Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.

Abstract: A sample module for a sampling while drilling tool includes a sample fluid flowline operatively connectable between a sample chamber and an inlet, for passing a downhole fluid. A primary piston divides the sample chamber into a sample volume and a buffer volume and includes a first face in fluid communication with the sample volume and a second face in fluid communication with the buffer volume. An agitator is disposed in the sample volume for agitating the sample fluid. A secondary piston includes a first face in fluid communication with the buffer volume having buffer fluid disposed therein and a second face.

Abstract: A sampling while drilling tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The tool includes a drill collar, at least one sample chamber, at least one flowline and at least one cover. The drill collar is operatively connectable to a drill string of the sampling while drilling tool. The drill collar has at least one opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. The drill collar has a passage therein for conducting mud therethrough. The sample chamber is positionable in the cavity of the drill collar. The flowline in the drill collar, the at least one flowline operatively connectable to the sample chamber for passing a downhole fluid thereto. The cover is positionable about the at least one opening of the drill collar whereby the sample chamber is removably secured therein.

Abstract: Wellbore apparatus including an elongated tubular adapted for disposal within the wellbore. The tubular having an elongated recess formed on its exterior surface along the longitudinal axis. The recess is adapted to accept and house a component therein. A shield disposed within the recess and adapted to slide to a selected position therein, covering a housed component. The sliding shield and housed component are retained within the recess by a retainer system using minimal fasteners.

Abstract: A sample module for a sampling while drilling tool includes a sample fluid flowline operatively connectable between a sample chamber and an inlet, for passing a downhole fluid. A primary piston divides the sample chamber into a sample volume and a buffer volume and includes a first face in fluid communication with the sample volume and a second face in fluid communication with the buffer volume. A secondary piston includes a first face in fluid communication with the buffer volume having buffer fluid disposed therein and a second face.

Abstract: A sampling while drilling tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The tool includes a drill collar, at least one sample chamber, at least one flowline and at least one cover. The drill collar is operatively connectable to a drill string of the sampling while drilling tool. The drill collar has at least one opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. The drill collar has a passage therein for conducting mud therethrough. The sample chamber is positionable in the cavity of the drill collar. The flowline in the drill collar, the at least one flowline operatively connectable to the sample chamber for passing a downhole fluid thereto. The cover is positionable about the at least one opening of the drill collar whereby the sample chamber is removably secured therein.

Abstract: Wellbore apparatus including an elongated tubular adapted for disposal within the wellbore. The tubular having an elongated recess formed on its exterior surface along the longitudinal axis. The recess is adapted to accept and house a component therein. A shield disposed within the recess and adapted to slide to a selected position therein, covering a housed component. The sliding shield and housed component are retained within the recess by a retainer system using minimal fasteners.