Abstract: An improved formation testing method for measuring at least three formation parameters such as spherical permeability, permeability anisotropy, well bore skin damage, with at least two short duration pressure tests using a formation tester with two or more probe flow areas of different shapes.

Abstract: A system for positioning a sensor within a flow path of a wellbore annulus includes a work string extending into the wellbore annulus from a surface location. The system includes a movable arm on the work string, the arm transitioning between a first radial location and a second radial location. The system further includes a bracket coupled to the arm, the bracket being pivotable about a pivot axis, wherein the bracket supports the sensor and transitions the sensor from a stored position to a deployed position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operations of a formation tester are disclosed. The formation tester (400) is placed in a wellbore at a location of interest. The formation tester comprises a first isolation pad (402) coupled to a pad carrier (410) and a second isolation pad (404). The first isolation is extendable to substantially seal a probe of the formation tester against a wellbore wall. The first isolation pad is then replaced with the second isolation pad if it is determined that the first isolation pad should be replaced with the second isolation pad.

Abstract: A downhole tool for a wellbore within a geological formation may include a housing to be lowered into the wellbore, a probe carried by the housing having a first opening therein, and a packer carried by the probe. The packer may include a rigid base having a second opening therein aligned with the first opening, an inner elastomeric ring carried by the rigid base and having a third opening aligned with the second opening, a rigid intermediate containment ring carried by the rigid base and surrounding the inner elastomeric ring, and an outer elastomeric ring carried by the rigid base and surrounding the rigid intermediate containment ring.

Abstract: Fluid analysis measurements may be performed during withdrawal of a downhole tool to the surface. Fluid may be collected within a fluid analysis system of the downhole tool and the collected fluid may be exposed to the wellbore pressure during withdrawal of the downhole tool. Measurements for the collected fluid, such as optical density, the gas oil ratio, fluid density, fluid viscosity, fluorescence, temperature, and pressure, among other, may be recorded continuously or at intervals as the downhole tool is brought to the surface. The measurements may be employed to determine properties of the collected fluid, such as the saturation pressure and the asphaltene onset pressure.

Abstract: A downhole tool for a wellbore within a geological formation may include a housing to be lowered into the wellbore, a probe carried by the housing, and a packer carried by the probe. The packer may include a rigid base, an elastomeric member carried by the rigid base and having a recess therein, and a support member within the recess and comprising a plurality of rigid segments interconnected to allow relative movement between adjacent rigid segments. The rigid base, the elastomeric member, and the support member may each have respective aligned openings therein defining a fluid sampling inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are provided for characterizing fluid trapped in a subterranean formation using a downhole tool that includes an elongated body and a probe body. The probe body is moveable from and back into the elongated body. The probe body defines a flow line and supports a pressure sensor for measuring fluid pressure in the flow line, a piston and an electrical motor actuator that is adapted to move the piston in order to vary volume of the flow line. The integral electrical motor actuator, piston, pressure sensor and flow line of the probe body can provide for measurement of formation pressure and/or formation mobility.

Abstract: Among other things, a wireline assembly and a technique for providing power to and/or for communicating with one or more tools downhole in a wellbore are provided. The wireline assembly comprises a wireline cable comprising six primary conductors arranged about a center conductor to concurrently transmit power and telemetry signals. A power signal may be transmitted using a first propagation mode and a telemetry signal may be transmitted using a second/different propagation mode. For example, according to the first propagation mode, three adjoining primary conductors provide an active path for a power signal and a different three adjoining primary conductors provide a return path for the power signal, while, according to the second propagation mode, a first pair of primary conductors provides an active path and a second pair of primary conductors provides a return path for the telemetry signal.

Abstract: A formation tester tool can include a longitudinal probe drill collar having a surface, a formation probe assembly located within the probe drill collar, the formation probe assembly including a piston reciprocal between a retracted position and an extended position beyond the probe drill collar surface, the piston being slidingly retained within a chamber, a seal pad located at an end of the piston, the seal pad including an outer surface defining a partial cylindrical surface. The piston includes an outer surface having non-circular cross-sectional shape and the chamber includes an inner surface having a non-circular shape similar to the shape of the piston outer surface. The formation tester tool can include interchangeable draw down assemblies and a flow bore having a curving path.

Abstract: A snorkel and pad for use with a formation testing tool is formed with a cylindrical geometry at the interface where the snorkel and pad contacts the inner surface of a borehole. The cylindrical geometry reduces or eliminates gaps that a flat interface surface would leave between the snorkel and the inner surface of the borehole, reducing the possibility that a surrounding pad could extrude through the gap. The snorkel is prevented from rotating during operation, ensuring the correct orientation of the cylindrical geometry interface surface relative to the inner surface of the borehole. The snorkel may be used as part of a formation testing system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method an article, may operate to move a borehole seal in space with respect to the wall of a borehole while monitoring borehole seal contact quality data, which may comprise borehole seal contact pressure data and acoustic data. Operations may further include adjusting the movement of the borehole seal based on the borehole seal contact quality data. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a tool body configured to be conveyed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, an inflatable packer coupled to the tool body, and a probe assembly coupled to the tool body and comprising an inner sealing element and an outer sealing element, wherein at least one of the inner sealing element and the outer sealing element comprises an elongated shape, and wherein at least a portion of the probe assembly is disposed on the inflatable packer.

Abstract: A probe for establishing fluid communication between a downhole tool and a subterranean formation is provided. The downhole tool is positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation. The probe includes a platform operatively connected to the downhole tool, at least one packer operatively connected to the platform, the packer having at least one hole extending therethrough and at least one embedded member disposed in the packer for enhancing the operation of the packer as it is pressed against the wellbore wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole formation testing based on the use of one or more elongated sealing pads capable of sealing off and collecting or injecting fluids from elongated portions along the surface of a borehole. The modified sealing pads increase the flow area by collecting fluids from an extended portion along the surface of a borehole, which is likely to straddle one or more layers in laminated or fractured formations. A tester device using the elongated sealing pads can be deployed and withdrawn using an extendible element pressing the pads to the borehole. Various designs and arrangements for use with a fluid tester, which may be part of a modular fluid tool, are disclosed in accordance with different embodiments.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base plate having a first aperture to receive an inlet in fluid communication with a downhole tool; a compliant outer cover having a first end terminating at the base plate and a second end terminating adjacent a forward opening of the inlet, the compliant outer cover having a first surface configured to engage a borehole wall and a second surface forming an inner cavity with the base plate; and a core disposed within the inner cavity and having a second aperture forming at least a portion of the inlet, wherein the outer cover comprises a first material and the core comprises a second material more compliant than the first material.

Abstract: A self-inserting seal assembly that sets a seal at a well component to allow for pressure testing of the well component. The seal assembly can be landed on a well component with an ROV. A seal is located on the lower portion of a lower body in the assembly. A set of outer dogs lock with a grooved mating profile formed on the well component to lock the outer housing to provide a reaction point for setting the seal, which may require several thousand pounds of force. A set of inner dogs lock with a grooved mating profile formed on the inner diameter of the outer housing. This locks the lower body to the outer housing to ensure the seal remains set in place. After the well component is pressure tested, the seal assembly can be unlocked and retrieved from the well via an ROV.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole formation testing based on the use of one or more elongated sealing pads capable of sealing off and collecting or injecting fluids from elongated portions along the surface of a borehole. The modified sealing pads increase the flow area by collecting fluids from an extended portion along the surface of a borehole, which is likely to straddle one or more layers in laminated or fractured formations. A tester device using the elongated sealing pads can be deployed and withdrawn using an extendible element pressing the pads to the borehole. Various designs and arrangements for use with a fluid tester, which may be part of a modular fluid tool, are disclosed in accordance with different embodiments.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a sample of a virgin fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore surrounded by a layer of contaminated fluid is disclosed. The method includes abutting a first packer against a wall of the wellbore, and extending at least a portion of a second packer beyond the first packer, wherein the second packer is at least partially disposed in the first packer. An inlet to a first flowline is at least partially defined by the first packer, and an inlet to a second flowline is defined by the second packer. The method further includes drawing one of virgin fluid, contaminated fluid and combinations thereof into the first flowline; and drawing virgin fluid into the second flowline.

Abstract: A sample tank for receiving and storing sampled connate fluid from a subterranean geological formation. The sample tank includes a piston coaxially disposed within the tank. The piston can be disposed close to the end of the tank where the sampled fluid is introduced into the tank and urged along the length of the tank as sampled fluid is added to the tank. The piston includes an agitator for mixing the fluid and keeping particulates suspended within the fluid. The agitator includes a magnetic member, and is rotated by applying a varying electromagnetic field to the member.

Abstract: A screen test apparatus includes a test cell disposed within a pressure vessel, a piston disposed within the pressure vessel, wherein the piston is in sealing contact with an inner surface of the pressure vessel, and a screen assembly disposed in an end of the test cell. The screen assembly includes a mount collar, a screen disposed in the mount collar, and an end cap adjacent the screen which includes grooves in a face adjacent the screen and passages extending through the end cap, wherein the screen assembly is configured to fully support the screen while allowing a fluid to pass through the screen.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprising a probe, wherein the probe comprises: a first inlet having an elongated cross-sectional shape, and a second inlet surrounding the first inlet. The downhole tool further comprises at least one pump configured to draw fluid from a subterranean formation through the first and second inlets.

Abstract: A formation testing probe assembly comprising an elongated packer having a surface configured to be urged by the probe assembly towards a wall of a wellbore extending through the formation. The formation testing probe assembly further comprises a plate embedded in the elongated packer and including a central structural portion extending along a centerline of a substantial length of the plate, wherein the central structural portion is substantially thicker than remaining portions of the plate.

Abstract: A jet pump on pipe string and packer, pump body being provided with steplike pass channel embodied therein and communicates with pumped-out medium supplying channel and active medium supplying channel, connected to active nozzle at the output and to annular space. The pumped-out medium-supplying channel connects to the pipe string downstream of steplike channel via return valve. A hollow steplike cylindrical body sealing unit provided with a top part sealing element arranges in said steplike channel. An annular projection supported spring-loaded steplike piston is downstream. The piston lower position closes unit body holes. When the piston is in top position, the channel for supplying medium pumped-out from the well through the unit holes and pump bodies connects to the pipe string downstream of the pump body. The piston and sealing element include coaxial channels therein, used for passing a cable with logging instrument suspended below the pump body.

Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with a drill which drills into the formation in a manner perpendicular or oblique to the borehole wall. The tool comprises a mechanism for enhancing the mobility of the reservoir fluid, such as a heating element on the drill, hot fluid which is generated in the tool and injected into the drilled hole, or a solvent which is stored in the tool and injected by the tool into the drilled hole.

Abstract: A self-inserting seal assembly that sets a seal at a well component to allow for pressure testing of the well component. The seal assembly can be landed on a well component with an ROV. A seal is located on the lower portion of a lower body in the assembly. A set of outer dogs lock with a grooved mating profile formed on the well component to lock the outer housing to provide a reaction point for setting the seal, which may require several thousand pounds of force. A set of inner dogs lock with a grooved mating profile formed on the inner diameter of the outer housing. This locks the lower body to the outer housing to ensure the seal remains set in place. After the well component is pressure tested, the seal assembly can be unlocked and retrieved from the well via an ROV.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a sample of a virgin fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore surrounded by a layer of contaminated fluid is disclosed. The method includes abutting a first packer against a wall of the wellbore, and extending at least a portion of a second packer beyond the first packer, wherein the second packer is at least partially disposed in the first packer. An inlet to a first flowline is at least partially defined by the first packer, and an inlet to a second flowline is defined by the second packer. The method further includes drawing one of virgin fluid, contaminated fluid and combinations thereof into the first flowline; and drawing virgin fluid into the second flowline.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a fluid from a subterranean formation are disclosed. An elongated probe is coupled to a carrier, and the probe engages a borehole wall to form a seal therewith. The elongated probe has an inner wall defining a cavity within the elongated probe. A sleeve member extends axially through the cavity, the sleeve member having a fluid flow path within the sleeve member, the flow path being in fluid communication with the cavity. At least one fluid moving device is associated with the sleeve member and the cavity that urges fluid from the formation into the elongated probe. The fluid moving device operates on fluid entering the probe to control a first flow rate in the cavity and a second flow rate in the sleeve member flow path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).

Abstract: A formation testing probe assembly comprising an elongated packer having a surface configured to be urged by the probe assembly towards a wall of a wellbore extending through the formation. The formation testing probe assembly further comprises a plate embedded in the elongated packer and including a central structural portion extending along a centerline of a substantial length of the plate, wherein the central structural portion is substantially thicker than remaining portions of the plate.

Abstract: An extendable component for use in a downhole tool for traversing subsurface formations includes a drive element that defines an axis and has a distal end, and an abutment that is spaced radially from a distal end of the drive element. A driven element defines a driven element axis, is flexibly coupled to the drive element, and includes a proximal end disposed adjacent to the drive element and a distal end. A tilt arm is coupled to the driven element, is disposed at an angle with respect to the driven element axis, and is configured to engage the abutment. The driven element is moveable between a normal position and a tilted position. A contact head is coupled to the driven element distal end and is adapted to engage the wellbore wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole formation testing based on the use of one or more elongated sealing pads capable of sealing off and collecting or injecting fluids from elongated portions along the surface of a borehole. The modified sealing pads increase the flow area by collecting fluids from an extended portion along the surface of a borehole, which is likely to straddle one or more layers in laminated or fractured formations. A tester device using the elongated sealing pads can be deployed and withdrawn using an extendible element pressing the pads to the borehole. Various designs and arrangements for use with a fluid tester, which may be part of a modular fluid tool, are disclosed in accordance with different embodiments.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a sample of a virgin fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore surrounded by a layer of contaminated fluid includes abutting a first packer against a wall of the wellbore, and extending at least a portion of a second packer beyond the first packer, wherein the second packer is at least partially disposed in the first packer. An inlet to a first flowline is at least partially defined by the first packer, and an inlet to a second flowline is defined by the second packer. The method further includes drawing one of virgin fluid, contaminated fluid and combinations thereof into the first flowline; and drawing virgin fluid into the second flowline.

Abstract: A formation tester tool includes a formation tester tool body having a surface, a formation probe assembly located within the formation tester tool body, the formation probe assembly including a piston reciprocal between a retracted position and an extended position beyond the surface of the formation tester tool body, the piston being slidingly retained within a chamber, and a seal pad located at an end of the piston, wherein the seal pad includes a first inner sealing element and a second outer sealing element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).

Abstract: A screen test apparatus includes a test cell disposed within a pressure vessel, a piston disposed within the pressure vessel, wherein the piston is in sealing contact with an inner surface of the pressure vessel, and a screen assembly disposed in an end of the test cell. The screen assembly includes a mount collar, a screen disposed in the mount collar, and an end cap adjacent the screen which includes grooves in a face adjacent the screen and passages extending through the end cap, wherein the screen assembly is configured to fully support the screen while allowing a fluid to pass through the screen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).

Abstract: A formation tester tool includes a formation tester tool body having a surface, a formation probe assembly located within the formation tester tool body, the formation probe assembly including a piston reciprocal between a retracted position and an extended position beyond the surface of the formation tester tool body, the piston being slidingly retained within a chamber, and a seal pad located at an end of the piston, wherein the seal pad includes a first inner sealing element and a second outer sealing element.

Abstract: A probe assembly samples fluid from a wellbore penetrating a subsurface formation having a virgin fluid therein beyond a layer of contaminated fluid surrounding the wellbore. The probe assembly includes a probe body extendable from a downhole tool, and a packer carried by the probe body and having a distal surface adapted for sealingly engaging the wellbore. The packer has an outer and inner periphery, with the inner periphery being defined by a bore through the packer. The packer is further equipped with channel(s) formed in the distal surface and arranged to define an annular cleanup intake intermediate the inner and outer peripheries. The passageway(s) extend(s) through the packer for conducting virgin fluid and/or contaminated fluid between the channel(s). A sampling tube is sealingly disposed in the bore of the packer for conducting virgin fluid to a second inlet in the probe body and the downhole tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a fluid from a subterranean formation are disclosed. An elongated probe is coupled to a carrier, and the probe engages a borehole wall to form a seal therewith. The elongated probe has an inner wall defining a cavity within the elongated probe. A sleeve member extends axially through the cavity, the sleeve member having a fluid flow path within the sleeve member, the flow path being in fluid communication with the cavity. At least one fluid moving device is associated with the sleeve member and the cavity that urges fluid from the formation into the elongated probe. The fluid moving device operates on fluid entering the probe to control a first flow rate in the cavity and a second flow rate in the sleeve member flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus including a drill collar having an outer surface, an assembly for interaction with an earth formation coupled to the drill collar, the assembly including a first member to extend beyond the drill collar outer surface and a second member to extend beyond the first member and toward the earth formation to receive formation fluids. An apparatus including an MWD tool having an outer surface, a formation testing assembly coupled to the MWD tool, the formation testing assembly recessed beneath the outer surface in a first position and including a piston to extend beyond the outer surface to a second position and an inner sampling member to extend beyond the piston to a third position.

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: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for isolating a downhole tool section from hydraulic and mechanical noise. Anchoring grippers are used in conjunction with a fluid diverter valve to anchor the tool section to a borehole wall and divert fluid flowing in the drill string away from sensitive test equipment during formation testing.

Abstract: A formation testing tool is described herein, including a formation probe assembly having an extendable sampling probe surrounded by a cylindrical sleeve. The sleeve is configured to engage a metal skirt having an elastomeric seal pad coupled thereto. The skirt and seal are configured to be field replaceable. The elastomeric pad has a non-planar outer surface which engages a borehole wall in preparation for formation testing. The seal pad may be donut-shaped, having an aperture through the middle of the seal pad. The seal pad and its surface may include numerous different embodiments, including having a curved profile. The seal pad may also include numerous different embodiments of means for coupling the seal pad to the metal skirt. The formation testing tool also includes formation probe assembly anti-rotation means, a deviated non-circular flowbore, and at least one closed hydraulic fluid chamber for balancing fluid pressures.

Abstract: Techniques for reduced contamination formation evaluation are provided. The techniques relate to drawing fluid into a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation having a virgin fluid and a contaminated fluid therein. Fluid is drawn into at least two inlets for receiving the fluids from the formation. At least one evaluation flowline is fluidly connected to at least one of the inlets for passage of the virgin fluid into the downhole tool. At least one cleanup flowline is fluidly connected to the inlets for passage of the contaminated fluid into the downhole tool. At least one fluid circuit is fluidly connected to the evaluation flowline and/or cleanup flowlines for selectively drawing fluid therein. At least one fluid connector is provided for selectively establishing a fluid connection between the flowlines. At least one sensor is provided for measuring downhole parameters in one of the flowlines.

Abstract: A formation test tool 10 for obtaining a downhole fluid sample from a formation of interest 30 and returning the sample to the surface of a well includes a cylinder 12 forming a fluid sample chamber therein, and a piston 20 sealingly movable within the cylinder and separating the fluid sample from a cushioning fluid. A fluid line 24 connects the formation of interest to the fluid sample chamber, and a valve 26 controls fluid flow along the fluid line. In one embodiment, a magnet 76 supported on the piston outputs signals indicative of the position of the piston and thus the volume of the fluid sample within the cylinder. A meter 74 is movable along the exterior of the cylinder 12 for determining the position of the magnet within the cylinder, such that the volume of sampled fluid in the cylinder can be determined at the surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapidly measuring pressure in earth formations are disclosed. According to a first embodiment of the apparatus, a probe is provided with a movable piston having a sensor built into the piston. According to a second embodiment of the apparatus, the pressure sensor is mounted adjacent to or within the piston cylinder and a fluid pathway is provided from the sensor to the interior of the cylinder. Methods of operating the first and second embodiments include delivering the probe to a desired location in a borehole, setting the probe against the formation, and withdrawing the piston to draw down fluid for pressure sensing. A third embodiment of the probe is similar to the second but is provided with a spring loaded metal protector surrounding the cylinder and an annular rubber facing. The third embodiment is preferably used in a semi-continuous pressure measuring tool or an LWD tool having a piston controlled bowspring and a piston controlled articulated member carrying the probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole formation testing based on the use of one or more elongated sealing pads capable off sealing off and collecting or injecting fluids from elongated portions along the surface of a borehole. The modified sealing pads increase the flow area by collecting fluids from an extended portion along the surface of a borehole, which is likely to straddle one or more layers in laminated or fractured formations. A tester device using the elongated sealing pads can be deployed and withdrawn using an extendible element pressing the pads to the borehole. Various designs and arrangements for use with a fluid tester, which may be part of a modular fluid tool, are disclosed in accordance with different embodiments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drawing fluid from a subterranean formation into a downhole tool positioned in a wellbore penetrating the formation is provided. A probe body is extended from the downhole tool for engagement with the wellbore wall. The probe body has at least one inlet extending therethrough for receiving downhole fluids. At least one packer is positioned on an external end of the probe body and adapted to create a seal with the wellbore wall. The packer has an inner surface defining an aperture therethrough in fluid communication with the at least one inlet, and a peripheral surface. An internal packer support is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the packer, and an external packer support is positioned about the peripheral surface of the packer whereby at least a portion of the at least one packer is supported as it is pressed against the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well that has a casing includes an apparatus that is associated with production of fluid from the well and is located downhole in the well in a passageway of the casing. The system also includes a sensor that is located downhole near the apparatus in the passageway and is adapted to measure a characteristic of the formation fluids and rock located outside of the casing.