Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for isolating or manipulating a portion of a sample at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises a primary sample containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the vessel having a primary sample inlet and outlet; a secondary sample collection container defining a collection chamber fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel; and a sample probe comprising a distal end able to isolate a secondary sample in the primary chamber and transfer it to the collection chamber, the probe fluidly connected to the primary chamber via a seal allowing at least the distal end to be moved in 3-dimensions within the primary chamber. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A fluid analysis assembly for analyzing a fluid the fluid analysis assembly includes a chamber, a fluid movement device, a pressurization assembly and at least one sensor. The chamber defines an evaluation cavity for receiving the fluid. The fluid movement device has a force medium applying force to the fluid to cause the fluid to move within the cavity. The pressurization assembly changes the pressure of the fluid in a continuous manner. The at least one sensor communicates with the fluid for sensing at least one parameter of the fluid while the pressure of the fluid is changing in the continuous manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for observing samples at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus comprises a cell body having a fluid flow-through passage and a light passage intersecting the fluid flow-through passage at an adjustable light pathlength fluid analysis region; first and second light-transmissive windows in the light passage, each window having at least one crystal axis aligned longitudinally with a longitudinal axis of the window, the windows having opposed, spaced apart, substantially flat surfaces defining the adjustable light pathlength fluid analysis region, the first window having a first window holder and the second window having a second window holder, the first window rotationally isolated from the first window holder, the second window rotationally coupled to the second window holder, the first window holder able to gradually move the first window and thus adjust the light pathlength; and first and second light polarization filters.

Abstract: Methods and tools are described to reduce sanding including the steps of fracturing the cement sheath in a localized zone around the casing and having the fractured zone act as sand filter between the formation and openings in the casing, with the openings being best pre-formed but temporarily blocked so as to allow a conventional primary cementing of the casing. The fracturing step can also be used for remedial operation to reopen blocked formation or screens.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for isolating or manipulating a portion of a sample at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises a primary sample containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the vessel having a primary sample inlet and outlet; a secondary sample collection container defining a collection chamber fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel; and a sample probe comprising a distal end able to isolate a secondary sample in the primary chamber and transfer it to the collection chamber, the probe fluidly connected to the primary chamber via a seal allowing at least the distal end to be moved in 3-dimensions within the primary chamber. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A technique distributes localized stress acting on a tubular. The tubular is formed with an inner layer and an outer layer that is compliant relative to the inner layer. A force distribution material is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer to spread any concentrated loads acting against the tubular. The compliant nature of the outer layer causes it to distort against the force distribution material when acted on by a concentrated external load. The outer compliant layer and the force distribution material cooperate to isolate and protect the inner layer from displacements of the surrounding subterranean material.

Abstract: A technique enables testing of a wellbore tubular under simulated well conditions. The wellbore tubular is mounted in a fixture for testing. Controllable systems are used to subject the wellbore tubular to a variety of predetermined conditions simulating potential downhole environments. The controllable systems include manipulators able to place the wellbore tubular under predetermined load, displacement, temperature, and pressure conditions.

Abstract: Methods of assuring that a representative formation and/or fluid sample of a subterranean reservoir is obtained are provided. One method of validating a reservoir fluid sample obtained from a wellbore includes the steps of acquiring a reservoir fluid sample in the wellbore; measuring a property of the fluid sample downhole with a technique to obtain a measured downhole fluid property; replicating the measuring technique used to obtain the measured downhole fluid property to obtain at a remote location from the wellbore with a technique to obtain at least one measured remote location fluid property; validating the fluid sample through comparison of the measured downhole fluid property and the at least one measured remote location fluid property.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for isolating or manipulating a portion of a sample at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises a primary sample containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the vessel having a primary sample inlet and outlet; a secondary sample collection container defining a collection chamber fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel; and a sample probe comprising a distal end able to isolate a secondary sample in the primary chamber and transfer it to the collection chamber, the probe fluidly connected to the primary chamber via a seal allowing at least the distal end to be moved in 3-dimensions within the primary chamber. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: deposition in a formation, wellbore, near wellbore region, and production tubing. Compositions of the invention comprise an asphaltene solvent and a viscosity reducing agent, the asphaltene solvent and viscosity reducing agent present in a ratio so as to substantially reduce viscosity of an asphaltene-containing material while substantially negating deposition of asphaltenes either in a reservoir, in production tubing, or both when mixed or otherwise contacting the asphaltene-containing material Methods of the invention comprise forcing a composition comprising an asphaltene solvent and a viscosity reducing agent to contact an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon in an underground geologic formation, and producing from the formation a production composition comprising at least some of the treatment composition and at least some of the asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon under conditions sufficient to substantially negate deposition of asphaltenes in the formation.

Abstract: Methods of assuring that a representative formation and/or fluid sample of a subterranean reservoir is obtained are provided. One method of validating a reservoir fluid sample obtained from a wellbore includes the steps of acquiring a reservoir fluid sample in the wellbore; measuring a property of the fluid sample downhole with a technique to obtain a measured downhole fluid property; replicating the measuring technique used to obtain the measured downhole fluid property to obtain at a remote location from the wellbore with a technique to obtain at least one measured remote location fluid property; validating the fluid sample through comparison of the measured downhole fluid property and the at least one measured remote location fluid property.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates implementation of transitory downhole video imaging and/or spectral imaging for the characterization of formation fluid samples in situ, as well as during flow through production tubing, including subsea flow lines, for permanent and/or long term installations. The present invention contemplates various methods and apparatus that facilitate one-time or ongoing downhole fluid characterization by video analysis in real time. The methods and systems may be particularly well suited to permanent and periodic intervention-based operations.

Abstract: Methods and tools are described to reduce sanding including the steps of fracturing the cement sheath in a localized zone around the casing and having the fractured zone act as sand filter between the formation and openings in the casing, with the openings being best pre-formed but temporarily blocked so as to allow a conventional primary cementing of the casing. The fracturing step can also be used for remedial operation to reopen blocked formation or screens.

Abstract: A method of assuring the collection of reliable and quality fluid sample includes the steps of acquiring a fluid sample at a point of acquisition, analyzing physical and chemical properties of the fluid sample at the point of acquisition; recording the point of acquisition sample properties in an electronic database archive, analyzing physical and chemical properties of the fluid sample at a location remote from the point of acquisition, recording the remote location sample properties in the archive, validating the fluid sample through comparison of the point of acquisition sample properties and the remote location sample properties and recording the validated sample properties in the archive.

Abstract: A technique includes providing a deposition measuring device having a deposition from a fluid sample on an interior surface of the device. The technique also includes operating the device with a solvent to produce a solvent solution that contains the deposition. The solvent solution is used to quantify at least one chemical compound that is present in the deposition.

Abstract: A fluid analysis assembly for analyzing a fluid the fluid analysis assembly includes a chamber, a fluid movement device, a pressurization assembly and at least one sensor. The chamber defines an evaluation cavity for receiving the fluid. The fluid movement device has a force medium applying force to the fluid to cause the fluid to move within the cavity. The pressurization assembly changes the pressure of the fluid in a continuous manner. The at least one sensor communicates with the fluid for sensing at least one parameter of the fluid while the pressure of the fluid is changing in the continuous manner.

Abstract: We disclose a method of measuring an emulsion or solids deposition in a fluid sample, comprising charging the sample to a Couette device; subjecting the sample in the Couette device to a pressure, a temperature, and a shear comparable to field conditions; changing at least one of the pressure, temperature, composition, or shear of the sample; and quantifying the type and amount of solids deposited on the interior walls of the Couette device. We also disclose Couette devices which can be used in the method.

Abstract: A technique includes providing a deposition measuring device having a deposition from a fluid sample on an interior surface of the device. The technique also includes operating the device with a solvent to produce a solvent solution that contains the deposition. The solvent solution is used to quantify at least one chemical compound that is present in the deposition.

Abstract: A method of assuring the collection of reliable and quality fluid sample includes the steps of acquiring a fluid sample at a point of acquisition, analyzing physical and chemical properties of the fluid sample at the point of acquisition; recording the point of acquisition sample properties in an electronic database archive, analyzing physical and chemical properties of the fluid sample at a location remote from the point of acquisition, recording the remote location sample properties in the archive, validating the fluid sample through comparison of the point of acquisition sample properties and the remote location sample properties and recording the validated sample properties in the archive.

Abstract: We disclose a method of measuring an emulsion or solids deposition in a fluid sample, comprising charging the sample to a Couette device; subjecting the sample in the Couette device to a pressure, a temperature, and a shear comparable to field conditions; changing at least one of the pressure, temperature, composition, or shear of the sample; and quantifying the type and amount of solids deposited on the interior walls of the Couette device. We also disclose Couette devices which can be used in the method.