MECHANICAL CORE JAM INDICATOR FOR CORING TOOLS, CORING TOOLS INCLUDING SUCH CORE JAM INDICATORS, AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

Core jam indicators for use with coring tools include a plug coupled with an inner barrel and configured to selectively close the entrance of the inner barrel. The plug has at least one fluid port extending through a wall of the plug between an interior and an exterior of the plug. The mandrel at least partially covers the at least one fluid port of the plug in an activated position and the at least one fluid port is at least partially uncovered by the mandrel in a deactivated position. The mandrel is coupled to the inner barrel. A piston force acting on the mandrel resulting from a pressure difference above and below the mandrel acts over an area smaller than a maximum transverse cross-sectional area of the inner barrel. Coring tools include such core jam indicators. Components are provided and assembled to form such core jam indicators.

主权项

1. A core jam indicator for use with a coring tool for obtaining a core sample from a subterranean formation, the core jam indicator comprising:
a plug coupled with an inner barrel, the plug being configured to selectively close the entrance of the inner barrel, the plug having at least one fluid port extending through a wall of the plug between an interior and an exterior of the plug; an anchor member operably associated with the plug; and a mandrel having an upper end and a lower end, the mandrel configured to move between a deactivated position and an activated position, the mandrel at least partially covering the at least one fluid port of the plug in the activated position to impede fluid flow through the at least one fluid port, the at least one fluid port being at least partially uncovered by the mandrel in the deactivated position to facilitate fluid flow through the at least one fluid port, the mandrel being coupled to the inner barrel of the coring tool such that movement of the inner barrel results in movement of the mandrel; wherein a piston force acting on the mandrel resulting from a pressure difference above and below the mandrel acts over an area smaller than a maximum transverse cross-sectional area of the inner barrel.