Sampling Probe with Concentric Heaters for Heavy Oil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional formation fluid sampling tools face challenges in sampling heavy oils due to their high viscosity and low mobility, which hinders effective sampling in subterranean formations.

Innovation Solution

A formation fluid sampling tool equipped with a sampling probe having heating elements arranged concentrically around an opening, allowing conductive heating of the subterranean formation to reduce viscosity and increase mobility of the heavy oils, thereby facilitating sampling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional sampling tools are used to sample heavy oil, then the sampling process is simple, but the low mobility of heavy oil makes sampling challenging and ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling effectivenessVSAvoidfluid mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by heating the formation fluid to alter its physical properties. The heating element increases the temperature of the heavy oil, which changes its viscosity parameter and improves its mobility, enabling effective sampling with conventional tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical sampling methods with a thermal field approach. Instead of relying on mechanical pumping or pressure differentials to move viscous heavy oil, the system uses heating elements to create a thermal field that reduces viscosity and enables natural flow into the sampling tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If heating elements are added to the sampling tool, then the mobility of heavy oil is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid mobilityVSAvoidtool structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling tool is designed with multi-functionality, where the heating elements serve dual purposes: they heat the formation fluid to improve mobility and can also be used to maintain the fluid in a liquid state during sampling. This universal approach justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single component addition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating elements are positioned specifically at the sampling interface where they are most needed to reduce viscosity and improve flow. This localized heating approach minimizes the overall energy consumption and device complexity compared to heating the entire formation volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If heating is applied to reduce viscosity, then the flow rate increases, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rateVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating elements can be operated in a periodic or pulsed manner rather than continuously. The system can apply heating only when needed to reduce viscosity for sampling, then allow the formation fluid to cool and natural convection to occur, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective sampling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the natural thermal properties of the formation fluid and the surrounding environment to assist the heating process. The heat from the heating elements is efficiently transferred to the formation fluid through thermal conduction, and the resulting temperature differential creates natural convection currents that enhance fluid flow without requiring additional power input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The tool effectively reduces the viscosity of heavy oils, increases their mobility, and enhances the flow rate, while also reducing the power required for heating and allowing for sustained heating with the option to cool down using mud circulation.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of heating elements arranged concentrically around the opening and configured to conductively heat a subterranean formation through an external surface of the sampling probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductive heating: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

conductively transferring heat from the heated external surface of the at least one sampling probe to one or more formation fluids entrained in the subterranean formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductive heat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11015447B2Sampling subterranean formation fluids in a wellbore

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A formation fluid sampling tool includes a housing, and at least one sampling probe proximate an external surface of the housing. The at least one sampling probe includes an opening sized and positioned to receive one or more heated formation fluids, and a plurality of heating elements arranged concentrically around the opening and configured to conductively heat a subterranean formation through an external surface of the sampling probe.