Abstract: A method and system for determining a property of a sample of fluid in a borehole. A fluid sample is collected in a downhole tool. While collecting, X-rays are transmitted proximate the fluid from an X-ray source in the tool and an X-ray flux that is a function of a property of the fluid is detected. The detected X-ray flux data is processed to determine the property of the fluid.

Abstract: In a formation pressure tester tool, an elongated filter piston possibly having a tapered or sharp edge configured to penetrate mud cake while the probe is being set. At the end of the setting sequence, the filter piston is retracted, thus opening a flowpath from the formation, through the mudcake, to the probe.

Abstract: A method for sampling fluid in a subterranean formation includes, reducing a viscosity of a fluid, pressurizing a portion of the subterranean formation and collecting a fluid sample. Specifically, a viscosity of a fluid in a portion of the subterranean formation is reduced and a portion of the subterranean formation is pressurizing by injecting a displacement fluid into the subterranean formation. A sample of the fluid pressurized by the displacement fluid is then collected.

Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer structural layer that expands across an expansion zone to facilitate creation of a seal with a surrounding wellbore wall. An inflatable bladder can be used within the outer structural layer to cause expansion, and a seal can be disposed for cooperation with the outer structural layer to facilitate sealing engagement with the surrounding wellbore wall. One or more drain features are used to improve the sampling process and/or to facilitate flow through the drain over the life of the single packer.

Abstract: A formation treatment system includes an annulus spanning member having one or more openings therein. A tubular having one or more ports therein in fluid communication with the one or more openings. A sleeve capable of isolating or communicating the one or more ports with an ID of the tubular. A method for effecting precision formation treatment is included.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base plate having a first aperture to receive an inlet in fluid communication with a downhole tool; a compliant outer cover having a first end terminating at the base plate and a second end terminating adjacent a forward opening of the inlet, the compliant outer cover having a first surface configured to engage a borehole wall and a second surface forming an inner cavity with the base plate; and a core disposed within the inner cavity and having a second aperture forming at least a portion of the inlet, wherein the outer cover comprises a first material and the core comprises a second material more compliant than the first material.

Abstract: A string with a plurality of telescoping members has the telescoping members initially sealed preferably with a shape memory foam so that the foam is initially impervious when run into a subterranean location. Then, after extension of the telescoping members, using pressure in the string, the foam gets above its transition temperature and grows axially in a passage of the telescoping members, to the point of becoming porous so that it can serve as a sand control or other debris exclusion device. Plates with openings can be deployed at opposed ends to maintain the assembly in position when subjected to differential pressure as flow goes through the foam. Alternative materials are envisioned.

Abstract: A seal apparatus for closing a wellbore, the apparatus being universally deployable and capable of closing the wellbore even in the case of damage located beneath a present blowout preventer. The apparatus is based on the idea of introducing a seal into the wellbore in order to close it off to avoid damage from a rising fluid. For this purpose, the seal has at least one apron, or a capsule. An opening of the apron, or distending of the capsule, causes a non-positive and/or positive connection to be produced in respect to the wall of the wellbore such that the wellbore is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus has a tool with a sample flow line an inlet disposed with the tool and configured to establish fluid communication between the formation and the sample flow line to draw a fluid sample into the sample flow line. An active filter is positionable in the sample flow line and provides a filter flow route and a bypass flow route in the sample flow line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use with gas-filled downhole tools are disclosed herein. A disclosed example method includes opening an isolation valve of a downhole tool, wherein the isolation valve is in fluid communication with first and second ports of the downhole tool, and wherein the first and second ports are in fluid communication with respective first and second ends of an interior cavity of the downhole tool; coupling a source of inert gas to the first port and flowing the inert gas into the interior cavity of the downhole tool to expel air from the interior cavity through the second port; closing the second port when the air is expelled from the interior cavity; and closing the isolation valve to seal the inert gas in the interior cavity.

Abstract: A ported tubular is provided for use in casing a wellbore, to permit selective access to the adjacent formation during completion operations. A system and method for completing a wellbore using the ported tubular are also provided. Ports within the wellbore casing may be opened, isolated, or otherwise accessed to deliver treatment to the formation through the ports, using a tool assembly deployed on tubing or wireline.

Abstract: There is provided a method of sampling a subterranean formation. The method includes the steps of creating a side bore into the wall of a well traversing the formation, sealing the wall around the side bore to provide a pressure seal between the side bore and the well, pressurizing the side bore beyond a pressure inducing formation fracture while maintaining the seal, pumping a fracturing fluid adapted to prevent a complete closure of the fracture through the side bore into the fracture, and reversing the pumping to sample formation fluid through the fracture and the side bore.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to measure gas reservoir formation pressures are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes positioning a downhole bubble sensor in a wellbore formed in a geological gas reservoir formation, trapping a fluid in a portion of the wellbore including the bubble sensor, pressurizing the trapped fluid, reducing pressurization of the fluid until the bubble sensor detects one or more bubbles in the fluid, recording a pressure of the fluid when the bubble sensor detects the one or more bubbles, and determining a formation pressure of the gas reservoir from the recorded pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a fluid at a position within a wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation includes a body adapted to be disposed in the wellbore on a conveyance equipped with one or more expandable packers providing a sample region disposed between an upper cleanup zone and a lower cleanup zone when expanded into abutting contact with the wellbore wall. An upper cleanup port is provided at the upper cleanup zone. A lower cleanup port is provided at the lower cleanup zone. A fluid cleanup flowline in fluid connection with the upper and lower cleanup ports can be provided. A sampling inlet is provided at the sampling region, and a sampling flowline is in fluid connection with the sampling inlet for drawing fluid from the sampling region.

Abstract: An openable port includes a body, a sleeve movable relative to the body, and a plug disposed at the sleeve that is extrudable through the sleeve. And the sleeve is substantially occluded to flow therethrough by the plug prior to extrusion of the plug and is open to flow therethrough after extrusion of the plug.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole formation testing based on the use of one or more elongated sealing pads capable of sealing off and collecting or injecting fluids from elongated portions along the surface of a borehole. The modified sealing pads increase the flow area by collecting fluids from an extended portion along the surface of a borehole, which is likely to straddle one or more layers in laminated or fractured formations. A tester device using the elongated sealing pads can be deployed and withdrawn using an extendible element pressing the pads to the borehole. Various designs and arrangements for use with a fluid tester, which may be part of a modular fluid tool, are disclosed in accordance with different embodiments.

Abstract: A probe for establishing fluid communication between a downhole tool and a subterranean formation. The downhole tool is positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation. The probe includes a platform operatively connected to the downhole tool, at least one packer operatively connected to the platform, the packer having at least one hole extending therethrough and at least one embedded member disposed in the packer for enhancing the operation of the packer as it is pressed against the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a sample of a virgin fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore surrounded by a layer of contaminated fluid is disclosed. The method includes abutting a first packer against a wall of the wellbore, and extending at least a portion of a second packer beyond the first packer, wherein the second packer is at least partially disposed in the first packer. An inlet to a first flowline is at least partially defined by the first packer, and an inlet to a second flowline is defined by the second packer. The method further includes drawing one of virgin fluid, contaminated fluid and combinations thereof into the first flowline; and drawing virgin fluid into the second flowline.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising first and second fluid intakes, a pump, and a sample chamber, may be positioned in a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation. A method of use thereof may comprise drawing fluid from the subterranean formation and into the first and second fluid intakes using the pump, discharging into the borehole at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the second fluid intake, and selectively diverting at least a portion of the fluid drawn into the first fluid intake to the sample chamber.

Abstract: A coring apparatus that includes a housing that is selectively pivotable in a downhole tool, a rotatable coring bit, a gear drive rotatively coupled to the housing, and a key member configured to engage an inner surface of the gear drive and an outer surface of the coring bit and configured to maintain a rotational relationship between the coring bit and the gear drive. A pinion is rotatively coupled to the housing and configured to engage an outer surface of the gear drive, and a motor is affixed to the housing and operatively coupled to the pinion. The gear drive, the key member, the pinion and the motor are configured to pivot in unison with the housing.

Abstract: A formation treatment system includes an annulus spanning member having one or more openings therein, the one or more openings incorporating a degradable material. A tubular having one or more ports therein in fluid communication with the one or more openings. A sleeve capable of isolating or communicating the one or more ports with an ID of the tubular. A method for effecting precision formation treatment is included.

Abstract: A sample tank for receiving and storing sampled connate fluid from a subterranean geological formation. The sample tank includes a piston coaxially disposed within the tank. The piston can be disposed close to the end of the tank where the sampled fluid is introduced into the tank and urged along the length of the tank as sampled fluid is added to the tank. The piston includes an agitator for mixing the fluid and keeping particulates suspended within the fluid. The agitator includes a magnetic member, and is rotated by applying a varying electromagnetic field to the member.

Abstract: A method for forming and sealing a hole in a sidewall of a borehole may include conveying a bit and a sealer into the borehole using a carrier, forming a hole in the sidewall using the bit, and introducing a sealant from the sealer to the hole along a surface portion of the bit. An apparatus for forming and sealing a hole in a sidewall of a borehole includes a carrier conveyable into the borehole, a bit disposed on the carrier that forms the hole in a sidewall, and a sealer operable to introduce a sealant to the hole along a surface portion of the bit.

Abstract: A formation tester tool can include a longitudinal probe drill collar having a surface, a formation probe assembly located within the probe drill collar, the formation probe assembly including a piston reciprocal between a retracted position and an extended position beyond the probe drill collar surface, the piston being slidingly retained within a chamber, a seal pad located at an end of the piston, the seal pad including an outer surface defining a partial cylindrical surface. The piston includes an outer surface having non-circular cross-sectional shape and the chamber includes an inner surface having a non-circular shape similar to the shape of the piston outer surface. The formation tester tool can include interchangeable draw down assemblies and a flow bore having a curving path.

Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer flexible skin and one or more drains coupled to the outer flexible skin. The single packer further comprises one or more sensors positioned to detect one or more specific parameters that may be related to well characteristics and/or single packer characteristics.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprising a probe, wherein the probe comprises: a first inlet having an elongated cross-sectional shape, and a second inlet surrounding the first inlet. The downhole tool further comprises at least one pump configured to draw fluid from a subterranean formation through the first and second inlets.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sample compartment. The apparatus further includes an inlet port through which the sampled reservoir fluid may be introduced into the sample compartment. The apparatus further includes a concentrating object that can be placed within the sample compartment. The concentrating object includes an outer surface and an inner surface recessed from the outer surface. The inner surface is receptive to adsorbing the selected portion of the sampled reservoir fluid.

Abstract: In a method for introducing a geothermal probe into the earth, a geothermal probe is introduced in a radiating manner with the drill head into the earth. After the drilling operation, the drill head remains in the earth. The drill head is introduced into the earth with the assistance of a rod linkage.

Abstract: A formation testing probe assembly comprising an elongated packer having a surface configured to be urged by the probe assembly towards a wall of a wellbore extending through the formation. The formation testing probe assembly further comprises a plate embedded in the elongated packer and including a central structural portion extending along a centerline of a substantial length of the plate, wherein the central structural portion is substantially thicker than remaining portions of the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising a tool having a sample flow line an inlet disposed with the tool and configured to establish fluid communication between the formation and the sample flow line to draw a fluid sample into the sample flow line, and an active filter positioned in the sample flow line and providing a filter flow route and a bypass flow route in the sample flow line.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a tool body configured to be conveyed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, an inflatable packer coupled to the tool body, and a probe assembly coupled to the tool body and comprising an inner sealing element and an outer sealing element, wherein at least one of the inner sealing element and the outer sealing element comprises an elongated shape, and wherein at least a portion of the probe assembly is disposed on the inflatable packer.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for downhole sampling are presented. The sampling system includes a control unit and a housing to engage a conduit. The housing at least partially encloses at least one formation sampler to collect a formation sample. The formation sampler is stored in a sampler carousel. A sampler propulsion system forces the formation sampler into the formation. The propulsion system is in communication with the control unit.

Abstract: An embodiment of the apparatus includes a first drill collar section having an outer surface, an MWD tool for interaction with an earth formation coupled to the first drill collar section, the MWD tool including a first fluid line and a first electrical conduit, a second drill collar section, and an interconnect assembly coupling the second drill collar section to the first drill collar section, the interconnect assembly comprising a fluid line connection coupled to the first fluid line and an electrical connection coupled to the first electrical conduit. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a probe, an interconnect assembly adapted for fluid communication and electrical communication, and a sample bottle drill collar section including at least one removable sample bottle in fluid communication with the probe. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a flush pump mounted in the power collar section and coupled to the probe.

Abstract: A method that uses downhole fluid analysis in order to selectively collect and retain formation fluid samples in a drilling environment, as well as, control drilling using downhole fluid analysis.

Abstract: A system and a methodology is utilized in a wellbore to collect samples of formation fluid. A single expandable packer is moved downhole into the wellbore for collection of a fluid sample. The single packer has a sample collection portion disposed in an intermediate location that is sealed off when the single packer is expanded against a wellbore wall. Once engaged with the wellbore wall, a formation fluid sample can be drawn into the single expandable packer for distribution to a sample collection location.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to perform focused sampling of reservoir fluid are described. An example method couples a sampling probe to a subterranean formation and, while the sampling probe is coupled to the subterranean formation, varies a pumping ratio of at least two displacement units to reduce a contamination level of a formation flu id extracted via the sampling probe from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with a drill which drills into the formation in a manner perpendicular or oblique to the borehole wall. The tool comprises a mechanism for enhancing the mobility of the reservoir fluid, such as a heating element on the drill, hot fluid which is generated in the tool and injected into the drilled hole, or a solvent which is stored in the tool and injected by the tool into the drilled hole.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for real-time management of a guarded probe device down a wellbore that is being used for formation fluid sampling. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide for operational management of the guarded probe device to provide for splitting a flowline coupled with the guarded probe into two separate flow lines after the sampling process has begun, wherein one of the two separate flow-lines is coupled with a sampling probe in the guarded probe device and the other flowline is coupled with a guard probe in the guarded probe device.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a fluid at a position within a wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation includes a body adapted to be disposed in the wellbore on a conveyance equipped with one or more expandable packers providing a sample region disposed between an upper cleanup zone and a lower cleanup zone when expanded into abutting contact with the wellbore wall; an upper cleanup port provided at the upper cleanup zone; a lower cleanup port provided at the lower cleanup zone; at least one fluid cleanup flowline in fluid connection with the upper and lower cleanup ports; a sampling inlet provided at the sampling region; and a sampling flowline in fluid connection with the sampling inlet for drawing fluid from the sampling region.

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 fluid sampling system retrieves a formation fluid sample from a formation surrounding a wellbore extending along a wellbore axis, wherein the formation has a virgin fluid and a contaminated fluid therein. The system includes a sample inlet, a first guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a first direction along the wellbore axis, and a second guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a second, opposite direction along the wellbore axis. At least one cleanup flowline is fluidly connected to the first and second guard inlets for passing contaminated fluid, and an evaluation flowline is fluidly connected to the sample inlet for collecting virgin fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collecting a downhole sample are provided. The method may include introducing a flowable sealant to a borehole wall portion, modifying a formation system mobility using the flowable sealant, and receiving the downhole sample using a sample receiving port positioned proximate the borehole wall portion. An apparatus includes a formation sampling member having a sample receiving port for receiving the downhole sample, and an inhibitor that includes one or more of an activator and an injector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collecting a downhole sample are provided. The method may include monitoring a flow path parameter, introducing a sealant to a borehole wall when the flow path parameter satisfies a first predetermined condition, and collecting a downhole sample when the flow path parameter satisfies a second predetermined condition. An apparatus may include a formation sampling tool having a flow path, an inhibitor coupled to the formation sampling tool, a sampler coupled to the formation sampling tool, and a selector that selects one or more of the inhibitor and the sampler when a parameter of the flow path satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring and concentrating a selected portion of a sampled reservoir fluid is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sample compartment. The apparatus further includes an inlet port through which the sampled reservoir fluid may be introduced into the sample compartment. The apparatus further includes a concentrating object that can be placed within the sample compartment. The concentrating object includes an outer surface and an inner surface recessed from the outer surface. The inner surface is receptive to adsorbing the selected portion of the sampled reservoir fluid.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a sample of a virgin fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore surrounded by a layer of contaminated fluid is disclosed. The method includes abutting a first packer against a wall of the wellbore, and extending at least a portion of a second packer beyond the first packer, wherein the second packer is at least partially disposed in the first packer. An inlet to a first flowline is at least partially defined by the first packer, and an inlet to a second flowline is defined by the second packer. The method further includes drawing one of virgin fluid, contaminated fluid and combinations thereof into the first flowline; and drawing virgin fluid into the second flowline.

Abstract: A system for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well includes a downhole tool configured to be coupled to a work string that includes a tool body having a longitudinal bore for circulating a fluid and at least one aperture configured to receive at least one module. The system further includes a plurality of modules that are each configured to engage the at least one aperture and at least one cavity configured for receiving a probe, and a plurality of probes that each include at least one orifice configured for testing the formation, wherein a first of the plurality of probes has a first configuration and a second of the plurality of probes has a second configuration.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus that includes a sample carrier adapted to receive a sample and return it to the surface. An embodiment includes a formation tester adapted to load the sample carrier. An embodiment includes a retriever to remove the carrier from the drilling mud. The retriever also includes a device for removing the sample from the carrier.

Abstract: A sampling tool for retrieving one or more samples from a wellbore drilled in a subterranean formation includes a coring device retrieving a core from a wellbore wall, wellbore isolation devices that isolate an annular region proximate to the coring device; and a flow device that flows fluid out of the isolated region. During operation, the sampling tool is positioned adjacent a formation of interest. The isolation device is activated to isolate an annular region proximate to the sampling tool. Decentralizing arms can be used to position the coring device next to the wellbore wall. Thereafter, the flow device flows fluid out of the isolated annular region. When the isolated region includes mostly formation fluid, the coring device is activated to retrieve a core from a wall of the wellbore in the isolated annular region and store it in formation fluid.

Abstract: A modular wellbore treatment system having a reservoir for holding wellbore/reservoir treatment material, a pump for pressurizing and delivering the wellbore/reservoir treatment fluid, and a sealing section for creating a localized pressurized zone proximate to a region of a formation to be treated. The wellbore treatment fluid includes permeability modifiers, gel, acids, stimulation fluids, epoxy type substances, void fillers, gravel pack fixing compounds, brine, reactive fluids to water, oil, and gas, and alcohol.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for real-time management of formation fluid sampling down a wellbore using a guarded probe. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide for management of downhole fluid sampling by sensing properties of fluids collected by a downhole-fluid-sampling-device, modeling the fluid sampling process from these sensed properties and using the modeling of the fluid sampling process to manage in real-time the fluid sampling process.