Scale Sampler Plunger Deflector Solids Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plunger lift systems in hydrocarbon well development face challenges with well loading and scale deposition, requiring separate tools for fluid lifting and downhole scale sampling, which increases costs, downtime, and operational risks.
Innovation Solution
A scale sampler plunger with a solid cylindrical member and a lower sub featuring a deflector and anchor, designed to remove contaminants and collect solids within the tubing string, combining the functions of a plunger and a downhole sampler into a single tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tools are used for plunger lift and downhole scale sampling, then each function can be performed effectively, but operational costs, downtime, and risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the plunger lift tool and downhole scale sampler into a single integrated device. The plunger body incorporates a scale sampling mechanism with a sample receptacle, allowing both fluid lifting and scale collection functions to be performed by one tool, thereby reducing operational costs, downtime, and risks associated with deploying separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool serves multiple functions: it acts as a plunger for artificial lift operations while simultaneously functioning as a scale sampler capable of collecting downhole scale samples. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate intervention operations, improving operational efficiency without compromising the effectiveness of either function
2Reliability
If separate tools are used for plunger lift and downhole scale sampling, then specialized functions are optimized, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the plunger lift and scale sampling functions into one tool, the patent eliminates the need for separate deployment and retrieval operations. The integrated tool can perform both functions during a single intervention, significantly reducing operational downtime and resource consumption while maintaining the specialized effectiveness of each function
3Reliability
If separate tools are used for plunger lift and downhole scale sampling, then operational procedures can be specialized, but preparation and rig-up steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of sampling capabilities into the plunger lift tool consolidates the preparation and rig-up procedures. Instead of preparing and rigging up separate tools for plunger lift and scale sampling, the integrated tool requires a single preparation process, simplifying operational procedures while maintaining the specialized functionality of both operations
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
Enables efficient removal and collection of solids without the need for coiled tubing or slickline runs, reducing operational costs and downtime by integrating sampling capabilities into the plunger lift system.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector disposed in a chamber in the lower sub, wherein the deflector causes the fluid stream carrying solids to deposit the solids in the chamber in the lower sub
Data Source
AI summary
A scale sampler plunger having an upper end and a downhole end for a plunger lift system in a tubing string comprising: a solid cylindrical member at the upper end of the scale sampler plunger configured to remove a plurality of contaminants in the tubing string; a lower sub at the downhole end of the scale sampler plunger threaded to the solid cylindrical member, wherein the lower sub comprises a first section threaded to a second section extending axially from the first section; wherein a fluid stream carrying solids flows from the tubing string into an entry opening located in the second section; a deflector disposed in a chamber in the lower sub, wherein the deflector causes the fluid stream carrying solids to deposit the solids in the chamber in the lower sub; and an anchor disposed in the entry opening, wherein the anchor is fastened to the deflector.