Abstract: A core sample retaining sleeve is provided for preventing loss of a cut core sample from the distal end of a coring bit, particularly during retraction of the coring bit to within the coring tool. Preferably, the core sample retaining sleeve is disposed concentrically within the coring bit to fit around the received core sample. The core sample retaining sleeve has one or more retaining fingers formed on the distal end of the coring bit. The retaining fingers are selectively closeable, preferably by urging the one or more retaining fingers against one or more guide members. A guide member is preferably provided as a stationary ridge on the inner, distal surface of the coring bit. The core sample is contained and protected within the closed retaining sleeve.

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 soil sampling system that includes a drill rod, a core barrel for receiving a soil sample, an adapter coupling for coupling the core barrel to the drill rod, and a drive shoe attached to an end of the core barrel for penetrating the ground. In one embodiment, the core barrel includes two halves configured to be joined substantially along a plane to form a cylinder having a through bore with an inner and outer diameter. Each of the halves includes a pair of longitudinally extending edges, and the halves have a locking configuration to prevent lateral movement of the halves relative to one another with respect to an axis of the core barrel and to also preclude movement of the halves relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the plane. Locking tongues extending along the length of each edge of the inner diameter on one half mate with respective notches extending along the length of each edge of the other half to prevent lateral movement.

Abstract: A device for preserving the orientation of a core is described. A core barrel is attached to a rotatable orienting rod. A plurality of projections are located on an inner surface of the core barrel. Three projections are grouped together and opposite from a fourth projection. A ratchet assembly is included at an end of the rotatable orienting rod opposite from the core barrel. The ratchet assembly includes a first body, to which the rotatable orienting rod is attached, a plate, a second body, and a biasing mechanism. A turning rod is mounted on the plate, which is located between the two bodies. The plate and the second body each have teeth which intermesh, but which slip if a clog in the core barrel inhibits rotation of the rotatable orienting rod.

Abstract: A rod extractor for ground drill rods having a drill rod (20) with a plurality of rod threads (23) at its upper portion, about which an extraction collar (30) with internal threads rotates slidably with said rod threads. A guide sleeve (51) having a sleeve opening is attached perpendicular to a ground plate (50) which rests on a ground surface. Said rod travels through said sleeve opening into the ground, upon which an extraction tool (40) rotates said collar about said rod resulting in downward travel of said collar in relation to said rod and sleeve until said collar contacts said sleeve. Further rotation of said collar results in upward force upon said rod, extracting it from the ground.

Abstract: A containment cartridge for extracting and preserving a soil sample comprises a cylindrical sampling barrel for insertion into the soil for collecting a soil sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a hole in a subsurface formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inner assembly, which may include a coring barrel, a piston cylinder and a piston rod member, is connected to an elongate member such as a wireline. The inner assembly may include a member such as a packer capable of engaging one of an outer assembly and the borehole. Furthermore, the coring barrel may have a cutting member for creating the hole in the subsurface formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for a valve, which valve comprises a movable valve body (6) having a first side (9) facing a means for supplying pressurized fluid and influenced in the supply direction by a force from said fluid, and a second side (11) influenced in opposite direction by a force from said fluid, which valve is provided with at least one connection (8) connecting the first side (9) of the valve body with the second side (11) of the valve body, and also comprising a spring (20) for opening the valve by displacing the valve body from a closed position to an open position, said method comprising the following steps: a pressurized fluid is supplied to the valve in closed position so that the valve remains closed; the supply of pressurised fluid to the closed valve ceases, a force equalization then occurs between said first (9) and second (11) sides thereby enabling the spring to open the valve, and a pressurized fluid is supplied to the valve in open position and the valve remains open.

Abstract: A soil sample containment device is provided which allows soil samples to be contained within individual sections of a soil sampler liner. The device includes first and second end caps for covering and sealing the respective ends of the soil sampler liner section. Each end cap has a structure for coupling with the opposite end cap for securing the end caps together. The coupling structure for each end cap includes a hook arm and an eye arm. The hook arm of the first end cap can be coupled with the eye arm of the second end cap to secure the end caps together over the ends of the liner section. A flexible sealing material is provided within each end cap for providing a compression seal between the end caps and the liner section. The liner sections can be formed of different lengths and different materials to accommodate different soil tests.

Abstract: The soil sampler includes a sampling tube having a receiving space for receiving a soil sample, the receiving space being limited in a radial direction by a wall, being open in a distal direction for permitting soil to enter and in a proximal direction being limited by a transverse wall, the transverse wall having ducts for supplying and discharge fluid to the receiving space and a plug for closing the ducts, a free plug or piston being placed in the receiving space closely fitting in there and movable between the transverse wall and the distal area of the sampling tube and the transverse wall and the free plug or piston defining a sealed chamber for fluid when the free plug or piston is situated at a distance from the transverse wall.

Abstract: A method of taking a crustal core sample, wherein the crustal core sample is obtained in a state coated with an antimicrobial polymeric gel formed of a polymer obtained by polymerizing an antimicrobial monomer, preferably a quaternary ammonium salt compound. The polymer preferably contains a component derived from the antimicrobial monomer in a proportion of 1 to 10 mol%.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of taking a crustal core sample, wherein the crustal core sample is obtained in a state coated with antimicrobial polymeric gel formed of a polymer and an inorganic antimicrobial agent dispersed in the polymer. It is preferred that the inorganic antimicrobial agent is a compound containing at least one of silver, zinc, copper and ions thereof, the inorganic antimicrobial agent is carried onto a carrier material, the polymer forming the antimicrobial polymeric gel contains a hydrophilic group, and the antimicrobial polymeric gel contains the inorganic antimicrobial agent in a proportion of 0.0001 to 10.0 mass %.

Abstract: A core stabilization apparatus and method are implemented. An inner barrel having a plurality of ports disposed circumferentially and axially in a wall thereof is provided. A gas manifold is attached to a first subsets of the ports. Gas is delivered to an interior of the inner barrel via the gas manifold and the corresponding ports. Drilling mud remaining in the interior of the inner barrel is expelled through a second subset of ports. After expulsion of the drilling mud, a stabilizing compound is injected into the interior via an injection manifold attached to the second subset of ports. Upon curing of the stabilizing compound, the inner barrel and core sample contained therein may be sectioned or otherwise manipulated.

Abstract: An in situ reactor for use in a geological strata, is described and which includes a liner defining a centrally disposed passageway and which is placed in a borehole formed in the geological strata; and a sampling conduit is received within the passageway defined by the liner and which receives a geological specimen which is derived from the geological strata, and wherein the sampling conduit is in fluid communication with the passageway defined by the liner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for drilling, analyzing, and stabilizing subsurface formations. The system is generally formed around a reusable bottomhole assembly (BHA) that provides an anchoring and thrust mechanism, furnishing the necessary downward force needed to provide comminution of geological material in a borehole. The BHA is conveyed into the borehole via a communications link wireline equiped with internal power and data telemetry lines. The BHA permits the use of multiple comminution sampling and analysis tools via a coupling device. The BHA and communications link wireline are mounted so as to couple with different tools. The main drilling mechanism is a torque drive assembly powered coring tool. A borehole televiewer and/or logging analysis tool may follow each coring period. The final step in each coring period is a wellbore consolidation technique. This series of steps is then repeated, each time coring the wellbore to a deeper depth.

Abstract: Low concentrations, 1-10% of potassium salt, especially potassium formate, are used in a drilling fluid in oil production. Preferably they are used with guar derivatives, most preferably carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar. The concentration of potassium formate is maintained at the desired level by adjusting the potassium formate to maintain a desired Zeta potential in the circulating drilling fluid. The potassium formate/guar derivative composition may be used in the substantial absence of hydrophilic clay additive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for core drilling of concrete by resiliently mounting a hammer drill to a drill press or similar support frame using a recoil spring to maintain a driving force on the hammer drill. An air blower is positioned adjacent the core drilling bit to provide cooling of the bit and material removal from the core such that the bit no longer needs to be periodically withdrawn from the core for material removal. In a preferred embodiment, the support frame uses a screw jack to periodically move the resiliently mounted hammer drill. Use of an inexpensive electric blower and electric hammer drill allow semi-automatic remote operation, wherein the screw jack is turned to compress the recoil spring and then the blower and hammer drill are turned on from a remote distance by switching the electricity on. In this manner, the operator can operate the core drilling system without being subjected to the concrete dust and debris being blown from the core by the blower.

Abstract: A drill for drilling wide diameter and high depth holes in the soil including a base machine (1) having a rotary (2) that is equipped with a clamp (9) and, by means of translation cylinders (8), rotates and axially moves a series of drill stem (7) having a tool (6) at the free end thereof, includes: an hydraulic joint (3) linked to the rotary (2); at least a winch (4) linked to the hydraulic joint (3) and provided with at least a wire rope (18); a carrier canister (5) slidely connected with the stem (7) between the rotary (2) and the tool (6) by means of at least the wire rope (18); at least a winch (4), a wire rope (18), a carrier canister (5) are rotated together with the stem (7) of the rotary (2) in correspondence of an operating condition of the drill.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for use in sampling, flow measuring, quantity gauging, or possibly other analysis performed in reservoir fluid found in a ground formation. An object of the invention is to perform the sampling, flow measuring and quantity gauging or the remaining analyses in situ on stabilized reservoir fluid that contains a negligible amount drill fluid. Analysis is possible by sealing off an area of the well at the hydrocarbon carrying layer and passing a volume of reservoir fluid into a drill string for analysis by accessories located in the drill string. After the analyses are performed, the reservoir fluid is returned to the hydrocarbon carrying layer.

Abstract: A tool latching and retrieval system allows the deployment and retrieval of a variety of direct push subsurface characterization tools through an embedded rod string during a single penetration without requiring withdrawal of the string from the ground. This enables the in situ interchange of different tools, as well as the rapid retrieval of soil core samples from multiple depths during a single direct push penetration. The system includes specialized rods that make up the rod string, a tool housing which is integral to the rod string, a lock assembly, and several tools which mate to the lock assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a coring guide for converting a mine roof bolter into apparatus suitable for guiding a coring rod, or drill, into a mine roof, as well as a method for obtaining a geological core from the mine roof using the guide. The guide includes a pair of jaws, wherein each jaw has an adapter end and a pivotable end. The adapter end of each jaw includes a cavity that faces a cavity included in the adapter end of the other jaw, such that the closed jaws form at least a major portion of a cylindrical coring cavity that accommodates a coring rod. Each jaw includes means for fixing the rod guide within a mine roof bolter apparatus such that when the coring guide is positioned between the jaws and the jaws are partially closed such that they enclose the coring rod, the roof bolter causes the coring rod to penetrate the mine roof and obtain a core sample.

Abstract: A soil tester combination is provided that has an elongated rigid outer semi-cylindrical sleeve with a sharp narrowed outer sleeve end and a handle mounted on an opposite outer sleeve end, and a similar inner sleeve having a plurality of ledges bridging the walls of the inner sleeve at various depths.

Abstract: A tool for removing a drill core is formed of a tubular tool member (1) having an axially extending receptacle region (A) and an axially extending gripping region (B), wherein the receptacle region (A) extends partially around half of the circular annular circumference. In a first end of the receptacle region (A) spaced from the gripping region (B) two mutually opposed swivel arms (4) are arranged. The swivel arms (4) project into the inside diameter of the tool member (1) and extend in the direction of the gripping region (G) and are elastic in the radial direction. These swivel arms (4) serve in axially securing a drill core received in the receptacle region (A) of the tool member (1).

Abstract: Retrieving a sample of formation fluid from a formation layer traversed by a cased borehole comprising making a plurality of perforation sets through the casing wall into the formation layer, wherein the orientation of the perforation sets is so selected that the angle between adjacent perforation sets equals 360° divided by the number of perforation sets; lowering a sampling tool into the borehole to the first perforation set; taking a sample from the formation and storing the sample in the first fluid sample container; positioning the sampling tool near the next perforation) set, taking a sample from the formation and storing the sample in the next fluid sample container; and repeating the latter step until samples from all perforation sets have been taken, and retrieving the sampling tool.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for driving into the marine subsurface, in particular at great depths exceeding a thousand metres, a tubular tool for soil sampling or for measuring said soil characteristics. The invention is characterised in that the tubular tool (1) to be driven into the marine subsurface is secured to a base plate for positioning on the sea floor, and the device comprises at least a fluidic actuator (16), capable of being controlled from the surface, which is fixed to said base plate comprising a piston (4) moving in a cylindrical annular chamber (3) with an axis oriented parallel to the axis (y′y) of the tool (1) penetration, driving in the tool (1) depending on the discharge of intake of the fluid which is produced in said chamber (3), said piston (4) being subjected to the hydrostatic pressure prevailing at the depth where the device has been lowered by being in communication with the marine environment by its side external to said chamber (3).

Abstract: A wellbore assembly is provided that is operable in wellbores in the range of six to six and one-half inches for obtaining large diameter cores, e.g., cores greater than or equal to two and seven-eighths inches in diameter. The wellbore assembly may preferably be utilized with drill pipe so that standard drilling rigs may be utilized in drilling and coring operations therewith. The drill pipe in accord with the present invention may be formed by modifying standard API drill pipe such as API four and one-half inch IF (Internal Flush) drill pipe in a special manner that renders the drill pipe still suitable for the type of drilling operations of interest and also suitable for handling by any drilling rig capable of using standard API drill pipe. Alternatively, the drill piper may be initially manufactured in accord with the specifications of the present invention.

Abstract: Soil sampler comprising a sampling tube having a receiving space for receiving the soil sample to be taken, the receiving space being limited in radial direction by a wall, being open in distal direction for permitting soil to enter in it and in proximal direction being limited by a transverse wall, having line means for supplying and discharging fluid to the receiving space and with means for closing off the line means, a free plug or piston being placed in the receiving space closely fitting in there and moveable between the transverse wall and the distal area of the sampling tube and the transverse wall and the stopper or piston defining a sealed chamber for fluid when the stopper or piston is situated at a distance from the transverse wall.

Abstract: A mechanism for breaking off and retaining a core sample of a drill drilled into a ground substrate has an outer drill tube and an inner core break-off tube sleeved inside the drill tube. The break-off tube breaks off and retains the core sample by a varying geometric relationship of inner and outer diameters with the drill tube. The inside diameter (ID) of the drill tube is offset by a given amount with respect to its outer diameter (OD). Similarly, the outside diameter (OD) of the break-off tube is offset by the same amount with respect to its inner diameter (ID). When the break-off tube and drill tube are in one rotational alignment, the two offsets cancel each other such that the drill can operate the two tubes together in alignment with the drill axis. When the tubes are rotated 180 degrees to another positional alignment, the two offsets add together causing the core sample in the break-off tube to be displaced from the drill axis and applying shear forces to break off the core sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking a soil sample includes a drill pipe, a first driving gear for introducing the drill pipe into the soil, a sampling bush which movably fits into the drill pipe and a second driving gear for introducing the sampling bush into the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a hole in a subsurface formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inner assembly, which may include a coring barrel, a piston cylinder and a piston rod member, is connected to an elongate member such as a wireline. The inner assembly may include a member such as a packer capable of engaging one of an outer assembly and the borehole. Furthermore, the coring barrel may have a cutting member for creating the hole in the subsurface formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that monitors and controls the precipitation of asphaltenes in a formation fluid recovered from a subsurface formation or reservoir by using a sensor to make a direct real-time on-site measurement of the relative concentration asphaltenes from at least one location at a wellsite or in a pipeline. In a system including a fiber optic attenuated total reflectance probe for sensing asphaltenes and using a processor to compare sequential measurements, the system of the present invention can trigger the addition of additives in response to a change in asphaltene concentration in the formation fluid, preventing precipitation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a core sample retaining sleeve for preventing loss of a cut core sample from the distal end of a coring bit, particularly during retraction of the coring bit to within the coring tool. Preferably, the core sample retaining sleeve is disposed concentrically within the coring bit to fit around the received core sample. The core sample retaining sleeve has one or more retaining fingers formed on the distal end of the coring bit. The retaining fingers are selectively closeable, preferably by urging the one or more retaining fingers against one or more guide members. A guide member is preferably provided as a stationary ridge on the inner, distal surface of the coring bit. The core sample is contained and protected within the closed retaining sleeve.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of taking a crustal core sample, wherein the crustal core sample is obtained in a state coated with antimicrobial polymeric gel obtained by polymerizing an antimicrobial monomer. It is preferred that antimicrobial monomer is a quaternary ammonium salt compound, and the polymer contains a component derived from the antimicrobial monomer in a proportion of 1 to 10 mol %.

Abstract: An early formation evaluation tool is provided which includes formation fluid sampling capabilities. In one embodiment, fluid pressure in a drill string in which the tool is interconnected is utilized to operate packers of the tool and to operate fluid samplers of the tool. To successively control actuation of the samplers, a ratchet mechanism responsive to altering fluid pressures in the drill string aligns a piercing member with a series of frangible pressure barriers associated with the samplers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining core samples from a wellbore includes bringing a substance in contact with the core sample. The substance is adapted to retain at least a portion of fluids recovered with the core sample. A receptacle such as a core barrel contains the substance and is inserted into the wellbore and receiving the core sample in the receptacle. The substance may be sealed in the receptacle by a dissolvable plug mechanism. The substance is transformable between a highly viscous state and a substantially solid matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling a geological sample, such as a core from a formation. The formation may be a formation of an oil and/or gas well. The apparatus includes a container for receiving the sample and is characterized in that the container comprises at least one wall with a surface which can change its configuration in response to pressure changes. The method of handling a geological sample obtained includes providing a container for receiving the sample. The container has a surface which is capable of changing its configuration in response to pressure changes. The sample is introduced into the container, and the configuration of the surface is changed to contact the sample. The container is then withdrawn from the formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brush bit for cutting a core sample from an unconsolidated formation with reduced fragmentation or damage to the core sample by using a plurality of stiff bristles to cut rock from around the core sample. The present invention also provides an improved method of obtaining a core sample from an unconsolidated formation.

Abstract: A method of acquiring a core sample of seabed material into a core sampling tube having an upper end, a lower open end and a substantially cylindrical chamber extending therebetween, comprising the steps of urging the core sampling tube into the seabed and simultaneously withdrawing fluid from the upper end of the core sampling tube at a rate sufficient to cause the seabed material to be drawn into the core tube at substantially the same rate as the core tube penetrates the seabed.

Abstract: A hydrostatic working device for taking samples from the bottom of the sea. The working device has an outer tube (1), the cylinder tube (1), the cylinder tube with lead-through (5 and 7), and an inner tube (2), the sampling tube with a piston, whereby the space between the outer tube (1) and the inner tube (2), with the piston at the upper end, constitutes a low pressure chamber (29) filled by air under a moderate pressure, in order to keep the sampling tube (2) in an upper position until the valve opens for a working stroke. When the working device is used as a corer the sampling tube is at its lower end equipped with a catcher (4). When the tool is used as a CPT the lead-throughs (5 and 7) are replaced by (20 and 40) and the piston (3) with a piston (19), and the sampler tube (2) is replaced by a probe, and a choke valve (14) is replaced by a pressure compensated volumetric flow valve (39).

Abstract: The soil sampler of this invention is mounted on a wheeled vehicle and includes a frame having a pivotal mast which is movable between an upright position and a horizontally disposed position. An elongated, hollow soil probe is longitudinally movably mounted on the mast so that the probe may be inserted into the ground to collect a soil sample. When the sample has been collected in the soil probe, the probe is raised from the ground and the mast is moved from its upright position to its horizontally disposed position. The soil sample in the probe is automatically dumped from the probe when the mast has been moved to its horizontally disposed position. The soil sample is collected in a receptacle position below the probe with the receptacle being divided into at least two compartments. The soil sampling probe also includes means for indicating the true position of the soil surface.

Abstract: A mechanism for breaking off and retaining a core sample of a drill drilled into a ground substrate has an outer drill tube and an inner core break-off tube sleeved inside the drill tube. The break-off tube breaks off and retains the core sample by a varying geometric relationship of inner and outer diameters with the drill tube. The inside diameter (ID) of the drill tube is offset by a given amount with respect to its outer diameter (OD). Similarly, the outside diameter (OD) of the break-off tube is offset by the same amount with respect to its inner diameter (ID). When the break-off tube and drill tube are in one rotational alignment, the two offsets cancel each other such that the drill can operate the two tubes together in alignment with the drill axis. When the tubes are rotated 180 degrees to another positional alignment, the two offsets add together causing the core sample in the break-off tube to be displaced from the drill axis and applying shear forces to break off the core sample.

Abstract: A tool latching and retrieval system allows the deployment and retrieval of a variety of direct push subsurface characterization tools through an embedded rod string during a single penetration without requiring withdrawal of the string from the ground. This enables the in situ interchange of different tools, as well as the rapid retrieval of soil core samples from multiple depths during a single direct push penetration. The system includes specialized rods that make up the rod string, a tool housing which is integral to the rod string, a lock assembly, and several tools which mate to the lock assembly.

Abstract: An early formation evaluation tool is provided which includes formation fluid sampling capabilities. In one embodiment, fluid pressure in a drill string in which the tool is interconnected is utilized to operate packers of the tool and to operate fluid samplers of the tool. To successively control actuation of the samplers, a ratchet mechanism responsive to altering fluid pressures in the drill string aligns a piercing member with a series of frangible pressure barriers associated with the samplers.

Abstract: A pressure and temperature core sampler comprises a tool for recovering cores specifically enabling the evaluation of methane hydrate resources. Because methane hydrate tends to decompose under conditions of pressure decrease and/or temperature increase as the samples are retrieved to the surface, a coring tool in accordance with the present invention provides a self-contained system for retrieving core samples at or near in situ pressure while cooling the core sample. The coring tool is preferably a wire line retrievable device that provides for nearly continuous coring during the drilling operation.

Abstract: A method for protecting integrity of a core sample during transport from a subterranean formation to the surface comprising: cutting a core sample from the subterranean formation using a drilling fluid; encapsulating the core sample with an encapsulating material that is separate from the drilling fluid and comprises a property which renders the encapsulating material capable of protecting the chemical integrity of the core sample during transport from the subterranean formation to the surface, wherein the property is other than a property selected from the group consisting of a viscosity which increases in response to a decrease in temperature and an ability to solidify in response to a decrease in temperature; and, transporting the encapsulated core sample from the subterranean formation to the surface.

Abstract: A sampling device is provided for driving into the ground to sample fluids at a desired depth without requiring the drilling of a well. The sampling device utilizes a universal drive point device which is removably coupled to a tubular point holder. The drive point device includes an outer surface which extends along a drive cone between a lower end and an upper end along a longitudinal axis. The outer surface tapers radially outwardly from the lower end and is adapted for penetrating the ground to form a borehole. A stub extends outwardly along the longitudinal axis from the upper end of the drive cone. The stub is configured for insertion within a bottom end of the tubular point holder. The stub includes an axially elongated circumferential groove. An elongated annular seal is seated within the circumferential groove. The annular seal is adapted for frictionally coupling and sealing against an inner diameter within the bottom end of the tubular point holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for protecting integrity of a core sample during transport from a subterranean formation to the surface comprising: cutting a core sample from the subterranean formation using a drilling fluid; encapsulating the core sample with an encapsulating material that is separate from said drilling fluid and comprises a property which renders said encapsulating material capable of protecting said chemical integrity of said core sample during transport from said subterranean formation to said surface, wherein said property is other than a property selected from the group consisting of a viscosity which increases in response to a decrease in temperature and an ability to solidify in response to a decrease in temperature; and, transporting said encapsulated core sample from said subterranean formation to said surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for real time in-situ measuring of the downhole chemical and or physical properties of a core of an earth formation during a coring operation. The present invention comprises several embodiments that may use electromagnetic, acoustic, fluid and differential pressure, temperature, gamma and x-ray, neutron radiation, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mudwater invasion measurements to measure the chemical and or physical properties of the core that may include porosity, bulk density, mineralogy, and fluid saturations. The present invention comprises a downhole apparatus coupled to an inner and or an outer core barrel near the coring bits with a sensor array coupled to the inner core barrel for real time gathering of the measurements. A controller coupled to the sensor array controls the gathering of the measurements and stores the measurements in a measurement storage unit coupled to the controller for retrieval by a computing device for tomographic analysis.

Abstract: A pressure and temperature core sampler comprises a tool for recovering cores specifically enabling the evaluation of methane hydrate resources. Because methane hydrate tends to decompose under conditions of pressure decrease and/or temperature increase as the samples are retrieved to the surfaces a coring tool in accordance with the present invention provides a self-contained system for retrieving core samples at or near in situ pressure while cooling the core sample. The coring tool is preferably a wire line retrievable device that provides for nearly continuous coring during the drilling operation.

Abstract: A soil sampling measuring device for collecting and measuring samples of soil for testing the volatile organic compounds in the soil. The soil sampling device includes a tactile indication of the volume of soil collected in the sampling device so that a person using the soil sampling device can determine when a desired volume of soil is collected in the soil sampling device without the need to refer to a visual scale. The soil sampling device includes a barrel and a plunger in the barrel, with at least one of the plunger and the barrel adapted to provide a change of resistance between the plunger and the barrel when the plunger is extended or retracted through the barrel which provides a tactile indication to the user of the soil sampling device that the plunger has reached a desired volume within the barrel. For example, the barrel of the device may include a rib or groove which respectively increases or decreases the friction between the plunger and the inner surface of the barrel.