Abstract: A method of sampling fluid from a subterranean formation includes positioning a first tool having a heater in a borehole so that the heater is adjacent a portion of the subterranean formation: heating with the heater the portion of the subterranean formation; removing the first tool from the borehole; orienting a second tool having a sampling probe in the borehole so that the sampling probe is to contact a portion of the subterranean formation heater by the heater; and obtaining via the sampling probe a fluid sample from the portion of the subterranean formation heater by the heater.

Abstract: A probe assembly samples fluid from a wellbore penetrating a subsurface formation having a virgin fluid therein beyond a layer of contaminated fluid surrounding the wellbore. The probe assembly includes a probe body extendable from a downhole tool, and a packer carried by the probe body and having a distal surface adapted for sealingly engaging the wellbore. The packer has an outer and inner periphery, with the inner periphery being defined by a bore through the packer. The packer is further equipped with channel(s) formed in the distal surface and arranged to define an annular cleanup intake intermediate the inner and outer peripheries. The passageway(s) extend(s) through the packer for conducting virgin fluid and/or contaminated fluid between the channel(s). A sampling tube is sealingly disposed in the bore of the packer for conducting virgin fluid to a second inlet in the probe body and the downhole tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for estimating terminal purity or terminal contamination for a fluid during the withdrawal of the fluid from a subsurface formation. The apparatus and method provide for measuring refractive index of the fluid over a time period, fitting a curve through the refractive index measurements or data values derived therefrom and estimating a terminal refractive index or terminal value for the data values from the fitted to curve to estimate the terminal contamination or purity for the fluid.

Abstract: Methods are provided in which reliance is placed on a first and second barrier respectively positioned in a well 10 to provide well control during well suspension, completion and/or workover operations. Each of the barriers is below the depth of the lowermost end of a completion string when that string is installed in the well. By not placing either barrier higher up in the well-bore, both of the barriers can remain in place during suspension and completion and workover operations, thus obviating the need to use a BOP stack to supplement well control. This results in a considerable saving in drill rig time and thus significantly reduces the cost of constructing a well.

Abstract: A method for identifying annular gas sources in a wellbore is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a set of parameters, wherein the set of parameters corresponds to depths in the wellbore. In addition, the method comprises analyzing annular gas in the wellbore to provide isotopic data of the annular gas. The method further comprises correlating the isotopic data to the set of parameters to identify the annular gas source.

Abstract: A formation evaluation tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The formation evaluation tool includes a cooling system adapted to pass a cooling fluid near electronics in the formation evaluation tool whereby heat is dissipated therefrom, the electronics has at least one gauge, a fluid communication device having an inlet adapted to receive the formation fluid and a flowline operatively connected to the fluid communication device and the gauge for placing the formation fluid in fluid communication therewith whereby properties of the formation fluid are determined. The formation evaluation tool may also be provided with a plurality of sample chambers operatively connected to the flowline for collecting at least a portion of the formation fluid and a pressure compensator in fluid communication with the wellbore and operatively connected to the plurality of sample chambers for applying pressure to the sample chambers whereby pressure is balanced therebetween.

Abstract: A method of producing a well utilizes a submersible pump run on a line, such as braided wire rope, that includes power conductors. The operator sets a packer in the casing, the packer having a check valve and a tieback receptacle. The operator pressure tests the integrity of the casing above the packer, and if it passes, then runs the pump assembly on the line. The pump assembly has a shroud with a downward extending extension that seals to the passage of the packer. If the pressure test of the casing fails, the operator runs a liner into the well and engages the tieback receptacle. A smaller diameter pump is then lowered on a line into the liner and into engagement with the packer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in determining pressure at a formation of interest in-situ. A carrier carrying a tool is conveyed in a borehole. The tool includes a sealing member and a port exposable to the formation of interest. A formation fluid sampling chamber is separated from a hydraulic fluid chamber by a flexible member that allows pressure communication from the fluid sampling chamber to the hydraulic fluid chamber. A sensor senses pressure in the hydraulic fluid for determining pressure in the sampling chamber.

Abstract: The extent of invasion of a water-based drilling fluid into a formation may be determined using at least two tracers where one is deuterium oxide and the other is a water-soluble tracer. One such method includes introducing a drilling fluid having an aqueous phase and known concentrations of a water-soluble tracer and deuterium oxide into a well drilled into a fluid-producing formation; obtaining a sample of the fluid from the fluid-producing formation at a location adjacent to the well; determining the concentrations of the deuterium oxide and water-soluble tracer in the sample; and calculating the deuterium oxide concentration within the fluid producing formation based on the known and determined concentrations of the water-soluble tracer and deuterium oxide in the drilling fluid and in the sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to characterize stock-tank oil during fluid composition analysis are disclosed. A disclosed example method to characterize a fluid associated with an underground geological formation comprises obtaining a sample of the fluid associated with the underground geological formation, determining, in a borehole associated with the underground geological formation, a stock-tank oil type for the sample of the fluid associated with the underground geological formation, and determining a property of the fluid associated with the underground geological formation based on the stock-tank oil type.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric-hydraulic power unit. In one illustrative embodiment, the power unit comprises a body having a movable pressure barrier positioned therein, the movable pressure barrier defining first and second chambers therein, a configurable flow path in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, and at least one valve for configuring the flow path in a first state wherein fluid may flow within the flow path only in a direction from the first chamber toward the second chamber, and a second state wherein fluid within the flow path may flow in both directions between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A downhole formation fluid pumping and a sampling apparatus are disclosed that may form part of a formation evaluation while drilling tool or part of a tool pipe string. The operation of the pump is optimized based upon parameters generated from formation pressure test data as well as tool system data thereby ensuring optimum performance of the pump at higher speeds and with greater dependability. New pump designs for fluid sampling apparatuses for use in MWD systems are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention are related to devices and methods for sampling groundwater at multiple target depths, wherein each of the devices for sampling groundwater at multiple target depths comprises: a hammer part having a spring for generating inertia and a hammer connected to the spring; a sampling needle part having a needle integral with a impacting part impacted with the hammer; a guiding part for moving the sampling needle part in straight and downward direction; and a sampled water containing part having a sampled water container for collecting the sampled water through the needle.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a formation gradient. The device comprises probes that are a set distance apart, disposing the device into a wellbore and measuring formation pressure with the probes provides formation pressures that can be correlated with the set distance. The measured pressures and correlated set distance is used to determine the formation gradient.

Abstract: Conventional formation evaluation with dual inflatable packers includes the steps of pressurizing the packers so as to isolate an annular portion of the borehole wall, collecting one or more samples of formation fluid via the isolated portion of the borehole wall, and depressurizing the packers so as to permit movement of the mandrel within the borehole. A sampling method and apparatus that utilize one or more of the following to advantage is provided: restricting deformation of the packers during inflation using an annular bracing assembly; actively retracting the packers using ambient borehole pressure; and substantially centralizing the mandrel intermediate the packers so as to resist buckling of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of characterizing the productivity of open hole gas well involves characterizing the chemical and/or isotopic composition of the gas contributing strata from a series of discrete samples by degassing the mud during drilling This data is then used to de-convolute the combined or mixed gas during well production after drilling is complete to determine the relative contributions of the now characterized strata.

Abstract: Methods and systems and are described for isolating or manipulating a sample of a heavy oil composition from a hydrocarbon reservoir. One method embodiment of the invention comprises circulating a heated fluid in a first region of a reservoir where a heavy oil composition is present or believed present using a surface pump and a well completion comprising a downhole pump for a time and flow rate sufficient to produce flowable heavy oil composition, the well completion comprising a sampling tool; and sampling the flowable heavy oil composition using the sampling tool. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing a subsurface formation is provided. The apparatus includes a tool body, a probe assembly carried by the tool body for sealing off a region of the borehole wall, an actuator for moving the probe assembly between a retracted position for conveyance of the tool body and a deployed position for sealing off a region of the borehole wall and a perforator extending through the probe assembly for penetrating a portion of the sealed-off region of the borehole wall. The tool may be provided with first and second drilling shafts with bits for penetrating various surfaces. The method involves sealing off a region of a wall of an open borehole penetrating the formation, creating a perforation through a portion of the sealed-off region of the borehole wall and testing the formation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).

Abstract: A sampling while drilling tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The tool includes a drill collar, at least one sample chamber, at least one flowline and at least one cover. The drill collar is operatively connectable to a drill string of the sampling while drilling tool. The drill collar has at least one opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. The drill collar has a passage therein for conducting mud therethrough. The sample chamber is positionable in the cavity of the drill collar. The flowline in the drill collar, the at least one flowline operatively connectable to the sample chamber for passing a downhole fluid thereto. The cover is positionable about the at least one opening of the drill collar whereby the sample chamber is removably secured therein.

Abstract: A method for testing petroleum or water wells. A tool is secured to a tubing and run into the well and to the reservoir zone to be explored. An upper and a lower seal isolate the reservoir zone. A piston is run into the tubing and pumped down to the tool. When sampling is to take place, a valve is opened and the reservoir fluid, together with drilling fluid filling the well, is allowed to enter the tool while displacing the piston. At the same time, measuring is carried out to identify a tracer added to the drilling fluid. When the tracer no longer can be traced, the drilling fluid contaminated reservoir fluid is displaced out of the tool by the piston and clean reservoir fluid is allowed to enter the tool. The invention also relates to an apparatus for practising the method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reducing the purge volume of a well during purging and sampling operations. In some system embodiments, the apparatus can be retrofitted to existing small diameter wells. A further embodiment provides a method and apparatus for using direct pneumatic pressure to purge and sample small diameter wells using a removable valve. This aspect of the invention allows a direct pneumatic pressure pump with a primary valve to be withdrawn through the top of the inside to the pump's pressure holding structure without removing a riser pipe or the system's fluid inlet structure. The invention allows fitting or retrofitting small diameter wells with valves for direct pneumatic pressure purging and sampling.

Abstract: A method for lowering the temperature of a portion of a subsurface formation is provided. Preferably, the formation is an oil shale formation. The method includes the step of injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into a wellbore, with the wellbore having been completed at or below a depth of the subsurface formation. In one embodiment the wellbore has an elongated tubular member for receiving the cooling fluid and for conveying it downhole to the subsurface formation. The wellbore also has an expansion valve in fluid communication with the tubular member through which the cooling fluid flows. The method then includes the steps of injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into the wellbore, and expanding the cooling fluid across the first expansion valve. In this way, the temperature of the cooling fluid is reduced. The temperature of the surrounding formation is likewise reduced through thermal conduction and convection. In another embodiment, a partially frozen slurry is used as the cooling fluid.

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: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for downhole sampling or sensing of clean samples of component fluids of a multi-fluid mixture. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide for, amongst other things, separating downhole multi-fluid mixtures into an oil-based fluid, a water-based fluid and/or the like and sampling and/or sensing of the clean separated fluids. Such sampling or sensing may be provided by a downhole tool in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention and the downhole tool may be used for production logging, formation testing and/or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to perform measurements on fluid in a wellbore fluid sample tool in which at least a portion of the flowline of the sample tool is made of a non-magnetic and non-conductive material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemometric equation to estimate fluid density, viscosity, dielectric constant and resistivity for a formation fluid sample downhole. The chemometric estimates can be used directly as estimated values for fluid density, viscosity, dielectric constant and resistivity for a formation fluid sample downhole. The chemometric estimates can also be plugged into a Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) non-linear least squares fit, as an initial estimate of the parameter to be estimated by the LM fit. If the initial parameter estimate is too far from the actual parameter values, the LM algorithm may take a long time to converge or even fail to converge entirely. The present invention estimates an initial value of a parameter that provides a high probability that the LM algorithm will converge to a global minimum.

Abstract: In one embodiment an apparatus is disclosed that includes a tool in a wellbore. A probe is extendable from the tool to contact a wall of a formation surrounding the wellbore. A tube substantially surrounds the probe wherein the tube is extendable into the formation surrounding the wellbore. In another embodiment a method for reducing contamination of a sample of a formation fluid is disclosed that includes extending a probe to contact a wall of a formation. A barrier tube that substantially surrounds the probe is extended into the formation thereby restricting a flow of a contaminated reservoir fluid that would otherwise come from near-wellbore regions above and below the probe from going toward the probe.

Abstract: A water well bailer. In one embodiment, the bailer includes a tubular housing composed of any polymer used as a plastic, such as, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyesters, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, poly(methyl methacrylate), polytetrafluoride, polyacrylonitrile, or chemical derivations there of for storing within the housing a sample of well water. A texture may be on the housing. The texture of the bailer reduces the surface area of the bailer in contact with the inside wall of a water well such that the bailer does not stick to the wall of the water well during incidental contact. The reason a bailer sticks to the side of a well is due to adhesive and cohesive forces acting between the well wall and the bailer. Adhesive and cohesive forces are generated between the bailer and well wall because of humidity and condensation of water on the well wall, and water on the outside of the bailer after initial contact with groundwater.

Abstract: In a WAG flood oil is displaced from a subterranean formation by injecting water alternately with gas into a single injection completion per pattern. The ratio of water to gas injected is the WAG ratio. In this invention, two separate injection completions are used in each pattern, with one placed directly above the other. A very low WAG ratio is used for injection into the bottom extremity of the formation. A very high WAG ratio is injected into the upper interval, at as high a rate as can safely be used without fracturing the formation. In the preferred embodiment, two horizontal well bores serve as the two completion intervals. Proper design of this method gives a vertical sweep efficiency of the gas that is several-fold greater than the best of previous WAG flood designs, especially in thin formations.

Abstract: A downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is disclosed. The downhole tool includes a housing, a coring bit and a sample chamber. The coring bit is disposed in the housing and is extendable therefrom for engaging a wellbore wall. The sample chamber stores at least two formation samples obtained with the coring bit and includes at least two portions for separately storing the formation samples.

Abstract: The evaluation and assessment of geologic formations comprising undersaturated methane reservoirs. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for inductively quantifying critical desorption pressure of the solid in an undersaturated methane reservoir from an unrelated substance, the formation water. By using these techniques, the characterization of undersaturated methane reservoirs may be more quickly and economically made based upon a methane content characteristic such as critical desorption pressure, gas content, and in some embodiments gas content as calculated from isotherm evaluation, estimates of dewatering for production, and ratios of critical desorption pressure to initial reservoir pressure, among other possible characteristics. The features of the invention may further have applicability in combination with conventional reservoir analysis, such as coring, logging, reservoir isotherm evaluation, or other techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus store energy in an energy storage medium located in an energy storage chamber. As a sampling tool descends into the borehole, the energy storage medium is pressurized with hydrostatic pressure. A sample is collected in a sample chamber by pumping formation fluid into the sample chamber against hydrostatic pressure. The energy storage medium applies the energy stored in the energy storage medium to the sample through a pressure communication member. A pressure multiplier member increases the pressure applied on the sample by the energy storage medium through the pressure communication member to keep pressure on the sample. A biasing water pressure is applied to the sample at the surface so that the energy storage chamber can be removed from the sample chamber.

Abstract: A groundwater sampling and pumping device and system for withdrawing groundwater from a well. The device includes a hollow outer housing having water inlet ports formed through a bottom thereof and a hollow inner housing sized to be positioned coaxially within the outer housing and defining a water flow passage therebetween, the respective bottoms being spaced to define a lower portion of the water passage whereby water ports are in fluid communication with the water passage. An electric motor in the inner housing is connected to a water impeller operably positioned between the bottoms to draw groundwater into the water passage.

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 sample module is provided for use in a downhole tool to obtain fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore. The sample module includes a sample chamber carried by the module for collecting a sample of formation fluid obtained from the formation via the downhole tool, and a validation chamber carried by the module for collecting a substantially smaller sample of formation fluid than the sample chamber. The validation chamber is removable from the sample module at the surface without disturbing the sample chamber. A sample chamber is also provided that includes a substantially cylindrical body capable of safely withstanding heating at the surface, following collection of a formation fluid sample via the downhole tool and withdrawal of the sample chamber from the wellbore, to temperatures necessary to promote recombination of the sample components within the chambers. Additionally, the body is equipped so as to be certified for transportation.

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: For use in drawing samples of e.g water from a well. The sampling pipe is formed as an extrusion in polyethylene. The profile includes three equi-spaced channels. The profile, being triangulated, is rigid and resistant to buckling, which allows the sampling pipe to be coiled for transport to the site. Sample-tubes, pumps, etc, can be inserted into the channels. The channels can be plugged for isolation of sampling ports at different depths.

Abstract: A viscometer for a down hole tool positionable in a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation is described. The formation contains at least one fluid therein. The down hole tool is adapted to convey at least a portion of the fluid to the viscometer. The viscometer comprises a sensor unit, and at least one magnet. The sensor unit is positionable within the down hole tool and comprises at least two spatially disposed clamps and a wire suspended in tension between the at least two clamps such that the wire is available for interaction with the fluid when the viscometer is positioned within the down hole tool and the down hole tool is positioned within the subterranean formation and receives the fluid from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The evaluation and assessment of geologic formations comprising undersaturated coalbed methane reservoirs. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for inductively quantifying critical desorption pressure of the solid in an undersaturated coalbed methane reservoir from an unrelated substance, the formation water. By using these techniques, the characterization of undersaturated coalbed methane reservoirs may be more quickly and economically made based upon a methane content characteristic such as critical desorption pressure, gas content, and in some embodiments gas content as calculated from isotherm evaluation, estimates of dewatering for production, and ratios of critical desorption pressure to initial reservoir pressure, among other possible characteristics. The features of the invention may further have applicability in combination with conventional reservoir analysis, such as coring, logging, reservoir isotherm evaluation, or other techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for isolating a downhole tool section from hydraulic and mechanical noise. Anchoring grippers are used in conjunction with a fluid diverter valve to anchor the tool section to a borehole wall and divert fluid flowing in the drill string away from sensitive test equipment during formation testing.

Abstract: A formation testing tool is described herein, including a formation probe assembly having an extendable sampling probe surrounded by a cylindrical sleeve. The sleeve is configured to engage a metal skirt having an elastomeric seal pad coupled thereto. The skirt and seal are configured to be field replaceable. The elastomeric pad has a non-planar outer surface which engages a borehole wall in preparation for formation testing. The seal pad may be donut-shaped, having an aperture through the middle of the seal pad. The seal pad and its surface may include numerous different embodiments, including having a curved profile. The seal pad may also include numerous different embodiments of means for coupling the seal pad to the metal skirt. The formation testing tool also includes formation probe assembly anti-rotation means, a deviated non-circular flowbore, and at least one closed hydraulic fluid chamber for balancing fluid pressures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling formation fluid includes drawing formation fluid from the subterranean formation into the downhole tool and collecting the formation fluid in a sample chamber. An exit flow line is operatively connected to the sample chamber for selectively removing a contaminated and/or clean portion of the formation fluid from the sample chamber whereby contamination is removed from the sample chamber. For example, a clean portion of the formation fluid may be passed to another sample chamber for collection, or a contaminated portion may be dumped into the borehole.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a wireline assembly that includes a coring tool for taking coring samples of the formation and a formation testing tool for taking fluid samples from the formation, where the formation testing tool is operatively connected to the coring tool. In some embodiments, the wireline assembly includes a low-power coring tool. In other embodiments, the coring tool includes a flowline for formation testing.

Abstract: Techniques for reduced contamination formation evaluation are provided. The techniques relate to drawing fluid into a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation having a virgin fluid and a contaminated fluid therein. Fluid is drawn into at least two inlets for receiving the fluids from the formation. At least one evaluation flowline is fluidly connected to at least one of the inlets for passage of the virgin fluid into the downhole tool. At least one cleanup flowline is fluidly connected to the inlets for passage of the contaminated fluid into the downhole tool. At least one fluid circuit is fluidly connected to the evaluation flowline and/or cleanup flowlines for selectively drawing fluid therein. At least one fluid connector is provided for selectively establishing a fluid connection between the flowlines. At least one sensor is provided for measuring downhole parameters in one of the flowlines.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the remediation of contaminated water, soils and/or sediments. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more conduits for injection of hydrogen peroxide and ozone based reagents.

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: A multi-valve well testing system adapted to be disposed downhole in a borehole, includes a plurality of valves and a plurality of well tool control systems connected, respectively, to the plurality of valves and further includes an automatic control mode feature. The well testing system includes a controller board which comprises a microprocessor and a read only memory (ROM). The ROM has encoded therein a set of microcode which, when executed by the microprocessor, causes the various plurality of valves in the well testing system to be opened and closed automatically, without intervention from the operator at the well surface. A kickoff stimulus is required in order to begin execution of the microcode by the microprocessor. This kickoff stimulus could include a sensing, by a pressure transducer, of a predetermined bottom hole pressure, or a sensing, by a strain gauge, of a predetermined set down weight of the well testing system.