Microsampler Tube Architecture for High-Count Wellbore Fluid Sampling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sampling tools are limited in the number of samples they can take due to mechanical and fluid system complexity, making it difficult to acquire a large number of microsamples efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A microsampler system with actuation mechanisms that simplify mechanical and fluid systems for acquiring and analyzing multiple microsamples, using sensors and communication links to process and store fluid samples in a confined space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional fluid sampling tools are used to collect multiple samples, then the number of samples that can be taken is limited, but the mechanical and fluid system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sampling function into multiple independent microsampler units, each capable of collecting individual fluid samples. These modular units are arranged in a sequence along a sampling line, allowing the system to collect many samples without requiring complex mechanical manipulation mechanisms. Each microsampler operates independently with simple internal valve structures, collectively enabling high sample quantity while maintaining individual component simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sampling mechanisms with a pressure-driven fluid control system. Instead of using complex mechanical valves and actuators for each sampler, the system uses centralized pressure control to open/close microsampler valves simultaneously or sequentially. This substitution of mechanical actuation with pressure-based control significantly reduces the mechanical complexity while enabling collection of large numbers of samples.
2Quantity of substance
If microsamplers are used to save space and allow large number of samples, then the number of samples increases, but each microsampler adds complexity and space to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple microsampler units into a single integrated assembly that shares common structural and fluid control elements. All microsamplers are connected to a single fluid inlet line and controlled by a centralized pressure control system, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each sampler. This merging approach allows the system to accommodate a large number of microsamples while the shared infrastructure prevents proportional increases in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The microsampler design incorporates universal, standardized components that perform multiple functions. Each microsampler unit uses identical valve structures, sealing mechanisms, and connection interfaces, allowing for mass production and simplified assembly. The standardized design enables the system to scale to accommodate many samples without requiring unique components for each sampler, thereby controlling complexity even as the number of microsamples increases.
Data Source
AI summary
A microsampling device for taking fluid samples in a wellbore. The microsampling device may comprise a microsampling tube in which one or more microsamplers disposed in the microsampling tube. Additionally, the microsampling device may comprise a fluid flow line connected to the microsampling tube in which a fluid sample traverses and a secondary fluid flow line in which at least a part of the fluid sample may traverse from the microsampling tube through the secondary fluid flow line and into a wellbore.