Patent Application
20100326727
Wellbores are drilled to locate and produce hydrocarbons. A downhole drilling tool with a bit at and end thereof is advanced into the ground to form a wellbore. As the drilling tool is advanced, a drilling mud is pumped from a surface mud pit, through the drilling tool and out the drill bit to cool the drilling tool and carry away cuttings. The fluid exits the drill bit and flows back up to the surface for recirculation through the tool. The drilling mud is also used to form a mudcake to line the wellbore.
During the drilling operation, it is desirable to perform various evaluations of the formations penetrated by the wellbore. In some cases, the drilling tool may be provided with devices to test and/or sample the surrounding formation. In some cases, the drilling tool may be removed and a wireline tool may be deployed into the wellbore to test and/or sample the formation. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,860,581 and 4,936,139. In other cases, the drilling tool may be used to perform the testing and/or sampling. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,233,866; 6,230,557; 7,114,562 and 6,986,282. These samples and/or tests may be used, for example, to locate valuable hydrocarbons.
Formation evaluation often requires that fluid from the formation be drawn into the downhole tool for testing and/or sampling. Various fluid communication devices, such as probes, are typically extended from the downhole tool and placed in contact with the wellbore wall to establish fluid communication with the formation surrounding the wellbore and to draw fluid into the downhole tool. A typical probe is a circular element extended from the downhole tool and positioned against the sidewall of the wellbore. A rubber packer at the end of the probe is used to create a seal with the wellbore sidewall.
Another device used to form a seal with the wellbore sidewall is referred to as a dual packer. With a dual packer, two elastomeric rings expand radially about the tool to isolate a portion of the wellbore therebetween. The rings form a seal with the wellbore wall and permit fluid to be drawn into the isolated portion of the wellbore and into an inlet in the downhole tool.
The mudcake lining the wellbore is often useful in assisting the probe and/or dual packers in making the seal with the wellbore wall. Once the seal is made, fluid from the formation is drawn into the downhole tool through an inlet by lowering the pressure in the downhole tool. Examples of probes and/or packers used in downhole tools are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,301,959; 4,860,581; 4,936,139; 6,585,045; 6,609,568; 6,719,049; and 6,964,301.
In cases where a sample of fluid drawn into the tool is desired, a sample may be collected in one or more sample chambers or bottles positioned in the downhole tool. Examples of such sample chambers and sampling techniques used in wireline tools are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,688,390; 6,659,177; and 5,303,775. Examples of such sample chambers and sampling techniques used in drilling tools are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,233,866 and 7,124,819. Typically, the sample chambers are removable from the downhole tool as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,837,314; 4,856,585; and 6,688,390.
Despite these advancements in sampling technology, there remains a need to provide sample chamber and/or sampling techniques capable of providing more efficient sampling in harsh drilling environments. It is desirable that such techniques are usable in the limited space of a downhole drilling tool and provide easy access to the sample. Such techniques preferably provide one or more of the following, among others: selective access to and/or removal of the sample chambers; locking mechanisms to secure the sample chamber; isolation from shocks, vibrations, cyclic deformations and/or other downhole stresses; protection of sample chamber sealing mechanisms; controlling thermal stresses related to sample chambers without inducing concentrated stresses or compromising utility; redundant sample chamber retainers and/or protectors; and modularity of the sample chambers. Such techniques are also preferably achieved without requiring the use of high cost materials to achieve the desired operability.
In at least one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a sample module for 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.
In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a downhole sampling while drilling tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The sampling tool includes a fluid communication device, a drill collar, at least one sample chamber, at least one flowline and at least one cover. The fluid communication device is operatively connectable to a drill string of the sampling while drilling tool and extendable therefrom for establishing fluid communication with the formation. The fluid communication device has an inlet for receiving formation fluid. The drill collar is operatively connectable to a drill string, the drill collar having 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 is in the drill collar. The flowline is fluidly connectable to inlet and the sample chamber for passing a downhole fluid therebetween. The cover is positionable about the at least one opening of the drill collar whereby the sample chamber is removably secured therein.
Finally, in another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of sampling while drilling via a downhole sampling while drilling tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The method involves positioning a sample chamber through an opening in an outer surface of a drill collar of the sampling while drilling tool and into a cavity therein, positioning a cover over the opening of the drill collar, deploying the downhole sampling while drilling tool into the wellbore, establishing fluid communication between the sampling while drilling tool and the formation, drawing a formation fluid into the sampling while drilling tool via an inlet in the sampling while drilling tool and passing the formation fluid from the inlet to the sample chamber.
Other aspects of the disclosure may be discerned from the description.
The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.
Certain terms are defined throughout this description as they are first used, while certain other terms used in this description are defined below:
“Electrical” and “electrically” refer to connection(s) and/or line(s) for transmitting electronic signals.
“Electronic signals” mean signals that are capable of transmitting electrical power and/or data (e.g., binary data).
“Module” means a section of a downhole tool, particularly a multi-functional or integrated downhole tool having two or more interconnected modules, for performing a separate or discrete function.
“Modular” means adapted for (inter)connecting modules and/or tools, and possibly constructed with standardized units or dimensions for flexibility and variety in use.
“Single phase” refers to a fluid sample stored in a sample chamber, and means that the pressure of the chamber is maintained or controlled to such an extent that sample constituents which are maintained in a solution through pressure only, such as gasses and asphaltenes, should not separate out of solution as the sample cools upon retrieval of the chamber from a wellbore.
The drillstring 12 is rotated by a rotary table 16, energized by means not shown, which engages a kelly 17 at the upper end of the drillstring. The drillstring 12 is suspended from a hook 18, attached to a traveling block (also not shown), through the kelly 17 and a rotary swivel 19 which permits rotation of the drillstring relative to the hook.
The rig is depicted as a land-based platform and derrick assembly 10 used to form the wellbore 11 by rotary drilling in a manner that is well known. Those of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate, however, that the present invention also finds application in other downhole applications, such as rotary drilling, and is not limited to land-based rigs.
Drilling fluid or mud 26 is stored in a pit 27 formed at the well site. A pump 29 delivers drilling fluid 26 to the interior of the drillstring 12 via a port in the swivel 19, inducing the drilling fluid to flow downwardly through the drillstring 12 as indicated by a directional arrow 9. The drilling fluid exits the drillstring 12 via ports in the drill bit 15, and then circulates upwardly through the region between the outside of the drillstring and the wall of the wellbore, called the annulus, as indicated by direction arrows 32. In this manner, the drilling fluid lubricates the drill bit 15 and carries formation cuttings up to the surface as it is returned to the pit 27 for recirculation.
The downhole tool 100, sometimes referred to as a bottom hole assembly (“BHA”), is preferably positioned near the drill bit 15 (in other words, within several drill collar lengths from the drill bit). The bottom hole assembly includes various components with capabilities, such as measuring, processing, and storing information, as well as communicating with the surface. A telemetry device (not shown) is also preferably provided for communicating with a surface unit (not shown).
The BHA 100 further includes a sampling while drilling (“SWD”) system 230 including a fluid communication module 210 and a sample module 220. The modules are preferably housed in a drill collar for performing various formation evaluation functions (described in detail below). As shown in
The fluid communication module 210 has a fluid communication device 214, such as a probe, preferably positioned in a stabilizer blade or rib 212. An exemplary fluid communication device that can be used is depicted in US patent Application No. 20050109538, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The fluid communication device is provided with an inlet for receiving downhole fluids and a flowline (not shown) extending into the downhole tool for passing fluids therethrough. The fluid communication device is preferably movable between extended and retracted positions for selectively engaging a wall of the wellbore 11 and acquiring a plurality of fluid samples from the formation F. As shown, a back up piston 250 may be provided to assist in positioning the fluid communication device against the wellbore wall.
Examples of fluid communication devices, such as probes or packers, that can be used, are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent/Application Nos. US 2005/0109538 and 5803186. A variety of fluid communication devices alone or in combination with protuberant devices, such as stabilizer blades or ribs, may be used.
The sample module 220 is preferably housed in a drill collar 302 that is threadably connectable to adjacent drill collars of the BHA, such as the probe module 210 of
The sample chamber, drill collar and associated components may be made of high strength materials, such as stainless steel alloy, titanium or inconel. However, the materials may be selected to achieve the desired thermal expansion matching between components. In particular, it may be desirable to use a combination of low cost, high strength and limited thermal expansion materials, such as peek or kevlar.
Interface 322 is provided at an end thereof to provide hydraulic and/or electrical connections with an adjacent drill collar. An additional interface 324 may be provided at another end to operatively connect to adjacent drill collars if desired. In this manner, fluid and/or signals may be passed between the sample module and other modules as described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/160,240. In this case, such an interface is preferably provided to establish fluid communication between the fluid communication module and the sample module to pass formation fluid received by the fluid communication module to the sample module.
Interface 322 is depicted as being at an uphole end of the sample module 220 for operative connection with adjacent fluid communication module 210. However, it will be appreciated that one or more fluid communication and/or probe modules may be positioned in the downhole tool with one or more interfaces at either or both ends thereof for operative connection with adjacent modules. In some cases one ore more intervening modules may be positioned between the fluid communication and probe modules.
The sample module has fluid flow system 301 for passing fluid through the drill collar 302. The fluid flow system includes a primary flow line 310 that extends from the interface and into the downhole tool. The flowline is preferably in fluid communication with the flowline of the fluid communication module via the interface for receiving fluids received thereby. As shown, the flowline is positioned in mandrel 326 and conducts fluid, received from the fluid communication module through the sample module.
As shown, the fluid flow system 301 also has a secondary flowline 311 and a dump flowline 260. The secondary flowline diverts fluid from the primary flowline 310 to one or more sample chambers 314 for collection therein. Additional flowlines, such as dump flowline 260 may also be provided to divert flow to the wellbore or other locations in the downhole tool. As shown, a flow diverter 332 is provided to selectively divert fluid to various locations. One or more such diverters may be provided to divert fluid to desired locations.
The sample chambers may be provided with various devices, such as valves, pistons, pressure chambers or other devices to assist in manipulating the capture of fluid and/or maintaining the quality of such fluid. The sample chambers 314 are each adapted for receiving a sample of formation fluid, acquired through the probe 214 (see
As shown, the sample chambers are preferably removably positioned in an aperture 303 in drill collar 302. A cover 342 is positioned about the sample chambers and drill collar 302 to retain the sample chambers therein.
As seen in the horizontal cross-section taken along line 2B-2B of
The chambers are preferably positioned about the periphery of the drill collar 302. As shown the chambers are removably positioned in apertures 303 in the drill collar 302. The apertures are configured to receive the sample chambers. Preferably, the sample chambers fit in the apertures in a manner that prevents damage when exposed to the harsh wellbore conditions.
Passage 318 extends through the downhole tool. The passage preferably defines a plurality of radially-projecting lobes 320. The number of lobes 320 is preferably equal to the number of sample chambers 314, i.e., three in
The lobed bore 318 is preferably configured to provide adequate flow area for the drilling fluid to be conducted through the drillstring past the sample chambers 314. It is further preferred that the chambers and/or containers be positioned in a balanced configuration that reduces drilling rotation induced wobbling tendencies, reduces erosion of the downhole tool and simplifies manufacturing. It is desirable that such a configuration be provided to optimize the mechanical strength of the sample module, while facilitating fluid flow therethrough. The configuration is desirably adjusted to enhance the operability of the downhole tool and the sampling while drilling system.
One or more flowlines valves may be provided to selectively divert fluid to desired locations throughout the downhole tool. In some cases, fluid is diverted to the sample chamber(s) for collection. In other cases, fluid may be diverted to the wellbore, the passage 318 or other locations as desired.
The secondary flowlines 311 branch off from primary flowline 310 and extend to sample chambers 314. The sample chambers may be any type of sample chamber known in the art to capture downhole fluid samples. As shown, the sample chambers preferably include a slidable piston 360 defining a variable volume sample cavity 307 and a variable volume buffer cavity 309. The sample cavity is adapted to receive and house the fluid sample. The buffer cavity typically contains a buffer fluid that applies a pressure to the piston to maintain a pressure differential between the cavities sufficient to maintain the pressure of the sample as it flows into the sample cavity. Additional features, such as pressure compensators, pressure chambers, sensors and other components may be used with the sample chambers as desired.
The sample chamber is also preferably provided with an agitator 362 positioned in the sample chamber. The agitator may be a rotating blade or other mixing device capable of moving the fluid in the sample chamber to retain the quality thereof.
Each sample chamber 314 is shown to have container valves 330a, 330b. Container valves 330a are preferably provided to selectively fluidly connect the sample cavity of the sample chambers to flowline 311. The chamber valves 330b selectively fluidly connect the buffer cavity of the sample chambers to a pressure source, such as the wellbore, a nitrogen charging chamber or other pressure source.
Each sample chamber 314 is also associated with a set of flowline valves 328a, 328b inside a flow diverter/router 332, for controlling the flow of fluid into the sample chamber. One or more of the flowline valves may be selectively activated to permit fluid from flowline 310 to enter the sample cavity of one or more of the sample chambers. A check valve may be employed in one or more flow lines to restrict flow therethrough.
Additional valves may be provided in various locations about the flowline to permit selective fluid communication between locations. For example, a valve 334, such as a relief or check valve, is preferably provided in a dump flowline 260 to allow selective fluid communication with the wellbore. This permits formation fluid to selectively eject fluid from the flowline 260. This fluid is typically dumped out dump flowline 260 and out the tool body's sidewall 329. Valve 334 may also be is preferably open to the wellbore at a given differential pressure setting. Valve 334 may be a relief or seal valve that is controlled passively, actively or by a preset relief pressure. The relief valve 334 may be used to flush the flowline 310 before sampling and/or to prevent over-pressuring of fluid samples pumped into the respective sample chambers 314. The relief valve may also be used as a safety to prevent trapping high pressure at the surface.
Additional flowlines and valves may also be provided as desired to manipulate the flow of fluid through the tool. For example, a wellbore flowline 315 is preferably provided to establish fluid communication between buffer cavities 309 and the wellbore. Valves 330b permit selective fluid communication with the buffer chambers.
In instances where multiple sample modules 220 are run in a tool string, the respective relief valves 334 may be operated in a selective fashion, e.g., so as to be active when the sample chambers of each respective module 220 are being filled. Thus, while fluid samples are routed to a first sample module 220, its corresponding relief valve 334 may be operable. Once all the sample chambers 314 of the first sample module 220 are filled, its relief valve is disabled. The relief valve of an additional sample module may then be enabled to permit flushing of the flow line in the additional sample module prior to sample acquisition (and/or over-pressure protection). The position and activation of such valves may be actuated manually or automatically to achieve the desired operation.
Valves 328a, 328b are preferably provided in flowlines 311 to permit selective fluid communication between the primary flowline 310 and the sample cavity 307. These valves may be selectively actuated to open and close the secondary flow lines 311 sequentially or independently.
The valves 328a, b are preferably electric valves adapted to selectively permit fluid communication. These valves are also preferably selectively actuated. Such valves may be provided with a spring-loaded stem (not shown) that biases the valves to either an open or closed position. In some cases, the valves may be commercially available exo or seal valves.
To operate the valves, an electric current is applied across the exo washers, causing the washers to fail, which in turn releases the springs to push their respective stems to its other, normal position. Fluid sample storage may therefore be achieved by actuating the (first) valves 328a from the displaced closed positions to the normal open positions, which allows fluid samples to enter and fill the sample chambers 314. The collected samples may be sealed by actuating the (second) valves 328b from the displaced open positions to the normal closed positions.
The valves are preferably selectively operated to facilitate the flow of fluid through the flowlines. The valves may also be used to seal fluid in the sample chambers. Once the sample chambers are sealed, they may be removed for testing, evaluation and/or transport. The valves 330a (valve 330b may remain open to expose the backside of the container piston 360 to wellbore fluid pressure) are preferably actuated after the sample module 220 is retrieved from the wellbore to provide physical access by an operator at the surface. Accordingly, a protective cover (described below) may be equipped with a window for quickly accessing the manually-operable valves—even when the cover is moved to a position closing the sample chamber apertures 313 (
One or more of the valves may be remotely controlled from the surface, for example, by using standard mud-pulse telemetry, or other suitable telemetry means (e.g., wired drill pipe). The sample module 220 may be equipped with its own modem and electronics (not shown) for deciphering and executing the telemetry signals. Alternatively, one or more of the valves may be manually activated. Downhole processors may also be provided for such actuation.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of valves can be employed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative sample chamber designs can be used. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative fluid flow system designs can be used.
Cover 342 is positioned about the drill collar to retain the sample chamber in the downhole tool. The sample chambers 314 are positioned in the apertures 303 in drill collar 302. Cover 342 is preferably a ring slidably positionable about drill collar 302 to provide access to the sample chambers 314. Such access permits insertion and withdrawal of sample chamber 314 from the drill collar 302.
The cover 342 acts as a gate in the form of a protective cylindrical cover that preferably fits closely about a portion of the drill collar 302. The cover 342 is movable between positions closing (see
The cover 342 may comprise one or more components that are slidable along drill collar 302. The cover preferably has an outer surface adapted to provide mechanical protection from the drilling environment. The cover is also preferably fitted about the sample chamber to seal the opening(s) and/or secure the sample chamber in position and prevent damage due to harsh conditions, such as shock, external abrasive forces and vibration.
The cover 342 is operatively connected to the drill collar 302 to provide selective access to the sample chambers. As shown, the cover has a first cover section 342a and a second cover section 342b. The first cover section 342a is held in place about drill collar 302 by connection means, such as engaging threads 344, for operatively connecting an inner surface of the first cover section 342a and an outer surface of the drill collar 302.
The cover may be formed as a single piece, or it may include two or more complementing sections. For example,
The cover sections may then be rotated relative to the drill collar 302 to tighten the threaded connection 344 and secure the cover sections in place. Preferably, the covers are securably positioned to preload the cover sections and reduce (or eliminate) relative motion between the cover sections and the tool body 302 during drilling.
The cover 342 may be removed from drill collar 302 to access the sample chambers. For example, the cover 342 may be rotated to un-mate the threaded connection 344 to allow access to the sample chamber. The cover 342 may be provided with one or more windows 346. Window 346 of the cover 342 may be used to access the sample chamber 314. The window may be used to access valves 330a, 330b on the sample chamber 314. Window 346 permits the manual valve 330a to be accessed at the surface without the need for removing the cover 342. Also, it will be appreciated by those skilled in that art that a windowed cover may be bolted or otherwise operatively connected to the tool body 302 instead of being threadably engaged thereto. One or more such windows and/or covers may be provided about the drill collar to selectively provide access and/or to secure the sample chamber in the drill collar.
The sample chamber is preferably removably supported in the drill collar. The sample chamber is supported at an end thereof by a shock absorber 552. An interface 550 is provided at an opposite end adjacent flowline 311 to operatively connect the sample chamber thereto. The interface 550 is also preferably adapted to releasably secure the sample chamber in the drill collar. The interface and shock absorbers may be used to assist in securing the sample chamber in the tool body. These devices may be used to provide redundant retainer mechanisms for the sample chambers in addition to the cover 342.
Cover 342d is slidably positionable in opening 305 of the drill collar 302. Cover 342′ is preferably a rectangular plate having an overhang 385 along an edge thereof. The cover may be inserted into the drill collar such that the overhang 385 engages an inner surface 400 of the drill collar. The overhang allows the cover to slidingly engage the inner surface of the drill collar and be retained therein. One or more covers 342d are typically configured such that they may be dropped into the opening 305 and slid over the sample chamber 314 (not shown) to the desired position along the chamber cavity opening. The covers may be provided with countersink holes 374 to aid in the removal of the cover 342d. The cover 342d may be configured with one or more windows, such as the window 346 of
Cover 342c is preferably a rectangular plate connectable to drill collar 302 about opening 305. The cover is preferably removably connected to the drill collar by bolts, screws or other fasteners. The cover may be slidably positionable along the drill collar and secured into place. The cover may be provided with receptacles 381 extending from its sides and having holes therethrough for attaching fasteners therethrough.
The covers as provided herein are preferably configured with the appropriate width to fit snuggly within the opening 305 of the drill collar. One or more such covers or similar or different configurations may be used. The covers may be provided with devices to prevent damage thereto, such as the strain relief cuts 390 in cover 342 of
Such retainer mechanisms are preferably positioned at each of the ends of the sample chambers to releasably retain the sample chamber. A first end of the sample chamber 314 may be laterally fixed, e.g., by sample chamber neck 315. An opposite end typically may also be provided with a retainer mechanism. Alternatively, the opposite end may be held in place by shock absorber 552 (
The conical neck 315 of the sample chamber 314 is supported in a complementing conical aperture 317 in the tool body 302. This engagement of conical surfaces constitutes a portion of a retainer for the sample chamber. The conical neck may be used to provide lateral support for the sample chamber 314. The conical neck may be used in combination with other mechanisms, such as an axial loading device (described below), to support the sample chamber in place. Preferably, little if any forces are acting on the hydraulic stabber 340 and its O-ring seals 341 to prevent wear of the stabber/seal materials and erosion thereof over time. The absence of forces at the hydraulic seals 341 preferably equates to minimal, if any, relative motion at the seals 341, thereby reducing the likelihood of leakage past the seals.
This pyramidal engagement provides torsional support for the sample chamber, and prevents it from rotating about its axis within the sample chamber. This functionality may be desirable to ensure a proper alignment of manually operated valves 330a′ and 330b′ within the opening 313 of the sample chambers 314.
As shown in
The sample chamber preferably has a tip 815 extending from an end thereof. The tip 815 is preferably provided to support washer 852 and axial loading device 1050 at an end of the sample chamber.
Referring now to
When the cover 342 is open (not shown), the hydraulic jack may be extended under pressurized hydraulic fluid (e.g., using a surface source) to fully compress the spring member 852. An axial lock (not shown) is then inserted and the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 1152 may be released. The length of the axial lock is preferably dimensioned so that the counteracting spring force of the spring member is sufficient in the full temperature and/or pressure range of operation of the sample module, even if the sample module expands more than the sample chamber.
When the cover 342 is retracted (not shown), the hydraulic jack may be extended under pressurized hydraulic fluid (e.g., using a surface source) to fully compress the washer 852. An axial lock 1158 may then be inserted and the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 1152 released. The length of the axial lock 1158 is preferably dimensioned so that the counteracting spring force of spring member is sufficient to operate in a variety of wellbore temperatures and pressures.
The jackscrew 1062 is engaged in opposing lead screws 1060a and 1060b. Opposing lead screws 1060a and 1060b are provided with threaded connections 1061a and 1061b for mating connection with threads on jackscrew 1062. When the cover 342 is open (not shown), the distance between opposing lead screws 1060a and 1060b may be increased under torque applied to a central, hexagonal link 1171 until a desirable compression of the spring member 852 is achieved. Then a rotation lock 1172 may be inserted around the central, hexagonal link 1171 to prevent further rotation.
As shown in
In
Preferably, the retainers provided herein permit selective removal of the sample chambers. One or more such retainers may be used to removably secure the sample chamber in the drill collar. Preferably, such retainers assist in securing the sample chamber in place and prevent shock, vibration or other damaging forces from affecting the sample chamber.
In operation, the sample module is threadedly connected to adjacent drill collars to form the BHA and drill string. Referring to
The interface 550 (also known as a pre-loading mechanism) may be adjusted at the surface such that a minimum acceptable axial or other desirable load is applied to achieve the required container isolation in the expected operating temperature range of the sample module 220, thereby compensating for greater thermal expansion.
Retainer 552 may also be operatively connected to an opposite end of the sample chamber to secure the sample chamber in place. The cover 342 may then be slidably positioned about the sample chamber to secure it in place.
The interface 550 at the (lower) end with the hydraulic connection may be laterally fixed, e.g., by conical engagement surfaces 315, 317 (see, e.g.
One or more covers, shock absorbers, retainers, sample chambers, drill collars, wet stabbers and other devices may be used alone and/or in combination to provide mechanisms to protect the sample chamber and its contents. Preferably redundant mechanisms are provided to achieve the desired configuration to protect the sample chamber. As shown in
Once the sample module is assembled, the downhole tool is deployed into the wellbore on a drillstring 12 (see
Valve 330b and/or 330a may remain open. In particular, valve 330b may remain open to expose the backside of the chamber piston 360 to wellbore fluid pressure. A typical sampling sequence would start with a formation fluid pressure measurement, followed by a pump-out operation combined with in situ fluid analysis (e.g., using an optical fluid analyzer). Once a certain amount of mud filtrate has been pumped out, genuine formation fluid may also be observed as it starts to be produced along with the filtrate. As soon as the ratio of formation fluid versus mud filtrate has reached an acceptable threshold, a decision to collect a sample can be made. Up to this point the liquid pumped from the formation is typically pumped through the probe tool 210 into the wellbore via dump flowline 260. Typically, valves 328 and 335 are closed and valve 334 is open to direct fluid flow out dump flowline 260 and to the wellbore.
After this flushing is achieved, the electrical valves 328a may selectively be opened so as to direct fluid samples into the respective sample cavities 307 of sample chambers 314. Typically, valves 334 and 335 are closed and valves 328a, 328b are opened to direct fluid flow into the sample chamber.
Once a sample chamber 314 is filled as desired the electrical valves 328b may be moved to the closed position to fluidly isolate the sample chambers 314 and capture the sample for retrieval to surface. The electrical valves 328a, 328b may be remotely controlled manually or automatically. The valves may be actuated from the surface using standard mud-pulse telemetry, or other suitable telemetry means (e.g., wired drill pipe), or may be controlled by a processor (not shown) in the BHA 100.
The downhole tool may then be retrieved from the wellbore 11. Upon retrieval of the sample module 220, the manually-operable valves 330a, b of sample chamber 314 may be closed by opening the cover 342 to (redundantly) isolate the fluid samples therein for safeguarded transport and storage. The closed sample cavities 312 are then opened, and the sample chambers 314 may be removed therefrom for transporting the chambers to a suitable lab so that testing and evaluation of the samples may be conducted. Upon retrieval, the sample chambers and/or module may be replaced with one or more sample modules and/or chambers and deployed into the wellbore to obtain more samples.
It will be understood from the foregoing description that various modifications and changes may be made in the preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention without departing from its true spirit.
This description is intended for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of this invention should be determined only by the language of the claims that follow. The term “comprising” within the claims is intended to mean “including at least” such that the recited listing of elements in a claim are an open set or group. Similarly, the terms “containing,” having,” and “including” are all intended to mean an open set or group of elements. “A,” “an” and other singular terms are intended to include the plural forms thereof unless specifically excluded. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words “means for” together with an associated function.
<next-to-last paragraphs—one paragraph for each independent claim, each paraphrasing the claim; additional paragraphs or sentences for dependent claims, if desired>
The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
The Abstract at the end of this disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,394 (“the '394 patent”), entitled “FORMATION EVALUATION WHILE DRILLING,” filed Dec. 19, 2005, and issued May 6, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/942,796 (“the '796 application”), entitled “FORMATION EVALUATION WHILE DRILLING,” filed Nov. 20, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of the '394 patent. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/355,956, entitled “FORMATION EVALUATION WHILE DRILLING,” filed Jan. 19, 2009, which is a continuation of the 796 application. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 24.0952C1), entitled “Formation Evaluation While Drilling,” and filed concurrently herewith. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 24.0952C2), entitled “Formation Evaluation While Drilling,” and filed concurrently herewith.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11313004 | Dec 2005 | US |
| Child | 12496970 | US |
