Pump control for formation testing

• US 7,594,541 B2
• Filed: 12/27/2006
• Issued: 09/29/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/27/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (SLB)
• Original Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (SLB)
• Inventors: Ciglenec, Reinhart, Villareal, Steven G., Hoefel, Albert, Follini, Jean-Marc, Stucker, Michael J., Swinburne, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): BOMAR, THOMAS S
• Application Number:
  US11/616,520
• Publication Number:
  US 20080156486A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,007 Days
• Field of Search: 166/250.15, 166/105, 700/282
• US Class Current: 166/250.15
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 49/10 using side-wall fluid samplers or testers

Abstract

A downhole formation fluid pumping and a sampling apparatus are disclosed that may form part of a formation evaluation while drilling tool or part of a tool pipe string. The operation of the pump is optimized based upon parameters generated from formation pressure test data as well as tool system data thereby ensuring optimum performance of the pump at higher speeds and with greater dependability. New pump designs for fluid sampling apparatuses for use in MWD systems are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A fluid pump system for a downhole tool connected to a pipe string positioned in a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation, the system comprising:

a pump linked to a transmission which is linked to a turbine which is in fluid communication with mud flowing downward through the pipe string, the pump comprising a first pump chamber accommodating a first piston and a second pump chamber accommodating a second piston, wherein;

the first and second pistons are connected together and linked to a planetary roller screw which is linked to the transmission which is linked to a motor; and

the first and second pump chambers are in fluid communication with a valve block that is in fluid communication with the formation, the borehole and at least one fluid sample chamber;

a first pressure sensor disposed between the pump and a first side of a valve;

a second pressure sensor disposed on a second side of the valve; and

a controller linked to the motor and the first and second pressure sensors, wherein the controller is configured to;

control the pump based on at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of mud volumetric flow rate, tool temperature, formation pressure, fluid mobility, system losses, mechanical load limitations, borehole pressure, available power, electrical load limitations and combinations thereof; and

open the valve once the pressure obtained by the first sensor is substantially similar to the pressure obtained by the second sensor.

2. The fluid pump system of claim 1 wherein the pump is a Moineau pump.

3. The fluid pump system of claim 1 wherein a flow rate of the mud engaging the turbine is controlled by a throttle valve linked to the controller.

4. A fluid pump system for a downhole tool connected to a pipe string positioned in a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation, the system comprising:

a pump linked to a transmission which is linked to a turbine which is in fluid communication with mud flowing downward through the pipe string, the pump comprising a first pump chamber accommodating a first piston and a second pump chamber accommodating a second piston, wherein;

the pump is a Moineau pump;

the first and second pistons are connected together and linked to a planetary roller screw which is linked to the transmission which is linked to a motor; and

the first and second pump chambers are in fluid communication with a valve block that is in fluid communication with the formation, the borehole and at least one fluid sample chamber;

a first pressure sensor disposed between the pump and a first side of a valve;

a second pressure sensor disposed on a second side of the valve;

a controller linked to the motor and the first and second pressure sensors, wherein the controller is configured to;

control the pump based on at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of mud volumetric flow rate, tool temperature, formation pressure, fluid mobility, system losses, mechanical load limitations, borehole pressure, available power, electrical load limitations and combinations thereof; and

open the valve once the pressure obtained by the first sensor is substantially similar to the pressure obtained by the second sensor; and

a throttle valve linked to the controller, wherein a flow rate of the mud engaging the turbine is controlled by the throttle valve.