Gas Volume Retained Coring Barrel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining core samples from subterranean formations lack effective means to estimate parameters such as gas saturation, permeability, and porosity, as they do not adequately capture and analyze the gases that escape during the retrieval process, which are crucial for understanding formation properties.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that include a barrel with distinct sections for receiving the core and collecting escaping gas, equipped with sensors to measure parameters like pressure, temperature, and gas volume, allowing for controlled pressure application and removable gas containment, enabling estimation of formation properties like gas saturation, permeability, and porosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional core sampling methods are used, then core samples can be obtained, but gas escaping from the core during retrieval cannot be captured or analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel is divided into distinct sections: a first section for receiving the core and a second section for collecting escaped gas. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously handle the core sample and the released gas separately, enabling capture and analysis of the gas that would otherwise be lost during retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The second section of the barrel acts as an intermediary chamber that receives and contains the gas escaping from the core during retrieval. This intermediary structure enables the gas to be collected and analyzed, transforming the previously lost substance into valuable information about formation properties.
2Measurement precision
If gas collection section is added to the barrel, then gas analysis capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the core containment vessel and the gas collection system. The second section of the barrel simultaneously acts as a collection chamber and a measurement environment, allowing pressure, temperature, and volume measurements to be taken without requiring entirely separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas collection capability is merged into the existing barrel structure rather than being implemented as a completely separate system. The barrel integrates core reception and gas collection functions, reducing overall device complexity compared to using entirely separate core sampling and gas analysis equipment.
3Measurement precision
If pressure control is implemented, then formation property estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the natural pressure changes that occur during core retrieval from the formation to drive gas into the collection section. The pressure differential created by retrieving the core from depth automatically performs the gas release and transfer function, reducing the need for complex active pressure control mechanisms while still enabling accurate formation property estimation.
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 accurate estimation of formation properties by capturing and analyzing escaped gases during core retrieval, providing valuable geological and geophysical data for evaluating the economic value of formations.
Implementation Method 1
sensor to estimate the gas volume, such as an acoustic sensor
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~3
AI summary
An apparatus for use in a wellbore may include a a tool having a first section configured to receive a core and a second section configured to collect a gas escaping from the core. The apparatus may also include a sensor associated to provide signals relating to a property of gas. In one aspect, the second section may be removable and may be pressurized. The apparatus may also include a recorder that records data representative of the signals received from the sensor. The recorder may record data while the tool is retrieved from the wellbore. A method for estimating a parameter of interest of a formation includes retrieving a core from the formation, collecting a gas escaping from the core as the core is retrieved to the surface, and measuring at least one property of gas while the core is retrieved to the surface.