Abstract: A formation testing tool and method for providing pressure controlled sampling is provided. A flow line delivers formation fluid to a sample chamber in the testing tool. A first valve controls the flow of formation fluid from the flow line to the sample chamber. A piston is slidably disposed in the sample chamber to define a sample cavity and a actuation cavity having variable volumes determined by movement of the piston. An actuator is also provided to move the piston in a first direction to increase the volume of the sample cavity and a second direction to decrease the volume of the sample cavity whereby formation fluid may be drawn into the sample cavity and pressurized therein using the actuator and the first valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole formation testing based on the use of one or more elongated sealing pads capable off 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 A tester device using the elongated sealing pads can be deployed and withdrawn using an extendible element pressing the pads to the borehole.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 seal pad comprising a base plate and an expandable material engaged with the base plate. The expandable material comprises an outer surface where a portion of the outer surface is used to form a seal against a borehole wall. A portion of the outer surface of the expandable material is expanded during the sealing against the borehole wall. The seal pad also comprises a retainer for controlling the expansion of the expandable material. The retainer controls the expansion of the expandable material by engaging at least a portion of the outer surface of the expandable material. Thus when the seal is formed by expanding the expandable material, at least a portion of the expandable material is contained by the retainer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining at least one downhole formation property is disclosed. The apparatus includes a probe and a pretest piston positionable in fluid communication with the formation, and a series of flowlines pressure gauges, and valves configured to selectively draw into the apparatus for measurement of one of formation fluid and mud. The method includes performing a first pretest to determine an estimated formation parameter; using the first pretest to design a second pretest and generate refined formation parameters whereby formation properties may be estimated.

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: A method and apparatus for reducing debris in a perforation in a wellbore extending from the wellbore into a subterranean formations is provided. A housing is positioned in the wellbore, and an arm is extended therefrom. One or more plugs are positionable in the perforation via the arm. The plug is adapted to block debris from formation fluid flowing into the housing via the perforation whereby the contamination in the formation fluid is reduced. The plug may be a filter positionable in the perforation, or a bit activated to dislodge debris.

Abstract: The apparatuses and methods herein relate to techniques for extracting fluid from a subsurface formation. A downhole sampling tool is provided with a probe having an internal wall capable of selectively diverting virgin fluids into virgin flow channels for sampling, while diverting contaminated fluids into contaminated flow channels to be discarded. The characteristics of the fluid passing through the channels of the probe may be measured. The data generated during sampling may be sent to a controller capable of generating data, communicating and/or sending command signals. The flow of fluid into the downhole tool may be selectively adjusted to optimize the flow of fluid into the channels by adjusting the internal wall within the probe and/or by adjusting the flow rates through the channels. The configuration of the internal wall and/or the flow rates may be automatically adjusted by the controller and/or manually manipulated to further optimize the fluid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining at least one downhole formation property is disclosed. The apparatus includes a probe and a pretest piston positionable in fluid communication with the formation, and a series of flowlines pressure gauges, and valves configured to selectively draw into the apparatus for measurement of one of formation fluid and mud. The method includes performing a first pretest to determine an estimated formation parameter; using the first pretest to design a second pretest and generate refined formation parameters whereby formation properties may be estimated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for of determining a formation parameter of interest. The method includes placing a tool into communication with the formation to test the formation, determining a first formation characteristic during a first test portion, initiating a second test portion, the second test portion having test parameters determined at least in part by the determinations made during the first test portion, determining a second formation characteristic during the second test portion, and determining the formation parameter from one of the first formation characteristic and the second formation characteristic. The apparatus includes a draw down unit and a control system for closed loop control of the draw down unit. A microprocessor in the control system processes signals from a sensor in the draw down unit to determine formation characteristics and to determine test parameters for subsequent test portions.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well that has a casing includes an apparatus that is associated with production of fluid from the well and is located downhole in the well in a passageway of the casing. The system also includes a sensor that is located downhole near the apparatus in the passageway and is adapted to measure a characteristic of the formation fluids and rock located outside of the casing.

Abstract: A well logging tool includes a housing; at least one piston moveably disposed on the housing; at least one sensor disposed on the at least one piston; a pressure compensation system coupled to the at least one piston such that a pressure at a back side of the at least one piston is substantially identical to a pressure outside the well logging tool; and a piston deployment mechanism for deploying the at least one piston. A method for well logging using a logging tool having at least one piston and a pressure compensating system, wherein the at least one piston includes at least one sensor, the method includes disposing the well logging tool in a borehole; deploying the at least one piston to establish a contact between the at least one piston and a wall of the borehole; and measuring a formation property using the at least one sensor.

Abstract: The apparatuses and methods herein relate to techniques for extracting fluid from a subsurface formation. A downhole sampling tool is provided with a probe having an internal wall capable of selectively diverting virgin fluids into virgin flow channels for sampling, while diverting contaminated fluids into contaminated flow channels to be discarded. The characteristics of the fluid passing through the channels of the probe may be measured. The data generated during sampling may be sent to a controller capable of generating data, communicating and/or sending command signals. The flow of fluid into the downhole tool may be selectively adjusted to optimize the flow of fluid into the channels by adjusting the internal wall within the probe and/or by adjusting the flow rates through the channels. The configuraton of the internal wall and/or the flow rates may be automatically adjusted by the controller and/or manually manipulated to further optimize the fluid flow.

Abstract: A borehole wall cleaning apparatus and method for obtaining an improved seal between a fluid sampling device and a portion of the borehole wall. Clean drilling fluid is pumped into a drilling tool using a mud pump. A fluid diverter in the tool diverts all or part of the clean drilling fluid through a port to clear a portion of a borehole wall. A sealing pad is moved against the clean portion. A sampling port is exposed to the sealed portion for sampling and/or testing fluid from the formation.

Abstract: A device for injecting a fluid into an earth formation surrounding a wellbore, comprising a body suitable to be arranged in the wellbore and being provided with means for connecting the body to a tubing, a fluid chamber for storage of said fluid, and a pair of inflatable packers arranged to isolate a portion of the wellbore between the packers from the remainder of the wellbore upon inflation of the packers, the body further being provided with an outlet port located between the packers for flow of fluid from the fluid chamber to outside the device, means for inflating the packers upon the occurrence of a primary fluid pressure in the tubing, and means for ejecting fluid from the fluid chamber via the outlet port to outside the device upon the occurrence of a secondary fluid pressure in the tubing, wherein the secondary fluid pressure is higher than the primary fluid pressure.

Abstract: A tank contains both Zeolite and a hydrate in a gas chamber formed beneath a piston in the sample tank. Out of safety considerations, we avoid using source cylinders of nitrogen whose pressures exceed 4000 psi. Thus, the gas chamber of the sample tank is initially pressurized by the source cylinder to no more than 4000 psi of nitrogen at room temperature at the surface. Nitrogen gas is sorbed onto the zeolite at room temperature. As the tank is heated by being lowered downhole, nitrogen desorbs from the zeolite and the gas pressure increases. However, once this tank reaches a temperature high enough to release the hydrate's water of hydration, the released water is preferentially sorbed by zeolite, displacing sorbed nitrogen, and causing the pressure in the gas volume to increase even further. Because well temperatures are not high enough to desorb water from zeolite, any water sorbed onto a Zeolite sorption site will permanently block released nitrogen from resorbing at that site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining at least one downhole formation property is disclosed. The apparatus includes a probe and a pretest piston positionable in fluid communication with the formation, and a series of flowlines pressure gauges, and valves configured to selectively draw into the apparatus for measurement of one of formation fluid and mud. The method includes performing a first pretest to determine an estimated formation parameter; using the first pretest to design a second pretest and generate refined formation parameters whereby formation properties may be estimated.

Abstract: A borehole wall cleaning apparatus and method for obtaining an improved seal between a fluid sampling device and a portion of the borehole wall. Clean drilling fluid is pumped into a drilling tool using a mud pump. A fluid diverter in the tool diverts all or part of the clean drilling fluid through a port to clear a portion of a borehole wall. A sealing pad is moved against the clean portion. A sampling port is exposed to the sealed portion for sampling and/or testing fluid from the formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for of determining a formation parameter of interest. The method includes placing a tool into communication with the formation to test the formation and drawing down a test volume at an increasing draw rate during a first draw period and decreasing the draw rate during a second draw period to create a smooth draw down cycle. The draw down can be step-wise or continuous. The formation parameter is determined using formation rate analyis and characteristics determined during the draw down cycle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a full reservoir sampling and testing apparatus having a ground surface testing and controlling tool (36) and a downhole tool (1), the downhole tool (1) comprises a wireline bridle (21), an adapter joint AH64 (2) connected to the wireline bridle (21), a GR pup joint, an electric unit (4), a single probe unit (5), a pumping unit (6), a dual packer unit (7), and a multi sampling unit (8); the ground surface testing and controlling tool (36) comprises a power supply controller, a computer system and a relevant control, analysis and interpretation software; an upper portion of the pumping unit (6) is connected to the single probe unit (5) and a lower portion thereof is connected to the multi sampling unit (8).

Abstract: A method for logging a wellbore includes actuating a positioning device to adjust the position of a module relative to a reference point or object such as a wellbore axis or proximally positioned downhole device. With respect to a wellbore, an exemplary positioning device can set the measurement tool such as an acoustic device to successive radial positions (e.g., substantial concentricity or substantial eccentricity relative to an axis of the wellbore). In one embodiment, the module includes a measurement tool to measure different parameters of interest (e.g., acoustic logging data, check-shot data measurement, bonding of cement to casing). With respect to an adjacent downhole device, the positioning device can provide a selected relative orientation (e.g., azimuth, inclination, radial displacement) between the module and the adjacent downhole device. The positioning device can also be adapted to apply a jarring force to a wall of the wellbore to free a downhole device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole formation testing. The invention is 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 probe pads of a device-made in accordance with the invention 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 is capable of fast deployment and withdrawal to speed up the measurement cycles. 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: An apparatus and method for perforating, testing, squeezing and/or stimulating an oil or gas well, or other tubular structure. The apparatus preferably is suspended from an elongate conduit, such as a drill string or tubing. The apparatus is secured in position by a retractable back-up plate, and then a piercing member perforates the casing. A first valve controls the flow of fluid from a high-pressure accumulator to drive the various pistons in the apparatus. A second valve directs fluid from the elongate conduit either to exit through the perforation or to exit the housing and return up the conduit. Axial movement of the elongate conduit controls both valves in the apparatus. Upon completion of the operation, the piercing member is advanced to plug the perforation, the back-up plate is retracted, and the apparatus is removed.

Abstract: A borehole wall cleaning apparatus and method for obtaining an improved seal between a fluid sampling device and a portion of the borehole wall. Clean drilling fluid is pumped into a drilling tool using a mud pump. A fluid diverter in the tool diverts all or part of the clean drilling fluid through a port to clear a portion of a borehole wall. A sealing pad is moved against the clean portion. A sampling port is exposed to the sealed portion for sampling and/or testing fluid from the formation.

Abstract: A method for sampling a subsurface formation includes positioning a formation testing tool in a borehole having borehole fluid with a pressure less than formation pressure such that a pressure differential exists between the borehole and the formation. The method also includes establishing fluid communication between the tool and the formation, and inducing flow from the formation into the tool by exposing the tool to the pressure differential. The method further includes capturing a formation fluid sample in a sample tank by directing formation fluid to the sample tank and exposing the sample tank to the pressure differential. A system for sampling a subsurface formation includes a formation testing tool having a probe assembly, a sample tank, and a conduit system. The system also includes wellhead for controlling borehole pressure. The wellhead includes a sealing apparatus, a pressure increasing device, and a flow adjustment device.

Abstract: A formation test tool and methods are described that enable sampling and measurements of parameters of fluids contained in a borehole while reducing the time required for taking such samples and measurements and reducing the risk of formation damage due to sampling induced pressure spikes. The tool has a quick response control system for controlling a fluid transfer device in response to fluid pressure near a sampling port.

Abstract: A borehole wall cleaning apparatus and method for obtaining an improved seal between a fluid sampling device and a portion of the borehole wall. Clean drilling fluid is pumped into a drilling tool using a mud pump. A fluid diverter in the tool diverts all or part of the clean drilling fluid through a port to clear a portion of a borehole wall. A sealing pad is moved against the clean portion. A sampling port is exposed to the sealed portion for sampling and/or testing fluid from the formation.

Abstract: A method for sampling a subsurface formation includes positioning a formation testing tool in a borehole having borehole fluid with a pressure less than formation pressure such that a pressure differential exists between the borehole and the formation. The method also includes establishing fluid communication between the tool and the formation, and inducing flow from the formation into the tool by exposing the tool to the pressure differential. The method further includes capturing a formation fluid sample in a sample tank by directing formation fluid to the sample tank and exposing the sample tank to the pressure differential. A system for sampling a subsurface formation includes a formation testing tool having a probe assembly, a sample tank, and a conduit system. The system also includes wellhead for controlling borehole pressure. The wellhead includes a sealing apparatus, a pressure increasing device, and a flow adjustment device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for formation testing is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a formation testing tool includes a longitudinal body with a flowbore; a plurality of extendable centralizing pistons coupled to the body; an extendable sample device coupled to the body; and a centralizing hydraulic circuit configured to cause each of the plurality of centralizing pistons to extend at substantially the same rate. The centralizing hydraulic circuit includes a series of flow control and pressure-determining valves configured to extend the centralizing pistons at substantially the same rate, and to help maintain stability in the hydraulic circuit in response to external pressures. In some embodiments, the extendable sample device is preferably configured to be recessed beneath a surface of the body in a first position and to extend beyond the surface in a second position.

Abstract: A method of performing a formation rate analysis from pressure and formation flow rate data. Pressure and flow rate data are measured as fluid is withdrawn from a formation. Variable system volume is accounted for. The pressure and flow rate data are correlated using a multiple linear regression technique. Time derivative terms related to pressure and flow rate are smoothed using a summation technique, thereby providing better correlations than using the time derivatives directly. Formation parameters comprising formation permeability, formation pressure, and fluid compressibility may be determined from the correlation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting fluid from a subsurface formation is disclosed. A downhole sampling tool is provided with a probe having an internal wall capable of selectively diverting virgin fluids into one or more virgin flow channels for sampling, while diverting contaminated fluids into one or more contaminated flow channels to be discarded. The characteristics of the fluid passing through the channels of the probe may also be measured using techniques, such as optical density, to evaluate various fluid parameters, such as contamination levels. The data generated during sampling may be sent to a controller capable of generating data, communicating and/or sending command signals. The flow of fluid into the downhole tool may be selectively adjusted to optimize the flow of fluid into the channels by adjusting the internal wall within the probe and/or by adjusting the flow rates through the channels.

Abstract: A technique includes measuring a first pressure of well fluid in a first region. The well fluid is produced from a formation into the first region. A second pressure of well fluid is measured in a second region. The second region is isolated from the first region, and the well fluid in the second region is in communication with the formation. characteristics (skin, horizontal permeability or vertical permeability, as examples) of the formation is determined from the first and second measured pressures.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for use in a well borehole drilled into a formation. The apparatus comprises a work string disposed in the borehole. The work string includes at least one modular body portion having at least one receptacle. A modular tool is disposed in the at least one receptacle for carrying out a drilling operation. The modular tool may be a tool for use in drilling a well borehole, it may be a tool for testing a formation surrounding a borehole, or the modular tool may be a combination. For example, one aspect of the present invention provides a modular steering rib. The modular steering rib may also include modular components for sampling and testing formation fluid.

Abstract: An injection probe assembly is disclosed for injecting material into subsurface formations for making geotechnical improvements. The probe assembly includes a sheath having an upper end for attaching to a mating tool string and a lower end for receiving a solid drive point. The sheath has a reduced diameter injection area which includes an interior space enclosed by a tubular sidewall, a valve seat, and a plurality of injection ports extending through the sidewall through which materials can be injected laterally. A check valve spool is arranged for sliding movement within the interior space for preventing back-flow of material into the interior space. The spool is seated on the valve seat and covers the injection ports in a first position, and is unseated from the valve seat with the injection ports uncovered in a second position. The spool is responsive to pressure changes of the injected materials.

Abstract: An injection probe assembly is disclosed for injecting material into subsurface formations for making geotechnical improvements. The probe assembly includes a sheath having an upper end for attaching to a mating tool string and a lower end for receiving a solid drive point. The sheath has a reduced diameter injection area which includes an interior space enclosed by a tubular sidewall, a valve seat, and a plurality of injection ports extending through the sidewall through which materials can be injected laterally. A check valve spool is arranged for sliding movement within the interior space for preventing back-flow of material into the interior space. The spool is seated on the valve seat and covers the injection ports in a first position, and is unseated from the valve seat with the injection ports uncovered in a second position. The spool is responsive to pressure changes of the injected materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining permeability of a subterranean formation is provided. The apparatus and method comprise a work string, at least one selectively extendable member mounted on the work string to isolate a portion of the annular space between the work string and borehole. A predetermined distance proportional to the radius of a control port separates at least two ports in the work string. A sensor operatively associated with each port is mounted in the work string for measuring at least one characteristic such as pressure of the fluid in the isolated section.

Abstract: A downhole tool for collecting data from a subsurface formation is disclosed. The tool is provided with a probe for testing and/or sampling an adjacent formation. The tool is also provided with a protector positioned about the probe for engaging and protecting the sidewall of the bore hole surrounding the probe. The protector prevents deterioration of the wellbore during the testing and/or sampling by the probe.

Abstract: A minimum volume apparatus and method is provided including a tool for obtaining at least one parameter of interest of a subterranean formation in-situ, the tool comprising a carrier member, a selectively extendable member mounted on the carrier for isolating a portion of annulus, a port exposable to formation fluid in the isolated annulus space, a piston integrally disposed within the extendable member for urging the fluid into the port, and a sensor operatively associated with the port for detecting at least one parameter of interest of the fluid.

Abstract: A well logging instrument is disclosed which includes a housing operatively coupled to a well logging conveyance and movable within the wellbore. The housing has therein a formation testing system and an axial extension mechanism. The axial extension mechanism controllably extends and retracts to allow the formation testing system to perform tests and take samples in an axially fixed position in the wellbore while the housing moves through the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the single phase integrity of a deep well formation sample that is removed to the surface comprises a vacuum jacket insulated single working cylinder divided by two free pistons into three variable volume chambers. The intermediate chamber is pre-charged with a fixed quantity of high pressure gas. Wellbore fluid freely admitted to one end chamber bears against one free piston to further compress the gas. The formation sample is pumped into the other end chamber to first, displace the wellbore fluid from the first end chamber and, sequentially, to further compress the gas to preserve the sample phase state upon removal to the surface.

Abstract: A method for determining alteration of a region of an earth formation surrounding an earth borehole, comprising the steps of providing a logging device that is moveable through the borehole; transmitting sonic energy into the formation and receiving, at a plurality of transmitter-to-receiver spacings, sonic energy that has traveled through the formation, and producing signals representative of the received sonic energy for the plurality of transmitter-to-receiver spacings; determining sonic transit times and differential transit times for the respective transmitter-to-receiver spacings; deriving a test statistic from the differential transit times; and determining the presence of alteration of a region of the formations from the test statistic. An associated apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A fiber optic instrumentation line is introduced down a hydrocarbon (oil) well bore 12 by control line 16 formed by pressure tubing conduit fixed on the outside of intermediate casing 14 and set in cement slurry 21 between casing 14 and surrounding rock 13 and reaching to the hydrocarbon production zone 15. Hollow primary member 18 accepts distal end of control line 16 at the end of casing 14. Secondary member 22 having sealed terminal control line 27 on its outer surface is lowered through primary member 18 to zone 15, automatically angularly aligning and engaging respective top and bottom end couplings 24 and 20, sealing together a respective top and end of terminal control lines 27, 16 forming a continuous, high pressure, fiber optic receiving tube, from well head 10 to well bottom. Alternatively, two lines 16 linked by loop 26 provide a continuous control line returning to the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is given for evaluating a well fluid sub-sample at the well surface as the sample is transported to the well surface from a downhole wellbore location. The invention collects a formation fluid sample under pressure. The fluid sample is further pressurized with a traveling piston powered by the hydrostatic wellbore pressure. The pressurized formation fluid sample is contained under high pressure within a fixed volume chamber for retrieval to the well surface. Multiple collection tanks can be lowered into the wellbore during the same run to sample different zones with minimal rig time. A pair of valves in series along the supply/discharge conduit respective to each tank accommodates extraction of a field sample to verify the sample integrity while still on location. The tanks can be emptied at the well surface with an evacuation pressure so that the fluid sample pressure is maintained above a selected pressure at all times or transported to an analytical laboratory.

Abstract: A tool that is usable in a subterranean well to sample well fluid from a zone does not include a pump to remove well fluid from the zone for purposes of sampling. Instead, the tool includes a flow path that is in communication with the zone and a region of the well above the zone to use a pressure differential created or naturally occurring between the zone and the region of the well above the zone to flow well fluid from the zone. The tool may also include a flow path that is in communication with the region of the well above the zone and the region of the well below the zone to equalize pressure along the tool and thereby prevent unintended axial movement of the tool. A fluid sampler of the tool samples a composition of the well fluid from the zone.

Abstract: A sample module for use in a downhole tool includes a sample chamber for receiving and storing pressurized fluid. A piston is slidably disposed in the chamber to define a sample cavity and a buffer cavity, and the cavities have variable volumes determined by movement of the piston. A first flowline is provided for communicating fluid obtained from a subsurface formation through the sample module. A second flowline connects the first flowline to the sample cavity, and a third flowline connects the first flowline to the buffer cavity for communicating buffer fluid out of the buffer cavity. A first valve capable of moving between a closed position and an open position is disposed in the second flowline for communicating flow of fluid from the first flowline to the sample cavity. When the first valve is in the open position, the sample cavity and the buffer cavity are in fluid communication with the first flowline and therefore have equivalent pressures.

Abstract: A logging system for use in a borehole formed in an earth formation, comprising a tubular element to be installed in the borehole, and a logging member including a conduit having an inlet opening and being movable in radial direction of the tubular element between a retracted position in which the logging member is substantially arranged within the tubular element and an extended position in which the logging member extends beyond the tubular element so that said inlet opening is in fluid communication with the earth formation when the tubular element is installed in the borehole, the logging system further comprising an activating device for moving the logging member between the retracted position and the extended position thereof.

Abstract: An in situ underground sample analyzing apparatus for use in a multilevel borehole monitoring system is disclosed. A casing assembly comprising a plurality of elongate tubular casings (24) separated by measurement port couplers (26) is coaxially alignable in a borehole (20). The measurement port couplers (26) include an inlet measurement port (70b ) for collecting fluid from an underground measurement zone (32) and an outlet measurement port (70a) for releasing fluid into the measurement zone (32). An in situ sample analyzing probe (124) is orientable in the casing assembly. The in situ sample analyzing probe (124) includes inlet and outlet probe ports (148b and 148a) alignable and mateable with the inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a). The inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a) typically include valves.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method are provided for collecting data from a subsurface formation during drilling operations. The tool includes a tubular mandrel adapted for axial connection in a drill string positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subsurface formation and a stabilizer element or sleeve positioned about the tubular mandrel for relative rotation between the stabilizer element and the tubular mandrel. A plurality of elongated ribs are connected to the stabilizer element. A means is connected to the stabilizer element for frictional engagement with a wall of the wellbore so as to prevent the stabilizer element from rotating relative to the wellbore wall. An actuator system is carried at least partially by the stabilizer element, and a probe is carried by one of the elongated ribs and adapted for movement by the actuator system between a retracted position within the one rib and an extended position engaging the wellbore wall such that the probe collects data from the formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring a property of a subsurface formation intersected by a wellbore, which contemplate the use of a tool body adapted for movement through the wellbore. Actuating means is carried by the tool body, and a probe is propelled by the actuating means for movement of the probe between a retracted position within the wellbore and an extended position penetrating a wall of the wellbore such that the probe engages the formation. The probe is adapted for substantially producing a seal at the wall of the wellbore as the probe is moved to the extended position, and the probe has means therein for measuring the property of the formation engaged by the probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anchoring a tool within a cased borehole wherein at least one piston connected with respect to the tool includes an associated anchor shoe. The anchor shoe has a penetration means, such as a plurality of wheels having a sharp outer periphery, for engagement with the cased borehole. A packer having a rigid component, such as a plurality of concentric rings, is connected with respect to the tool, opposite the piston. The packer may also have a sealing member for creating a sealed engagement between the tool and the cased borehole. When the piston is extended, the anchor shoe contacts the cased borehole and centers the tool with respect to the cased borehole. When the piston is extended, the packer also engages the cased borehole and maintains the position of the tool as well as creating a sealed connection between the tool and the cased borehole.

Abstract: An in situ underground sample analyzing apparatus for use in a multilevel borehole monitoring system is disclosed. A casing assembly comprising a plurality of elongate tubular casings (24) separated by measurement port couplers (26) is coaxially alignable in a borehole (20). The measurement port couplers (26) include an inlet measurement port (70b) for collecting fluid from an underground measurement zone (32) and an outlet measurement port (70a) for releasing fluid into the measurement zone (32). An in situ sample analyzing probe (124) is orientable in the casing assembly. The in situ sample analyzing probe (124) includes inlet and outlet probe ports (148b and 148a) alignable and mateable with the inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a). The inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a) typically include valves.