Patent ID: 6769487
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: E21B,F25B

Abstract:
An apparatus for actively cooling instrumentation contained in a downhole tool, the apparatus comprising:a compressor for pressurizing a cooling fluid; a condenser in fluid communication with the compressor, the condenser capable of converting the cooling fluid from vapor to liquid; an expansion valve in fluid communication with the condenser, the expansion valve capable of selectively releasing the cooling fluid; and a heat exchanger adapted to receive the cooling fluid from the expansion valve and return the cooling fluid to the compressor, the heat exchanger comprising: an inner container positioned about the instrumentation, the inner container in fluid communication with the expansion valve; and an outer container positioned about the inner container, the outer container in fluid communication with the inner container and the compressor; wherein the cooling fluid is cooled as it flows through the compressor, condenser and expansion valve and wherein the cooling fluid absorbs heat as it passes through the inner and outer containers whereby the instrumentation remains cool.