Downhole Sample Capture Prioritization for Limited Bandwidth Telemetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unreliable opening and closure of sample bottles in wellbore formation sampling tools during drilling operations lead to lost time due to failed sample captures, exacerbated by limited communication bandwidth through mud pulse telemetry.
Innovation Solution
Implementing downhole data collection and analysis to prioritize sample capture data for transmission to the surface, allowing for automatic adjustments in tool operation to ensure successful sample capture, and selecting key data points or pressure curve portions for expedient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mud pulse telemetry is used for communication between sampling tool and surface, then communication bandwidth is limited, but reliable sample capture monitoring is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments sample capture data into priority levels (critical, important, routine) and transmits only the most relevant data through the limited mud pulse telemetry bandwidth. This segmentation allows reliable monitoring of critical parameters while reducing overall data transmission requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and transmits only the most critical sample capture indicators (such as sample volume achieved, capture success/failure status) through the limited bandwidth channel, leaving detailed secondary data to be transmitted later or analyzed downhole.
2Loss of information
If complete sample capture data is transmitted to surface, then data completeness is improved, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary downhole analysis of sample capture data to identify critical indicators before transmission. By pre-processing data downhole and selecting only essential information for transmission, the system achieves timely decision-making without sacrificing necessary data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the most time-critical data elements (such as immediate capture success/failure status) for rapid transmission, enabling quick operational decisions while deferring transmission of less time-sensitive detailed data.
3Ease of operation
If sample bottle opening and closure operations are performed, then sample capture is enabled, but operational reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor sample capture operations in real-time and provide status information to the surface. This feedback enables operators to detect failed capture events and take corrective action, improving overall capture reliability while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary checks and preparations before sample bottle operations (such as verifying bottle status, pressure conditions, and system readiness) to prevent failed capture events, thereby improving reliability without compromising operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining formation fluid sample quality includes analyzing sample capture data to identify distinguishing features indicative of whether a successful sample capture has occurred within a downhole tool. The method further includes prioritizing, based on the analysis, the sample capture data for transmission to a surface system.