Sample Bottle Position Detection Using Segmented Protrusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample bottles in downhole fluid analysis systems face accuracy issues in ensuring the bottle is fully filled or properly sealed due to the uncertainty in detecting the position of the separation piston, which can be as high as 2 centimeters, making it insufficient for precise sampling.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sample capture device with a protrusion extending from a central rod, a limit switch or proximity sensor, and a closure device, which allows for precise measurement of the separation piston's position, reducing uncertainty to approximately 1 millimeter, ensuring the bottle is full or sealed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a separation piston with a long stroke (approximately 1 meter) is used to allow the piston to move from a first position to a second position in the fluid chamber, then the sample bottle can accommodate fluid volume requirements, but the measurement precision of the piston position deteriorates with an uncertainty of approximately 2 centimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long-stroke piston system into two parts: the main separation piston with long stroke for volume accommodation, and a separate protrusion on the central rod with short stroke for precise measurement. The protrusion carries the limit switch and provides a compact measurement range that improves position detection precision while the main piston maintains the required fluid chamber volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detection of the piston stroke is performed with a precision of two percent of the entire measurement range, then the detection system can cover the full stroke range, but the uncertainty of approximately two centimeters is insufficient for assuring the bottle is full or properly sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented from the actuation function. The protrusion on the central rod provides a short-stroke measurement reference that carries the limit switch, creating a compact detection range with high precision (reduced to approximately 1 millimeter). This segmented approach allows the main piston to have long stroke for adaptability while the protrusion provides precise measurement coverage.
3Measurement precision
If a limit switch located at a peripheral end of the protrusion is used to limit movement of the central rod, then the movement can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the central rod and protrusion assembly: the central rod serves as both the actuation mechanism for the separation piston and the measurement reference carrier. The protrusion combines the limit switch mounting, position reference, and movement limiting functions into a single integrated structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise movement control.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy of determining the filling percentage of the sample bottle, providing a more reliable assurance of a full or sealed sample, thereby improving the precision and reliability of fluid sampling in downhole environments.
Implementation Method 1
a limit switch located at a peripheral end of the protrusion, the limit switch configured to limit movement of the central rod when the limit switch is activated
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for determining a state of a sample bottle, having an external housing, a fluid chamber configured to hold a fluid obtained from an environment, the fluid chamber within the external housing, a separation piston positioned at one end of the fluid chamber, the separation piston configured to move from a first position to a second position; a closure device configured to establish a closure; a protrusion extending from a central rod, the protrusion extending into a flowline; the central rod positioned within the external housing, the central rod configured to interface with the separation piston and move the separation piston from the first position to the second position and a limit switch located at a peripheral end of the protrusion, the limit switch configured to limit movement of the central rod when the limit switch is activated.