Abstract: A method and a system for determining fluid contamination. The method may comprise monitoring a fluid sample, wherein the fluid sample comprises a reservoir fluid contaminated with a well fluid, and obtaining input parameters, wherein the input parameters comprise fluid properties obtained from measurement of the fluid sample and mud filtrate composition. The method may further comprise representing a mud composition as a Gaussian distribution, selecting a plurality of input data during a pumpout, determining calculated fluid properties of the reservoir fluid using an equation of state filtrate analysis, and further obtaining updated vales of iterative parameters for use in a mole fraction distribution function. The system may comprise a downhole fluid sampling tool operable to obtain fluid samples of a reservoir fluid contaminated with a well fluid while the downhole fluid sampling tool is disposed in a wellbore, and a processor.

Abstract: A method may include determining time-derivative pressure data based on pressure data regarding a pump system that is performing a hydraulic stimulation operation in a geological region. The method may further include determining a moving average value based on the time-derivative pressure data and a predetermined time window. The method may further include determining a flow rate adjustment for the pump system based on the moving average value, an update interval for adjusting flow rates, and a predetermined flow rate rule. A size of the predetermined time window may be different from the update interval. The method may further include using smoothed pressure data to determine time-derivative pressure data. The method may further include determining a flow rate adjustment for the pump system based on the time-derivative pressure data derived from the smoothed pressure data.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly for use within a borehole. The perforating gun assembly may include a first perforating charge section, a second perforating charge section, and a tandem coupling the first perforating charge section to the second perforating charge section. The tandem may include a first sensor package that may be operable to determine a flowrate of formation fluid flowing around the tandem and a second sensor package that may be operable to identify the formation fluid.

Abstract: A device (102, 300) for measuring and quantifying an emulsion and its contents mass when immersed in a fluid comprising two immiscible liquids is provided. The device (102, 300) includes at least one pressure sensor (302A-I) configured to measure hydrostatic pressure measurement data and a device processor (104) configured to, (i) convert the hydrostatic pressure measurement data into respective mass measurement data using a mass calculation formula, (ii) detect a condition of the fluid as emulsion, if the hydrostatic pressure measurement data is lesser than the hydrostatic pressure measurement data of a first liquid and greater than the hydrostatic pressure measurement data of a second liquid in the fluid, (iii) calculate the first and second liquid mass in the emulsion condition of the first and second liquid, and (iv) calculate a total mass of the first liquid and the second liquid in the chamber (310).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tunnel toxic-and-harmful-gas deep-hole detection device and method. The tunnel toxic-and-harmful-gas deep-hole detection device comprises a detector, a lifter, and a control terminal, which are sequentially connected. The control terminal controls the lifter to achieve movement of the lifter. The detector comprises a shell with a hollow interior and two opened ends. An air inlet is formed in the outer wall of the shell. A gas detector and a gas sampler are arranged in the shell, and the air inlet is located therebetween. The tunnel toxic-and-harmful-gas deep-hole detection method comprises two steps, namely a gas detection step and a gas sampling step. The present invention can effectively detect components and concentrations of various gases in a drill hole, wherein the detection data is real-time and accurate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing workflow performance in the oil and gas industry may estimate the properties of drilling muds (e.g., density and/or viscosity) located downhole with methods that utilize real-time data, estimated drilling mud properties, and mathematical models. Further, the methods described herein may optionally account for the uncertainties induced by sensor readings and dynamic modeling.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for obtaining a data response of a fluid as a function of pressure of the fluid, and estimating a dew point pressure of the fluid by detecting an inflection pressure, a downward curve pressure, a characteristic change pressure, and an intersection pressure of the function representative of the data response. The estimated dew point pressure of the fluid based on at least one of the inflection pressure, the downward curve pressure, the characteristic change pressure, and the intersection pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting capillary pressure curves includes creating a capillary pressure curve using multiple linked hyperbolic tangents, determining a closure correction pressure cutoff of the capillary pressure curve, and correcting the capillary pressure curve. The correction may include normalizing the capillary pressure curve and extrapolating the capillary pressure curve.

Abstract: A method includes pumping fluid from outside of a downhole tool through a flowline of the downhole tool with a pump. The method further includes taking a first plurality of measurements over time using at least one sensor and estimating a future saturation pressure of the fluid within the flowline at constant time increments via a processor based at least in part on the first plurality of measurements and a saturation pressure model. The method further includes adjusting the flowline pressure to maintain the pressure of the flowline above the estimated future saturation pressure.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to sensors having reactive filter materials for detecting analytes in wellbores. The sensor includes at least one reactive filter material arranged in a flow line, wherein the reactive filter material sorbs an analyte in a wellbore fluid in the flow line; and at least one detector that detects a sorption signal specific to the analyte at at least a first location and a second location of the reactive filter material, wherein the first location is upstream in the flow line relative to the second location. The detector either (1) calculates a balanced measurement corresponding to the presence of the analyte in the wellbore or (2) relays the measurements to a signal processing unit to calculate a balanced measurement corresponding to the presence of the analyte in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for sampling a downhole formation fluid that includes pumping formation fluid into the flowline of a downhole sampling tool. The method also includes measuring a saturation pressure of the formation fluid in the flowline while pumping, and adjusting the pumping rate such that the fluid pressure in the flowline remains within a predetermined threshold above the measured saturation pressure.

Abstract: During drilling operations various drilling mud properties may be measured and predicted. Uncertainties in the measured or predicted values may also be calculated. The estimated uncertainties may then be used to optimize mud sampling interval and/or control a mud mixer. A decision making algorithm may be performed to optimize a surface mud sampling interval such that the uncertainties are maintained within a bounded region with minimal number of sampling times.

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatuses and related methods for determining the enthalpy of steam. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes: an extraction conduit fluidly connected with a steam turbine section, the extraction conduit for obtaining wet steam from the steam turbine section; a mixing chamber fluidly connected with the extraction conduit; an injector fluidly connected with the mixing chamber, the injector for providing dry steam to the mixing chamber for mixing with the wet steam from the steam turbine section to produce a sample mixture; and an enthalpy detection system fluidly connected with the mixing chamber, the enthalpy detection system configured to determine an enthalpy of the sample mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for transferring under pressure a fluid extracted from the deposit by means of a sampling vessel (5) wherein the fluid sample is maintained at the reservoir pressure or extraction pressure, as well as to the method for determining at least one thermodynamic characteristic of this fluid, particularly a method for determining phase transition envelops. The invention also refers to a method combining the implementation of the scanning transitiometry with spectroscopic or analytical techniques, eventually in the presence of a fluid in a supercritical state. The invention similarly refers to a device for implementation of the above-referred methods.

Abstract: A formation tester places an isolation device, preferably a probe, in fluid communication with a formation to determine formation pressures. The tester's controller uses a pressure pre-test process to autonomously control operation. The controller measures drawdown pressure and interval as the tester draws down pressure in flowline coupled to the probe. If the drawdown pressure indicates a dry test has occurred, the process is aborted. Otherwise, the controller measures buildup pressure and interval by allowing buildup of pressure of the flowline. The controller permits this to continue until the interval is longer than the drawdown interval and/or until a rate of the buildup falls below a predetermined rate. If the buildup pressure is too tight relative to the drawdown pressure, the controller aborts the test. Eventually, the controller measures a final buildup pressure when the buildup terminates. A new drawdown rate and volume can be determined for subsequent formation tests.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus to estimate one or more volumes of one or more components of a fluid in a sample chamber of a downhole tool are described. An example method includes obtaining a sample chamber volume measurement, a flowline volume measurement and a supplemental volume measurement. The example method includes drawing the fluid into the sample chamber until the sample chamber is substantially full and measuring a characteristic of the fluid in the sample chamber at a first time to obtain a first characteristic measurement. The example method also includes adding a supplemental volume corresponding to the supplemental volume measurement to over-pressurize the sample chamber after measuring the characteristic at the first time and measuring the characteristic of the fluid in the sample chamber at a second time to obtain a second characteristic measurement. The second time is after the sample chamber is over-pressurized.

Abstract: A method for using a drilling fluid test device including a test cell including a perforated plate disposed proximate a first end of the test cell, a piston disposed within the cell, a first chamber formed between the perforated plate and the piston, the first chamber configured to receive lost circulation material (LCM), a second chamber formed between the piston and a second end of the test cell, the piston providing a seal between the first and second chambers, a fluid inlet disposed proximate the second end of the test cell configured to introduce fluid into a second chamber of the test cell, a filtrate outlet disposed proximate the first end of the test cell to discharge filtrate, and a pump in communication with the fluid inlet.

Abstract: A processor accepts sensor data about a geological formation from a sensor. The sensor data is such that processing the sensor data using a processing technique to estimate a parameter of the geological formation without a constraint, whose value is not yet known, produces a plurality of non-unique estimates of the parameter. The processor accepts more than two time-displaced images of fluid sampled from the geological formation. The time displacements between the images are substantially defined by a mathematical series. The processor processes the images to determine the constraint. The processor processes the sensor data using the processing technique constrained by the constraint to estimate the parameter of the geological formation. The processor uses the estimated parameter to affect the drilling of a well through the geological formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow that includes a chamber having a first valve and a second valve; a sensor that senses a pressure parameter associated with the chamber; and a controller programmed to operate the first valve and the second valve in response to the sensed pressure parameter may be used to control for flow and to obtain data relating to a formation and/or formation fluid.

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

Abstract: In situ density and compressibility of a fluid sample are determined for a fluid sample collected downhole. The density and compressibility of the fluid sample is determined by measuring a distance to a piston contained within the sample chamber using an external magnetic field sensor that senses a magnetic field emanating from a magnetic provided on the piston internal to the sample chamber. The testing is performed quickly and at the surface in a noninvasive fashion (i.e., without opening the sample chamber).

Abstract: A system and method for determining at least one fluid characteristic of a downhole fluid sample using a downhole tool are provided. In one example, the method includes performing a calibration process that correlates optical and density sensor measurements of a fluid sample in a downhole tool at a plurality of pressures. The calibration process is performed while the fluid sample is not being agitated. At least one unknown value of a density calculation is determined based on the correlated optical sensor measurements and density sensor measurements. A second optical sensor measurement of the fluid sample is obtained while the fluid sample is being agitated. A density of the fluid sample is calculated based on the second optical sensor measurement and the at least one unknown value.

Abstract: In-Borehole Gas Monitor Apparatus and Method An in-borehole gas monitor (IGM) apparatus comprising a VOC concentration analyser and a VOC collector.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus to estimate one or more volumes of one or more components of a fluid in a sample chamber of a downhole tool are described. An example method includes obtaining a sample chamber volume measurement, a flowline volume measurement and a supplemental volume measurement. The example method includes drawing the fluid into the sample chamber until the sample chamber is substantially full and measuring a characteristic of the fluid in the sample chamber at a first time to obtain a first characteristic measurement. The example method also includes adding a supplemental volume corresponding to the supplemental volume measurement to over-pressurize the sample chamber after measuring the characteristic at the first time and measuring the characteristic of the fluid in the sample chamber at a second time to obtain a second characteristic measurement. The second time is after the sample chamber is over-pressurized.

Abstract: A method for estimating a fluid volume in a subterranean area of the earth. The method includes performing a preliminary analysis on a first geological sample and placing the first geological sample inside a chamber. The method may then include monitoring pressure change over time data inside the chamber and crushing the first geological sample. After crushing the first geological sample, the method may estimate the fluid volume based on the pressure change over time data and the preliminary analysis.

Abstract: The critical desorption pressure is determined by pumping out an area within a well bore. As the pressure in that area is decreased, formation fluid from the surrounding rock matrix is drawn into the area. As the local pressure is decreased further, gaseous bubbles within the formation fluid will begin to form. The formation fluid is observed, and the formation of the gaseous bubbles is detected. The critical desorption pressure is determined based upon the presence of gas within the formation fluid. The concentration of gas within the formation fluid can then be determined based on the determination of the critical desorption pressure.

Abstract: A downhole characterization apparatus for formation fluids is provided. The apparatus comprises a downhole tool including a flowline for flowing the formation fluids capable of isolating a quantity of the formation fluids in a portion thereof; and a pump unit for depressurizing the isolated formation fluids; and a measurement controller which controls the downhole tool. The measurement controller includes a rough value estimation unit which estimates a rough value of the bubble point pressure of the formation fluids; and a speed controller which controls the depressurizing speed of the pump unit such that the isolated formation fluids are depressurized at a first speed to a certain pressure which is a predetermined value higher than said estimated rough value, and the isolated fluids are depressurized at a second speed which is slower than said first speed in order to measure a precise value of the bubble point pressure.

Abstract: A self-contained in-borehole gas monitor (IGM) apparatus (8) comprising a detector for measuring a gas variable, and a controller (54) configured to automatically periodically use the detector to measure a gas variable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to evaluate subterranean formations are described. An example method of evaluating a subterranean formation includes, obtaining a first sample from a first wellbore location. Additionally, the example method includes obtaining a second sample from a second wellbore location different than the first wellbore location. Further, the example method includes mixing the first sample with the second sample in a flowline to obtain a substantially homogenous mixture. Further still, the example method includes measuring a parameter of the mixture to evaluate the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A reservoir pressure in an underground formation surrounding a well is analyzed based on a direct measurement of the pressure at the wall of the well using the permeability of mud cake on the wall of the well in the region in which the pressure measurement is made; determining the thickness of mud cake on the well of the well; determining the hydrostatic pressure in the well in the region in which the pressure measurement is made; calculating a pressure decay index from the mud cake permeability and thickness, the hydrostatic pressure and the measured pressure; and using the pressure decay index to analyze the measured pressure to derive the reservoir pressure.

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: Methods and apparatus for decreasing a density of a downhole fluid are described. An example apparatus to analyze a downhole fluid includes a chamber to decrease a density of at least a portion of a sample of a downhole fluid. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a sensor to measure a pressure of at least the portion of the sample in the chamber. Further, the example apparatus includes a fluid measurement unit to measure a characteristic of at least the portion of the sample based on a relationship between the pressure of at least the portion of the sample in the chamber and a predetermined pressure. Further yet, the example apparatus includes a control unit to determine a parameter of the downhole fluid based on the characteristic.

Abstract: Techniques for evaluating physical aspects of a formation fluid from within a wellbore include changing at least one of a pressure on and a temperature of a sample of the formation fluid and transmitting at least one acoustic pulse through the fluid sample and analyzing acoustic information collected. Apparatus and methods for the evaluating involve using at least one acoustic transducer. Analyzing typically involves use of formulae that relate equation (s) of state and other properties for the fluid to a change in the sound speed in the fluid.

Abstract: A method includes calculating a correction factor that uses a tool component volume change model to estimate a system volume change resulting from a change in the tool component. An apparatus includes a carrier conveyable into a well borehole, a formation test tool coupled to the carrier, the formation test tool including a tool component. A measurement device to estimate a change in the tool component during operation, and a compensator uses an estimated system volume change resulting at least in part from the change in the tool component during a downhole operation, the compensator compensating for the system volume change and wherein the estimated system volume change is estimated at least in part using a volume change model.

Abstract: A method that uses downhole fluid analysis in order to selectively collect and retain formation fluid samples in a drilling environment, as well as, control drilling using downhole fluid analysis.

Abstract: A method of expanding a tubular downhole comprises mounting a sensing device in a downhole tubular to be expanded, expanding at least a portion of the tubular and then engaging the sensing device with a retrieving device. The sensing device is then translated through the expanded tubular.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to determine the compressibility of a fluid are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes capturing a fluid in a chamber, pressurizing the captured fluid to first and second pressures, measuring first and second values representative of first and second densities of the fluid while pressurized at respective ones of the first and second pressures, and computing a third value representative of a compressibility of the fluid using the first and second values.

Abstract: A device is described for combined fluid replacement and pressure testing in pipes with inaccessible end points. The device is characterised in that it is a two-piece circulation valve structure comprising: a first valve unit (4) comprising a seal element (1) which closes and opens depending on the dynamic fluid pressure through the valve, and a second valve unit (6) arranged to permanently close off the fluid flow when the pressure testing terminates. The first valve unit (4) comprises an elastic sealing ring (1) arranged to close against a seat in the valve unit in step with an increase in the fluid flow velocity through the valve, while the second valve unit is a casing (6) which is arranged inside the valve an closes when a pressure differential arises between a chamber (7) and the inside of the valve (4).

Abstract: A method of downhole characterization of formation fluids is provided. The method includes: estimating a rough value of the bubble point pressure of the formation fluids; depressurizing the formation fluids at a first speed to a certain pressure which is a predetermined value higher than the estimated rough value while the formation fluids are isolated in a portion of the flowline; and depressurizing the isolated fluids at a second speed which is slower than the first speed in order to measure a precise value of the bubble point pressure.

Abstract: The permeability of the cement annulus surrounding a casing is measured by locating a tool inside the casing, placing a probe of the tool in contact with the cement annulus, measuring the change of pressure in the probe over time, where the change in pressure over time is a function of among other things, the initial probe pressure, the formation pressure, and the permeability, and using the measured change over time to determine an estimated permeability. The estimated permeability is useful in determining whether carbon dioxide can be effectively sequestered in the formation below or at the depth of measurement without significant leakage through the cement annulus.

Abstract: The permeability of the cement annulus surrounding a casing is measured by locating a tool inside the casing, placing a probe of the tool in hydraulic contact with the cement annulus, measuring the change of pressure in the probe over time, where the change in pressure over time is a function of among other things, the initial probe pressure, the formation pressure, and the permeability, and using the measured change over time to determine an estimated permeability. By drilling into the cement and making additional measurements of the change of pressure in the probe over time, a radial profile of the cement permeability can be generated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to evaluate subterranean formations are described. An example method of evaluating a subterranean formation includes, obtaining a first sample from a first wellbore location. Additionally, the example method includes obtaining a second sample from a second wellbore location different than the first wellbore location. Further, the example method includes mixing the first sample with the second sample in a flowline to obtain a substantially homogenous mixture. Further still, the example method includes measuring a parameter of the mixture to evaluate the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A system and method facilitates the analysis and sampling of well fluid. A sampling and data collection device is used to detect well fluid properties in situ at a flowline installation. In an exemplary embodiment, the sampling and data collection device comprises a sample collection system having a probe adapted to selectively insert into and selectively retract from the flowline to collect a fluid sample, and a sensor system to determine PVT data in situ at the location where the probe is inserted into the flowline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probe intended to be fitted to a pressure meter and including a fluid dispenser (1), a central measuring cell (21) suitable for being inflated by a pressurized liquid, and two boundary cells (22, 23) arranged on either side of the measuring cell and suitable for being inflated by a pressurized gas. According to the invention, the cells (21-23) are made from a single resilient sleeve (2) sheathing a hollow cylindrical mandrel (3) removably and sealingly fitted onto the dispenser (1), which dispenser has to this end an external surface in the shape a cylinder.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decreasing a density of a downhole fluid are described. An example apparatus to analyze a downhole fluid includes a chamber to decrease a density of at least a portion of a sample of a downhole fluid. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a sensor to measure a pressure of at least the portion of the sample in the chamber. Further, the example apparatus includes a fluid measurement unit to measure a characteristic of at least the portion of the sample based on a relationship between the pressure of at least the portion of the sample in the chamber and a predetermined pressure. Further yet, the example apparatus includes a control unit to determine a parameter of the downhole fluid based on the characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for continuously monitoring the integrity of a pressurized well bore fluid sample collected downhole in an earth boring or well bore. The CDR continuous by measures the temperature and pressure for the down hole sample. Near infrared, mid infrared and visible light analysis is also performed on the small amount of sample to provide an on site analysis of sample properties and contamination level. The onsite analysis comprises determination of gas oil ratio, API gravity and various other parameters which can be estimated by a trained neural network or chemometric equation a flexural mechanical resonator is also provided to measure fluid density and viscosity from which additional parameters can be estimated by a trained neural network or chemometric equation. The sample tank is overpressured or supercharged to obviate adverse pressure drop or other effects of diverting a small sample to the CDR.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for making measurements at multiple locations in an annular region of a cased sequestration well. A first tool module is positionable within the well and adapted to directly or indirectly measure changing pressure at a first location in the annular region of the well. A pressure change is induced at the first location in the annular region. A second tool module is positionable within the well and adapted to directly or indirectly measure changing pressure at a second location in the annular region. The measured pressure changes at the second location are in response to the induced pressure change at the first location.

Abstract: A self-contained in-borehole gas monitor (IGM) apparatus (8) comprising a detector for measuring a gas variable, and a controller (54) configured to automatically periodically use the detector to measure a gas variable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing deposits formed within a capillary tube that has been used to deliver treatment chemicals into a well. The method includes pumping a cleaning solution through the capillary tube coil, preferably after the capillary tube has been removed from the well and formed as a coil. The cleaning solution comprises at least 20 weight percent of a surfactant or dispersant, at least 5 weight percent of a coupling agent, and at least 10 weight percent solvent. A preferred surfactant or dispersant is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl-aryl sulphonate and a phosphate ester. An example of a cleaning solution includes dodecylbenzeneylsulphonic (DDBSA) acid, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and toluene.

Abstract: A device for and method of testing fluid compatibility may include placing a first fluid in a fixed-volume testing chamber and placing a second fluid in a sample chamber. The method may also include heating the fixed-volume testing chamber to about a temperature of a subterranean environment and pressurizing the fixed-volume testing chamber to about a pressure of the subterranean environment. The method may further include determining, at a temperature and pressure of about the temperature and pressure of the subterranean environment, a first rheology value of the fluid within the fixed-volume testing chamber, moving a portion of the second fluid from sample chamber into the fixed-volume testing chamber, and determining, at a temperature and pressure of about the temperature and pressure of the subterranean environment, a second rheology value of the fluid within the fixed-volume testing chamber.