Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and related apparatus for determining the presence and/or quantity of H2S in the drilling debris of a subsoil layer comprising the following working steps: recovering the drilling debris of a layer; degassing the drilling debris from the previous recovery step, and separating a gaseous phase from said debris; clearing the gas released in the step of degassing, and conveying towards an H2S detector; determining the possible presence and/or quantity of H2S in the gaseous phase from the steps of degassing and clearing by means of a suitable means of detection; possible repetition of the previous phases at two layers, at least of the subsoil at different levels of depth in relation to the surface, with consequent determination of a distribution profile of H2S in the subsoil.

Abstract: Methods comprising: lowering a downhole tool into a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a coring tool and a measurement tool; performing a measurement regarding the formation using the measurement tool; determining a section of interest within the formation relative to an axis of the coring tool based on the measurement; orienting a coring bit of the coring tool relative to the section of interest; and extending the oriented coring bit into the formation.

Abstract: Core samples may be easily, quickly, and safely split using a fluid cutter, such as a water jet. Cutting may take place upon exit of the sample from the drill tube, or core samples may be placed in core carriers for cutting. Core samples may also be stored and transported in the core carriers. Assessment of core samples is facilitated by scanning the core samples, with the results stored to produce a virtual core sample. Virtual core samples may be displayed on a computing device, including a core sample display device which simulates the appearance of a section of an actual core.

Abstract: A sidewall coring apparatus for obtaining a plurality of formation cores from a sidewall of a wellbore includes a core catching tube configured to be sealed downhole and to store the plurality of formation cores therein. The core catching tubes includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve concentric with the inner sleeve. The inner and outer sleeves include corresponding slots configured to align in response to relative movement of the inner and outer sleeves, and when aligned the slots of the inner and outer sleeves allow evacuation of fluid from the core catching tube as each of the plurality of formation cores is inserted into the core catching tube.

Abstract: A drilling system including a drill head. The drill head defines a drill head bore and includes a drill head bore closure device. An inner core barrel and an inner core barrel retrieval device may be passed through the interior of the drill string and the drill head bore when the drill head is connected with the drill string and the drill head bore closure device is actuated to an open position. A method of wireline core drilling which includes passing an inner core barrel retrieval device through the drill head bore and into the interior of the drill string when the drill head is connected with the drill string, and removing an inner core barrel and the inner core barrel retrieval device from the interior of the drill string through the drill head bore when the drill head is connected with the drill string.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an apparatus for taking a sample in a wellbore during drilling operations. The apparatus may include a drill bit configured to form a core and at least one retractable cutter internal to the drill bit for taking the sample from the core. The apparatus may also include equipment for analyzing the sample, extracting fluid from the sample, testing fluid from the sample, encapsulating the sample, and/or tagging the sample. The present disclosure is also related to a method for taking a core sample without interrupting drilling operations. The method includes taking a core sample using a drill bit configured to take a core sample using internal cutters. The method may also include analyzing the sample, extracting fluid from the sample, analyzing fluid from the sample, encapsulating the sample, and/or tagging the sample.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. The driven latch mechanism can further include a refracted groove adapted to lock the plurality of wedge members radially within the core barrel assembly, thereby allowing for faster travel within the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a garden auger comprising a shank and an auger body. The auger body comprises a leading end and a trailing end including a space therebetween. The auger body is substantially radial including at least two legs connecting the trailing end and the leading end. The leading end has a cutter including a plurality of teeth forming a cutting diameter. The plurality of teeth each have a tip extending from the leading end, wherein the tips form a plane that is substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the garden auger. The auger body is attached to the shank to prevent rotation therebetween. The shank comprises an attachment portion for attachment to a drill motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for an easy-to-open liner for use in connection with direct push, rotary and coring soil samplers. The liner according to the invention is pre-scored by one or more score lines comprising an indentation of substantially uniform depth or a series of perforations into the outer wall of the liner in one or more locations. The liner of the invention can easily be opened using pliers to expose the sample within the liner without the need of cutting blades or other sharp objects. The liner of the invention permits safe and easy opening in accordance with health and safety requirements.

Abstract: A method according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure comprises disposing a tool in a wellbore, the tool comprising a displacement unit for pumping a fluid at least partially through the tool, a first flowline hydraulically connected to the displacement unit through a valve network, and a second flowline hydraulically connected to the displacement unit; pumping a fluid from the first flowline to the second flowline; monitoring a pressure at a chamber of the displacement unit; and monitoring flowing pressure in the first flowline across the valve network from the displacement unit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a sidewall coring tool configured to obtain a plurality of sidewall formation cores from a sidewall of a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the sidewall coring tool comprises a core catching tube configured to store the plurality of sidewall formation cores therein, wherein the core catching tube comprises a fluid port configured to allow evacuation of fluid from the core catching tube as each of the plurality of sidewall formation cores is introduced therein, and wherein the core catching tube, including the fluid port, is configured to be sealed downhole without removing the sidewall coring tool from the wellbore.

Abstract: A core catcher includes a housing having an inner wall that defines an axial bore through the housing. A retention member is disposed within the housing and is coupled to a first hinge tab that defines a first hinge barrel with the inner wall of the housing. A first closure member has a slot that is engaged with the first hinge tab and a pivot edge that is at least partially disposed within the first hinge barrel. In an open position, the first closure member is disposed in an annulus between a sleeve that is slidably disposed within the housing and the housing. In a closed position the first closure member is disposed at least partially across the axial bore of the housing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sampling while drilling tool includes a drill collar having a first end, a second end, an outer wall extending between the first and second ends, and at least one opening extending through the outer wall to a cavity within the drill collar. The sampling while drilling tool also includes a sample chamber positionable in the cavity through the opening in the outer wall and a passage for conducting a drilling fluid through the drill collar.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components disclosed herein provide propagation of light signals from an external source to a borehole mining mole which includes an optical/electric transducer configured to provide propulsive power for the borehole mining mole and its associated mineral prospecting tools. Some embodiments include one or more umbilicals connected from a remote source location to an onboard reel incorporated with the borehole mining mole. The umbilicals are spooled outwardly or inwardly from the onboard reel during traverse of the borehole mining mole along a path in an earthen environment.

Abstract: A coring apparatus comprises a coring bit operable to cut a core. An outer barrel is coupled to and configured to rotate the coring bit. An inner barrel is disposed within the outer barrel and is isolated from rotation with the outer barrel. A fabric sleeve is disposed within the inner barrel and configured to receive the core cut by the coring bit.

Abstract: A coring tool for use in a borehole formed in a subterranean formation includes a tool housing with a coring aperture and a core receptacle. A coring bit is mounted within the tool housing and movable between retracted and extended positions by a series of pivotably connected extension link arms. Another set of link arms rotates the coring bit between coring and eject positions. The coring tool may also include a multi-column core storage magazine with shifters to move cores or core holders between columns. The coring tool may be used to measure core lengths during operation and facilitates retrieval of cores having larger lengths and diameters than conventional sidewall coring tools.

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: An attachment for removing a drill core from a hollow volume of a hollow drill bit, comprising an attachment sheath embodied to be arranged at an accepting shaft comprising at least one ejection element, which is embodied in the hollow volume of the hollow drill bit and designed for transferring a force upon the drill core.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for drilling a well and obtaining a downhole core sample. A drilling rig includes a pivotal mast. The mast supports an injector thereon with an injector axis offset with respect to the central axis of the mast when the drilling rig is handling threaded tubular. The mast also supports a drive unit. A drilling assembly includes coil tubing, the injector, and a bottomhole assembly including a percussion tool suspended in the well from the coil tubing. A coring assembly includes a threaded tubular string and the drive unit supported on the mast for rotating the threaded string and the coring bottomhole assembly while the injector is spaced from the axis of the mast.

Abstract: Device, method and system for substantially simultaneous injection of air or sealant into a borehole resulting from extraction of a sampling assembly from a formation. An auxiliary conduit is attached along a sampling tube. Fluids, including a slurry or compressed air, are injected into the borehole as the sampling assembly is extracted. Injection of compressed air reduces or removes the suction of the vacuum forming below the retracting assembly. Introduction of a bentonite slurry seals the borehole that is opening as the sampling assembly withdraws. Fluids containing disinfectants or nutrients may be injected into the borehole as the assembly withdraws. Fluid flow of the auxiliary conduit may be used to activate a cut and cap mechanism for containing the sampled core. The auxiliary conduit is formed not to interfere with the insertion of sampling tube into the formation and is outfitted with mechanisms that keep the conduit closed during descent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for retrieving a downhole sample. The apparatus includes: a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating an earth formation; a sample capsule configured to be disposed at the carrier and to contain the sample; and a discharge mechanism configured to discharge the sample capsule downhole into drilling fluid in the borehole.

Abstract: A drill bit has a plurality of blades that include a coring blade, a plurality of flow courses that include an evacuation slot disposed between the plurality of blades, and a conical insert disposed on or proximate a bit centerline of the drill bit. Coring blade includes a first cutting element disposed at a first radial position from the bit centerline. Also, coring blade includes a substantially vertical surface and an angled surface. During drilling, first cutting element cuts formation to generate a core sample fragment at bit centerline. Core sample fragment is then broken away from formation using angled surface or conical insert after core sample fragment reaches a certain length. Core sample fragment then exits drill bit via an evacuation slot, from where core sample fragment is transported via an annulus to the surface of formation for testing and analysis.

Abstract: A sample bottle assembly. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are apparatuses including a first drill collar that includes: a first outer surface; a pocket accessible through an aperture in the first outer surface; a bottle assembly disposed within the pocket; a first end-clamp coupled within a first recess disposed at an upper end of the pocket to at least partially retain the bottle assembly in the pocket; and a second end-clamp coupled within a second recess disposed at the lower end of the pocket to at least partially retain the bottle assembly in the pocket. The bottle assembly further includes: a sample bottle having an axial length; and a sleeve comprising a bore, the sample bottle received within the bore, and the sleeve has an axial length substantially the same as the sample bottle.

Abstract: An example coring tool includes a cylindrical body having a leading edge to contact a substance and a cavity defined at least in part by an inner surface of the cylindrical body. The inner surface is to engage and retain a sample from the substance with a plurality of raised features. The raised features are shaped so that at least one of the raised features or an exterior surface of a sample in the cavity deforms to increase a force required to remove the sample from the cavity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced capture and recovery of core samples from unconsolidated or friable formations are provided using drilling fluids that permit increased overpressures to preserve the ability to cut core samples and to strengthen the core samples obtained. Drilling fluids used during capture and recovery of core samples may comprise a solid particulate loss prevention material having a size range from about 150 microns to about 1,000 microns. The solid particulate loss prevention material prevents fracture initiation and propagation in the subterranean formation to allow the use of higher overpressures than would otherwise be possible. Thus, by circulating drilling fluid in the borehole while drilling a core sample, higher overpressures may be achieved, which have been found to be beneficial during core capture and recovery by maintaining core integrity and avoiding core loss. In this way, core sample integrity is improved, yielding more accurate representations of the subsurface.

Abstract: A method for environmental monitoring and bioprospecting includes the steps of: (a) utilizing a testing device having: (i) a container having a fluid inlet and outlet, (ii) a plurality of capillary microcosms situated within the container, each of these capillaries having an inlet and outlet that are configured so as to allow for fluid flow through the capillaries, each of these capillaries further having a means for covering its inlet and outlet so as to prevent flow through the capillary, (iii) a pump connected to the container outlet, the pump being configured so as to draw fluid from the surrounding environment into the container's inlet and through the capillaries, (iv) connected to the outlet of the container, a means for collecting the flow through the container, and (v) a check valve connected downstream of the container to prevent the backflow of fluid into the container, (b) adding specified test substances to the device's capillaries, wherein these substances are to be analyzed for their ability to

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

Abstract: Example downhole marking apparatus and methods to use the same are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a coring tool assembly for use in extracting a core sample from a subterranean formation adjacent a borehole; a sample container retainer operatively coupled to the coring tool assembly, wherein the sample container retainer is configured to hold a sample container configured to receive the core sample; and a scriber operatively coupled to the sample container retainer and configured to mark a surface of the sample container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a core drill comprising: an external pipe; a coring bit to be rotated by rotation of the external pipe to drill a coring hole and form a core having a core diameter; and an internal coring pipe (1), mounted within the external pipe, to receive a core formed by the coring bit, the internal coring pipe comprising: an internal tubular wall (2) defining a cavity (4) having a diameter substantially the same as the core diameter within which to retain a core formed by the coring bit, one or more viewing openings (8, 9, 10) being formed through the internal tubular wall; and an external tubular wall (3), in which the internal tubular wall is housed coaxially, the internal and external tubular walls being connected to each other so as to form a single-piece double-walled pipe.

Abstract: A head assembly includes a body, a spearhead operatively associated with the body and configured to translate axially relative to the body, and at least one latch operatively associated with the spearhead and the body. The latch is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body in response to axial translation of the spearhead relative to the body. In an extended position, the latch covers more than 25% of the circumference of the body adjacent the latches.

Abstract: A drill string includes a bit sub mounted to a lower end of a plurality of tubular sections, where at least one tubular section is a jar. The jar and the tubular sections have an inner diameter that is at least 4¼? and an outer diameter that is 7? or less. A method of drilling includes the steps of inserting the drill string into a downhole formation; causing the bit sub to drill a core sample that is received within a tubular section; and inserting a core retrieval tool through the drill string to retrieve the core sample.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of rock and soil core sampling and more specifically to the preservation of core sample integrity. A sample capsule is described which comprises heat shrink tubing. The sample capsule is located inside a sampling tool such as a core drill bit and activated by electric film heaters also inside the drill bit. A sample capsule front end cap may also be included. A cache mechanism is described which may store one or more sample capsules and front end caps.

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

Abstract: Drilling tools include a bit crown and an integrated reamer. The bit crown and the integrated reamer can be configured with approximately equal drilling lives. The bit crown can be impregnated with abrasive cutting media and include one or more external flutes. The integrated reamer can be positioned at the base the bit crown and include one or more channels that align with one or more of the outer flutes. The channels can taper such that they increase in width as they extend away from the bit crown.

Abstract: A coring tool for use in a borehole formed in a subterranean formation includes a tool housing with a coring aperture and a core receptacle. A coring bit is mounted within the tool housing and movable between retracted and extended positions by a series of pivotably connected extension link arms. Another set of link arms rotates the coring bit between coring and eject positions. The coring tool may also include a multi-column core storage magazine with shifters to move cores or core holders between columns. The coring tool may be used to measure core lengths during operation and facilitates retrieval of cores having larger lengths and diameters than conventional sidewall coring tools.

Abstract: A low maintenance adjustable method for sampling fluid from a well using a gas analyzer, a fluid conditioner, and a gas trap. The gas trap can have a plurality of couplings, a plurality of hammer unions, a plurality of base manifold pipes, a base manifold flow line, a chimney pipe connected to the base manifold flow line, a controllable valve, a reducer connected to the chimney, an expansion chamber component connected to the reducer, a restrictor mounted to the expansion chamber component, and a conduit connection connected to the restrictor for engaging a conduit to flow a gas sample from the gas trap to a gas analyzer.

Abstract: A down-the-hole assembly includes a housing assembly having a head end and a bit end. The housing assembly further includes an inlet joint having an inlet channel defined therein, a sealing portion positioned toward the bit end relative to the inlet joint, and an outlet portion positioned toward the bit end relative to the sealing portion. A hammer assembly including a piston has a piston channel defined therein that includes an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet channel and an outlet in fluid communication with the housing assembly.

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 selectively operable downhole valve for use with core sampling apparatus, the valve comprising a throughbore through which a first body may pass, and an obstructing member which is capable of selectively obturating the throughbore, the obstructing member being arranged to open or close the throughbore by movement of the first body with respect to the valve. A core sample of the formation may then be obtained and retrieved from the bore under pressure since the valve seals the bore downhole. Retrieving the sample under pressure maintains the integrity of the core sample so that subsequent analysis of the sample will more closely reflect the true characteristics of the formation.

Abstract: A drill string assembly is required that has the capability of operating in well bores that range in hole size from seven to eight inches in diameter. The assembly is used to obtain a large core sample size that is equal to three and one-half inches in diameter and up to ninety feet in length in a single core run. This assembly will be operated with a drill string (i.e. drill pipe) that is capable of being used on standard drilling rigs, which may be used to handle API style drill pipe to conduct coring/drilling operations. The coring tool is comprised of an inner barrel for receiving the core sample.

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: The present invention relates to a core catcher and a corer having the same, and more particularly, to a core catcher provided with dual blade radial pins for preventing loss of sediments and a corer having the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an apparatus for taking a sample in a wellbore during drilling operations. The apparatus may include a drill bit configured to form a core and at least one retractable cutter internal to the drill bit for taking the sample from the core. The apparatus may also include equipment for analyzing the sample, extracting fluid from the sample, testing fluid from the sample, encapsulating the sample, and/or tagging the sample. The present disclosure is also related to a method for taking a core sample without interrupting drilling operations. The method includes taking a core sample using a drill bit configured to take a core sample using internal cutters. The method may also include analyzing the sample, extracting fluid from the sample, analyzing fluid from the sample, encapsulating the sample, and/or tagging the sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an apparatus for taking a sample in a wellbore during drilling operations. The apparatus may include a drill bit configured to form a core and at least one retractable cutter internal to the drill bit for taking the sample from the core. The apparatus may also include equipment for analyzing the sample, extracting fluid from the sample, testing fluid from the sample, encapsulating the sample, and/or tagging the sample. The present disclosure is also related to a method for taking a core sample without interrupting drilling operations. The method includes taking a core sample using a drill bit configured to take a core sample using internal cutters. The method may also include analyzing the sample, extracting fluid from the sample, analyzing fluid from the sample, encapsulating the sample, and/or tagging the sample.

Abstract: A core barrel restraint adapted to prevent inadvertent dropping of a core barrel assembly during retrieval of a core sample can include a cup adapted to fit over an overshot and a brace adapted to be coupled to a core barrel assembly. A cable can connect the cup and brace and prevent the core barrel from falling if the overshot latch mechanism holding the core barrel assembly and overshot together fails.

Abstract: A coring tool for use in a borehole formed in a subterranean formation includes a tool housing with a coring aperture and a core receptacle. A coring bit is mounted within the tool housing and movable between retracted and extended positions by a series of pivotably connected extension link arms. Another set of link arms rotates the coring bit between coring and eject positions. The coring tool may also include a multi-column core storage magazine with shifters to move cores or core holders between columns. The coring tool may be used to measure core lengths during operation and facilitates retrieval of cores having larger lengths and diameters than conventional sidewall coring tools.

Abstract: Methods of using resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well using a drilling mud. Resistivity data ahead of the bit is gathered during drilling and prior to penetrating a region of interest of a known subterranean formation using the drill bit and the drilling mud. The drill string progresses at known dip and azimuth angles toward the subterranean formation. The resistivity data is used to determine pore pressure ahead of the drill bit in the formation as a function of resistivity ahead of the drill bit in the formation while the drill bit advances toward but before the bit penetrates the formation while drilling.

Abstract: A coring apparatus is provided, which apparatus, in one exemplary embodiment, includes a rotatable member coupled to a drill bit configured to drill a core from a formation, a substantially non-rotatable member in the rotatable member configured to receive the core from the formation, and a sensor configured to provide signals relating to rotation between the rotatable member and the substantially non-rotatable member during drilling of the core from the formation, and a circuit configured to process the signals from the sensor to estimate rotation between the rotatable member and the non-rotatable member.