Locking Wellbore Sampling Tool for Pressure-Compensated Fluid Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore fluid sampling tools face issues with premature opening or closing during sample operations, and the samples are not adequately pressurized during retrieval, leading to analysis challenges.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore fluid sampling tool with a movable rod and locking mechanism that allows for controlled transitions between open and closed configurations, enabling fluid communication with the wellbore for sampling and pressurized chamber for sample pressurization, using a locking mechanism to maintain these configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent premature opening or closing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a movable rod that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states based on pressure differential. The rod is positioned to be movable between a first position (blocking fluid communication) and a second position (allowing fluid communication), enabling the system to adapt its configuration in response to pressure changes without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism responds to changes in pressure differential across the rod. When pressure differential exceeds a threshold, the rod moves from the first position to the second position, automatically transitioning the sampling tool between closed and open configurations. This pressure-based triggering mechanism provides reliable operation without adding complex mechanical controls.
2Ease of operation
If the sampling tool is kept in open configuration for sampling, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to premature closure
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is preliminarily positioned in the first position to block fluid communication between the sampling chamber and wellbore. This preliminary blocking action prevents premature closure during sampling operations. The rod remains in this protective position until pressure differential actively triggers its movement to the second position, ensuring the sampling tool maintains its open configuration throughout the sampling process.
3Device complexity
If samples are not pressurized during retrieval, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling tool combines the sampling chamber and pressurized chamber into a single integrated device. The rod simultaneously controls both the sampling operation (by blocking or allowing fluid communication with the wellbore) and the pressurization operation (by blocking or allowing fluid communication with the pressurized chamber). This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate pressurization equipment while ensuring samples are properly pressurized for accurate fluid analysis.
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
Ensures reliable sampling and pressurization of wellbore fluid samples, preventing premature closure and ensuring accurate analysis by maintaining fluid communication and pressure within the sampling chamber.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing the sample with a pressurized fluid in the pressurized chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sampling wellbore fluid, including: lowering a sampling tool into a wellbore, configuring the sampling tool in an open configuration, retrieving a sample of wellbore fluid from the wellbore in a sampling chamber, retaining the sampling tool in an open configuration with a locking mechanism, configuring the sampling tool in a closed configuration, retaining the sampling tool in the closed configuration, and pressurizing the sample with a pressurized fluid in the pressurized chamber. Configuring the sampling tool in the open configuration includes opening fluid communication between the sampling chamber of the sampling tool and the wellbore. Configuring the sampling tool in the closed configuration includes closing fluid communication between the sampling chamber and the wellbore and opening fluid communication between the sampling chamber and the pressurized chamber.