Retractable Wet Latch Assembly for Wireline Formation Tester Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean well drilling, obtaining clean formation fluid samples is challenging due to contamination from mud filtrate, which affects the accuracy of formation evaluation and increases operational time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A wet latch assembly is used to electrically couple components, providing power to a formation tester without circulating drilling fluid, reducing contamination and shortening the time required to achieve a clean sample by minimizing active invasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If drilling fluid is circulated to power downhole tools, then power is provided to the formation tester, but contamination of formation fluid samples increases and pumpout time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from the drilling fluid circulation system by introducing a separate electrical power transmission system through a retractable latch assembly. This allows power to be delivered to the formation tester without circulating drilling fluid, thereby eliminating the contamination problem while maintaining power provision capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable latch assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables electrical power transmission from the surface through the drill string to the formation tester. This intermediary system replaces the need for drilling fluid circulation for power transmission, solving both the contamination issue and the power provision requirement.
2Use of energy by moving object
If drilling fluid is circulated to power downhole tools, then power is provided to the formation tester, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming drilling fluid circulation process from the power transmission method. By using electrical power transmission through the retractable latch assembly, power can be provided instantly without the delays associated with circulating and stopping drilling fluid, thereby reducing operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical drilling fluid circulation system with an electrical power transmission system. This substitution eliminates the time required for fluid circulation and allows for immediate power delivery to the formation tester, significantly reducing operational time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable latch assembly is used for power transmission, then contamination is reduced and pumpout time is shortened, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable latch assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power transmission, ensures electrical isolation when retracted, and maintains structural integrity within the drill string. By consolidating these functions into a single assembly, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality required.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is designed to be retractable, allowing it to dynamically change position between extended (for power transmission) and retracted (for isolation and storage) states. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring multiple separate components, thereby managing complexity effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising: a first component of a wet latch assembly, the first component configured for coupling, when extended into the interior flow bore of the BHA, with a second component of the wet latch assembly to provide an assembled wet latch assembly, such that an electrical connection can be made between the first component and the second component; and a formation tester operable for performing a formation test, the formation tester electrically connected with the first component of the wet latch assembly, such that power and/or telemetry can be provided to the formation tester via the assembled wet latch assembly during the formation test.