Sampling While Drilling Tool Modular Chamber Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sampling techniques for subsurface formations face challenges in harsh drilling environments, including limited space, accessibility, shock resistance, thermal stress management, and cost-effectiveness, while requiring efficient and modular sample collection and storage solutions.

Innovation Solution

A sampling while drilling tool with a drill collar, sample chambers, flowlines, and a cover system that allows for modular, shock-absorbed, and thermally stable sample collection and storage, featuring a fluid communication device for efficient fluid sampling and secure sample chamber retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sample chambers are made removable for easy access and retrieval, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential loss or damage during removal and installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample chamber accessVSAvoidsample retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a retainer that cradle-retains the sample chamber within the drill collar. The retainer prevents the sample chamber from falling out or being damaged during removal and installation operations, thus cushioning against potential failures before they occur. This allows the sample chamber to be removable for access while maintaining reliability through the protective retainer mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the drill collar structure is made complex to accommodate sample chambers and flowlines, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling capabilityVSAvoiddrill collar structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the sample chamber and flowline components inside the drill collar structure. The sample chamber is positioned within the drill collar's internal cavity, and the flowline connects these components while remaining contained within the drill collar. This nested arrangement provides sophisticated sampling functionality while maintaining a relatively simple external drill collar structure that can be easily integrated into existing drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If sample chambers are protected from shocks and vibrations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional protective mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample chamber protectionVSAvoidprotective mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using the retainer structure to cradle-retain the sample chamber, protecting it from shocks and vibrations during drilling operations. The retainer is positioned to absorb and distribute mechanical stresses before they can reach the sample chamber, providing protection through a relatively simple structural arrangement rather than complex active protection systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If thermal stress management is implemented for sample chambers, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stress resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies intermediary by using the drill collar as a thermal buffer between the high-temperature drilling environment and the sample chamber. The drill collar material and structure serve as an intermediary layer that manages thermal stresses, protecting the sample chamber from direct thermal exposure while avoiding the need for complex active thermal management systems or expensive specialized materials in the sample chamber itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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, accessible, and cost-effective sampling in harsh drilling conditions by providing modular, shock-resistant, and thermally stable sample collection and storage, ensuring high-quality sample retention and retrieval.

Implementation Method 1

The drill collar has a passage therein for conducting mud therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

The cover is positionable about the at least one opening of the drill collar whereby the sample chamber is removably secured therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical retention: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS7367394B2Formation evaluation while drilling

Publication Date: 2008.05.06 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A sampling while drilling tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The tool includes a drill collar, at least one sample chamber, at least one flowline and at least one cover. The drill collar is operatively connectable to a drill string of the sampling while drilling tool. The drill collar has at least one opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. The drill collar has a passage therein for conducting mud therethrough. The sample chamber is positionable in the cavity of the drill collar. The flowline in the drill collar, the at least one flowline operatively connectable to the sample chamber for passing a downhole fluid thereto. The cover is positionable about the at least one opening of the drill collar whereby the sample chamber is removably secured therein.