Abstract: An imaging-based measurement apparatus includes a light source, and at least one optical element for positioning in a flow conduit, the at least one optical element being part of a light path for light emitted by the light source, where light along the light path passes through a portion of fluid flowing in the flow conduit. An image sensor detects the light and measures content of the portion of the fluid.

Abstract: An optical window assembly of an optical sensor of a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The downhole tool has a housing with a flowline there through to receive downhole fluid therein. The optical sensor is positionable about the flowline to measure light passing therethrough. The optical window assembly includes a tubular sensor body positionable in the housing (the sensor body having a sensor-end and a flanged signal-end with a passage there through), an optical window positionable in the passage of the sensor body to pass the light from the flowline to the optical sensors, a seal disposed about the sensor body, and a backup ring disposed about the sensor body between the flanged signal-end and the seal to support the seal about the sensor body whereby the downhole fluid is prevented from leaking between the seal and the sensor body.

Abstract: An imaging-based measurement apparatus includes a light source, and at least one optical element for positioning in a flow conduit, the at least one optical element being part of a light path for light emitted by the light source, where light along the light path passes through a portion of fluid flowing in the flow conduit. An image sensor detects the light and measures content of the portion of the fluid.

Abstract: A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system.

Abstract: An optical window assembly of an optical sensor of a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The downhole tool has a housing with a flowline therethrough to receive downhole fluid therein. The optical sensor is positionable about the flowline to measure light passing therethrough. The optical window assembly includes a tubular sensor body positionable in the housing (the sensor body having a sensor end and a flanged signal end with a passage therethrough), an optical window positionable in the passage of the sensor body to pass the light from the flowline to the optical sensors, a seal disposable about the sensor body, and a backup ring disposable about the sensor body between the flanged signal end and the seal to support the seal about the sensor body whereby the downhole fluid is prevented from leaking between the seal and the sensor body.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a clean fluid sample for analysis in a downhole tool are provided. In one example, the method includes directing fluid from a main flowline of the downhole tool to a secondary flowline of the downhole tool. While the fluid is being directed into the secondary flowline, sensor responses corresponding to the fluid in the secondary flowline are monitored to determine when the sensor responses stabilize. The secondary flowline is isolated from the main flowline after the sensor responses have stabilized. A quality control procedure is performed on the fluid in the secondary flowline to determine whether the captured fluid is the same as the fluid in the main flowline. Additional fluid from the main flowline is allowed into the secondary flowline if the captured fluid is not the same.

Abstract: A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system.

Abstract: A fluid sampling and analysis module for a downhole fluid characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The fluid sampling and analysis module comprises a primary flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module, a bypass flowline in fluid communication with the primary flowline and a single valve, interconnecting the primary flowline and the bypass flowline, operable to a first position for formation fluids to flow in the primary flowline and to a second position for formation fluids to flow, via the bypass flowline, in the primary flowline.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a clean fluid sample for analysis in a downhole tool are provided. In one example, the method includes directing fluid from a main flowline of the downhole tool to a secondary flowline of the downhole tool. While the fluid is being directed into the secondary flowline, sensor responses corresponding to the fluid in the secondary flowline are monitored to determine when the sensor responses stabilize. The secondary flowline is isolated from the main flowline after the sensor responses have stabilized. A quality control procedure is performed on the fluid in the secondary flowline to determine whether the captured fluid is the same as the fluid in the main flowline. Additional fluid from the main flowline is allowed into the secondary flowline if the captured fluid is not the same.

Abstract: A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system.

Abstract: A circulation pump for circulating downhole fluids is provided. The circulation pump includes a cylindrical pump housing, a shaft secured in the pump housing extending in a longitudinal direction thereof, an impeller rotating around the shaft in the pump housing, a cylindrical magnetic coupler rotating around the pump housing, the cylindrical magnetic coupler including a magnet, and a motor positioned outside of the pump housing and connected to the magnetic coupler to rotate the magnetic coupler around the pump housing. The impeller is provided with a magnetic piece, which is capable of being magnetically connected with the magnet of the cylindrical magnetic coupler to cause the impeller to rotate around the shaft by rotating the cylindrical magnetic coupler around the pump housing.

Abstract: A fluid sampling and analysis module for a downhole fluid characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The fluid sampling and analysis module comprises a primary flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module, a bypass flowline in fluid communication with the primary flowline and a single valve, interconnecting the primary flowline and the bypass flowline, operable to a first position for formation fluids to flow in the primary flowline and to a second position for formation fluids to flow, via the bypass flowline, in the primary flowline.

Abstract: A circulation pump for circulating downhole fluids is provided. The circulation pump includes a cylindrical pump housing, a shaft secured in the pump housing extending in a longitudinal direction thereof, an impeller rotating around the shaft in the pump housing, a cylindrical magnetic coupler rotating around the pump housing, the cylindrical magnetic coupler including a magnet, and a motor positioned outside of the pump housing and connected to the magnetic coupler to rotate the magnetic coupler around the pump housing. The impeller is provided with a magnetic piece, which is capable of being magnetically connected with the magnet of the cylindrical magnetic coupler to cause the impeller to rotate around the shaft by rotating the cylindrical magnetic coupler around the pump housing.

Abstract: A borehole seismic acquisition tool configured for release from a stuck position within a borehole having a tool body with at least one sensor package, an anchoring arm, and anchoring arm linkage adapted to connect the anchoring arm to the tool body. The anchoring arm linkage includes a weakpoint mechanism adapted to break in response to a minimum threshold amount of breaking force being applied upon the weakpoint mechanism. The anchoring arm includes a first end adapted for contacting a borehole wall surface and a second end pivotally attached to the anchoring arm linkage. The anchoring arm also includes a movable cam removably secured to the first end via a first connector pin. The cam being at least partially rotatable about the first connector pin and configured and arranged to rotate against the borehole wall by a pulling force at a top portion of the borehole seismic acquisition tool.

Abstract: A technique is described for releasing a borehole seismic acquisition tool from a stuck position within a borehole. The borehole seismic acquisition tool includes a tool body having at least one sensor package. The borehole seismic acquisition tool further includes an anchoring arm, and anchoring arm linkage adapted to connect the anchoring arm to the tool body. The anchoring arm linkage includes a weakpoint mechanism adapted to break in response to a minimum threshold amount of breaking force being applied upon the weakpoint mechanism. The anchoring arm includes a first end and a second end. The second end of the anchoring arm is pivotally attached to the anchoring arm linkage. The first end of the anchoring arm includes a tip portion which defines a slot. The anchoring arm also includes a movable cam inserted into the slot and removably secured to the first end via a first connector pin inserted through an aperture in the cam.