thereby resolving the contradiction between preventing formation damage and achieving effective sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control system where sensors detect formation characteristics (such as hardness or compliance) and this information is fed back to the force control mechanism. The system uses this feedback to automatically adjust the extension force to the appropriate level for the detected formation type, ensuring both formation protection and effective sealing
3Ease of operation
If fixed extension force is applied to the probe, then device operation is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying formation hardness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting system where the formation tester automatically adapts to different formation conditions without requiring manual intervention. Sensors detect formation properties and the control system automatically adjusts the extension force accordingly, making the device self-sufficient in adapting to varying formation hardness while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes the extension force parameter based on detected formation characteristics. The control mechanism adjusts force levels in response to sensor feedback about formation hardness, enabling the device to adapt to varying formation conditions while requiring minimal operator input, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and formation adaptability
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 solution enables controlled force application to ensure effective sealing and prevent damage to formations, enhancing the accuracy of pressure measurements and fluid sampling while maintaining the integrity of the formation.
Implementation Method 1
A formation tester with a flow control device that adjusts the extension pressure of the probe based on detected properties of the formation
Data Source
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AI summary
A formation tester for use in a subterranean well can include a probe which extends outward into contact with an earth formation, and an adjustable flow control device which limits an extension pressure applied to extend the probe. A method of testing a subterranean formation can include positioning a formation tester in a wellbore, extending a probe of the formation tester outward into contact with the formation, and limiting a force applied by the probe to the formation, the limiting being performed by variable actuation of a flow control device downhole. Another formation tester can include a probe which extends outward into contact with an earth formation, with a force applied by the probe to the formation being remotely adjustable downhole.