Downhole Sampler Chamber Cam Interface for Stress Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wellbore sampling technologies face challenges in securely and efficiently collecting and storing fluid samples from downhole formations due to rotational bending and other stresses on the tool collar, which can lead to sample contamination and damage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a sample module with a fluid communication device and sample chambers housed in drill collars, featuring a cam-based interface that secures and releases the sample chambers, allowing for axial loading absorption and easy insertion/removal, along with a flow system for diverting and storing samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sample chambers are mounted near the outer perimeter of the tool collar to facilitate removal on the rig floor, then ease of operation is improved, but the sample chambers are subjected to rotational bending and other stresses that can lead to contamination and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sample chamber removalVSAvoidstress-induced contamination and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool collar is divided into separate functional zones: an inner region that rotates with the drill string and an outer region that remains stationary. Sample chambers are mounted in the inner rotating region, isolated from the outer stationary region by a barrier. This segmentation allows sample chambers to rotate with the tool while being protected from stresses in the outer region, resolving the contradiction between ease of removal and protection from harmful stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A barrier structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the inner rotating region and the outer stationary region of the tool collar. This barrier prevents stress transmission from the outer region to the sample chambers in the inner region, while still allowing the sample chambers to be accessed and removed when needed. The barrier acts as a mediator that decouples the two regions mechanically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sample chambers are securely secured within the tool collar to prevent damage, then reliability is improved, but insertion and removal become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample chamber securityVSAvoidease of insertion and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention mechanism uses a dynamic approach with movable retention members that can be shifted between engaged and disengaged positions. During normal operation, the retention members are engaged to securely hold sample chambers. During maintenance or sampling operations, the retention members can be moved to disengage, allowing easy removal. This dynamic system resolves the contradiction between secure retention and ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention function is extracted from a permanent, fixed structure and made into a separate, movable retention mechanism. This allows the retention function to be independently controlled - engaged when security is needed, disengaged when removal is needed. The retention members can be selectively activated or deactivated, providing flexibility that resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the tool collar structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to protect sample chambers from stresses is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool collar manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidrotational bending and stresses on sample chambers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool collar is segmented into distinct functional regions (inner rotating region and outer stationary region) with a barrier between them. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently - the inner region can be simpler to manufacture while the barrier provides the necessary stress protection. The segmented design actually simplifies manufacturing by allowing separate fabrication and assembly of components rather than requiring a complex integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a stress barrier to protect sample chambers, defines the boundary between rotating and stationary regions, and provides a mounting structure for retention members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining protective capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9212550B2Sampler chamber assembly and methods

Publication Date: 2015.12.15 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device, a sample chamber, and a coupling assembly. The fluid communication device is operable to establish fluid communication between a downhole tool and a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the downhole tool is positioned. The sample chamber is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. The coupling assembly mechanically couples the sample chamber within the downhole tool and comprises a cam rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the cam preloads the sample chamber when in the first position is disengaged from the sample chamber in the second position.