Portable Gamma Ray Core Analysis System for Offshore Wellsite Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore drilling operations face challenges in analyzing subsurface core samples due to handling issues such as shocks, vibrations, and contamination during transportation, which can lead to physical changes and delayed analysis, necessitating a method for quick and accurate analysis at the wellsite.
Innovation Solution
A portable core sample analysis system equipped with a gamma ray detector and radiation source that emits and detects gamma radiation to determine properties like density and effective nuclear charge of the core samples, allowing for on-site analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If core samples are transported to a laboratory for analysis, then comprehensive analysis can be performed, but the samples are exposed to shocks, vibrations, and contamination that cause physical changes and delay analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device performs preliminary analysis of core samples at the wellsite immediately after retrieval, before the samples can undergo physical changes during transport. This preliminary action captures critical data while the sample is still in its original state, resolving the contradiction between obtaining comprehensive analysis and maintaining sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential analysis function from the laboratory setting and brings it to the wellsite through a portable device. By taking out the radiation source and detector into a portable configuration, the system enables accurate analysis without requiring sample transport, thus preserving sample integrity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If core samples are transported to a laboratory, then detailed analysis can be conducted, but extended periods pass before analysis causing delays in drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The portable analysis device performs measurements immediately at the wellsite, conducting the analysis action beforehand before any transport delays occur. This preliminary timing eliminates the extended periods between sample retrieval and analysis, resolving the time loss contradiction while maintaining detailed analysis capability through radiation-based measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial dimension of analysis from a centralized laboratory to a distributed wellsite location. By moving the analysis capability to another dimension (portable field deployment), the system eliminates transport time while preserving detailed analysis capability through the use of portable radiation sources and detectors.
3Productivity
If a portable analysis device is used at the wellsite, then analysis time is reduced and sample integrity is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device merges the radiation source, detector, and data processing components into a single integrated portable unit. This combining of functions into one cohesive device enables rapid on-site analysis while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and device complexity.
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 rapid and accurate analysis of core samples at the wellsite, reducing the risk of physical changes and providing immediate data on sample properties, thereby improving the efficiency of offshore drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first module that includes a radiation source. Also, the portable sampling device includes a second module that includes a detector that is configured to detect radiation emitted from the radiation source that reflects off of the subsurface core sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a core sample analysis system that includes a portable sampling device configured to be positioned adjacent to a subsurface core sample. The portable sampling device includes a first module that includes a radiation source. Also, the portable sampling device includes a second module that includes a detector that is configured to detect radiation emitted from the radiation source that reflects off of the subsurface core sample.