Abstract: A pumping system includes a probe to suction a fluid from a fluid reservoir, a pump in fluid communication with the probe, and a sensor for detecting phase changes in said pumping system. The sensor is in fluid communication with the probe or pump and is operable to generate a sensor signal. The pumping system also includes a fluid exit from the pumping system that is in fluid communication with said pump, and a variable force check valve that is located between the probe and fluid exit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating fluid, such as measuring bubble point, during drilling or pumping operations including pumping fluid in a borehole through a flow line (200) and drawing fluid from the flow line through an isolation line (232) without substantially dropping pressure of the flow line or without ceasing pumping operations.

Abstract: A separator for downhole measuring during sampling in a subterranean formation. The separator allows for mixed fluid phases to be separated while flowing formation fluid therethrough.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to monitor flow of single and multiple phase fluids. Sensors of a tool can be dispersed along the tool to collect measurements to be processed using an autocorrelation operation on the collected measurements to provide information relative to the phases of the fluid. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A pumping system comprising: a probe to suction a fluid from a fluid reservoir; a pump in fluid communication with said probe; a sensor for detecting phase changes in said pumping system, said sensor in fluid communication with said probe or pump, said sensor generating a sensor signal; a fluid exit from said pumping system, said fluid exit being in fluid communication with said pump; and a variable force check valve located between said probe and said fluid exit.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to measure formation fluid and obtain data, the data having measurement levels that vary over a parameter. The data is grouped in one or more categories, each category having data falling within a range, and the grouped data is analyzed as a function of the parameter. In some embodiments, the grouped data is used to identify at least one fluid type of the formation fluid using the grouped data.

Abstract: A down hole apparatus includes a first expandable packer and a second expandable packer, where the first expandable packer longitudinally spaced from the second expandable packer. The apparatus further includes an optional expandable bladder disposed at a longitudinal location between the first expandable packer and the second expandable packer. The expandable bladder inflates to displace drilling fluid between the first and second bladder elements. The down hole apparatus can optionally displace drilling fluid between the first and second bladder elements with another fluid. Fluids and/or slurry can be selectively removed using ports between the first and second expandable packers, and optionally placed in sample chambers, or expelled to the bore hole.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for downhole formation testing including use of a probe having inner and outer channels adapted to collect or inject injecting fluids from or to a formation accessed by a borehole. The probe straddles one or more layers in laminated or fractured formations and uses the inner channels to collect fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating fluid, such as measuring bubble point, during drilling or pumping operations including pumping fluid in a borehole through a flow line (200) and drawing fluid from the flow line through an isolation line (232) without substantially dropping pressure of the flow line or without ceasing pumping operations.

Abstract: A separator for downhole measuring during sampling in a subterranean formation. The separator allows for mixed fluid phases to be separated while flowing formation fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A formation tester tool includes a formation tester tool body having a surface, a formation probe assembly located within the formation tester tool body, the formation probe assembly including a piston reciprocal between a retracted position and an extended position beyond the surface of the formation tester tool body, the piston being slidingly retained within a chamber, and a seal pad located at an end of the piston, wherein the seal pad includes a first inner sealing element and a second outer sealing element.

Abstract: A down hole apparatus includes a first expandable packer and a second expandable packer, where the first expandable packer longitudinally spaced from the second expandable packer. The apparatus further includes an optional expandable bladder disposed at a longitudinal location between the first expandable packer and the second expandable packer. The expandable bladder inflates to displace drilling fluid between the first and second bladder elements. The down hole apparatus can optionally displace drilling fluid between the first and second bladder elements with another fluid. Fluids and/or slurry can be selectively removed using ports between the first and second expandable packers, and optionally placed in sample chambers, or expelled to the bore hole.

Abstract: A formation tester tool includes a formation tester tool body having a surface, a formation probe assembly located within the formation tester tool body, the formation probe assembly including a piston reciprocal between a retracted position and an extended position beyond the surface of the formation tester tool body, the piston being slidingly retained within a chamber, and a seal pad located at an end of the piston, wherein the seal pad includes a first inner sealing element and a second outer sealing element.