Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole sample tank and a plurality of micro sample chambers. The micro sample chambers can have at least one window for introduction of visible, near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR) and other electromagnetic energy into the tank for samples collected in the micro sample chamber downhole from an earth boring or well bore. The window is made of sapphire or another material capable of allowing electromagnetic energy to pass through the window. The entire micro sample chamber can be made of sapphire or another material capable of allowing electromagnetic energy to pass another material enabling visual inspection or analysis of the sample inside the micro sample chamber. The micro sample chamber enables immediate testing of the sample on location at the surface to determine the quality of the sample in the main sample tank or to enable comprehensive testing of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determination of the quality of a formation fluid sample including monitoring permeability and mobililty versus time to determine a filtrate contamination level, single phase state without gas and solids in the formation fluid, as it existed in the formation and the determination of laminar flow from the formation. The present invention also enables determination of an optimal pumping rate to match the ability of a subsurface formation to produce a single phase formation fluid sample in minimum time. The method and apparatus also detect pumping problems such as sanding and loss of seal with borehole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a down hole spectrometer for determination of dew point pressure to determine an associated optimal pumping rate during sampling to avoid precipitation of asphaltenes in a formation sample. A sample is captured at formation pressure in a controlled volume. The pressure in the controlled volume is reduced. Initially the formation fluid sample appears dark and allows less light energy to pass through a sample under test. The sample under test, however, becomes lighter and allows more light energy to pass through the sample as the pressure is reduced and the formation fluid sample becomes thinner or less dense under the reduced pressure. At the dew point pressure, however, the sample begins to darken and allows less light energy to pass through it as apshaltenes begin to precipitate out of the sample. Thus, the dew point is that pressure at which peak light energy passes through the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for continuously monitoring the integrity of a pressurized well bore fluid sample collected downhole in an earth boring or well bore. The CDR continuous by measures the temperature and pressure for the down hole sample. Near infrared, mid infrared and visible light analysis is also performed on the small amount of sample to provide an on site analysis of sample properties and contamination level. The onsite analysis comprises determination of gas oil ratio, API gravity and various other parameters which can be estimated by a trained neural network or chemometric equation a flexural mechanical resonator is also provided to measure fluid density and viscosity from which additional parameters can be estimated by a trained neural network or chemometric equation. The sample tank is overpressured or supercharged to obviate adverse pressure drop or other effects of diverting a small sample to the CDR.