Abstract: The nitrate-nitrogen concentration in soil is estimated based on the nitrate-nitrogen 200 nm absorption peak. In one embodiment, a device measures the attenuation spectrum of a soil-extractant mixture over a wavelength range that includes wavelengths in the vicinity of the 200 nm absorption peak (the spectral operating range) and then determines the nitrate-nitrogen concentration based on the attenuation spectrum.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer including an entrance slit, an energy filter, a momentum filter and a detector array, the entrance slit, energy filter and momentum filter being configured to provide molecular analyte ions to the detector array at a mass resolution of about 20,000 or greater. A method for determining the isotopic composition of an analyte in a sample includes converting the analyte to molecular analyte ions, separating the molecular analyte ions using an entrance slit, separating the molecular analyte ions according to their energy levels, separating the molecular analyte ions according to their momenta, detecting two or more of the molecular analyte ions at a mass resolution of about 20,000 or greater to produce molecular analyte ion data; and analyzing the molecular analyte data to determine the isotopic composition of at least a portion of the analyte.

Abstract: A wireless sub-surface soil sensor having a switchable configuration antenna that can be optimized for various soils is disclosed herein. The wireless sub-surface sensor also measures the moisture and salinity of a material. The wireless sub-surface sensor preferably includes a cover for protecting circuitry of the sensor. The wireless soil sensor is designed to be buried underground and to transmit to above ground receivers, which provide feedback for configuring the switchable antenna.

Abstract: Detector assembly for downhole spectroscopy includes a near-infra-red quaternary photodiode that can operate at high temperatures without cooling it to the standard operation temperature range of the photodiode. High temperature operation of the photodiode right shifts the detector assembly's responsivity curve to include wavelengths of up to 2400-nm. The photodiode has manageable dark current at temperatures even at 200° C., and it can be packaged using high temperature construction. The photodiode is operated in photovoltaic mode at high temperatures but can be operated at photoconductive mode at lower temperatures. At least partial cooling can be provided above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A methodology that performs downhole fluid analysis of fluid properties of a reservoir and characterizes the reservoir based upon such downhole fluid analysis. The methodology acquires at least one fluid sample at a respective measurement station and performs downhole fluid analysis to measure properties of the fluid sample, including concentration of a plurality of high molecular weight components. For each of a plurality of type classes corresponding to different subsets of a predetermined set of high molecular weight components, a model is used to predict the concentration of the components of the given type class for the plurality of measurement stations. The predicted concentrations of the high molecular weight components for the plurality of type classes are then compared with corresponding concentrations measured by downhole fluid analysis for the plurality of measurement stations to identify the best matching type class.

Abstract: Methods and systems for three-dimensional imaging include sampling one or more emissions which are reflected back from a target scene with one or more micro-channel plates. The one or more sampled emissions are processed in one or more frames. Within each frame a phase is extracted and a distance to the target scene and amplitude is determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis. A three dimensional image of the target scene is generated and provided based on the extracted phase and the determined distance and amplitude for the one or more frames.

Abstract: The object of this invention is a method for determining ore contents of drill cuttings by irradiating and by detecting fluorescence radiation and scattering radiation. According to the method, drill cuttings being essentially immediately retrieved from the drill hole is arranged as a layer, the upper surface of which is at least partly free from water, a statistically sufficiently representative defined area of the layer is irradiated and the fluorescence of the irradiation is measured for element-characteristic intensities and for Compton-scattering or coherent scattering intensities. The element-characteristic intensities are corrected using coefficients empirically defined from Compton-scattering and/or coherent scattering in order to compensate for the damping due to the coverage effect of water.

Abstract: Devices, methods and related systems are described for measuring a property of a fluid including density in a subterranean environment. A device includes a pressure housing having one or more window formed in the pressure housing, and a flow device arranged in the pressure housing for the fluid to flow through the flow device. Further, a radiation source mounted within the pressure housing approximate a first source window configured to generate particles into the fluid. A detector supported by the pressure housing and positioned approximate a first detector window of the one or more window, the first detector window located between the detector and the flow device. The detector can be a solid state beta particle detector with a wide band gap such as the diamond detector, and the radiation source can be a beta particle source such as a strontium 90 source.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of reading an image data from an optical record carrier with a visually detectable pattern comprising a visually detectable pattern of pixels comprising at least one pattern element comprising an area of size s1 with a relatively low value v1 for an optical property and an area with size s2 with a relatively high value v2 for said optical property, wherein the data representative for a structure of the visually detectable pattern is embedded by variations in one or more of the parameters s1, v1, s2, v2 of the pattern elements. The method comprising the steps of scanning the visually detectable pattern and generating a detection signal representative for a visual property of the pattern as a function of position, retrieving the image data from the signal, retrieving an embedded data from the signal, generating an address data using said embedded data, storing image data values at addresses indicated by said address data.

Abstract: A device for sampling fluid from an earth formation is disclosed. The device includes: an inlet port disposable in fluid communication with the fluid in a borehole; an injector including an injection chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port, the injector configured to receive a portion of the fluid and direct the fluid toward an analysis unit for analyzing constituent materials in the fluid; and a high pressure valve configured to admit the portion of the fluid at a borehole pressure and release the portion of the fluid into the injector, the portion having a volume that is less than or equal to about one microliter. A system and method for analyzing constituents of fluid in a borehole in an earth formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating ore quality using color correlations is disclosed. The apparatus and method quantify ash or grade concentration in process streams arid/or samples in real time, allowing for the optimization of ore processing operations, The apparatus and method employ a light beam at a given wavelength, which allows for the measurement of ash content or grade.

Abstract: A portable system for elemental analysis includes one or more neutron emitters, a chamber for containing a test sample, at least one gamma ray detector electrically connected to a data acquisition system, and software or firmware executing on the data acquisition system from a non-transitory physical medium, the software or firmware providing a first function for producing one or more gamma ray spectrums, a second function for applying correction factors to the one or more gamma ray spectrums, and a third function for analyzing the corrected gamma ray spectrum or spectrums to determine a deconvolved elemental composition of the test sample.

Abstract: A scintillation-based detection device and method for continuous monitoring of flowing liquids for the presence of radionuclides. A side-stream pipe directs a portion of the monitored liquid from the main flow transfer pipe through and/or around the detector. Within the side-stream pipe is a scintillation detector assembly, having) either a nested-cylindrical or stacked-element shape. The real-time to near real-time detection capabilities are influenced by the total surface area of the detector assembly. The detectors are operated in anti-coincidence mode to distinguish pure beta-emitters from beta-gamma emitters and from pure gamma events. A gross beta count, gross gamma count, or some combination may also be determined.

Abstract: A method of predicting the stability of a hydrocarbon process stream is disclosed and claimed. The method includes obtaining samples from one or more process streams and measuring the actual stability and the near infrared spectral absorbance of those samples. A classification model is initially developed to identify sample subsets and correlation model is created using the stability and absorbance data by inserting that data into a mathematical function. Online or offline measurements are then taken from the hydrocarbon process stream, the classification model is used initially to identify the subset and corresponding correlation model is used to predict the stability of the stream.

Abstract: A portable analytical system for the rapid on-site analysis of fluids, and a method for using this system at the well-site for the analysis of samples extracted from drilling fluids is described. The portable analytical solution may be deployed at the well-site and used to perform detailed real-time analysis of formation fluids and extracts of rock cuttings. The method described could be used during hydrocarbon exploration and production to determine whether the drill stem has passed through a hydrocarbon-bearing region, or rocks that are capable of functioning as an oil reservoir or that may have been a source rock, or that may have come into contact with oil, or that may contain oil at present.

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

Abstract: A method comprising using a first mass analyzer of a downhole tool to isolate specific ions within a sample received in the downhole tool, using a second mass analyzer of the downhole tool to stabilize the ions isolated by the first mass analyzer, and using a third mass analyzer of the downhole tool to catalog the stabilized ions.

Abstract: A method for estimating a chemical composition of a material in a borehole penetrating the earth, the method includes: placing an analysis unit into the borehole; placing a sample of the material onto an enhanced surface of the analysis unit, the enhanced surface having a feature configured to increase an electric susceptibility of the sample at an interface between the sample and the enhanced surface; illuminating the sample at the interface with a first light beam and a second light beam; measuring sum frequency light generated from the illuminating; and analyzing the sum frequency light to estimate the chemical composition of the material.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a composition of hydrocarbon material extracted from an earth formation is disclosed. The method includes: extracting the hydrocarbon material from the earth formation; diverting a portion of the hydrocarbon material into a container, the container including a pulse neutron spectroscopy tool disposed therein; emitting a plurality of pulses of high-energy neutrons from the pulse neutron spectroscopy tool into the portion of the hydrocarbon material and inducing at least one gamma ray spectrum from the portion; detecting the at least one gamma ray spectrum at the pulse neutron spectroscopy tool; and calculating a composition of the hydrocarbon material based on the at least one gamma ray spectrum. A system for monitoring a composition of hydrocarbon material extracted from an earth formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A core sample holder assembly for performing laboratory core flooding experiments with a core sample: a pressure chamber provided by a tubular hull made of a carbon fiber composite material and an aluminum liner, and a pair of disk-shaped flanges; a flexible core sample holder sleeve within the pressure chamber, which sleeve comprises a tubular steel sheet with a plastic inner lining; an opening for injecting oil into an annular space between the hull and the sleeve; pressure control means for maintaining the oil at a predetermined pressure; an fluid injection port for injecting a fluid into a cylindrical core sample within the sleeve; a fluid outlet port arranged in the other flange for discharge of fluid from the core sample; and means for monitoring the migration of injected and/or pore fluid through the pores of the core sample.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a composition of hydrocarbon material extracted from an earth formation is disclosed. The method includes: extracting the hydrocarbon material from the earth formation; diverting a portion of the hydrocarbon material into a container, the container including a pulse neutron spectroscopy tool disposed therein; emitting a plurality of pulses of high-energy neutrons from the pulse neutron spectroscopy tool into the portion of the hydrocarbon material and inducing at least one gamma ray spectrum from the portion; detecting the at least one gamma ray spectrum at the pulse neutron spectroscopy tool; and calculating a composition of the hydrocarbon material based on the at least one gamma ray spectrum. A system for monitoring a composition of hydrocarbon material extracted from an earth formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The operation, analysis and interpretation of a chromatographic system can be significantly enhanced by coupling therewith one or more fluid property measurements that provides an initial indication of the fluid type, the presence of any contamination, an estimate of the hydrocarbon composition (C1, C2-C5 and C6+), gas/oil ratio, color and/or fluorescence measurements. Other measurements that can be used in the initial stage can include density, viscosity, phase transition determinations. These measurements may be used to enhance, in real-time, the GC sampling protocol, the analysis protocol and also improve the robustness of the interpretation of the chromatogram.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for investigating a hydrocarbon bearing geological formation traversed by a borehole are disclosed. An example method to characterize a fluid associated with an underground geological formation obtains a sample of the fluid associated with the underground geological formation. The example method measures, in a borehole associated with the underground geological formation, a chemical composition and a thermophysical property of the sample of the fluid. The example method selects a mathematical model to represent the sample of the fluid based on at least one of the chemical composition or the thermophysical property and adjusts a parameter of the mathematical model based on at least one of the chemical composition or the thermophysical property to generate an adjusted mathematical model. The example method then determines a property of the fluid associated with the underground geological formation based on the adjusted mathematical model.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a standard foldable frame for supporting a seat with a first and second drive wheel driven by drive levers. Each wheel has a transmission providing for three forward speeds and a reverse speed, as well as a neutral position. The transmissions for the two wheels may be constructed of identical parts with the wheels being caused to rotate in opposite directions from the driving lever merely by reversing the direction of the pawls within the transmissions. The ratchet drive surfaces are provided with pawl engaging surfaces which may be driven in either of two directions. The wheelchair does not require any bulky equipment and the hub containing the transmission may be the size of a bicycle hub. The transmissions in both wheels are shifted by a single control. The wheelchair is provided with disk brakes.

Abstract: A radon test kit includes a housing, a plurality of canisters stored within the housing, a quantity of activated charcoal stored within each of the canisters, a gauge for measuring and indicating humidity mounted within the housing, and a sensor for measuring and indicating ambient temperature mounted within the housing. The ambient temperature sensor also includes indicia to show the temperature. The humidity gauge also includes indicia to indicate the moisture level. The temperature sensor and the humidity gauge measure the temperature and moisture level, respectively, of the test area during the test period so that an accurate calculation of the concentration of radon gas being emitted in the test area may be made.

Abstract: Data acquired using a pulsed nuclear source are susceptible to two sources of error. One error is due to large statistical noise towards the end of an acquisition window. Another source of error is the contamination of the early portion of the data by borehole and other effects. The beginning of the processing window is adjusted based on the signal level at the end of the processing window for the preceding pulsing of the source. The end of the processing window is derived from statistical considerations.

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

Abstract: Method, system, and apparatus are disclosed for conducting multiple types of evaluations on a core sample. The multiple types of evaluations allow core samples from historically problematic formation materials, such as those having consistently high gamma responses, to be reliably positioned downhole. Disparate types of evaluations may be obtained in a single pass of the core sample, thereby reducing the number of test environments imposed on the core sample. Where more than one pass is desired, different evaluations may be performed without changing out detectors and measurement devices. Evaluations that are normally acquired in a wellbore using a wireline tool, as well as those that cannot be easily conducted downhole for various reasons, may instead be performed on the core sample. Such an arrangement provides a more robust and flexible way of analyzing core samples than existing techniques.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing gas-oil-water compounds in oilfield and other applications are disclosed using terahertz radiation. A sample analyzer includes a sample chamber having a fluid communication port configured to receive the sample. The analyzer also includes a filter to filter samples and selectively remove oil, water or gas from reservoir mixture received by the sample chamber. A terahertz (THz) radiation detector is provided in electromagnetic communication with the sample. The terahertz detector provides a detected output signal indicative of the terahertz electromagnetic radiation detected from the sample. In some embodiments, the device also includes a terahertz source illuminating the sample, the terahertz detector detecting a portion of the terahertz source illumination as modified by the sample. The detected portion of the spectrum of terahertz radiation can be processed to analyze the composition of the sample.

Abstract: A new type of radon progeny monitor called an electret radon progeny integrating sampling unit (E-RPISU) using an electret ion chamber to measure radon progeny concentration. A conventional 1 LPM particulate air sampling system is used to collect the radon progeny on a roughly 3.5 cm2 filter that is mounted on a side of an electret ion chamber such that the collected progeny are exposed to the inside of the chamber. Alpha radiation emitted by the progeny collected on the filter ionizes the air in the approximately 220 ml chamber. Ions of opposite polarity collect on the surface of the electret of suitable thickness and reduce its surface voltage. A specially built surface voltmeter is used to measure the electret voltage before and after sampling. The electret voltage drop that occurs during the sampling period is proportional to the time integrated progeny concentration. A similar unit with a screen in the place of filter is used to measure unattached progeny concentration.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for simple fluorescence spectrometry in a down hole environment. The apparatus and method utilization of two UV light bulbs and an optically clear UV coupler and a fluid containment system. The optically clear UV coupler and fluid containment system are made of sapphire. The apparatus is attached in a manner that enables light transmitted from a light source on the far side of the fluid containment system to pass through a pathway in a plate holding the UV bulbs. UV light illuminates the fluid, which in turn fluoresces light. The fluoresced light is transmitted back towards the UV bulb mount and through the pathway towards an optical spectrum analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention describes a unique method and apparatus for applying near-infrared spectroscopy to estimate weight percent of methane in crude oil from which one can then infer gas-oil ratio (GOR) of crude oils downhole in real time while collecting a fluid sample. The correlation equations provided by this invention use two wavelengths, one centered at 1670 and the other centered at 1682 nm. Both wavelengths are primarily sensitive to the methane peak absorption. To significantly improve the fit, non-spectroscopic parameters, such as temperature or pressure, can be included in the correlation equation. Also, this invention can be used to monitor sample cleanup by monitoring the increase in GOR associated with cleanup as a fluid being pumped from the formation transitions from mostly gas-free filtrate to mostly gas-containing crude oil.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing formation fluids in an oilfield environment are near-infrared absorption spectroscopy. Indications of near-infrared absorptions are analyzed to determine the concentration of compounds in a formation fluid sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for investigating a hydrocarbon bearing geological formation traversed by a borehole are disclosed. A borehole tool is used to acquire a sample of fluid in the formation. Compositional analysis of the fluid sample is conducted to provide a determination of the composition of the sample. The sample composition is then related to a model of the thermodynamic behavior of the fluid; i.e., the mass fractions of the fluid components are used as inputs to an equation of state (EOS) to predict the phase behavior of the fluid.

Abstract: An operator shielded X-ray imaging system has sufficiently low mass (less than 300 kg) and is compact enough to enable portability by reducing operator shielding requirements to a minimum shielded volume. The resultant shielded volume may require a relatively small mass of shielding in addition to the already integrally shielded X-ray source, intensifier, and detector. The system is suitable for portable imaging of well cores at remotely located well drilling sites. The system accommodates either small samples, or small cross-sectioned objects of unlimited length. By rotating samples relative to the imaging device, the information required for computer aided tomographic reconstruction may be obtained. By further translating the samples relative to the imaging system, fully three dimensional (3D) tomographic reconstructions may be obtained of samples having arbitrary length.

Abstract: Water-based mud filtrate concentration in a downhole fluid sample drawn from the borehole of an oil well is assessed. To measure water-based mud filtrate concentration, a water-based mud having a water-soluble fluorescent dye tracer is pumped into the borehole; sample fluid from a selected downhole location is pumped through a downhole flow line having a window; sample fluid flowing in an excitation region of the downhole flow line is illuminated through the window with fluorescence excitation light; and fluorescence emission from the excitation region is measured to produce a measured value. The measured value represents the fraction of water-based mud filtrate in the sample fluid. A calibration value is determined representing 100% water-based mud filtrate. A method for validating a sample of connate water as having an acceptably low WBM filtrate contamination tests for validation downhole, in real time.

Abstract: A model for determining the type of soil, the water content of a soil, and the soil properties, and a soil measurement data storage portion (60) to store therein measurement data necessary to carry out the model and correlated with specific measurement conditions are provided. The water content is measured by a water content measuring portion (57) on the basis of the measurement data fed from a soil sensor (S). The type of soil is determined by a feature extracting portion (56) and a type-of-soil determining portion (58), and the determined type of soil is sent to a determining portion (59). The determining portion (59) determines corresponding conditions and a model according to the type of soil and water content of the measured place received and sets them in a predetermined processing portion.

Abstract: A high-flow rate, low-noise, gas sampling apparatus for collecting particulate such as biological, chemical, and radioactive material from a gas on a collector such as an impaction collector includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a fan disposed within the housing for drawing the gas into the inlet, past the collector for sampling, and exhausting the gas through the outlet. The fan is operable to produce a flow of gas through the housing of greater than about 50 liters per minute with a noise level emitted from the apparatus being less than about 60 decibels. The apparatus may be configured as a compact, unobtrusive, portable, lightweight apparatus for use in various indoor or outdoor locations. The apparatus may also include a sensor for the detection of radioactive material collected on the collector, a processor for monitoring the sampling, and the apparatus may be linked to a communications network such as the Internet. Methods for collecting particulate from a gas are also enclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a device for the continual and, in particular, for a fast detection of changes of the concentration of radon gas dissolved in water by means of a transfer into a measuring gas (Rn-222), which can be adopted for a variety of monitoring, control and regulation assignments. The invention is based on the fact that a membrane, which is permeable for the radioactive noble gas radon but extensively non-permeable for water, is circum-flushed on the one side of radon-containing water and on the other side of the carrier gas with, in each case, optimised flow velocities either in parallel or in counter-flow When stable peripheral conditions are ensured, the concentration of radon in the measuring gas is directly proportional to the concentration of radon in the water.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing real-time data indicative of the isotopic composition of formation fluids during drilling. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a reference fluid having a known isotopic composition in a reference cell; (b) capturing a sample of formation; (c) providing at least one laser beam; (e) passing a beam through the reference fluid, measuring the reference-measurement beam before and after it passes through the reference fluid; (f) and passing a beam through the sample, measuring the beam before and after it passes through the sample, and calculating a first isotope concentration from those measurements. The measurements can provide information relating to the carbon isotopic composition of individual compounds in hydrocarbon gas mixtures, with the individual compounds including methane, ethane, propane, iso- or normal butane, or iso- or normal pentane.

Abstract: A narrow band ellipsometer is used to monitor and control the formation of thin layers in an multilayer, thin film interference filter. Optical interference filters used for DWDM application have a large number of thin layers deposited on a substrate. The thickness of the layers must be precisely controlled. An ellipsometer is used to monitor the deposition process and control the layer formation in situ, on a real time basis.

Abstract: A method for analyzing formation fluid in earth formation surrounding a borehole includes storing analytical reagent in a reagent container in a fluids analyzer in a formation tester and moving the formation tester, including the reagent, downhole. Reagent from the reagent container is injected into formation fluid in the flow-line to make a mixture of formation fluid and reagent. The mixture is moved through a spectral analyzer cell in the fluids analyzer to produce a time-series of optical density measurements at a plurality of wavelengths. A characteristic of formation fluid is determined by spectral analysis of the time-series of optical density measurements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for investigating a hydrocarbon bearing geological formation traversed by a borehole are disclosed. A borehole tool is used to acquire a sample of fluid in the formation. Compositional analysis of the fluid sample is conducted to provide a determination of the composition of the sample. The sample composition is then related to a model of the thermodynamic behavior of the fluid; i.e., the mass fractions of the fluid components are used as inputs to an equation of state (EOS) to predict the phase behavior of the fluid.

Abstract: A Rn222 (radon) and Rn220 (thoron) radiation monitor that uses alpha-track detection film in multiple, separate chambers to detect radiation, wherein different diffusion barriers are used in each of the chambers to allow for signal differentiation between the chambers. The signal differentiation allows for differentiation between the levels of thoron and radon in the atmosphere tested. The radiation monitor may have three or four separate chambers, each with an electrically conductive housing and a cap with at least one opening to permit entry of ambient air. Inside each of the housings is an alpha-track detecting film, such as a solid-state nuclear track detector (SSNTD), with a thin electrically conducting cover. In one or more of the chambers is a diffusion barrier and seal placed within the housing to generally isolate the detecting film from thoron radiation in the housing.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing formation fluids in an oilfield environment are near-infrared absorption spectroscopy. Indications of near-infrared absorptions are analyzed to determine the concentration of compounds in a formation fluid sample.

Abstract: Formation drilling cuttings are centrifuged and a sediment sample is extracted and heated to burn off surface hydrocarbons. A non-fluorescing diluant is added to the sediment. The sediment is then subjected to UV excitation. Depending upon the permeability of the sediment, the speed at which emitted fluorescence brightens is found to vary. The time and brightness of the emission are measured. The time/brightness relationship is proportional to the permeability of the cuttings and can be used to calculate a relative permeability index for comparison to other know parameters to determine the presence of hydrocarbon and the likelihood of being able to produce the hydrocarbon from a wellbore.

Abstract: Water-based mud filtrate concentration in a downhole fluid sample drawn from the borehole of an oil well is assessed. To measure water-based mud filtrate concentration, a water-based mud having a water-soluble fluorescent dye tracer is pumped into the borehole; sample fluid from a selected downhole location is pumped through a downhole flow line having a window; sample fluid flowing in an excitation region of the downhole flow line is illuminated through the window with fluorescence excitation light; and fluorescence emission from the excitation region is measured to produce a measured value. The measured value represents the fraction of water-based mud filtrate in the sample fluid. A calibration value is determined representing 100% water-based mud filtrate. A method for validating a sample of connate water as having an acceptably low WBM filtrate contamination tests for validation downhole, in real time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a formation fluid analysis module which utilizes a down-hole mass spectrometer to determine the molecular constituents of formation fluids, as distinguished from drilling contaminants, and to provide information about the physical and chemical properties of the sample.

Abstract: A logging while drilling and wire line system for analyzing the concentration of carbon dioxide or another substance, in a sample down hole in a bore hole. A chamber is filled with a sample that may be fluid, or condensate and gas. The interior chamber volume is selectably expandable for decompression of the sample. The sample may alternately be decompressed by allowing a sample at formation pressure to enter the chamber at a lower pressure, thereby decompressing the sample. A sensor measures the absorbance, transmittance or attenuated total reflectance of the infrared light. Mid and near infrared light is utilized to identify carbon dioxide, water and a plurality of hydrocarbons. A wiper cleans the transmitter and sensor between readings to reduce measurement error caused by fluid sample contamination.