Passive Micro-Vessel Timing Mechanism for Harsh Subsurface Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in acquiring and analyzing fluid samples from subsurface reservoir formations due to harsh environments like high temperature and pressure, corrosive fluids, and constrained geometry, which hinder the deployment of electronic sensors. Additionally, there is a need for technologies that can map subterranean fracture geometry and inject small particles or chemicals at predefined times in remote or inaccessible environments.
Innovation Solution
An electrically passive device with a microfluidic timing mechanism that uses a timing fluid to rupture a mechanical structure at a predetermined time, allowing fluid sampling or particle release, and emits an acoustic signal for positioning, which includes a microfluidic channel, timing cavity, and mechanical structure designed to collapse and emit a specific acoustic signature upon fluid pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic sensors are deployed in harsh subsurface environments, then measurement capabilities are improved, but device reliability deteriorates due to high temperature, pressure, and corrosive fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensing systems with a purely mechanical passive vessel that uses pressure-driven microfluidic mechanisms for sampling and timing. The mechanical structure includes a pressure-sensitive membrane that ruptures at predetermined pressures to release samples or trigger measurements, eliminating electronics that would fail in harsh HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) subsurface environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive vessel performs self-activation through pressure-sensitive mechanisms without requiring external power sources or control systems. The vessel automatically samples fluid, times its operation, and releases contents based on predetermined pressure thresholds and microfluidic channel geometries, making it reliable in environments where electronic control would be unavailable or fail.
2Loss of information
If active sensing systems with on-board electronics are used, then data transmission capabilities are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the telemetry and data transmission functions from the downhole device, eliminating all electronic components. The passive vessel performs its sampling and measurement functions mechanically, and any data is retrieved through physical retrieval of the vessel or passive acoustic signaling, rather than requiring complex electronic communication systems downhole.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive vessel is designed as a simple, low-cost, disposable device that can be injected into the formation, perform its function, and be retrieved or left to degrade. The simplicity of the mechanical design makes it economically viable as a single-use device, eliminating the need for expensive, complex electronic systems that would require maintenance and power management.
3Volume of moving object
If devices are miniaturized for remote injection, then deployment capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses changes in physical parameters (pressure, fluid viscosity, channel geometry) to control the timing and operation of the microfluidic mechanisms. By carefully designing the relationship between pressure differential, channel dimensions, and fluid properties, the device achieves precise timing control through passive physical laws rather than active electronic control, making miniaturization feasible while maintaining functional precision.
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
Enables robust, miniaturized, and economical sampling and measurement capabilities in harsh environments without the need for power or telemetry, allowing for precise timing of fluid acquisition and particle release, along with device positioning through acoustic triangulation.
Implementation Method 1
Upon applying pressure to the timing fluid, the timing fluid advances within the microfluidic channel at a speed dictated by the predefined channel geometry and known timing fluid properties
Implementation Method 2
Upon reaching the timing cavity after a timing interval, the timing fluid applies pressure to the timing diaphragm which ruptures and/or collapses the mechanical structure
Implementation Method 3
communicating its position via acoustic emissions
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically passive device and method for in-situ acoustic emission, and/or releasing, sampling and/or measuring of a fluid or various material(s) is provided. The device may provide a robust timing mechanism to release, sample and/or perform measurements on a predefined schedule, and, in various embodiments, emits an acoustic signal sequence(s) that may be used for triangulation of the device position within, for example, a hydrocarbon reservoir or a living body.