Downhole Sample Chamber Integrity Assessment via Pressure Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole fluid sampling faces challenges in maintaining sample integrity due to pressure and temperature changes from downhole to surface conditions, leading to potential leakage and phase changes in non-compensated sample bottles, which can affect the accuracy of formation fluid analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine an estimated surface pressure of the collected formation fluid without opening the sample chamber, comparing it with the actual surface pressure to assess the integrity of the sample chamber, using techniques such as equation of state models and fluid analysis measurements to identify any leaks or phase changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the downhole tool is withdrawn from the wellbore to surface conditions, then the sample can be analyzed, but pressure and temperature changes cause leakage and phase changes in non-compensated sample bottles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining the estimated surface pressure before the sample chamber is opened, and compares it with the actual surface pressure to assess integrity. This preliminary assessment prevents undetected leakage from compromising the analysis accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring pressure changes in the sample chamber during withdrawal and comparison with estimated values. This feedback mechanism allows real-time detection of integrity issues, enabling corrective actions before analysis.
2Measurement precision
If the sample chamber is opened to measure actual pressure, then pressure measurement is obtained, but sample integrity may already be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pressure measurements and integrity assessments before opening the sample chamber. By determining estimated surface pressure in advance and comparing with actual pressure upon opening, the system ensures sample integrity is maintained throughout the measurement process.
3Reliability
If equation of state models and fluid analysis measurements are used to estimate surface pressure, then sample integrity can be assessed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses equation of state models as intermediary tools to estimate surface pressure without directly opening the sample chamber. These models serve as mediators between the sealed sample and the analysis system, enabling integrity assessment while maintaining sample containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical opening of the sample chamber with computational methods (equation of state models and fluid analysis). This substitution eliminates the need for physical intervention that could compromise sample integrity, achieving assessment through mathematical and analytical means.
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 approach helps ensure the accuracy of further analysis by determining the integrity of the sample chamber, preventing inaccuracies caused by leakage or phase changes, thereby improving the characterization of subterranean formations.
Implementation Method 1
determine an estimated surface pressure of the collected formation fluid without opening the sample chamber, comparing it with the actual surface pressure to assess the integrity of the sample chamber, using techniques such as equation of state models and fluid analysis measurements
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining an integrity of a sample chamber. In certain embodiments, formation fluid is collected from a subterranean formation within a sample chamber disposed in a downhole tool, the downhole tool is withdrawn from a wellbore, an estimated surface pressure of the collected formation fluid is determined, the estimated surface pressure of the collected formation fluid is compared with an actual surface pressure of the sample chamber, and the integrity of the sample chamber is determined based on the comparison of the estimated surface pressure and the actual surface pressure.