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

Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a first tubular having an inside surface and outside surface defining an outside diameter; a second tubular concentric with the first tubular, the second tubular having an inside surface defining an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the first tubular, an outside surface, and a longitudinal axis; a plurality of spacers between the first and second tubulars, each spacer having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second tubular, wherein at least one spacer is hollow; and at least one data sensing device and/or at least one data collecting device and/or at least one data transmitting device is carried within the at least one hollow spacer.

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

Abstract: A downhole sampling tool and related method are provided. The tool is provided with a main flowline for communicating fluid from the formation through the tool. A main valve is positioned in the main flowline and defines a first portion and a second portion of the main flowline. At least one sample chamber with a slidable piston therein defining a sample cavity and a buffer cavity is also provided. The sample cavity is in selective fluid communication with the first portion of the main flowline via a first flowline and with the second portion of the main flowline via a second flowline. Fluid communication is selectively established between the sample cavity and the first and/or second portions of the main flowline for selectively flushing fluid through the sample cavity and/or collecting samples of the fluid therein. Fluid may also be discharged from the buffer cavity via a third flowline.

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: A device (10) for collecting fluid samples from a subsurface (100), injecting fluids into a subsurface and measuring the hydrostatic pressure of groundwater in a subsurface is described. The device includes an outer tube (12) with a center bore (12D) and openings (12E) at one end (12B) and a rigid inner rod (18) configured to be telescopingly inserted into the center bore of the outer tube. The inner rod provides support and prevents damage to the outer tube during insertion into the subsurface. The device is inserted into the subsurface until the openings in the outer tube are adjacent the testing area. The inner rod is then removed from the outer tube. To collect fluid samples, the samples are retrieved from the fluid which has moved from the subsurface through the openings to the center bore of the outer tube. To inject fluid into the subsurface, the fluid is injected into the center bore and flows through the openings to the subsurface.

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 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 early formation evaluation tool is provided which includes formation fluid sampling capabilities. In one disclosed 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 method of performing a downhole well completion cleanup is provided. In a described embodiment, completion fluids from a first zone are flowed into a tubular string, and then the fluids are discharged into a second zone. An apparatus usable in the method is provided, in which a downhole pump is utilized to pump the fluids from one zone to the other. The pump may be operated in a variety of manners. The apparatus may also include fluid identification sensors and telemetry devices for monitoring the progress of the cleanup operation.

Abstract: The method is used for locally testing underground soil contamination by determining the generation rate of a first contaminant fluid in porous soil. The method includes the steps of making a hole of known dimensions in the soil, with the hole defining a first and a second spaced-apart portions; covering the hole, so as to define a closed volume in the hole; constantly injecting a second fluid in the hole at a constant given flow rate at said first portion of the hole, while simultaneously collecting fluid samples at the above-mentioned constant given flow rate at the second portion of the hole; measuring the concentrations of the first contaminant fluid from the fluid samples collected at known time intervals; and computing the generation rate of the first contaminant fluid, from the known volume of the hole and from the concentrations previously measured and originating from samples collected at the known time intervals.

Abstract: A sampling device for use downhole is provided comprising a hollow body (24) having a fluid inlet port (26) for fluid entry to the interior thereof, characterised by a gas extraction system (64) associated with the hollow body (24) and capable of securing as a non-volatile component at least part of a volatile component dissolved in a fluid entering the hollow body (24), the gas extraction system being removable therefrom to allow quantitative analysis of the non-volatile component to be undertaken. The gas extraction system (64) is placed in a supplementary chamber (46) having an inlet (50) and an outlet (52) which is attached to the hollow body and through which fluid passes to enter the hollow body. The gas extraction system is iron oxide to fix sulphur from volatile hydrogen sulphide for later analysis.

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

Abstract: To take a sample of liquid and/or gaseous hydrocarbon at the surface or down an oil well, use is made of a flexible bag suspended by a tube from a top region of a wall of a closed receptacle. The bag and the tube are made of a flexible material that is leakproof and inert relative to the sample to be taken, such as a cross-linked polymer. The volume of sample admitted into the bag is controlled so as to avoid stretching the wall of the bag.

Abstract: In this invention, drill pipe or tubing is attached to a sampling tool that is suspended in a borehole. A wireline cable also connects the tool to surface equipment and establishes electrical communication between the tool and the surface equipment. A valve located in the docking head assembly controls fluid flow between the borehole and the drill pipe through a port located within the drill pipe assembly which is opened and closed as required. During operations, the tool takes fluid samples from the formation and analyzes them for contamination levels. Unacceptable fluid is pumped or flowed through the tool via a flowline and into the drill pipe where it is stored until it is disposed of at the surface. Once the flowing fluid reaches acceptable levels of contamination, this fluid is pumped or flowed into a sample chamber(s) in the tool.

Abstract: A sampling device capable of collecting fluid and soil samples includes a sensor for measuring a fluid parameter. The sensor is coupled to a monitor which records the fluid parameter measurements. A regenerative gas is passed through the sensor to regenerate the sensor so that a number of measurements may be taken. A movable drive tip covers an opening through which the fluid sample is collected.

Abstract: A sampling device having a fluid collecting portion adapted to recover a fluid sample from a subsurface. Fluid entering the fluid collecting portion passes through a valve which may be remotely actuated. After the sampling device has been driven into the subsurface and a fluid sample has been collected in the fluid collecting portion, the valve is closed to prevent cross-contamination of the fluid sample in the fluid collecting portion.

Abstract: A sampling device includes a barrel having a downhole end, an exterior surface, an interior surface defining a hollow interior, and an open end at the downhole end of the hollow interior. A fluid entrance penetrates the exterior surface. A fluid path having an outlet port is fluidly coupled to the fluid entrance. The device is driven into a subsurface so that a soil sample is forced into the hollow interior. While the device is still in the subsurface a fluid sample is collected through the least one fluid entrance and fluid path.

Abstract: An earth contamination site groundwater testing well having a borehole which passes though subsurface soil zones of interest is provided with a probe assembly that is installed in the borehole, that has a core stem which carries spaced-apart flexible disc seals that divide the borehole into different borehole zones that correspond to the subsurface soil zones of interest, and that includes microporous sampler points in the different borehole zones. The groundwater testing well borehole may be formed with a well casing that is afterwards removed while retaining the probe assembly in position.

Abstract: A borehole drilling apparatus has a jacket attachable to a well head and through which a drill rod passes and which carries pressurized drilling fluid to a working end of the drill rod and out into an annulus of the borehole. The jacket has a drill rod seal and an outlet port leading from the interior of the jacket to a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator comprises an annular space through which fluid can flow from an inlet to an outlet. The annular space is defined between an inner rod and a surrounding elastomer pipe. In use, the elastomer pipe is squeezed radially inwards toward the inner rod by fluid pressure maintained between the outside of the elastomer pipe and a surrounding housing. A sampling system is in communication with the outlet port at a location upstream of the regulator.

Abstract: A sampling device includes a barrel having a downhole end, an exterior surface, an interior surface defining a hollow interior, and an open end at the downhole end of the hollow interior. A fluid entrance penetrates the exterior surface. A fluid path having an outlet port is fluidly coupled to the fluid entrance. The device is driven into a subsurface so that a soil sample is forced into the hollow interior. While the device is still in the subsurface a fluid sample is collected through the least one fluid entrance and fluid path.

Abstract: A penetrometer probe for detecting the presence of subsurface radon gas and obtaining soil classification data is characterized by an elongated body containing recessed inlet and outlet ports, a sampling chamber, a vacuum/air controlled valve system having pistons displaceable between open and closed positions, and a vacuum/air system for drawing gas samples into and expelling gas samples from the sampling chamber. The probe also includes a detachable tip which allows grout to be injected into the borehole as the probe is withdrawn. In an alternate embodiment, the probe includes an outer sleeve for controlling the taking of gas samples in which the sleeve slides upwardly in a groove contained in the probe body during penetration, thereby covering the gas sampling ports, and slides downwardly during retraction, thereby uncovering the soil gas sampling ports and allowing gas to flow to the sampling chamber.

Abstract: A zone isolator module for use on a penetrometer comprises a tubular body having an annular recess in an exterior wall thereof, an elastomer membrane fixed in the annular recess and adapted to lie against an inner surface of the recess, a sleeve slidably disposed on the tubular body and slidably movable between a first position in which the sleeve completely covers the recess, and a second position in which the sleeve is substantially removed from the recess, and the body having an opening extending outwardly from an axial central bore therethrough to the inner surface of the recess, whereby fluid flowed through the bore and the opening operates to expand the elastomer membrane against the sleeve when the sleeve covers the recess and to expand the elastomer membrane beyond the exterior wall of the body when the sleeve is substantially removed from the recess.

Abstract: A portion of a borehole wall is isolated from surrounding borehole fluids by placing a chamber of a borehole tool against the borehole wall. The chamber comprises a cylindrical recess in an exterior surface of the borehole tool. The recess is open at one end to receive borehole fluids, and closed at the opposite end by a concave ultrasonic acoustic transducer. Mudcake present within the chamber and on the isolated portion of the borehole wall is disintegrated by the concave ultrasonic transducer. This approach can be used to remove mudcake from a borehole wall with a moving or stationary borehole tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and composition for encapsulating a core sample as it enters a core barrel with a water-based encapsulating material that preferably comprises an expandable lattice type clay. The water-base causes the expandable lattice type clay to swell, forming a plastic mass which can be pumped into a core barrel to encapsulate the core sample and maintain the chemical and mechanical integrity of the sample during transport to the surface. Filtration control agents preferably are added to the encapsulating material to prevent water from penetrating into or interacting with the core. These control agents prevent the loss and/or invasion of water or other gaseous or fluid components. The control agents are (a) a water soluble thickening agent, and, (b) a particulate sealing agent capable of (i) sealing the pores of the core sample, or (ii) bridging the pores of the core sample and permitting the thickening agent to adsorb to the bridge to seal the pores.

Abstract: A purge water management system for effectively eliminating the production of purge water when obtaining a groundwater sample from a monitoring well. In its preferred embodiment, the purge water management system comprises an expandable container, a transportation system, and a return system. The purge water management system is connected to a wellhead sampling configuration, typically permanently installed at the well site. A pump, positioned with the monitoring well, pumps groundwater through the transportation system into the expandable container, which expands in direct proportion with volume of groundwater introduced, usually three or four well volumes, yet prevents the groundwater from coming into contact with the oxygen in the air. After this quantity of groundwater has been removed from the well, a sample is taken from a sampling port, after which the groundwater in the expandable container can be returned to the monitoring well through the return system.

Abstract: The present invention is a soil sampling probe where a conical piston is kept at the opening to the sampling container by a first threaded portion near the top of the piston rod which engages a threaded opening near the top end of the container. With the piston in this position the probe is more streamlined to reduce the required driving force. When the desired depth is reached, the piston rod is rotated until the first threaded portion of the piston rod is disengaged from the threaded opening at the top end of the container. The piston is then raised until a second threaded portion of the piston rod, near the piston itself, engages a threaded lock ring near the top end of the container. Thus the piston is locked in place near the top of the container. The container is then further inserted to take the core sample.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for rotary drilling of core samples from the wall of a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a coring bit, a motor, a bit box rotatably mounted within a housing adapted to traverse the wellbore, a plunger for extracting the core sample from the bit and discharging the core sample into a storage barrel which has a sponge liner. The sponge liner in the barrel adsorbs liquid hydrocarbons which may be expelled from the porosity in the core sample by gas exsolution.

Abstract: A mobile hazardous waste characterization system having a top driven rotary kelly bar and drill bit in conjunction with a non-rotatable casing surrounding the kelly bar in which the casing and waste contamination sensing probes affixed thereto are supported by the top drive and are moved into and out of the site with the kelly bar and drill bit. The sensors preferably are optical soil contamination probes affixed to the casing to qualitatively and quantitatively determine soil contaminants and monitor remediation progress in situ at a subsurface soil characterization and treatment location. Soil gas sampling and a solid soil core sample removal device may be integrated with the optical contaminant sensing for accurate site characterization and simultaneous remediation thereof.

Abstract: A sampling device includes a barrel having a downhole end, an exterior surface, an interior surface defining a hollow interior, and an open end at the downhole end of the hollow interior. A fluid entrance penetrates the exterior surface. A fluid path having an outlet port is fluidly coupled to the fluid entrance. The device is driven into a subsurface so that a soil sample is forced into the hollow interior. While the device is still in the subsurface a fluid sample is collected through the least one fluid entrance and fluid path.

Abstract: An improved module and assembly for sampling liquids and gases within the ground is characterized by module housings containing sampling cavities having lateral openings to the exterior of the housings. Within each lateral opening a removable insert and piston assembly is provided. The piston is displaceable between open and closed positions within the insert in response to changes in pressure from pressure and vacuum sources. When in the closed position, the piston and insert are flush with the exterior of the housing to prevent contaminants from accumulating at the opening. When the module is inserted to a desired depth in the ground, the piston is displaced to the open position and samples from the soil at the desired depth enter the sampling cavity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus serve to take and analyze level determined samples of pore gas/liquid, e.g. water from a subterranean formation, in which a borehole is drilled and pore gas/liquid samples are conveyed at a desired depth into a cavity in the drill string(1). The samples are analyzed in two steps, where they are first analyzed in a sample chamber (18) which is detachably mounted in the drill string during drilling, and which contains a plurality of probes for in situ analysis of the samples and transmission of the analysis results to the surface of the ground where they are recorded. The samples themselves are then pumped up to the surface of the ground by means of a pump assembly (20). The samples are now analyzed at the surface of the ground for further components, e.g. organic and toxic substances, just as the in situ analyses in the sample chamber are repeated at the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A fluid sampling device particularly suited for downhole applications is disclosed. The device has a tubular housing with a retractable sample tube nested within. The housing and sample tube have generally pointed leading edges to facilitate embedment into the formation to a sufficient depth to isolate the fluid sample to be obtained from well fluids. Having embedded the apparatus a sufficient depth, a downward force is applied to the sample tube, severing its prior restraint to the housing and extending the sample tube into the formation. Openings in the sample tube allow the fluid to come through it, whereupon it is conducted to the surface. Removal of the downward forces applied to the sample tube allows a biasing mechanism to act on the sample tube to retract it into the housing prior to the removal of the housing from the formation.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting an underground device. The system includes a hollow body for containing said underground device and a drive cone adapted to penetrate the ground. The drive cone is removably attached to the hollow body so that once the system is driven into the ground to a desired depth, the hollow body may be pulled upward slightly to cause the drive cone to be removed. This permits underground fluids to enter the hollow body and the underground device. The system provides a durable and inexpensive method for sampling fluids from a desired depth without requiring the drilling of a well.

Abstract: A downhole tool apparatus includes an operating mechanism and a hydraulic timer. The hydraulic timer is operably associated with the operating mechanism for providing a time delay prior to operation of the operating mechanism. The hydraulic timer includes a fluid flow restriction and a spring biased piston which pushes a predetermined volume of hydraulic fluid through the fluid flow restriction.

Abstract: A method and device is used for producing uncontaminated water samples when drilling a well, using a hollow bar for transporting drilling fluid whose conduits consist of nonperforated tubes and at least one perforated tube; the water sample is pumped through filter sand from a water-conducting horizontal, approached by the boring bar, via a perforated insert positioned in the latter after the filter sand is deposited between the perforated tube, the adjacent nonperforated conduit and the bore wall and incorporated into the system as a filter. The bore up to the first water-conducting horizontal is drilled with the closed perforated insert and the first water sample obtained. After closing the perforations, drilling is continued and the filter sand removed until the next water-conducting horizontal is reached, from which a second water sample is taken after reopening the perforations.

Abstract: A device for retrieving a groundwater sample is provided. The device includes an elonagated hollow housing, a closure assembly mounted on the top end of the housing, and a drive cone removably mounted on the bottom end of the housing. The drive cone is adapted to penetrate the ground and is configured to be restrained by the ground once in place below the ground surface, so that frictional engagement between the drive cone and housing is overcome when the closure assembly and housing are withdrawn toward the surface. Such withdrawal of the closure assembly and housing leaves the drive cone in place, separated from the housing. A collection and containment unit is mounted within the hollow housing and closure assembly for collecting a groundwater sample after the drive cone has been separated from the housing.

Abstract: A soil solution sampler is constructed of stainless steel by joining a porous stainless steel tube to a non-porous stainless steel tube to form a soil solution receptacle. Air and sample transfer conduits extend from the earth's surface into the receptacle. By drawing a vacuum on the air conduit, soil solution is drawn through the porous wall into the buried sampler. After collection, the sample is transferred to the surface through the sample transfer conduit by applying positive air pressure to the air conduit. In one embodiment, a divider wall having a port and one-way check valve separates the receptacle into an upper soil solution entry chamber having a porous wall, and a lower collection chamber into which the air and sample transfer conduits extend.

Abstract: The present invention is a gas sampling device. A gas sampling tube and pump withdraw gas which evolves into the atmosphere as the drilling fluid in the annular space exits the wall bore. Drilling fluid and debris which may be entrained in the gas sample are separated by gravity settling in a separation device. A purge line may be used to agitate drilling mud and force gas toward the gas sampling tube.

Abstract: A device for taking samples of bottom sediments and bottom water from water basins comprises at least one vertical sectional coring tube having a closed upper end provided with a check valve. On the upper end of the coring tube a bathometer is secured so that the upper end of the coring tube is at the same time the lower end of the bathometer. The bathometer has in its upper end a check valve, a means in the upper part for intake of air and a means in the lower part for release of bottom water. The coring tube is secured by its upper end to the carrying element.

Abstract: For use with a core sample tool removing a sample from a formation of interest, a sonde supported sample receiving chamber is disclosed. It includes a main valve for sample insertion into a cavity in a resilient sleeve. The sleeve is in a chamber connected by suitable valved passages to enable ambient pressure at the cavity to equal downhole pressure; by valve operation this pressure can be maintained after chamber removal and transfer.

Abstract: An above packer perforate, test and sample tool for use in obtaining a sample of fluid from a formation reservoir in a well. The apparatus includes a sampler and an actuator cylinder positioned above a packer and a valve body below the packer. An operating mandrel opens a valve below the packer to flow the fluid from a well annulus defined below the packer to a sampling chamber in the sampler above the packer. The operating mandrel is moved in response to a pressure differential between the pressure in the well annulus above the packer and a pressure in the tool. In another embodiment, a second packer may be positioned below the first packer to sealingly engage the well bore below the well formation. A method of sampling fluid from a well formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A perforate, test and sample tool for obtaining fluid samples from a formation reservoir in a well. The tool comprises a retrievable packer, perforating guns and a sampler disposed between the packer and guns which is adapted for entrapping a fluid sample without flowing well fluids into the tool string. An operating position is slidably disposed in a cylinder above the packer and is used to actuate a sampler valve in the sampler. A seal insures that all portions of a sampling chamber in the sampler are disposed below the packer. In one embodiment, the operating piston is actuated in response to a pressure differential between a well annulus above the packer and an internal pressure in the tool. The sampler includes a plurality of sampler modules disposed in the sampling chamber. Each of the sampler modules includes a valve which automatically closes after a predetermined volume of fluid fills a sampler module chamber defined in the sampler module.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for agitating and heating a sub-surface volume of soil to liberate volatile compositions therefrom which are transmitted through a special flow passage created through the soil to the soil surface where they are analysed to determine the presence or absence of selected contaminants. A low pressure sink is provided to ensure proper flow of volatiles rapidly to the surface and to prevent contamination of adjacent soil blocks or cylinders during treatment.

Abstract: A sampling system and method for obtaining subsurface samples of soil gas and ground water includes a sampling probe which is pushed into the ground with a plurality of thrust rods. The sampling probe has a pointed head telescoped within a sampling housing during insertion. An umbilical tube communicating with the housing is utilized to introduce inert gas into the housing, extending the probe from the housing. Reduction of the gas pressure permits water or gas to flow through a filter and check valve into the housing by piezometric pressure. A computer monitoring system permits control of gas pressure to collect a desired amount of sample and to store data for later analysis.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for a method of subsurface sampling which includes a sampling probe having a sample inlet in fluid communication with a sample outlet connected to a tube through which a subsurface medium can be conducted from a desired subsurface point below the earth's surface to a second point thereabove, one of a number of impact sleeves covers the sample inlet, while the sample inlet is covered by the lowermost of the impact sleeves, the probe is driven to a desired subsurface point and during the latter or when the subsurface point is reached, the sample inlet is uncovered thereby creating an uncontaminated flow path for a liquid or vapor sample medium at the desired subsurface point which can be transferred above surface for monitoring/analyzing. The sample inlets can be selectively uncovered during vertical descent for progressive sensing/analyzing, or alternatively the sample inlets can be themselves surrounded by a slotted impact sleeve to achieve vertical sampling without impact sleeve retraction.

Abstract: A well fluid sampling apparatus for sampling fluids from a formation reservoir in a wall. The sampling apparatus comprises a body portion defining a large sampling chamber therein and at least one sampler module disposed in the sampling chamber. The sampler module is adapted for separately entrapping a volume of fluid as the sampling chamber fills. A sliding sampler valve is moved to open a sampler port allowing formation fluid to enter the sampling chamber. The sampler module has a metering piston therein which automatically closes after a predetermined volume of fluid has entered a sampler module chamber defined in the sampler module. The metering is accomplished by a chamber filled with a viscous liquid which must be discharged through a small orifice as the piston moves in response to fluid pressure in the sampling chamber. The viscous fluid is discharged into an air chamber.

Abstract: Jamming caused by absorbent members in sponge core barrels or loss of coring information caused by oil wipes in oil field boreholes in which sponge core coring tools are disposed can be avoided by employing a method and tool wherein the absorbent member is formed in placed in contact about the core after the has been cut and disposed within the inner tube. In the illustrated embodiment, a liquid foam is catalytically formed from two constituent parts. The constituent parts are hydraulically forced from longitudinal chambers defined within the inner tube walls into an area in the throat of the bit where the parts meet and exothermically generate a liquid foam. The liquid foam rises into a plurality of longitudinal open chambers defined within the inner tube. Each of the open chambers has a longitudinal slot defined therethrough which communicates the chamber with the axial bore in which the core is disposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking a sample of formation fluid and obtaining temperature and pressure data when the apparatus is lowered into a well casing or pipe string, said apparatus comprising: a sampling device; a gun perforator; two packers, one positioned above and the other positioned below the sampling device; and valves carried by the sampling device.

Abstract: A device and method are set forth to obtain a ground water sample. The device includes a drive cone adapted to penetrate the ground and a main body having a closed sample chamber. The main body is movable relative to the cone between the first position where the body and cone abut for inserting the device into the ground and a second position where the cone is frictionally restrained by the ground and the body is withdrawn upwardly relative to the cone to expose a sampling tube. The tube including a plurality of openings to receive ground water into the chamber. After receiving the sample, the device is retrieved from the ground.