Variable Force Check Valve for Reservoir Fluid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil and gas reservoir sampling and testing technologies face challenges in maintaining a representative fluid sample due to phase changes during pumping, which are exacerbated by high pumping speeds that can lead to contamination and inaccurate results, while slowing down pumping can result in longer operations and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pumping system with variable force check valves and strategically placed sensors to control fluid phase changes, allowing for optimized pumping speeds that maintain single-phase flow and representative sampling by adjusting the force of the check valves based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pumping speed is maximized to save time and reduce costs, then productivity is improved, but phase changes occur in the fluid leading to inaccurate sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve force is made variable rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt to changing flow conditions. The force adjustment mechanism dynamically modifies the check valve opening pressure based on real-time sensor feedback about phase composition, enabling the system to maintain single-phase sampling accuracy while operating at high pumping speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
Density sensors monitor the phase composition of sampled fluid and provide feedback to the control system. When phase changes are detected (indicating vapor formation), the system responds by adjusting the check valve force to increase opening pressure, thereby maintaining the pressure differential needed to prevent further phase separation and ensure representative sampling.
2Measurement precision
If pumping speed is reduced to prevent phase changes, then measurement precision is improved, but operation time increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable force check valve allows the system to maintain high pumping speeds while preventing phase changes through dynamic pressure control. By adjusting the check valve opening pressure in response to sensor feedback, the system achieves both fast operation and accurate single-phase sampling without the time losses associated with reduced pumping speeds.
3Productivity
If pumping speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but multi-phase conditions develop causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
Density sensors continuously monitor the sampled fluid to detect phase separation. When multi-phase conditions are detected at high pumping speeds, the system uses this feedback to adjust the check valve force, increasing the pressure needed to open the valve. This maintains the pressure differential that prevents vapor formation and eliminates contamination from phase separation.
4Measurement precision
If check valve opening pressure is increased to maintain single-phase flow, then measurement precision is improved, but pumping efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve force is dynamically adjusted based on real-time sensor feedback rather than being set to a high fixed value. This allows the system to use the minimum necessary pressure differential to prevent phase separation, maintaining both sampling accuracy and pumping efficiency. The variable force mechanism enables high check valve opening pressures only when and where phase separation is detected.
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
This approach enables improved control of multi-phase conditions, maximizes pumping speed while ensuring representative sampling, and reduces contamination, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of fluid sampling operations.
Implementation Method 1
P2 has to be greater than the dew point line 79 to maintain single phase... the force of the check valves can be controlled by a microprocessor in communication with the sensors
Implementation Method 2
The sensors are preferably density sensors and pressure sensors... a sensor to detect phase changes in the pumping system, the sensor generating a sensor signal
Data Source
AI summary
A pumping system comprising: a probe to suction a fluid from a fluid reservoir; a pump in fluid communication with said probe; a sensor for detecting phase changes in said pumping system, said sensor in fluid communication with said probe or pump, said sensor generating a sensor signal; a fluid exit from said pumping system, said fluid exit being in fluid communication with said pump; and a variable force check valve located between said probe and said fluid exit.