Downhole Packer Flow Channels Radial Fluid Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for obtaining formation samples using downhole packers are inefficient due to the compaction of mudcake by the inflation of central packers, which hinders the clearance of the sampling zone, and require lengthy processes to remove mudcake and drilling fluid from the wellbore wall.
Innovation Solution
The use of downhole packer apparatus with uneven surface portions and flow channels that promote radial flow of formation fluids, allowing for efficient removal of mudcake and isolation of the sampling zone, potentially eliminating the need for a third central packer, and incorporating pressure offset valves to manage fluid pressure and flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a third central packer is used to reduce sampling zone volume, then the sampling zone clearance time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the third central packer from the system entirely. Instead, it uses the outer surfaces of the first and second packers with integrated flow channels to achieve the same function of reducing sampling zone volume and facilitating mudcake removal, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining time efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second packers are designed with dual functionality: they provide sealing isolation of the sampling zone and simultaneously serve as the structural element for volume reduction and mudcake removal through their uneven outer surfaces with flow channels, eliminating the need for a separate third packer
2Productivity
If drilling fluid is pumped to remove mudcake, then the sampling zone is cleared, but the process takes longer than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The outer surface of the packers is segmented into multiple flow channels rather than a single continuous surface, creating multiple pathways for drilling fluid to simultaneously remove mudcake from different locations, thereby increasing clearance efficiency and reducing time
Solution Approach 2:
The uneven surface portions with flow channels act as intermediaries between the packer and wellbore wall, facilitating more efficient transfer of drilling fluid to the mudcake interface and enhancing the mudcake removal process
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 approach significantly reduces the time required to clear the sampling zone and enhance the collection of formation fluids by facilitating radial flow through the packer's surface conduits, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the sampling process.
Implementation Method 1
flow channels locatable between the outer surface of the one packer and a facing wellbore wall, the flow channels promoting radial flow of formation fluids
Implementation Method 2
isolating a sampling zone of the subterranean formation adjacent to the borehole to create a fluid seal between the downhole packer apparatus and a wall of the borehole
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole packer apparatus including a packer disposed along a downhole sampling tool, wherein an outer surface of the packer includes an uneven surface portion with one or more flow channels locatable between the outer surface of the one packer and a facing wellbore wall, the flow channels promoting radial flow of formation fluids to one or more surface conduits leading to flow lines located inside the one packer. A method of obtaining a formation sample using the downhole packer apparatus is also described.