Pressure Compensated Core Sampling System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional core sampling systems fail to maintain the original reservoir state of fluids during transport to the surface, leading to fluid phase changes, damage, and alteration of the core sample's representative nature due to pressure and temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A core sampling system with a pressure compensating mechanism that includes a high-pressure core tube assembly and a pressure compensating system using a compressible fluid to maintain reservoir pressure, preventing fluid phase changes and damage by applying additional force on the core samples through a piston and control valve system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional core sampling systems transport core samples to the surface without pressure compensation, then the transport process is simple and direct, but the pressure reduction causes fluid phase changes, thermal contraction, and irreversible fluid alteration that damages the core sample's representative nature
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements nesting by placing the core sample within a core sample chamber, which is surrounded by a compressible fluid filling chamber. The compressible fluid acts as an outer layer that can be independently pressurized to compensate for pressure changes experienced by the core sample during transport, while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a compressible fluid (gas or liquid) that can be pressurized to compensate for pressure reductions during core sample transport. The system includes pressure compensation mechanisms that maintain reservoir pressure conditions on the core sample by utilizing pneumatic or hydraulic principles, preventing fluid phase changes and preserving sample integrity.
2Reliability
If the core sampling system includes pressure compensation mechanisms, then fluid phase changes and sample damage are prevented, but the system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional segments: a core sample chamber for holding the sample, a compressible fluid filling chamber for pressure compensation, and separate pressure control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining effective pressure compensation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in the physical parameters of a compressible fluid (pressure and volume) to compensate for pressure reductions during transport. By adjusting the pressure of the compressible fluid in the filling chamber, the system maintains constant pressure conditions on the core sample without requiring complex mechanical structures, thereby easing manufacturing requirements.
3Temperature
If temperature reduction occurs during core sample transport, then thermal contraction of fluid within the core sample occurs, but this leads to fluid phase changes and irreversible fluid alteration
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by pre-pressurizing the compressible fluid surrounding the core sample before transport begins. This pre-applied pressure counteracts the effects of thermal contraction and phase changes that would otherwise occur due to temperature reduction during transport, thereby preserving fluid composition stability without requiring active temperature control mechanisms.
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
The system effectively maintains the original reservoir state of fluids, preventing phase changes and damage during transport, ensuring accurate laboratory testing results by maintaining pressure and temperature conditions similar to the reservoir.
Implementation Method 1
The isolated pressure compensation system may include a compressible fluid charge
Implementation Method 2
a reduction in temperature, which occurs as the core sample travels to the surface, results in a thermal contraction of fluid within the core sample
Implementation Method 3
maintain reservoir pressure by applying additional force on the core samples through a piston and control valve system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include a core sampling system. The core sampling system includes a core barrel that in operation receives a core sample from a well. Additionally, the core sampling system includes an isolated pressure compensation system, and a selectively activated isolation mechanism coupled between the core barrel and the isolated pressure compensation system. Further, the core sampling system includes a controller that in operation deactivates the selectively activated isolation mechanism upon closing of the core barrel.