Wellbore Sampling Tool With Expandable Packer Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining core samples from subterranean formations are inefficient, costly, and often result in samples contaminated with wellbore fluids, which hinders accurate analysis and production design.
Innovation Solution
A sampling tool with a coring device and expandable packers isolates a wellbore zone, allowing for coring and fluid sampling in an at-balance or under-balanced condition, using a drawdown pump to remove wellbore fluid and fill the zone with pristine formation fluid, enabling cleaner and faster core retrieval with integrated sensors for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional coring methods are used, then core samples can be obtained, but the samples are contaminated with wellbore fluids reducing sample quality
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore is segmented into isolated zones using expandable packers that create discrete sealed sections. This allows the coring operation to be performed in an isolated zone free from contamination by wellbore fluids from other sections, thereby improving core sample quality while preventing fluid contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
A drawdown pump is introduced as an intermediary device to actively remove wellbore fluids from the isolated zone before coring. This mediator creates a fluid-free environment that prevents contamination of the core samples, addressing the harmful effect of wellbore fluid intrusion.
2Productivity
If conventional coring methods are used, then core samples can be retrieved, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable packers are deployed and the isolated zone is prepared in advance before the coring operation begins. The drawdown pump removes wellbore fluids proactively, creating a ready-to-core environment. This preliminary preparation eliminates delays during the actual coring process, thereby improving productivity without significant time loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If expandable packers and drawdown pumps are used to isolate and prepare the zone, then sample quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable packers serve multiple functions: they isolate the wellbore zone, prevent fluid contamination, and provide structural support for the coring operation. The drawdown pump simultaneously removes wellbore fluids and prepares the formation for coring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby managing device complexity while improving sample quality.
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 method provides higher quality core samples by reducing contamination risk and increasing efficiency, allowing for faster and more accurate fluid and core sampling, enhancing the analysis of subterranean formations for hydrocarbon production.
Implementation Method 1
pumping fluid out of the isolated zone using a flow device such as a drawdown pump
Implementation Method 2
pumping fluid out of the isolated zone
Implementation Method 3
The annular zone or region proximate to the coring bit is isolated with a wellbore isolation device such as expandable packers
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling tool for retrieving one or more samples from a wellbore drilled in a subterranean formation includes a coring device retrieving a core from a wellbore wall, wellbore isolation devices that isolate an annular region proximate to the coring device; and a flow device that flows fluid out of the isolated region. During operation, the sampling tool is positioned adjacent a formation of interest. The isolation device is activated to isolate an annular region proximate to the sampling tool. Decentralizing arms can be used to position the coring device next to the wellbore wall. Thereafter, the flow device flows fluid out of the isolated annular region. When the isolated region includes mostly formation fluid, the coring device is activated to retrieve a core from a wall of the wellbore in the isolated annular region and store it in formation fluid.