Abstract: An in situ underground sample analyzing apparatus for use in a multilevel borehole monitoring system is disclosed. A casing assembly comprising a plurality of elongate tubular casings (24) separated by measurement port couplers (26) is coaxially alignable in a borehole (20). The measurement port couplers (26) include an inlet measurement port (70b ) for collecting fluid from an underground measurement zone (32) and an outlet measurement port (70a) for releasing fluid into the measurement zone (32). An in situ sample analyzing probe (124) is orientable in the casing assembly. The in situ sample analyzing probe (124) includes inlet and outlet probe ports (148b and 148a) alignable and mateable with the inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a). The inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a) typically include valves.

Abstract: An in situ underground sample analyzing apparatus for use in a multilevel borehole monitoring system is disclosed. A casing assembly comprising a plurality of elongate tubular casings (24) separated by measurement port couplers (26) is coaxially alignable in a borehole (20). The measurement port couplers (26) include an inlet measurement port (70b) for collecting fluid from an underground measurement zone (32) and an outlet measurement port (70a) for releasing fluid into the measurement zone (32). An in situ sample analyzing probe (124) is orientable in the casing assembly. The in situ sample analyzing probe (124) includes inlet and outlet probe ports (148b and 148a) alignable and mateable with the inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a). The inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a) typically include valves.

Abstract: A system for individually controlling the inflation and deflation of individual packers mounted on a casing is disclosed. The system includes a packer valve (36) mounted on the casing (24). The valve is in fluid communication with one of the packers (28). A probe (124) is movable within the casing to access packer valve to inflate or deflate the related packer (28). The packer valve includes a body having a bore (40), a valve closure conduit (42) and a valve opening conduit (44), each in communication with the bore. In one embodiment, the valve further includes a packer inlet/outlet conduit (50) connecting the bore to the packer, and a packer/valve conduit (54) in communication with the bore (40) and the packer inlet/outlet conduit. In another embodiment, the bore is directly communicated with the interior of the packer. The packer valve also includes a valve pin (41) reciprocatably mounted in the bore.

Abstract: An in situ underground sample analyzing apparatus for use in a multilevel borehole monitoring system is disclosed. A casing assembly comprising a plurality of elongate tubular casings (24) separated by measurement port couplers (26) is coaxially alignable in a borehole (20). The measurement port couplers (26) include an inlet measurement port (70b) for collecting fluid from an underground measurement zone (32) and an outlet measurement port (70a) for releasing fluid into the measurement zone (32). An in situ sample analyzing probe (124) is orientable in the casing assembly. The in situ sample analyzing probe (124) includes inlet and outlet probe ports (148b and 148a) alignable and mateable with the inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a). The inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a) typically include valves.

Abstract: A measurement port coupler (26) having an improved measurement port (70) to allow fluid from the exterior of the measurement port coupler to be sampled by a probe (124) located on the interior of the measurement port coupler. A valve (72) in the measurement port is recessed in a conical depression (76) set in a wall of the measurement port coupler. The conical depression protects the valve from inadvertent opening and from wear. An improved probe interface (148) is provided to mate with the measurement port. The probe interface includes a face seal gasket (150) that contacts the conical depression of the measurement port prior to the measurement port being opened. A removable cover plate (88) is provided on the exterior of the measurement port coupler to filter any fluids that pass through the measurement port. A removable helical insert (110) is also provided for insertion into the measurement port coupler to aid in orienting the probe when samples or measurements are to be taken.

Abstract: A unit adapted to be attached to a large number of similar units to form an apparatus to permit the taking of geological and geophysical readings and samples. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical casing having ribs or grooves formed on its interior surface. A coupler is adapted to fit on the casing. Alignment means are formed on the casing and the coupler to co-operate to ensure alignment of the grooves in the casing with the grooves in an adjacent casing in the apparatus. Expandable bags may be attached to the exterior of the casing to help provide support and hydraulic seals between the casing and the surrounding materials.

Abstract: Sampler and measurement apparatus in the form of a tube having opposite ends to be used with casings axially aligned therewith to form a common passageway through which can be moved instruments for taking samples and/or measurements, and operating tools. At least one port is formed in the tube spaced from the ends thereof. A sleeve slidably mounted in the tube is movable longitudinally thereof between one position covering the port and another position uncovering it.

Abstract: The isolating packer unit is made up of a cylindrical measuring casing one end of which is connected by a cylindrical coupler tube to an end of a similar measuring casing, this coupler tube having a measuring port normally closed by a valve which is operable from within the tube to open the port. An elongate elastic packer tube is mounted on and concentric with each casing and is secured at its ends to the casing. When the packer unit is in a well or bore hole, the packer tubes are expanded or inflated by fluid directed thereinto to engage the wall of the well or bore hole to isolate the measuring port of the coupler tube from the portions of the well or bore hole above and below the packer unit.

Abstract: A coupler interconnecting casings through which can move instruments for taking measurements and samples for geological, geophysical and other purposes. The coupler is a tube having opposite ends registering with and connected to measuring casings. A sealing connecting element is provided between the tube ends and the adjacent casing ends. A measuring port in the tube wall is normally closed by a valve which is operable from within the tube to open the port. A stop arrangement in the tube is so positioned relative to the measuring port as to stop an instrument in the tube in correct operating position at the port for taking measurements or samples through the port. In a broader sense, the measuring port and valve can be omitted, in which case the stop arrangement stops the instrument at a desired position for measuring or other purposes.

Abstract: A probe or instrument to be moved through casing assemblies having ports therein at different levels selectively to take samples and/or measurements at these levels. The probe is an elongate body which is lowered through the casing assembly by a suitable cable. A stop on the body cooperates with a stop in the casing assembly at each level to position a port in the body in registry with a port in the casing at this level. A seal on the body is pressed against the adjacent casing assembly wall to isolate the registering ports from the interior of the casing at this time.