Modular MWD Sample Bottle Assembly with Clamp Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole evaluation and identification tools for hydrocarbon wells face challenges in assembly and disassembly, resilience, and maintaining connectivity and interchangeability, especially with multiple tools and systems spread over multiple tubular sections during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
The development of a modular MWD tool system with interconnect assemblies and sample bottle drill collar sections that include flush pump assemblies, flow gear or turbine assemblies, and electronics modules, along with end-clamps and intermediate clamps to secure sample bottle assemblies, enhances tool connectivity and reduces vibration and fluid invasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools and systems are placed in multiple drill collars to increase functionality, then the evaluation capabilities are improved, but the assembly and disassembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MWD tool system is divided into modular components including sample bottle assemblies, flush pump assemblies, flow gear assemblies, turbine assemblies, and electronics modules that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module can be configured in different drill collars to create customized evaluation systems without requiring complete reassembly of the entire tool string.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools and systems are placed in multiple drill collars to increase functionality, then the evaluation capabilities are improved, but the time required for assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular MWD tool components are pre-configured and pre-assembled into standardized modules before being deployed to the well site. Sample bottle assemblies, pump assemblies, and electronics modules are prepared in advance with all necessary connections and seals already in place, allowing for rapid assembly and disassembly during drilling operations without requiring extensive on-site configuration.
3Reliability
If sample bottle assemblies are secured with clamps to reduce vibration and fluid invasion, then the reliability of fluid sampling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
End-clamps and intermediate clamps serve as intermediary components that mechanically secure the sample bottle assembly to the drill collar structure. These clamps provide vibration damping and prevent fluid communication between the sample bottle and surrounding drilling environment, thereby protecting sample integrity without requiring complex sealing mechanisms or active control 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
This modular system simplifies assembly and disassembly, increases tool resilience, and reduces vibration and fluid invasion, improving the reliability and efficiency of downhole evaluations and fluid sampling during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
assemblies or devices which operate based on hydraulic power. For example, the tool may include an extendable density pad, an extendable coring tool, or an extendable reamer
Implementation Method 2
flow gear or turbine assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus according to which a sample bottle drill collar section is assembled. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a drill collar that includes an outer surface; a pocket accessible through an aperture in the outer surface, the pocket defining a first side wall and a second side wall; a bottle assembly disposed within the pocket, the bottle assembly comprising a sample bottle having an axial length; one or more clamps coupled to the outer surface and abutting or overlapping the bottle assembly, the one or more clamps at least partially retaining the bottle assembly in the pocket; and one or more spacers disposed within the pocket, the one or more spacers abutting the bottle assembly and at least one of the first and second side walls of the pocket.