Abstract: A method of testing a downhole formation using a formation tester on a drill string. The formation tester is disposed downhole on a drill string and a formation test is performed by forming a seal between a formation probe assembly and the formation. A drawdown piston then creates a volume within a cylinder to draw formation fluid into the volume through the probe assembly. The pressure of the fluid within the cylinder is monitored. The formation test procedure may then be adjusted. The test procedure may be adjusted to account for the bubble point pressure of the fluid being monitored. The pressure may monitored to verify a proper seal is formed or is being maintained. The test procedure may also be performed by maintaining a substantially constant drawdown rate using a hydraulic threshold or a variable restrictor.

Abstract: This application relates to various methods and apparatus for rapidly obtaining accurate formation property data from a drilled earthen borehole. Quickly obtaining accurate formation property data, including formation fluid pressure, is vital to beneficially describing the various formations being intersected. For example, methods are disclosed for collecting numerous property values with a minimum of downhole tools, correcting and calibrating downhole measurements and sensors, and developing complete formation predictors and models by acquiring a diverse set of direct formation measurements, such as formation fluid pressure and temperature. Also disclosed are various methods of using of accurately and quickly obtained formation property data.

Abstract: This application relates to various methods and apparatus for rapidly obtaining accurate formation property data from a drilled earthen borehole. Once obtained, the formation property data, including formation fluid pressure, may be corrected, calibrated and supplemented using various other data and techniques disclosed herein. Furthermore, the formation property data may be used for numerous other purposes. For example, the data may be used to correct or supplement other information gathered from the borehole; it may be used to supplement formation images or models; or, it may be used to adjust a drilling or producing parameter. Various other uses of accurately and quickly obtained formation property data are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining the supercharge pressure in a formation intersected by a borehole having a wall, the method comprising disposing a formation pressure test tool into the borehole having a probe for isolating a portion of the borehole. The method further comprises extending the probe into sealing contact with the borehole wall. The method further comprises performing at least one drawdown test with the formation pressure test tool. The method further comprises modeling the supercharge pressure of the formation using the dynamic properties of the mudcake. The method further comprises determining the supercharge pressure of the formation using the supercharge pressure model. The formation pressure test tool may be conveyed into the borehole using wireline technology or on a drill string. Using the supercharge pressure, the drawdown test may be optimized, the characteristics of the drilling fluid altered, or the measurements of other sensors adjusted.

Abstract: System and methods for estimating properties of a geologic formation are disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes a method for estimating properties of a geologic formation, comprising the steps of: measuring a property of the formation in two or more directions along a path in the formation; obtaining directional property values for at least one spatial unit along the path in the formation based on the property measurements; and providing an anisotropy estimate of the formation from the obtained directional property values.