Receptacle for sampling downhole

• US 20030033866A1
• Filed: 07/25/2002
• Published: 02/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Nighswander, John Allan, Goodwin, Anthony Robert Holmes, Brown, Jonathan Webster, Kurkjian, Andrew Loris, Diakonov, Igor Igorevitch
• Granted Patent: US 7,062,958 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/152.55
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 49/081 with down-hole means for trapping a fluid sample E21B49/10 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2030/8854 involving hydrocarbons

Abstract

A receptacle (10) for use in collecting samples down a well bore (14) is provided, the receptacle comprising a plurality of interconnecting modules (22, 24, 26, 30, 32, 34). A main chamber (22) is capable of holding a sample, and sensors (58, 60, 62, 64) within the chamber detect physical and chemical characteristics of the sample. Valves (50, 52) in a chamber wall seal the chamber (22) after a fluid sample has been collected. A communication means is placed in communication with the chamber (22) so as to provide an externally accessible port which communicates with the inside of the chamber (22) and allows detection and analysis of sample characteristics without removing the sample from the sealed chamber (22). The chamber (22) includes a piston (82) which is adjustable to keep pressure constant in the chamber and a heating element (58) to keep temperature constant. A method for sampling downhole fluids is also provided.

Claims

1. An apparatus for analysing fluid from a subterranean formation, the apparatus comprising:

a chamber adapted for deployment in a wellbore and to enclose and hold a sample of fluid; and

a sensor adapted to sense at least one characteristic of fluid within the chamber while downhole.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a controller in communication with the sensor and adapted to actively control one or more characteristics of the sample in response to measurements from said sensor.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a mechanical actuator adapted to exert physical action upon the sample in response to signals from the controller.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the mechanical actuator is adapted to alter the pressure such that in combination with the controller pressure is controlled within predetermined limits within the chamber.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising an injector module for injecting a chemical into the chamber in response to signals from the controller.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a heater to provide thermal energy to the sample in response to signals from the controller.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the controller actively controls the temperature of the sample within predetermined limits.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising one or more valves for sealing the chamber after a sample has been enclosed.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one or more valves are operable to open at least one aperture to allow sampling of the downhole fluid and to close the at least one aperture to seal the chamber.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electronic communication assembly placed within a wall of the chamber so as to provide an externally accessible port which communicates with the inside of the chamber.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor analyses the fluid to determine when a sample is to be collected.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sensors each capable of detecting and analysing a characteristic of the sample.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a vibrator adapted to determine physical properties of the fluid.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a communication module adapted to communicate with the surface and allow remote monitoring of conditions within the chamber.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a connector for connection to a wireline.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of modules in mating engagement with the chamber, the modules containing analytical and processing equipment for analysis of a sample.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a memory device to store information relating to the sample.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stirring device located within the chamber.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chamber includes an optical window, so that the contents of the chamber are visible from the outside of the chamber.

20. A method of sampling downhole fluids, comprising:

placing a chamber downhole;

collecting at least one sample in the chamber;

sealing the sample within the chamber;

sensing at least the temperature and pressure of the sample in the chamber; and

controlling the temperature and pressure of the sample in response tot he sensed temperature and pressure.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising the steps of:

flowing the fluid through the chamber before said step of sealing; and

sensing one or more characteristics of the fluid during said step of flowing.

22. The method of claim 20 further comprising the steps of:

discarding the sample;

re-positioning the chamber to another downhole location; and

repeating said steps of collecting, sealing and sensing.

23. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of transporting the chamber and sample to the surface while continuing said step of controlling.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein said step of transporting comprises transporting the chamber and sample to a laboratory while continuing said step of controlling.