Separable Pressure Testing Module for Downhole Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current formation pressure testing methods in oil and gas exploration are limited in their ability to accurately measure and record formation fluid pressure within subterranean formations, often requiring complex equipment and procedures that are not easily adaptable to varying downhole conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid testing tool apparatus comprising a tool base and a pressure testing module with a piston assembly, allowing for the conveyance of hydraulic fluid to draw formation fluid into a chamber, enabling precise pressure measurement and recording, with the module being separable and easily interchangeable based on downhole conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex equipment and procedures are used for formation pressure testing, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The formation pressure testing tool is divided into a tool base and a separable pressure testing module. The pressure testing module can be detached and replaced based on different downhole conditions, allowing the system to maintain high measurement precision while reducing overall complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool base is designed with universal interfaces and components that can work with different pressure testing modules. The hydraulic pump system can serve multiple functions including drawing formation fluid into the chamber and operating the piston assembly, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed pressure testing equipment is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to varying downhole conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure testing module incorporates a movable piston assembly that can be positioned at different locations within the chamber based on downhole conditions. The hydraulic system allows dynamic adjustment of chamber pressure and fluid extraction rates, enabling the fixed-precision module to adapt to varying formation pressures and fluid properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston assembly can be repositioned to change the effective chamber volume and pressure characteristics. By adjusting piston position and selecting different module configurations, the system maintains manufacturing precision while adapting to different formation conditions through parameter changes rather than requiring completely different equipment.
3Ease of operation
If separable pressure testing modules are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separable pressure testing module design allows operators to detach and replace modules based on specific testing requirements. Standardized connection interfaces between the tool base and various pressure testing modules simplify the interchange process, making operation easier while managing complexity through consistent modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool base serves as an intermediary platform that provides common functions (hydraulic power, fluid pathways, control systems) that work with any pressure testing module. This mediator approach allows easy module interchange while the standardized base system manages the complexity of interfacing with different module types.
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 accurate and adaptable formation fluid pressure measurement, improving the efficiency and reliability of formation pressure testing by allowing for selection of appropriate piston configurations based on downhole conditions, thus enhancing data accuracy and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic pump is fluidly connected to the first chamber portion and is operable to pump hydraulic fluid into the first chamber portion to move the piston assembly to draw the formation fluid into the second chamber portion
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure testing module separable from and configured to be coupled with a tool base that is to be coupled along a downhole tool string to be conveyed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The pressure testing module includes a chamber and a piston assembly slidably disposed within the chamber, thus dividing the chamber into a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion. The piston assembly is operable to move in response to hydraulic fluid being pumped into the first chamber portion and to draw formation fluid of the wellbore into the second chamber portion in response to the movement of the piston assembly.