Formation Testing Tool Sampling Pump and Buffer Chamber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current formation testing tools face challenges in maintaining steady drawdown pressure, minimizing contamination, and preserving reservoir fluid samples above their bubble point pressure during sampling, which can lead to unrepresentative samples and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A formation testing tool with a sample container having three variable volume chambers, where the intermediate chamber is pressurized with gas, and a sampling pump is used to maintain reservoir drawdown pressure and buffer fluid is transferred to maintain pressure above the bubble point, minimizing exposure to contaminants and reducing residence time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sampling tools are used to obtain formation fluid samples, then sampling can be performed, but the samples become contaminated with well bore mud and invasion filtrate, reducing sample representativeness
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into distinct functional zones: a contamination-free sampling chamber, a separation chamber where invasion filtrate is removed, and a delivery system. This segmentation allows the formation fluid to be sampled in a clean environment and separated from harmful contaminants before analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary separation chamber is introduced between the sampling point and the analysis point. This chamber contains a separator that removes invasion filtrate and solid particles from the formation fluid, acting as a mediator that protects the sample from contamination while allowing the sampling process to continue.
2Productivity
If pumping is performed to draw down pressure and obtain formation fluid, then samples can be collected, but pressure fluctuations shock the formation and cause renewed contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes a contamination-free sampling chamber and separation mechanism before pumping begins. This preliminary preparation allows the formation fluid to be captured in a clean environment from the start, preventing contamination rather than requiring post-contamination removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling process maintains continuous flow through the formation fluid path without interruption. The pump operates continuously to maintain drawdown pressure, and the separation chamber continuously removes contaminants, ensuring uninterrupted sampling while maintaining formation stability.
3Productivity
If formation fluid is pumped through conventional tools, then samples can be obtained, but the fluid passes through multiple components increasing residence time and allowing phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
The formation fluid is extracted directly into the sampling chamber bypassing intermediate components and pathways. This direct extraction minimizes residence time in the tool and prevents phase separation that would occur during extended travel through multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system rushes the formation fluid through the sampling process as quickly as possible, minimizing the time the fluid spends in the tool. The sampling chamber is positioned to capture the fluid immediately upon arrival, and the separation chamber quickly removes contaminants, reducing overall residence time and maintaining fluid homogeneity.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sampling stations are used to obtain representative samples, then sample quality improves, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling tool is designed as a universal system that can perform multiple functions: sampling formation fluid, separating contaminants, and maintaining pressure control all in one integrated tool. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate operations or stations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining sample quality.
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 approach allows for high-quality, representative reservoir fluid sampling with reduced contamination and operational complexity, maintaining samples above their bubble point pressure throughout the sampling process, thereby enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the sampling process.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is used to lower the pressure in the conduit until fluid is induced to flow from the formation wherein such pressure is referred to as the draw down pressure
Implementation Method 2
the intermediate chamber is pressurized with gas... buffer fluid is transferred to maintain pressure above the bubble point
Implementation Method 3
The tool can comprise a probe having a packer that seals against the wellbore wall
Implementation Method 4
a sampling pump hydraulically coupled to the sample container and configured to transfer a buffer fluid in and out of the sample container
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for collecting high quality reservoir samples and determining producibility of those samples are disclosed that provide for a non-stop and no shock sampling process. The systems and methods of the present disclosure are especially important collecting samples of reservoir samples in a manner that most closely resembles production fluids and maintains the reservoir at or near the draw down pressure during the pumping and sampling processes.