US2181980A - Device for obtaining core samples - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 5, 1939.

NwwwAvk/Mw R. Q. SEALE DEVICE FOR OBTAINING CORE SAMPLES Filed sept. 16, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 glu/vauro@ Dec. 5, 1939. R Q SEALE 2,181,980

DEVICE FOR OBTAINING CORE SAMPLES Filed Sept. 16, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q t 55 11" ,1' G7 6/ 6W a sa' 6a v G9 5a (60 f l s`-cs5 I l IIIIHIH Il IIHHH y 6;; 43, muuu 111%);` 67

Dec. 5, 1939. R. Q. sEALE l 2,181,980

DEVICE FOR OBTAINING CORE SAMPLES Filed Sept. 16, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Dec. 5, 1939 UNITED lSTATES PATENT OFFICE 2,181,980 l DEVICE Fon oBTAmrG com; SAMPLE-s Roy Q. Seale, Corpus Christi, Tex.

Application September 16, 1938, Serial No. 230,222

9 Claims.

an improved core sampling device including r tatable meansl for obtaining and retaining a sample core, the device being arranged to be lowered into and removed from a well bore on a wire line, whereby a sample may be taken and removed from the well bore with greater ease and accuracy.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved core sampling device including a core container for obtaining and retaining a sample core of the formation occurring at any particular depth within the well bore, said core container having removable cap on its inner end, whereby the sample core may be' removed from said barrel in its original form.

A further object of the invention is to provide a core sampling device of the character described, wherein a rotatable core containerhaving small openings initsinner end is employed to -permit the passage therethrough of wellfluids within the well bore, whereby hydrostatic pressurev will I. not force the sample core out oi! the core container when it is retracted.

A4 particular object of the invention is to provide 4an improved core sampling device including' a rotor for ejecting the core removing element and a rotator for rotating the same, theV rotor and rotator being adapted to ,be actuated by suit1 able gears and an electric motor encased within the device, whereby the movement of said element may be accurately controlled from the surface.

A construction designed to carry out the in-v vention will be hereinafter described, together with other features oi' the invention. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to'the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, of a. core samplingv device 'constructed in accordancewith the invention and showing the core removing element in its retracted or normal position,

Figure 2 is an enlarged transverse, vertical sectional view of the core removing element and its actuating mechanism, the element being shown partially extended,

(Cl. Z55-1) Figure 3 is aside elevation of one shell of the body' Figure 4 is a horizontal, cross-sectional' view, taken on the line 4 4 of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, 5 taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 1,

Figure 6 is a transverse, vertical sectional view,

' taken on the lmet-6 of Figure 1,

Figure 7 is an enlarged view, partly in elevation and partly in section,'of the rotator and core l.

removing element,

Figure 8 is an enlarged horizontal, cross-sectional View, taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 1,

Figure 9 is an enlarged isometric view of the rotator being partially broken away to show its l. connection with the core container, and

Figure 10 is an enlarged longitudinal, crosssectional view of the core removing element showing the bit screw-threaded thereon.

In the drawings, the letter A designates a well bore through which a sampling device I0 is lowered by a wire line or cable (not shown). The sampling device includes an elongate cylindrical housing or casing II, the ends of which are provided with externally screw-threaded flanges I2.

A cap I3, having a reduced tapered shank I3 extending upwardly and axially from its upper end is' secured to the upper flange I2 and has its shank suitably fastened to a wire line v(not shown), whereby the device is supported by said line. A tapered cap or thimble I4, being internally screw-threaded, is arranged to engage 'the lower flange I2 so as to form a pointed lower end for the device, whereby theL same maybe readily lowered through the well `bore A.v A ,cylindrical body I5, having an external diameter substan tially equal to the internal diameter of the housing II, engages within said housing so asl to have a snug fit therein. If desired, the body I5 may be fastened to the Ahousing by suitable means (not shown).

The cylindrical body is composed of a pair of elongate arcuate members or shells I6 and I'I, having flat inner faces or'surfaces, which are placed face to face to form said body as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The shells I 6 and I'I are preformed or cast with suitable recesses and grooves on their inner or flat faces (Figure 3) to accommodate the mechanism of the sampling with suitable power and can be controlled from Y the surface of the well. The motor is inverted so that its depending drive shaft may be connected to a vertical shaft 22 which lies within grooves or recesses provided in the inner faces of the shells I6 and I1. A bearing 23, preferably of the ball and race type, engages around the upper portion of the shaft 22, while a similar bearing 2,4 is mounted on the lower portion thereof. The bearings engage within arcuate recesses in the shells I6 and I1 and permit the free rotation of the shaft within the vertical grooves.

A bevelled gear is mounted upon the lower end of the shaft 22 so as to be in constantmesh 25 with a bevelled gear 26 carried by a short, horizontal shaft 21. The ends of the shaft 21 are journaled with'ih ball bearings 28 which engage within arcuate recesses formed in the shells I6 and I1, whereby s'aid shaft is supported therein.y

or helical gear 35 formed on the central portionA of a horizontal shaft 36, whereby the latter is actuated by the former. Although the gears 34 and 35 may be constructed in any suitable manner, it is preferred to cut the same in the surfaces of the shafts 3I and 36.- The latter extend` at right angles to each other and are in close proximity so that the worm gear will be in constant mesh with its complementary gear. Y Y

The shaft 36 is suitably supported by ball bearings 31 and 31 which engage within arcuate recesses in the shellsv of thebody. A slightly-bevelled gear 38 is carriedby the shaft 36 and engages a bevelled pinion 39 so as to be in constant mesh therewith. The pinion 39 is supported upon the upper end of a short vertical shaft 40 which has a similar pinion 4I mounted on its lower end. The shaft 40 is suitably supported by a pair of bearings 42 located adjacentthe pinions 39 and 4I, wherebysald shaft and pinions are free to rotate.

A cylindrical rotating element or rotor 43, hav,- ing an external radial flange 44 made vintegral with its central portion, is axially disposed within a cylindrical chamber formed by a pair of large arcuate recesses pre-formed within the shells of the body I5. An annular, bevelled groove orseat 45 is provided in each end of the rotor 43 as shown in Figures 7 and 9 and each grooveis engaged by the balls of a ball bearing 46, whereby said rotor is rotatably supported within the ref cesses formed in the shells I6 and I1. For addi tional rigidity, an upset shoulder 41 is provided on the external surface of the rotor adjacent the flange 44 and said shoulder has a ball bearing 48 mounted thereon, as is clearly shown in 'Figures 1 and 2. The opposite side of the ange 44 is bevelled and is provided with radial teeth 49 (Figures '1 and 9) which are engaged by the teeth of the bevelled pinion 4I, whereby the rotor may berevolved on its bearings 46 and 48 by the rota- 5 tion of said pinion.

I'he inner or rear end of the cylindrical chamber, formed by the large, arcuate recesses of the shellsl I6 and I1 is reduced in diameter and'is enclosed by a curved or arcuate plate 50 which 10 overlies the ame. The plate 50, having an axial opening 58', engages within a circular opening I I formed in the housing ,II which opening surrounds the reduced end of the chamber. 'Ihe plate is fastened within the opening by suitable l5 bolts 5I, whereby the external surface of the same is substantially flush with the exterior of the housing as shown .in Figure 5. The outer or forfasten orhold the latter together. .o

The bore of the cylindrical rotor 43 is provided with internal continuous screw threads 43' which are engaged by an externally screw-threaded sleeve or cylindrical pusher 54 disposed ,trans-- versely therein. A pair of diametrically opposed u opening or slots 55, being slightly curved or arcuate in vertical cross-section (Figure 9), extend longitudinally through the sleeve54 and are ar'- ranged to receive a pair of rods on guides 56. 'I'he latter are positioned longitudiauy within the 40 t bore of the rotor and project'from either end thereof, whereby the ends of the saine may extend through and be fastened to the plate 50 and collar 53. It is noted the rods are provided for the purpose of preventing the sleeve 54 from 45 turning when the rotor 43 is revolved, whereby said sleeve will travel or move forwardly through the bore of said rotor as shown in Figure 7.

The sleeve 54 is internally screwf-threaded at one end and is formed with an internal annular 50 flange 51 at its opposite end. .An externally screw-threaded plate or plug 58, having an axial opening 58', engages the internally screw-threaded portion of the sleeve. A cylindrical core container or removing element 59, having an external 55 v annular flange 59' formed on its inner end, is axially disposed within the rotor 43 andhas its ange confined within the sleeve between the flange 51 and plug 58, whereby the core removing element is limited in its transverse movement by 60' the travel or movement of said sleeve. The flange 59 of the core yremoving element is spaced from the flange and plug of the sleeve by a pair of ball bearings 60 which engage within annular bevelled channels or raceways 60 provided in the inner 65 sides of the plug and flange of the sleeve. The core removing element is in this manner rotat` ably supported within the bore of the rotor.

A removable cap EI, having a plurality of grooves 6i formed in its periphery, is screw- 70 threaded into the inner end of the element 59 so as to form a closure for the same. The grooves 5I are arranged to coincide cr communicate with a plurality o f longitudinal grooves or channels S2 provided inthe bore of the element, whereby 75 well fluids or drilling mud may rapidly pass therethrough without affecting the core sample Withl in said element. It is manifest that the drilling mud and well fluids will also flow through thev axial openings 58 and 56' of the plug 58 and plate 56, respectively, whereby the possibility of the core sample being a'ected by hydrostatic pressure is substantially eliminated. Obviously,

= cutting edge in the form of a plurality bf cutting faces of said rotator and collar.

teeth 65 are provided on the outer\ei1d of the bit, while a plurality of small core-retaining spring-pressed dogs or hooks 66 are provided Within the bore of said bit. The internal channels 62 formed within the element are also provided within the bit.

For. imparting rotation to the element 59, a cylindrical rotator or sleeve.61 is disposed transversely within the body I in axial alinement with the rotor 43 of said element. 'The rotator 61, having a plurality of internal radial ribs or projections 69, is arranged to surround the outer endof the element and the bit 64 when the same are in their retracted position and has its ribs engaging within longitudinal grooves or channels 69 formed on the exterior of said element and bit, whereby said rotator is slidably secured' to the latter as shown in Figure 9. The outer end of the rotator is supported within the collar 53 by a plurality of balls which are confined within a race formed by a pair of bevelled, annular grooves 1I provided in the adjacent sur A worm wheel 12, having a concave periphery, is made integral with the inner end of the rotator 61 and is adapted to be engaged by a worm gear 13, as-is clearly shown in Figure 6.

The worm gear 13 is formed on a depending shaft 14 which is suitably supported at its ends by ball bearings 15. A bevelled ratchet gear 16 is mounted upon the upper end of the shaft 14 and meshes with a bevelled pinion11 carried upon one end of the horizontal shaft 36, whereby rotation of the latter shaft is imparted to the depending shaft. The ratchet gear includes the usual internal ratchet wheel 18 and springpressed pawls 19 as shown in the Figure 8, whereby rotation of said gear in clockwise direction will turn the shaft 14 and worm gear 13 in the same direction. However, when the gear is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the pawls 19 will ride or slide over the teeth of the v ratchet wheel 16 so as to prevent counter-clockwise movement of the shaft and worm gear, Thus, the rotator 61 will only be turned in one direction and will not be turned at all when the rotation of the ratchet gear is reversed.

When it is desired to obtain a sample of any particular sub-surface formation.- the sampling device I0 is lowered into the well bore A to the desired depth. The device is suspended by a wire line (not shown) and its core removing element 59 is within the housing l I in a retracted position as shown in Figure 1. 'I'he electric motor 2l is then started by closing a switch (not shown) at the surface of the well, whereby its drive shaft will turn the vertical shaft '22 and its gear 25 which will drive the gear 26, carried by the horizontal shaft 21, in a clockwise direction. The cog 29 will turn with the shaft 21 so as to rotate the cog 30 and its vertical shaft 3| in the same direction. The horizontal shaft 36 with its gear 33 and pinion 11 will be revolved in a clockwise direction due to the engagement between the helical gear 35 of said shaft and the worm gear 34 of the shaft 3|. Since the pinion 39 meshes with the gear 38, the shaft 40 and its lower pinion 4| will be rotated in a similar direction.

Due to the fact that the radial teeth 49 of the flange 44 of the rotor 43 are engaged by the teeth of the pinion 4I, said rotor will also be 4driven in a clockwise direction by said pinion. As a result of such motion, the internal screw threads 43' of the rotor and the externally screwthreaded surface of the sleeve 54 will cause said sleeve to move or travel forwardly within the.

bore of said rotor as shown in Figure 7. Of course, it is manifest that the rods or guides 56 having their ends secured within the plate 50 and collar 53, will prevent the sleeve from rotating, whereby the latter must travel forwardly when the rotor is revolved in a clockwise direction. Since the element 59 is attached to the sleeve by means of the flange 59', it is apparent that said element will be pushed outwardly through the bore ofthe rotor. Thus, the element is ejected from the collar 53 into the well bore A. Continued outward movement of the sleeve 54 will cause the teeth 65 of the bit 64 of the element to corftact'and bite into the side wall of the bore.

While the gear 38 is rotating the pinion 39 and shaft 40, the pinion 11 on the opposite end of the shaft 36 is driving the ratchet gear 16 and depending shaft 14 in a clockwise direction. Since the worm wheel 12 of the rotator 61 engages the worm gear 13 of vthe shaft 14, said rotator will be revolved in a similar direction. The revolving or turning of the rotator, which is connected to the element 59 and bit '64 by means of the ribs 68 and grooves 69, will rotate said element and. bit, whereby the same are rotated.

and ejected from the rotor simultaneously. Thus, the element and its bit will bore into the wall of the well bore to cut or obtain a sample corefrom the formation thereof. It is pointed out that the rotator revolves at a greater or higher speed than the rotor biecause of the greater diameter of the latter, whereby the element and bit are moved slowly outward while being rotated at the high speed of the4 rotator so as-l to provide the proper arrangement for the cutting of a core.

When full penetration is reached, the outer end of the sleeve 54 will abut the inner end of the rotator, whereby further outward movement of said sleeve is prevented. At this time, the direction of rotation o f the electric motor 26 is reversed by a suitable switch (not shown), whereby the rotative direction ofthe hereinbefore set forth gears, shafts and elements will be reversed to retract the core removing element. A's the latter is retracted, the core-retaining dogs 66 will be forced inwardly into engagement with the core (not shown) so as to grip and break the same from the wall of the bore, whereby said core is retained within the element. It is noted that the element and-bit are not rotated upon being retracted into the rotor due to the provision of the ratchet gear 16. Upon reverse or counter- .'with respect to the well bore.

clockwise rotation of the shaft 36 and the pinion l1, the pawls 19 of theratchet gear will ride over the teeth of the ratchet wheel and thereby fail to revolve the shaft 14, worm gear 'I3 and worm wheel 12 as hereinbefore set forth. Thus,

the element and bit will slide through the rotatorthe device has been removed from the well, the

tions and repeating the hereinbefore described operation at different depths within the well bore, samples of the various formations may be obtained.

It is noted that suitable bushings or packing rings 80 may be disposed around the vertical shafts 40 and 'I1 to prevent the passage of well fluids upwardly through the body l5, whereby it is substantially impossible for said well uids to reach/ the motor 20. The present invention has been described and illustrated with the core removing element disposed in a horizontal plane However, it is manifest that the invention is not limited to any such arrangement. A device of this character may be employed to take cores not only at right angles to the well bore but also at oblique angles or even from the bottom of. the bore in the direction of such axis.

Various changes, alterations and modifications may be made in the size, shape and arrangement of the herein described elements, within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A device for obtaining core samples including, a housing, a cylindrical member rotatably mounted within the housing, a core removing element within the cylindrical member, means within said member fixed against rotation for ejecting the element when the-member is rotated, A, and ratchet means for rotating said element onlyv ratchet for preventing ^`rotation of said element as it is retracted.

3. Al devicefor obtaining core samples includthe outer end of said element, the sleeve having connection with the element for rotating the same and being fixed against axial movement, whereby said element slides therethrough, and means including a ratchet for preventing'rotation of said element as it is retracted.

4. A device for obtaining core `samples including, a housing, a cylindrical member rotatably mounted within the housing, a core removing element supported within the cylindrical member, means within said member fixed against rotation for ejecting the element when the member isrotated, a rotatable sleeve surrounding the outer end of said element and having connection therewith for rotating the same, the sleeve being fixed against axial movement, whereby said element slides therethrough, and means for preventing rotation of said element as it is retracted.

5. A device for obtaining core samples including, a support adapted to be lowered into a well', a motor carried by said support, a laterally movable core drill mounted in the support, a cylindrcal rotor surrounding the drill and internally screw-threaded, a pusher mountedgto move longitudinally in the rotor and having screw-threaded transverse engagement therewith, the inner end of the bit being journaled in said pusher, stationary elements extending longitudinally through the rotor and pusher, whereby the pusher is held against rotation, a rotating element keyed on the drill, whereby the drill is rotated while sliding therethrough, means for revolving the rotor, and means for revolving the rotating element.

6. A device for obtaining core samples as set forth in claim 5 and means for interrupting the transmission of motion to the rotating element when the bit is retracted, whereby rotation of y said bit is eliminated upon retraction of the same.

7. A device for obtaining core samples as set out in claim 5, and a ratchet connected in the means for driving the rotating element, whereby when the driving means is reversed the rotating element will not be rotated.

8. A. device for obtaining core .samples as set forth in claim 5 wherein the bit is keyed to the rotating element by a plurality of elongate ribs in the bore of said element engaging in grooves extending longitudinally in the outer surface of said bit.

9. As a sub combination in a, device for obtaining core samples, a cylindrical rotor, a ring gear surrounding said rotor, the inner surface of said rotor being externally screw-threaded, a pusher having external screw-threads and fitting within the rotor, a bit having one end rotatably held of said element engaging in grooves extending longitudinally in the outer surface of said bit, and means located near the outer end of said bit for holding a core within said bit when the same is being retracted from a formation.Y

ROY Q. SEALE.

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