Formation fluid sampling apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A sample module for use in a downhole tool to obtain fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising:
- a sample chamber carried by the module for collecting a sample of formation fluid obtained from the formation via the downhole tool; and
a validation chamber carried by the module for collecting a substantially smaller sample of formation fluid than said sample chamber, said validation chamber being removable from the sample module at the surface without disturbing said sample chamber.
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Abstract
A sample module is provided for use in a downhole tool to obtain fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore. The sample module includes a sample chamber carried by the module for collecting a sample of formation fluid obtained from the formation via the downhole tool, and a validation chamber carried by the module for collecting a substantially smaller sample of formation fluid than the sample chamber. The validation chamber is removable from the sample module at the surface without disturbing the sample chamber. In another aspect, the present invention provides an improved sample chamber for use in a downhole tool to obtain fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore. An improved sample chamber is also provided that includes a substantially cylindrical body capable of safely withstanding heating at the surface, following collection of a formation fluid sample via the downhole tool and withdrawal of the sample chamber from the wellbore, to temperatures necessary to promote recombination of the sample components within the chambers. Additionally, the body is sufficiently equipped so as to be certified for transportation. At least one floating piston is slidably positioned within the body so as to define a fluid collection cavity and a pressurization cavity, whereby the pressurization cavity may be charged to control the pressure of the sample collected in the collection cavity. A second such piston may be provided to create a third cavity wherein a buffer fluid may be utilized during sample collection. Metal-to-metal seals act as the final shut-off seals for the sample collected in the collection cavity of the body. A method related to the use of the sample module and sample chamber described above is also provided.
33 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A sample module for use in a downhole tool to obtain fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising:
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a sample chamber carried by the module for collecting a sample of formation fluid obtained from the formation via the downhole tool; and
a validation chamber carried by the module for collecting a substantially smaller sample of formation fluid than said sample chamber, said validation chamber being removable from the sample module at the surface without disturbing said sample chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A sample chamber for use in a downhole tool to obtain fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising:
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a substantially cylindrical body capable of safely withstanding heating at the surface, following collection of a formation fluid sample via the downhole tool and withdrawal of the sample chamber from the wellbore, to temperatures necessary to promote recombination of the sample components within said chambers, said body being sufficiently equipped so as to be certified for transportation;
a floating piston slidably positioned within said body so as to define a fluid collection cavity and a pressurization cavity, whereby the pressurization cavity may be charged with a minimum ten percent gas cap by volume to control the pressure of the sample collected in the collection cavity; and
metal-to-metal seals that serve as the final shut-off seals for the sample collected in the collection cavity of said body.
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13. An apparatus for obtaining fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising:
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a probe assembly for establishing fluid communication between the apparatus and the formation when the apparatus is positioned in the wellbore;
a pump assembly for drawing fluid from the formation into the apparatus;
a sample chamber for collecting a sample of the formation fluid drawn from the formation by said pumping assembly; and
a validation chamber for collecting a substantially smaller sample of the formation fluid than said sample chamber, said validation chamber being removable from the apparatus at the surface without disturbing said sample chamber. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for obtaining fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising:
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positioning an apparatus within the wellbore;
establishing fluid communication between the apparatus and the formation;
inducing movement of fluid from the formation into the apparatus;
delivering a sample of the formation fluid moved into the apparatus to a sample chamber for collection therein;
delivering a substantially smaller sample of the formation fluid moved into the apparatus to a validation chamber for collection therein, whereby the smaller sample may be evaluated independently of the sample stored in the sample chamber; and
withdrawing the apparatus from the wellbore to recover the collected samples. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification