Abstract: A coring apparatus including an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit; an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample; and at least one strain sensor adapted to measure strain experienced by the inner core barrel selected from the group consisting of tension and compression, wherein an output of the at least one strain sensor is indicative of entry of the core sample into the inner core barrel.

Abstract: A coring apparatus including an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit; an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample; and at least one strain sensor adapted to measure strain experienced by the inner core barrel selected from the group consisting of tension and compression, wherein an output of the at least one strain sensor is indicative of entry of the core sample into the inner core barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method obtains a sample from a subterranean formation. The coring apparatus includes an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit; an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample; and sensors adapted to provide data relating to downhole conditions. The sensors may be one or more sensors the output of which is indicative of entry of a core sample into the inner core barrel.

Abstract: A coring apparatus includes an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit and an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample. The inner core barrel is rotatable with respect to the outer core barrel via a rotatable bearing. The coring apparatus may include a rotation sensor located within the inner core barrel. The rotation sensor measures relative rotation between the inner core barrel and the outer core barrel. Alternatively the coring apparatus may include one or more strain sensors adapted to measure tension and/or compression experienced by the inner core barrel or a vibration sensor mounted on the inner core barrel. The vibration sensor measures vibration experienced by the inner barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method obtains a sample from a subterranean formation. The coring apparatus includes an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit; an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample; and sensors adapted to provide data relating to downhole conditions. The sensors includes: a strain sensor adapted to measure tension and/or compression experienced by the inner core barrel; a first pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure out with the inner barrel and a second pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure within the inner barrel; a rotation sensor adapted to measure relative rotation between the inner core barrel and the outer core barrel; and a vibration sensor adapted to measure vibration experienced by the inner barrel.

Abstract: A coring apparatus is provided having an outer core barrel associated with a drill bit; an inner core barrel adapted to accept a core sample; and one or more sensors adapted to provide data relating to downhole conditions. The sensor may be selected from the group of: a strain sensor adapted to measure tension and/or compression experienced by the inner core barrel; a first pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure outwith the inner barrel and a second pressure sensor adapted to measure pressure within the inner barrel; a rotation sensor adapted to measure relative rotation between the inner core barrel and the outer core barrel; and a vibration sensor adapted to measure vibration experienced by the inner barrel. Methods of monitoring a coring operation and a method of gathering information about a coring operation are also provided.