Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein include sidewall coring tool assemblies used to return core plugs of rock from a sidewall of a wellbore as part of a data collection exercise for exploration and production of hydrocarbons. A coring bit and a coring shaft of the present disclosure allow space for cuttings to move away from the bit face when drilling into a formation. In addition, certain embodiments include a plurality of inlets disposed circumferentially on an external surface at a first axial end of the coring shaft, a plurality of internal grooves disposed on an internal surface of the coring shaft, and/or a plurality of fins disposed on the external surface to direct flow of drilling and debris away from the coring bit. In addition to providing more space for cuttings to move away from the coring bit, the torque needed to drive the bit is lessened as the surface area of the bit contacting or engaging the formation is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring characteristics of earth formations surrounding a borehole, comprises a resistivity measurement device having a multiplicity of antennae spaced between each other in a longitudinal direction of the apparatus. A neutron measurement device of the apparatus comprises at least a neutron source and at least a neutron detector, each of the neutron detectors being at a distance from the neutron source in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus. The multiplicity of antennae are interleaved with the neutron measurement device in order to reduce a total length of the apparatus and in order to allow a determined area of the earth formation to be measured simultaneously using the neutron measurement device and the resistivity measurement device.

Abstract: A downhole tool positionable in a wellbore for penetrating a subterranean formation includes a housing having at least one protuberance extending therefrom. The protuberance has at least one centralizing section and a protective section. A probe is positioned in the protective section such that the horizontal cross-sectional area of the housing along the protective section is less than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the housing along the at least one centralizing section.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring characteristics of earth formations surrounding a borehole, comprises a resistivity measurement device having a multiplicity of antennae spaced between each other in a longitudinal direction of the apparatus. A neutron measurement device of the apparatus comprises at least a neutron source and at least a neutron detector, each of the neutron detectors being at a distance from the neutron source in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus. The multiplicity of antennae are interleaved with the neutron measurement device in order to reduce a total length of the apparatus and in order to allow a determined area of the earth formation to be measured simultaneously using the neutron measurement device and the resistivity measurement device.

Abstract: A downhole tool positionable in a wellbore for penetrating a subterranean formation includes a housing having at least one protuberance extending therefrom. The protuberance has at least one centralizing section and a protective section. A probe is positioned in the protective section such that the horizontal cross-sectional area of the housing along the protective section is less than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the housing along the at least one centralizing section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for acquiring information from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore contemplate the use of a tubular body adapted for connection within a drill string disposed in the wellbore. The tubular body is equipped with one or more protuberances (e.g., ribs) defining an expanded axial portion. A probe is carried by the tubular body at or near a first location within the expanded axial portion of the body where the cross-sectional area of the expanded axial portion is a minimum. The probe is movable between retracted and extended positions. In another aspect, the inventive apparatus may further include a cover releasably-secured about the probe for protecting the probe while drilling. In a further aspect, the inventive apparatus may include a shearable backup support carried by the tubular body azimuthally opposite the probe permitting release of the apparatus from the wellbore in the event of a failure.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring characteristics of earth formations surrounding a borehole, comprises a resistivity measurement device having a multiplicity of antennae spaced between each other in a longitudinal direction of the apparatus. A neutron measurement device of the apparatus comprises at least a neutron source and at least a neutron detector, each of the neutron detectors being at a distance from the neutron source in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus. The multiplicity of antennae are interleaved with the neutron measurement device in order to reduce a total length of the apparatus and in order to allow a determined area of the earth formation to be measured simultaneously using the neutron measurement device and the resistivity measurement device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drawing fluid from a subterranean formation into a downhole tool positioned in a wellbore penetrating the formation is provided. A probe body is extended from the downhole tool for engagement with the wellbore wall. The probe body has at least one inlet extending therethrough for receiving downhole fluids. At least one packer is positioned on an external end of the probe body and adapted to create a seal with the wellbore wall. The packer has an inner surface defining an aperture therethrough in fluid communication with the at least one inlet, and a peripheral surface. An internal packer support is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the packer, and an external packer support is positioned about the peripheral surface of the packer whereby at least a portion of the at least one packer is supported as it is pressed against the wellbore wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for acquiring information from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore contemplate the use of a tubular body adapted for connection within a drill string disposed in the wellbore. The tubular body is equipped with one or more protuberances (e.g., ribs) defining an expanded axial portion. A probe is carried by the tubular body at or near a first location within the expanded axial portion of the body where the cross-sectional area of the expanded axial portion is a minimum. The probe is movable between retracted and extended positions. In another aspect, the inventive apparatus may further include a cover releasably-secured about the probe for protecting the probe while drilling. In a further aspect, the inventive apparatus may include a shearable backup support carried by the tubular body azimuthally opposite the probe permitting release of the apparatus from the wellbore in the event of a failure.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring characteristics of earth formations surrounding a borehole, comprises a resistivity measurement device having a multiplicity of antennae spaced between each other in a longitudinal direction of the apparatus. A neutron measurement device of the apparatus comprises at least a neutron source and at least a neutron detector, each of the neutron detectors being at a distance from the neutron source in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus. The multiplicity of antennae are interleaved with the neutron measurement device in order to reduce a total length of the apparatus and in order to allow a determined area of the earth formation to be measured simultaneously using the neutron measurement device and the resistivity measurement device.