Formation evaluation while drilling
First Claim
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud, wherein the passage comprises at least one lobe to assist with the passage of drilling mud through the drill string and past sample chambers, and an opening extending through an outer surface of the drill string and into a cavity;
a sample container coupled within the cavity and in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device, wherein the sample container is detachably coupled within the cavity; and
a retainer configured to be disposed within the cavity and configured to absorb lateral loading of the sample container within the cavity;
wherein the sample container comprises a hydraulic stabber, and wherein the retainer is configured to isolate the hydraulic stabber from lateral loading of the sample container.
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Abstract
In one embodiment, a sampling while drilling tool includes a drill collar having a first end, a second end, an outer wall extending between the first and second ends, and at least one opening extending through the outer wall to a cavity within the drill collar. The sampling while drilling tool also includes a sample chamber positionable in the cavity through the opening in the outer wall and a passage for conducting a drilling fluid through the drill collar.
103 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud, wherein the passage comprises at least one lobe to assist with the passage of drilling mud through the drill string and past sample chambers, and an opening extending through an outer surface of the drill string and into a cavity; a sample container coupled within the cavity and in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device, wherein the sample container is detachably coupled within the cavity; and a retainer configured to be disposed within the cavity and configured to absorb lateral loading of the sample container within the cavity; wherein the sample container comprises a hydraulic stabber, and wherein the retainer is configured to isolate the hydraulic stabber from lateral loading of the sample container. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method, comprising:
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operating a retainer to detachably couple a sample container within a cavity in an outer surface of a drill string, wherein the drill string comprises a passage with at least one lobe to enable the passage of drilling mud through the drill string and past the sample container, wherein the sample container comprises a hydraulic stabber and the retainer is configured to isolate the hydraulic stabber from lateral loading of the sample container, and wherein the retainer is configured to be disposed within the cavity of the outer surface of the drill string; positioning the drill string in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; extending a fluid communication device from the drill string, thereby establishing fluid communication with the formation; withdrawing fluid from the formation via the fluid communication device; and
passing the withdrawn formation fluid into the detachable sample container. - View Dependent Claims (6)
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7. An apparatus, comprising:
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a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud, wherein the passage comprises at least one lobe to assist with the passage of drilling mud through the drill string and past a sample chamber, and an opening extending through an outer surface of the drill string and into a cavity; a sample container coupled within the cavity and in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device, wherein the sample container is detachably coupled within the cavity; and a retainer configured to be disposed within the cavity and configured to absorb lateral loading of the sample container within the cavity; wherein the sample container and the retainer have cooperating surfaces configured to engage and thereby absorb lateral loading of the sample container within the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification