Nested Coring Apparatus with Independent MWD Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for recovering geological core samples from downhole environments face challenges such as core breakage, jamming, and the inability to independently move measurements while drilling (MWD) devices from coring apparatus, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves providing a measurements while coring device that can be separately retrieved from the wellbore, allowing independent movement from the coring apparatus. This setup includes a coring apparatus with a hollow coring bit, an outer tube for transmitting rotational energy, an inner tube for protecting the core, and a swivel assembly to maintain the inner tube's stability during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coring apparatus is used with integrated MWD device, then measurements can be taken during coring operations, but the MWD device cannot be independently moved from the coring apparatus, limiting operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the coring apparatus (outer tube, coring bit) and the MWD device (inner tube with sensors and battery) are independent of each other. The MWD device can be independently deployed, retrieved, or replaced without affecting the coring apparatus, enabling independent movement and enhanced adaptability while maintaining measurement capabilities during coring operations.
2Reliability
If coring operations are conducted at the bottom of the wellbore, then core samples can be obtained, but the cores have a tendency to break and jam within the coring apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube containing the core sample is nested within the outer tube of the coring apparatus. This nested configuration provides protective support for the core sample during retrieval, preventing breakage and jamming while maintaining efficient coring operations at the bottom of the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube acts as an intermediary between the coring bit and the core sample, providing a protective channel that supports the core during extraction. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between the core and the coring apparatus walls, reducing the risk of breakage and jamming.
3Measurement precision
If numerous core samples are required to ascertain hydrocarbon presence, then accurate geological assessment can be achieved, but the difficulty and cost of obtaining each core increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MWD device enables continuous measurement and data transmission during coring operations, allowing real-time assessment of geological formations. This continuous monitoring reduces the need for multiple separate core retrieval operations, saving time while maintaining accurate hydrocarbon assessment through ongoing data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The MWD device provides real-time feedback on formation properties during coring operations, allowing operators to make immediate decisions about whether additional cores are needed. This feedback mechanism optimizes the number of cores required for accurate assessment, reducing unnecessary retrieval operations and associated downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods relate to recovering cores from downhole environments where downhole environmental parameters are measured during coring operations.