This invention relates, in general, to testing and evaluation of subterranean formation fluids and, in particular, to a wireline conveyed single phase fluid sampling apparatus for obtaining multiple fluid samples and maintaining the fluid samples above saturation pressure using a self-contained pressure source during retrieval from the wellbore.
Without limiting the scope of the present invention, its background is described with reference to testing hydrocarbon formations, as an example.
It is well known in the subterranean well drilling and completion art to perform tests on formations intersected by a wellbore. Such tests are typically performed in order to determine geological or other physical properties of the formation and fluids contained therein. For example, parameters such as permeability, porosity, fluid resistivity, temperature, pressure and saturation pressure may be determined. These and other characteristics of the formation and fluid contained therein may be determined by performing tests on the formation before the well is completed.
One type of testing procedure that is commonly performed is to obtain a fluid sample from the formation to, among other things, determine the composition of the formation fluids. In this procedure, it is important to obtain a sample of the formation fluid that is representative of the fluids as they exist in the formation. In a typical sampling procedure, a sample of the formation fluids may be obtained by lowering a sampling tool having a sampling chamber into the wellbore on a conveyance such as a wireline, slick line, coiled tubing, jointed tubing or the like. When the sampling tool reaches the desired depth, one or more ports are opened to allow collection of the formation fluids. The ports may be actuated in variety of ways such as by electrical, hydraulic or mechanical methods. Once the ports are opened, formation fluids travel through the ports and a sample of the formation fluids is collected within the sampling chamber of the sampling tool. After the sample has been collected, the sampling tool may be withdrawn from the wellbore so that the formation fluid sample may be analyzed.
It has been found, however, that as the fluid sample is retrieved to the surface, the temperature of the fluid sample decreases causing shrinkage of the fluid sample and a reduction in the pressure of the fluid sample. These changes can cause the fluid sample to reach or drop below saturation pressure creating the possibility of asphaltene deposition and flashing of entrained gasses present in the fluid sample. Once such a process occurs, the resulting fluid sample is no longer representative of the fluids present in the formation. Therefore, a need has arisen for an apparatus and method for obtaining a fluid sample from a formation without degradation of the sample during retrieval of the sampling tool from the wellbore. A need has also arisen for such an apparatus and method that are capable of maintaining the integrity of the fluid sample during storage on the surface.
The present invention disclosed herein provides a single phase fluid sampling apparatus and a method for obtaining fluid samples from a formation without the occurrence of phase change degradation of the fluid samples during the collection of the fluid samples or retrieval of the sampling apparatus from the wellbore. In addition, the sampling apparatus and method of the present invention are capable of maintaining the integrity of the fluid samples during storage on the surface.
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for obtaining a fluid sample in a subterranean well. The method includes running a fluid sampler on a wireline conveyance to a target location in the well, establishing a fluid communication path between an exterior of the fluid sampler and a sampling chamber of the fluid sampler by operating an actuator, obtaining a fluid sample in the sampling chamber of the fluid sampler and pressurizing the fluid sample using a self-contained pressure source of the fluid sampler that is in fluid communication with the sampling chamber.
The method may also include receiving a predetermined input signal with a signal detector, activating a trigger to create a failure of a barrier with a control circuit to enable a fluid to flow from a first chamber to a second chamber in the actuator and shifting a piston from a first position to a second position in the actuator. In addition, the method may include obtaining a first portion of the fluid sample in a debris chamber, displacing a debris trap piston within the sampling chamber to receive a remainder of the fluid sample in the sampling chamber and determining the volume of the fluid sample based upon the position of the magnetic locator associated with the debris trap piston. The method may further include maintaining a differential pressure across a valving assembly disposed within the sampling chamber, actuating the valving assembly by contacting the valving assembly with a piston, piercing through at least a portion of a pressure disk associated with the valving assembly with a piercing assembly associated with the piston, equalizing the pressure across the valving assembly and pressurizing the fluid sample to a pressure greater than a saturation pressure of the fluid sample.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well. The method includes running a fluid sampler on a wireline conveyance to a target location in the well, establishing a fluid communication path between an exterior of the fluid sampler and a plurality of sampling chambers of the fluid sampler by operating an actuator, obtaining a fluid sample in each of the plurality of sampling chambers of the fluid sampler and pressurizing the fluid samples using a self-contained pressure source of the fluid sampler that is in fluid communication with the sampling chambers.
The method may also include running the fluid sampler on a slickline conveyance to the target location in the well, running the fluid sampler on an electric line conveyance to the target location in the well, simultaneously obtaining the fluid samples in the plurality of sampling chambers, sequentially obtaining the fluid samples in the plurality of sampling chambers and simultaneously pressurizing the fluid samples in the plurality of sampling chambers.
In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well. The apparatus includes a wireline conveyance and a fluid sampler supported by and positioned with the wireline conveyance in the well. The fluid sampler includes an actuator operable to establish a fluid communication path between an exterior and an interior of the fluid sampler, a plurality of sampling chambers operable to receive fluid samples and a self-contained pressure source in fluid communication with the sampling chambers operable to pressurize the fluid samples obtained in the sampling chambers to a pressure above saturation pressure.
In one embodiment, the wireline conveyance may be a slickline. In another embodiment, the wireline conveyance may be an electric line. In certain embodiments, the actuator may includes a signal detector, a control circuit and a trigger, wherein upon receipt of a predetermined input signal by the signal detector, the control circuit activates the trigger to create a failure in a barrier such that fluid flows from a first chamber to a second chamber in the actuator and a piston moves from a first position to a second position in the actuator. In some embodiments, each of the sampling chambers includes a debris trap piston that is operable to receive a first portion of the fluid sample in a debris chamber then displace within the sampling chamber. In these embodiments, a magnetic locator may be operably associated with the debris trap piston to provide a reference to determine the level of displacement of the debris trap piston.
In one embodiment, each of the sampling chambers may includes a valving assembly having a pressure disk that is initially operable to maintain a differential pressure thereacross, wherein the valving assembly is actuated by longitudinally displacing a piston having a piercing assembly relative to the valving assembly such that at least a portion of the piercing assembly travels through the pressure disk, thereby allowing fluid flow therethrough. In other embodiments, the self-contained pressure source may include pressurized nitrogen.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, including its features and advantages, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals identify like parts and in which:
While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not delimit the scope of the invention.
Referring initially to
In the illustrated embodiment, fluid sampler 12 includes an actuator assembly 24, a sampler assembly 26 and a self-contained pressure source assembly 28. Preferably, sampler assembly 26 includes multiple sampling chambers, two being visible in
After the fluid samples are taken, in order to route pressure into the desired sampling chamber, fluid sampler 12 includes a manifold assembly 32 positioned between sampler assembly 26 and self-contained pressure source 28. Self-contained pressure source 28 may include one or more pressure chambers that initially contain a pressurized fluid, such as a compressed gas or liquid, and preferably contain compressed nitrogen at between about 10,000 psi and 20,000 psi. Those skilled in the art will understand that other fluids or combinations of fluids and/or other pressures both higher and lower could be used, if desired. Depending on the number of sampling chambers and the number of pressure chambers, valving or other fluid flow control circuitry within manifold assembly 32 may be operated such that self-contained pressure source 28 serves as a common pressure source to simultaneously pressurize all sampling chambers or may be operated such that self-contained pressure source 28 independently pressurizes certain sampling chambers sequentially. In the case of multiple sampling chambers and multiple pressure chambers, manifold assembly 32 may be operated such that pressure from certain pressure chambers of self-contained pressure source 28 is routed to certain sampling chambers.
Even though
Referring now to
Sampler assembly 40 includes a support assembly 46 that may be in the form of a carrier assembly that extends longitudinally along a portion of or substantially the entire length of sampling chambers 42, 44. Alternatively, support assembly 46 may be formed in discontinuous sections that are distributed at intervals along the length of sampling chambers 42, 44. In the illustrated embodiment, support assembly 46 includes a chamber receiving assembly 48, a retainer member 50 that is securably attachable to chamber receiving assembly 48 by mechanical means such as bolting and an outer housing 52. In this configuration, chamber receiving assembly 48, retainer member 50 and outer housing 52 provide longitudinal stability to sampling chambers 42, 44.
Referring now to
Sampler assembly 60 includes a support assembly 68 that may be in the form of a carrier assembly that extends longitudinally along a portion of or substantially the entire length of sampling chambers 62, 64, 66. Alternatively, support assembly 68 may be formed in discontinuous sections that are distributed at intervals along the length of sampling chambers 62, 64, 66. In the illustrated embodiment, support assembly 68 includes a chamber receiving assembly 70, a plurality of retainer members 72 that are securably attachable to chamber receiving assembly 70 by mechanical means such as bolting and an outer housing 74. In this configuration, chamber receiving assembly 70, retainer members 72 and outer housing 74 provide longitudinal stability to sampling chambers 62, 64, 66.
Referring now to
Sampler and pressure source assembly 80 includes a support assembly 90 that may be in the form of a carrier assembly that extends longitudinally along a portion of or substantially the entire length of sampling chambers 82, 84 and pressure chambers 86, 88. Alternatively, support assembly 90 may be formed in discontinuous sections that are distributed at intervals along the length of sampling chambers 82, 84 and pressure chambers 86, 88. In the illustrated embodiment, support assembly 90 includes a chamber receiving assembly 92, a plurality of retainer members 94 that are securably attachable to chamber receiving assembly 92 by mechanical means such as bolting and an outer housing 96. In this configuration, chamber receiving assembly 92, retainer members 94 and outer housing 96 provide longitudinal stability to sampling chambers 82, 84 and pressure chambers 86, 88.
Referring now to
Securably and sealingly positioned between housing member 104 and housing member 106 is a barrier assembly 124 that includes a barrier 126 and a support assembly 128 having a fluid passageway 130 defined therethrough. Barrier 126 initially prevents fluid 120 from escaping from chamber 122 into a chamber 132 of housing member 104. Positioned within housing member 104 is a control system 134 that includes or is operably associated with a signal detector, a control circuit, a power supply, optional timing devices and an output signal generator or trigger depicted in
In an exemplary embodiment, chemical element 138 may comprises a solid propellant such as nitrocellulose plasticized with nitroglycerin or various phthalates and inorganic salts suspended in a plastic or synthetic rubber and containing a finely divided metal. Chemical element 138 may comprise inorganic oxidizers such as ammonium and potassium nitrates and perchlorates such as potassium perchlorate. It should be appreciated, however, that substances other than propellants may be utilized without departing from the principles of the present invention, including other explosives, pyrotechnics, flammable solids or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, ignition agent 140 is connected to the control circuit via an electrical cable 146 so that, when it is determined that actuator 100 should be operated, the control circuit supplies electrical current to ignition agent 140. In slickline conveyed embodiments, actuator 100 may include one or more batteries to supply electrical energy to control system 134. In electric line conveyed embodiments, electrical energy may be supplied to control system 134 from the surface.
In operation, the signal detector of control system 134 receives the predetermined input signal that is verified by the control circuit. The input signal may be generated by a downhole timer operably associated with control system 134 or sent from the surface via the wireline or via wireless telemetry. If the control circuit determines that actuator 100 should be operated, electrical power is supplied from the power supply to ignition agent 140 to initiate the chemical reaction in chemical element 138. The chemical reaction causes piercing element 142 to move to the right piecing barrier 126, as best seen in
Referring now to
As described more fully below, a passage 210 in an upper portion of sampling chamber 200 (see
A debris trap piston 218 is disposed within housing 202 and separates sample chamber 214 from a meter fluid chamber 220. When a fluid sample is received in sample chamber 214, debris trap piston 218 is displaced downwardly relative to housing 202 to expand sample chamber 214. Prior to such downward displacement of debris trap piston 218, however, fluid flows through sample chamber 214 and passageway 222 of piston 218 into debris chamber 226 of debris trap piston 218. The fluid received in debris chamber 226 is prevented from escaping back into sample chamber 214 due to the relative cross sectional areas of passageway 222 and debris chamber 226 as well as the pressure maintained on debris chamber 226 from sample chamber 214 via passageway 222. An optional check valve (not pictured) may be disposed within passageway 222 if desired. In this manner, the fluid initially received into sample chamber 214 is trapped in debris chamber 226. Debris chamber 226 thus permits this initially received fluid to be isolated from the fluid sample later received in sample chamber 214. Debris trap piston 218 includes a magnetic locator 224 used as a reference to determine the level of displacement of debris trap piston 218 and thus the volume within sample chamber 214 after a sample has been obtained.
Meter fluid chamber 220 initially contains a metering fluid, such as a hydraulic fluid, silicone oil or the like. A flow restrictor 234 and a check valve 236 control flow between chamber 220 and an atmospheric chamber 238 that initially contains a gas at a relatively low pressure such as air at atmospheric pressure. A collapsible piston assembly 240 includes a prong 242 which initially maintains check valve 244 off seat, so that flow in both directions is permitted through check valve 244 between chambers 220, 238. When elevated pressure is applied to chamber 238, however, as described more fully below, piston assembly 240 collapses axially, and prong 242 will no longer maintain check valve 244 off seat, thereby preventing flow from chamber 220 to chamber 238.
A piston 246 disposed within housing 202 separates chamber 238 from a longitudinally extending atmospheric chamber 248 that initially contains a gas at a relatively low pressure such as air at atmospheric pressure. Piston 246 includes a magnetic locator 247 used as a reference to determine the level of displacement of piston 246 and thus the volume within chamber 238 after a sample has been obtained. Piston 246 included a piercing assembly 250 at its lower end. In the illustrated embodiment, piercing assembly 250 is spring mounted within piston 246 and includes a needle 254. Needle 254 has a sharp point at its lower end and may have a smooth outer surface or may have an outer surface that is fluted, channeled, knurled or otherwise irregular. As discussed more fully below, needle 254 is used to actuate the pressure delivery subsystem of the fluid sampler when piston 246 is sufficiently displaced relative to housing 202.
Below atmospheric chamber 248 and disposed within the longitudinal passageway of housing 202 is a valving assembly 256. Valving assembly 256 includes a pressure disk holder 258 that receives a pressure disk therein that is depicted as rupture disk 260, however, other types of pressure disks that provide a seal, such as a metal-to-metal seal, with pressure disk holder 258 could also be used including a pressure membrane or other piercable member. Rupture disk 260 is held within pressure disk holder 258 by hold down ring 262 and gland 264 that is threadably coupled to pressure disk holder 258. Valving assembly 256 also includes a check valve 266. Valving assembly 256 initially prevents communication between chamber 248 and a passage 280 in a lower portion of sampling chamber 200. After actuation the pressure delivery subsystem by needle 254, check valve 266 permits fluid flow from passage 280 to chamber 248, but prevents fluid flow from chamber 248 to passage 280. Preferably, passageway 280 is placed in fluid communication with pressure from the self-contained pressure source via the manifold therebetween.
Once the fluid sampler has been run downhole via the wireline conveyance to the desired location and is in its operable configuration, a fluid sample can be obtained into one or more of the sample chambers 214 by operating actuator 100. Fluid from passage 112 then enters passage 210 in the upper portion of each of the desired sampling chambers 200. For clarity, the operation of only one of the sampling chambers 200 after receipt of a fluid sample therein is described below. The fluid sample flows from passage 210 through check valve 216 to sample chamber 214. It is noted that check valve 216 may include a restrictor pin 268 to prevent excessive travel of ball member 270 and over compression or recoil of spiral wound compression spring 272. An initial volume of the fluid sample is trapped in debris chamber 226 of piston 218 as described above. Downward displacement of piston 218 is slowed by the metering fluid in chamber 220 flowing through restrictor 234. This prevents pressure in the fluid sample received in sample chamber 214 from dropping below its saturation pressure.
As piston 218 displaces downward, the metering fluid in chamber 220 flows through restrictor 234 into chamber 238. At this point, prong 242 maintains check valve 244 off seat. The metering fluid received in chamber 238 causes piston 246 to displace downwardly. Eventually, needle 254 pierces rupture disk 260 which actuates valving assembly 256. Actuation of valving assembly 256 permits pressure from the self-contained pressure source to be applied to chamber 248. Specifically, once rupture disk 260 is pierced, the pressure from the self-contained pressure source passes through passage 280 and valving assembly 256 including moving check valve 266 off seat. In the illustrated embodiment, a restrictor pin 274 prevents excessive travel of check valve 266 and over compression or recoil of spiral wound compression spring 276. Pressurization of chamber 248 also results in pressure being applied to chambers 238, 220 and thus to sample chamber 214.
When the pressure from the self-contained pressure source is applied to chamber 238, pins 278 are sheared allowing piston assembly 240 to collapse such that prong 242 no longer maintains check valve 244 off seat. Check valve 244 then prevents pressure from escaping from chamber 220 and sample chamber 214. Check valve 216 also prevents escape of pressure from sample chamber 214. In this manner, the fluid sample received in sample chamber 214 is pressurized such that the fluid sample may be retrieved to the surface without degradation by maintaining the pressure of the fluid sample above its saturation pressure, thereby obtaining a fluid sample that is representative of the fluids present in the formation.
While this invention has been described with a reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.
This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/951,946, filed Dec. 6, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/702,810, filed Feb. 6, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,472,589 issued Jan. 6, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/438,764, filed May 23, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,596,995 issued Oct. 6, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/268,311, filed Nov. 7, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,197,923 issued Apr. 3, 2007.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20110174068 A1 | Jul 2011 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 11951946 | Dec 2007 | US |
Child | 13008764 | US | |
Parent | 11702810 | Feb 2007 | US |
Child | 11951946 | US | |
Parent | 11438764 | May 2006 | US |
Child | 11702810 | US | |
Parent | 11268311 | Nov 2005 | US |
Child | 11438764 | US |