Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for determining a viscosity-pressure profile of downhole fluid by measuring the viscosity at several different pressures during a sampling operation. According to certain embodiments, the viscosity may be measured at different times during a sampling operation and used to generate the viscosity-pressure profile. For example, the viscosity may be measured at the beginning of pumping, during filling of a sample chamber, during a pressure-build up period, and while retracting the probe. The measured viscosities may then be employed to determine a profile that represents the change in viscosity that occurs with pressure.

Abstract: Formation fluid sample container apparatus are described. An example apparatus includes a downhole tool having a body including an opening and a cavity extending into the body from the opening. The sample container includes an elongated container for holding a formation fluid sample and a sheath coupled to an outer surface of the elongated container and at least partially surrounding the elongated container. The sample container is fixed in the cavity and the sheath is to increase the mechanical integrity of the elongated container in a downhole environment.

Abstract: An optical measurement system comprising a vessel for non-invasively testing a sample material composition in-situ and in real time. The test chamber is configured to hold a sample material composition for a wellbore. The optical measurement system is configured to provide in-situ monitoring of the sample material composition in real time and at high temperature and high pressure. Dimensional and geometrical changes occurring within the sample material composition are monitored using the optical measurement system. The system further performs goniometry on a sample.

Abstract: A system and method of gathering sample cores from a subterranean formation with coring bit assemblies, where each of the coring bit assemblies retain a sample core within. Included is a container equipped with compartments for individual storage of each coring bit assembly and coring sample, so that each sample can be stored at the pressure at which it was obtained. The coring bit assemblies can be sequentially inserted into the container after being used to collect its sample core. In this instance, scaling devices, such as o-ring seals or a coining surface, are provided in the container. Bach coring bit assembly can also be disposed in a chamber, that is selectively scaled after the coring bit assembly gathers its coring sample.

Abstract: A formation evaluation system and method. A formation evaluation system includes an assembly interconnected as part of a tubular string and displaceable to multiple positions proximate each of multiple zones intersected by a wellbore. The assembly includes at least one formation evaluation instrument for determining a characteristic of formation fluid, and a pump which draws the fluid into the assembly. A method of evaluating multiple subterranean zones during a single trip into a wellbore includes the steps of: interconnecting a formation evaluation assembly in a coiled tubing string; for each of the multiple zones, displacing the formation evaluation assembly to a position proximate the respective zone, receiving formation fluid from the respective zone into the formation evaluation assembly, and determining at least one characteristic of the formation fluid; and performing the multiple displacing, receiving and determining steps during the single trip of the coiled tubing string into the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a body including an opening and a cavity extending into the body from the opening. A sample container is fixed in the cavity and includes an elongated container for holding a formation fluid sample and a sheath coupled to an outer surface of the elongated container and at least partially surrounding the elongated container.

Abstract: A system and method for sampling formation fluids is described. The system include a fluid sampling tool (200) with an elongated tool body (201). A cache of fluid containers may be disposed within the tool body. Each of the fluid containers within the cache of fluid containers may be individually deployable from the fluid sampling tool while the fluid sampling tool is positioned within a borehole. The fluid sampling tool may also include a pump in fluid communication with the cache of fluid containers.

Abstract: Methods of compensating pressure differences between interiors and exteriors of inner barrels of coring tools may involve advancing a coring tool into a wellbore, the coring tool comprising an inner barrel for receiving a core sample cut by the coring tool, a first fluid being sealed within the inner barrel. A second fluid may flow along an exterior of the inner barrel. A pressure difference between the first fluid and the second fluid may be reduced. A volume occupied by the first fluid may be compressed by moving a compensating member. The volume occupied by the first fluid may be expanded by moving the compensating member.

Abstract: A system and method for sampling formation fluids is described. The system include a fluid sampling tool (200) with an elongated tool body (201). A cache of fluid containers may be disposed within the tool body. Each of the fluid containers within the cache of fluid containers may be individually deployable from the fluid sampling tool while the fluid sampling tool is positioned within a borehole. The fluid sampling tool may also include a pump in fluid communication with the cache of fluid containers.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to measure formation fluid and obtain data, the data having measurement levels that vary over a parameter. The data is grouped in one or more categories, each category having data falling within a range, and the grouped data is analyzed as a function of the parameter. In some embodiments, the grouped data is used to identify at least one fluid type of the formation fluid using the grouped data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil-pressure type fixed piston sampler for sampling a soil sample for site investigation. The oil-pressure type fixed piston sampler comprises a sampling unit (12) and an oil-pressure controller (14). Here, when the sampling unit (12) inserted into a drilled hole and a movable piston (80) moves downward, a sampling tube (1) moves downward to take a sample. The oil-pressure controller (14) connected with the sampling unit (12) controls oil pressure to cause the movable piston (80) to shift vertically. The sampling unit (12) comprises an upper head (20), a lower head (40), a piston housing (70), a rod block (100), a movable rod (90), a fixed piston (110), a fixed rod (92) and a separation rod (94). Since the sampling tube (1) takes a sample by a piston indentation method, high-quality, undisturbed samples can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for controlling drilling fluid rate in a wellbore is disclosed. A drill string is disposed into the well and connected to a formation testing or sampling tool. Drilling fluid is circulated at a first rate through the drill string. Data related to the wellbore, a formation about the wellbore or the formation sampling tool is transmitted to a processor. Upon analysis of the data, the drilling fluid circulation rate is changed to a second rate that is different from the first rate.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of an acid gas in a formation fluid from a subterranean formation comprises (a) lowering a coring assembly into a wellbore. The coring assembly including an outer core barrel and an inner core barrel disposed within the outer core barrel. The inner core barrel has an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, and a core sample chamber extending axially from the lower end. In addition, the method comprises (b) capturing a core sample from the subterranean formation within the sample chamber. Further, the method comprises (c) raising the coring assembly to the surface after (b). Still further the method comprises (d) contacting a formation fluid in the sample chamber with at least one detector during (c). Moreover, the method comprises (e) detecting the presence of a formation acid gas in the formation fluid with the at least one detector during (c).

Abstract: Cleanup monitoring and prediction in real time targeting estimation of pumpout volume versus final contamination, including detecting breakthrough of formation fluid to a sampling tool and detecting transition of cleanup regime from a predominantly circumferential cleanup regime to a predominantly vertical cleanup regime. Similar workflow can be employed for estimating contamination at the end of cleanup production for a given pumpout volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates methods and apparatuses for testing and sampling of underground formations or reservoirs. The apparatus may include at least one extendable element configured to penetrate a formation. The at least one extendable element may include at least one drill bit with a nozzle configured to receive formation fluids. The at least one extendable element may include at least one sensor disposed on the at least one extendable element. The at least one extendable element may also include a source of stimulus for stimulating the formation. The at least one extendable element may be configured to detach and/or attach from/to a bottom hole assembly (BHA). One method may include steps for performing testing on the formation for estimating a parameter of interest of the formation. Another method may include steps for performing testing to estimate a parameter of interest of the formation fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring mud gas logging data, comparing the mud gas logging data to second data associated with a sidewall fluid sample measurement, and adjusting calibration data associated with a mud gas logging tool based on the comparison of the mud gas logging data and the second data associated with the sidewall fluid sample measurement.

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: Methods and devices for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid downhole include a chamber having a first end, a second end and an opening for fluid to flow there through. A top surface of a perforated piston is capable of contacting the second end and a top surface of a piston is capable of contacting a bottom surface of the perforated piston. The perforated piston is located at a first position within the chamber based upon characteristics of a first fluid. A first fluid delivery system supplies the first fluid and a second fluid delivery system supplies a second fluid to the chamber, wherein the second fluid is at a pressure that moves the piston approximate to the first end. An actuating device applies a force against the bottom surface of the piston to inject the fluids through channels of the perforated piston to produce spray droplets.

Abstract: Samples of hydrocarbon are obtained with a coring tool. An analysis of some thermal or electrical properties of the core samples may be performed downhole. The core samples may also be preserved in containers sealed and/or refrigerated prior to being brought uphole for analysis. The hydrocarbon trapped in the pore space of the core samples may be extracted from the core samples downhole. The extracted hydrocarbon may be preserved in chambers and/or analyzed downhole.

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: Methods comprising lowering a downhole tool via a pipe into a wellbore drilled through a formation via the pipe, establishing fluid communication between the downhole tool and the formation at a location in the wellbore, extracting from the formation a first fluid stream and passing the first fluid stream through the downhole tool for a first duration, breaking fluid communication between the downhole tool and the formation, reestablishing fluid communication between the downhole tool and the formation essentially at the location in the wellbore, extracting from the formation a second fluid stream and passing the second fluid stream through the downhole tool for a second duration, and capturing in the downhole tool a fluid sample of the second fluid stream.mud.

Abstract: Downhole tools and methods are provided for injecting fluid into a formation. A downhole tool may include a first chamber of injection fluid separated from a second chamber of working fluid by a piston. The working fluid may be employed to apply pressure to the piston to direct injection fluid from the first chamber to the formation. A flow regulator may regulate flow of the injection fluid from the first chamber to the formation.

Abstract: A formation testing apparatus and method are disclosed. In one aspect, a fluid is drawn from a formation, one or more sensors measure pressure of the fluid during the during drawing of the fluid, and a processor estimates an inflection point from the pressure measurements and controls the drawing of the fluid from the inflection point until the pressure of the fluid drops to a selected level.

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 heated by the heater; and obtaining via the sampling probe a fluid sample from the portion of the subterranean formation heated by the heater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for near real-time in-situ soil solution measurements is presented. An outer sleeve is placed in soil where ionic concentrations of organic or inorganic species are to be measured. A porous section connects with the outer sleeve (the porous section initially loaded with distilled water) equilibrates with the solution present in soil pores to form a solution to be measured. The initial distilled water is displaced within the porous section by a removable plunger. After substantial equilibration of the solution to be measured within the apparatus, the plunger is removed and a removable probe replaced. The probe may be an Ion Selective Electrode, or a transflection dip probe. The probe then may be used under computer control for measurement of solution properties. The Ion Selective Electrode may measure nitrate (NO3?) concentrations. The transflection dip probe may be read with spectrometer with an input deuterium light source.

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: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.

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: The present disclosure is directed to the filtering and collection of downhole fluids. An example system to filter and sample downhole fluids includes a first sampling chamber that includes one or more cone-shaped filters to receive downhole fluid, filter the downhole fluid, and store the downhole fluid, a second sampling chamber, a spool valve to allow the downhole fluid to flow into the first sampling chamber in a first position and to redirect the downhole fluid to the second sampling chamber or a base block in a second position, and a setting line to selectively move the spool valve from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A coiled tubing deployed fluid sampler (50) for collecting a single phase fluid sample from a well. The fluid sampler (50) is actuated to establish fluid communication between an interior (56) and an exterior of the fluid sampler (50) such that a fluid sample is obtained from the well in a chamber (92) of the fluid sampler (50). The fluid pressure in the coiled tubing string is then increased, which pressurizes the fluid sample in the chamber (92). Thereafter, the coiled tubing and the fluid sampler (50) are retrieved to the surface with the pressurized fluid sample remaining above its saturation pressure during collection and retrieval to the surface.

Abstract: A coiled tubing deployed fluid sampler (50) for collecting a single phase fluid sample from a well. The fluid sampler (50) is actuated to establish fluid communication between an interior (56) and an exterior of the fluid sampler (50) such that a fluid sample is obtained from the well in a chamber (92) of the fluid sampler (50). The fluid pressure in the coiled tubing string is then increased, which pressurizes the fluid sample in the chamber (92). Thereafter, the coiled tubing and the fluid sampler (50) are retrieved to the surface with the pressurized fluid sample remaining above its saturation pressure during collection and retrieval to the surface.

Abstract: A coiled tubing deployed fluid sampler (50) for collecting a single phase fluid sample from a well. The fluid sampler (50) is actuated to establish fluid communication between an interior (56) and an exterior of the fluid sampler (50) such that a fluid sample is obtained from the well in a chamber (92) of the fluid sampler (50). The fluid pressure in the coiled tubing string is then increased, which pressurizes the fluid sample in the chamber (92). Thereafter, the coiled tubing and the fluid sampler (50) are retrieved to the surface with the pressurized fluid sample remaining above its saturation pressure during collection and retrieval to the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. A retainer is configured to absorb axial loading of the sample chamber within the cavity.

Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer flexible skin and one or more drains coupled to the outer flexible skin. A mandrel is positioned within the outer flexible skin, and an expansion mechanism is provided to control expansion of the outer flexible skin to selectively create sealing engagement with a surrounding wall.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.

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

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.

Abstract: A coiled tubing deployed fluid sampler (50) for collecting a single phase fluid sample from a well. The fluid sampler (50) is actuated to establish fluid communication between an interior (56) and an exterior of the fluid sampler (50) such that a fluid sample is obtained from the well in a chamber (92) of the fluid sampler (50). The fluid pressure in the coiled tubing string is then increased, which pressurizes the fluid sample in the chamber (92). Thereafter, the coiled tubing and the fluid sampler (50) are retrieved to the surface with the pressurized fluid sample remaining above its saturation pressure during collection and retrieval to the surface.

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

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a core sample is described, and an agent for use in the stabilising method. The method involves injecting a foam around a core sample in a cylindrical liner. The foam comprises mixture of a first pressurized polymerisable-based fluid and a second pressurized fluid, which are simultaneously injected as a foam into an annulus between the core sample and liner. The foam preserves the sample and cushions it for transportation. The foam can include a dye or colorant to distinguish the foam from other materials in the core sample.

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

Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having a plurality of sample collectors disposed along an expandable packer element. An anti-expansion device also is deployed along the expandable packer element to limit expansion in localized regions. Limiting the expansion can provide additional space or an increased production surface that facilitates collection of samples.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. A retainer is configured to absorb lateral loading of the sample chamber within the cavity.

Abstract: A sample module for a sampling while drilling tool includes a sample fluid flowline operatively connectable between a sample chamber and an inlet, for passing a downhole fluid. A primary piston divides the sample chamber into a sample volume and a buffer volume and includes a first face in fluid communication with the sample volume and a second face in fluid communication with the buffer volume. An agitator is disposed in the sample volume for agitating the sample fluid. A secondary piston includes a first face in fluid communication with the buffer volume having buffer fluid disposed therein and a second face.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. A retainer is configured to absorb axial loading of the sample chamber within the cavity.

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 heated by the heater; and obtaining via the sampling probe a fluid sample from the portion of the subterranean formation heated by the heater.

Abstract: An apparatus for in situ testing of a soil sample includes an elongate body having a hollow core and an open end, an upper barrier or means for forming an upper barrier within soil across the hollow core, and means for forming a lower barrier within soil across the hollow core such that a sample zone is defined with the hollow core between the upper and lower barriers. A fluid supply means delivers a fluid to the sample zone; and a fluid exit means removes the fluid from the sample zone.