Integrated Downhole Coring Sub for Single-Run Formation Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current logging methods require separate instruments for borehole wall coring and formation testing, leading to increased operation time, risk of instrument sticking, and high operational intensity due to repeated lifting and lowering.

Innovation Solution

An integrated sub with a probe module, coring module, and hydraulic module, where the hydraulic module provides telescopic power for the probe and power for movement, turn-over, and core-pushing of the coring module, integrating both functions into a single unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate instruments are used for borehole wall coring and formation testing, then each function can be performed independently, but the operation service process occupies the wellhead for a long time and increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidoperation service time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the coring module and probe module into a single integrated sub, allowing both coring and formation testing to be performed simultaneously by one instrument string, eliminating the need for repeated lifting and lowering of separate instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sub is designed to perform multiple functions (coring and formation testing) within a single device, enabling it to replace multiple specialized instruments and reduce wellhead occupation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate instruments are used for borehole wall coring and formation testing, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the risk of sticking downhole instruments increases due to repeated lifting and lowering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional specializationVSAvoidinstrument sticking risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging coring and sampling functions into one integrated sub, the instrument string needs to be deployed only once, eliminating repeated lifting and lowering operations that cause sticking risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate instruments are used for borehole wall coring and formation testing, then each instrument can be designed independently, but the operation intensity is high due to repeated lifting and lowering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent design capabilityVSAvoidoperation intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated sub combines multiple functions in one deployable unit, reducing the number of times instruments need to be handled and lowered, thereby reducing operational intensity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Loss of information

If separate instruments are used for borehole wall coring and formation testing, then comprehensive logging data can be obtained, but the device complexity increases due to multiple instrument strings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogging data completenessVSAvoidinstrument string quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates coring and sampling modules into a single sub, reducing the number of instrument strings from multiple to one, while still obtaining comprehensive logging data through simultaneous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The integrated design reduces the length of downhole instruments, lowers costs, and enhances safety by allowing simultaneous coring and sampling at the same position, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of instrument sticking.

Implementation Method 1

the hydraulic module is configured to provide telescopic power for the probe module, and to provide a power for movement, turn-over and core-pushing of the coring module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS12359519B2Coring and sampling integrated sub and downhole instrument

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 CHINA OILFIELD SERVICES LTD

AI summary

A coring and sampling integrated sub, including an integrally formed base body, a probe module, a coring module and a hydraulic module. The probe module, the coring module and the hydraulic module are all mounted on the base body. The hydraulic module, the probe module and the coring module are sequentially arranged from top to bottom. An output end of the hydraulic module is configured to be connected to the probe module and the coring module, respectively. The hydraulic module is configured to provide telescopic power for the probe module, and provide power for movement, flipping, and pushing of the coring module. Also disclosed is a downhole instrument including the coring and sampling integrated sub.