Heavy Weight Fluid Core Sample Cleaning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling fluid and debris contamination of core samples during collection can lead to skewed testing results and equipment failure, as they fall into the core sample collection tube, compromising the integrity of the samples and the ability to obtain maximum recoverable samples.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure core module system using a non-hydrocarbon, non-reactive heavy weight fluid with a density greater than wellbore fluids to separate and clean core samples by displacing and flushing away contaminants, while maintaining downhole pressures with a cover activation mechanism and plug system for secure transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drilling fluid and debris are allowed to fall into the core sample collection tube during coring operation, then the collection process is simpler and faster, but the core samples become contaminated leading to skewed testing results
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes drilling fluid and debris from the core sample collection environment by introducing a cleaning fluid that selectively removes contaminants while leaving the core sample intact. The cleaning fluid flows through the collection tube to wash away drilling fluid and debris, separating the harmful contaminants from the valuable core samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a cleaning fluid as an intermediary substance between the contaminated core sample and the clean collection environment. This cleaning fluid acts as a mediator that carries away drilling fluid and debris while preserving the core sample integrity, enabling both efficient collection and clean samples.
2Productivity
If drilling fluid and debris are not cleaned from the core sample collection tube, then the collection process is faster, but the core collection chamber becomes choked reducing sample recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary cleaning action during the coring operation itself, rather than after collection. The cleaning fluid is introduced concurrently with or immediately after core sample collection to prevent debris accumulation that would choke the collection chamber, maintaining high sample recovery rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by introducing a cleaning fluid that flows through the core sample collection tube under pressure. This hydraulic flow carries away drilling fluid and debris, preventing chamber choking and maintaining high sample recovery without complex mechanical cleaning mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If a cleaning system is added to remove drilling fluid and debris from core samples, then sample purity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses simple hydraulic principles by introducing a cleaning fluid that flows through the collection tube under pressure to remove contaminants. This approach achieves effective sample cleaning without complex mechanical, thermal, or chemical processing systems, minimizing device complexity while maximizing sample purity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fluid dynamic parameters by introducing a cleaning fluid with different properties than the drilling fluid. The cleaning fluid has lower viscosity and higher flowability, allowing it to easily flush through the collection tube and remove contaminants without requiring complex high-pressure systems.
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
Effectively cleans core samples by separating drilling fluids and debris, ensuring accurate analysis and maximizing sample recovery by maintaining downhole pressures during retrieval and transport.
Implementation Method 1
A method to clean and separate fluid and debris from core samples and coring systems is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes flushing a core sample collection tube with a non-hydrocarbon, non-reactive heavy weight fluid having a density greater than wellbore fluids to separate the fluid and debris from the core sample.
Implementation Method 2
flushing a core sample collection tube with a non-hydrocarbon, non-reactive heavy weight fluid having a density greater than wellbore fluids to separate the fluid and debris from the core sample
Implementation Method 3
maintaining downhole pressures with a cover activation mechanism and plug system for secure transport
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
Coring tools including a core tube assembly; a carrier chamber defined within the core tube assembly for storing one or more core samples drilled from a downhole formation having a wellbore fluid therein, wherein the wellbore fluid has a wellbore fluid density; a non-hydrocarbon, non-reactive heavy weight fluid ("HWF") present within the carrier chamber, the HWF exhibiting a HWF density of about 2 pounds per gallon greater than the wellbore fluid density; a pressure housing cover selectively rotatable between (1) an open position, where the one or more core samples are able to be inserted into the carrier chamber, and (2) a closed position, where the carrier chamber is sealed; and a cover activation mechanism coupled to the core tube assembly and operable to move the pressure housing cover between the closed position and the open position.