Pressurized Core Sample Transfer Tool System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools for transferring pressurized subterranean core samples from commercial coring tools to laboratory equipment, such as NMR systems, are incompatible due to metal construction, leading to pressure changes and physical damage, which compromises the representativeness of samples for downhole conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a retrieval vessel, a valve, and a linear actuator that maintains sampling pressure during transfer, allowing the core samples to be moved to a non-metallic testing vessel compatible with NMR and other laboratory measurements, ensuring the samples remain under initial pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional metal tools are used to transfer core samples, then the transfer process is simple and robust, but the samples undergo pressure changes and physical damage, compromising their representativeness for downhole conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A pressurized transfer chamber serves as an intermediary system between the coring tool and laboratory equipment. This chamber maintains downhole pressure conditions during sample transfer, allowing samples to be moved without pressure changes or physical damage while remaining representative of original downhole conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains pressure as a critical parameter throughout the transfer process. By controlling pressure conditions in the transfer chamber to match downhole conditions, the system prevents pressure-induced changes in fluid composition and rock structure, ensuring sample representativeness
2Reliability
If pressurized transfer equipment is used to maintain sample integrity, then sample representativeness is improved, but compatibility with NMR and other laboratory measurements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the pressurized transfer function from the measurement function. The transfer chamber handles pressurized sample transfer, while a separate non-metallic sample holder accommodates NMR and other laboratory measurements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
A non-metallic sample holder acts as an intermediary between the pressurized transfer chamber and NMR measurement systems. This holder maintains pressure containment while being compatible with electromagnetic fields required for NMR, enabling both pressurized transfer and laboratory measurement compatibility
3Ease of operation
If core samples are depressurized to atmospheric pressure for laboratory study, then sample access is easier, but fluid composition changes and physical damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains pressure as a controlled parameter throughout the entire transfer and measurement process. By keeping pressure at downhole conditions rather than depressurizing to atmospheric pressure, the system prevents fluid composition changes such as gas expansion and hydrocarbon phase changes, while still allowing laboratory measurements to be performed on the pressurized samples
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 accurate and representative testing of core samples by maintaining the original pressure and minimizing structural and compositional changes, enhancing the reliability of laboratory data.
Implementation Method 1
facilitates removal of at least one pressure barrier from the retrieval vessel through the valve at the first time while maintaining the sampling pressure of the at least one subterranean sample
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic device that facilitates pressurizing the testing vessel to the sampling pressure at the second time
Implementation Method 3
The testing vessel and the retrieval vessel can be coupled to each other through the valve at a third time, where the at least one subterranean core sample is transferred from the retrieval vessel through the valve to the testing vessel at the third time at the sampling pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transferring at least one subterranean core sample under pressure can include a retrieval vessel that collects and houses the at least one subterranean core sample at a sampling pressure at which the at least one subterranean core is collected. The system can also include a linear actuator that couples to the retrieval vessel through a valve in the open position at a first time, where the linear actuator facilitates removal of at least one pressure barrier from the retrieval vessel through the valve at the first time while maintaining the sampling pressure of the at least one subterranean sample. The system can further include a testing vessel that couples to the linear actuator through the valve in the open position at a second time, and a hydraulic device that facilitates pressurizing the testing vessel to the sampling pressure at the second time.