METHODS AND APPARATUS OF DOWNHOLE FLUIDS ANALYSIS
First Claim
1. A downhole fluid characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, comprising:
- a fluid sampling and analysis module, the fluid sampling and analysis module comprising;
a primary flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module downhole, within a borehole, the primary flowline having a first end for the fluids to enter and a second end for the fluids to exit the fluid sampling and analysis module;
a bypass flowline in fluid communication with the primary flowline; and
a fluid control system interconnecting the primary flowline and the bypass flowline, the fluid control system having a first position interconnecting a first port of the primary flowline with a second port of the primary flowline for formation fluids to flow in the primary flowline, and a second position interconnecting the first port of the primary flowline with a first port of the bypass flowline and the second port of the primary flowline with a second port of the bypass flowline for formation fluids to flow, via the bypass flowline, in the primary flowline, whereinfluid flow in the primary flowline is maintained during operation of the fluid control system between the first position and the second position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fluid sampling and analysis module for a downhole fluid characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The fluid sampling and analysis module comprises a primary flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module, a bypass flowline in fluid communication with the primary flowline and a single valve, interconnecting the primary flowline and the bypass flowline, operable to a first position for formation fluids to flow in the primary flowline and to a second position for formation fluids to flow, via the bypass flowline, in the primary flowline.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A downhole fluid characterization apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, comprising:
a fluid sampling and analysis module, the fluid sampling and analysis module comprising; a primary flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module downhole, within a borehole, the primary flowline having a first end for the fluids to enter and a second end for the fluids to exit the fluid sampling and analysis module; a bypass flowline in fluid communication with the primary flowline; and a fluid control system interconnecting the primary flowline and the bypass flowline, the fluid control system having a first position interconnecting a first port of the primary flowline with a second port of the primary flowline for formation fluids to flow in the primary flowline, and a second position interconnecting the first port of the primary flowline with a first port of the bypass flowline and the second port of the primary flowline with a second port of the bypass flowline for formation fluids to flow, via the bypass flowline, in the primary flowline, wherein fluid flow in the primary flowline is maintained during operation of the fluid control system between the first position and the second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A tool configured to be located downhole for sampling and characterizing formation fluids located downhole in an oilfield reservoir, comprising:
a fluid analysis module, the fluid analysis module comprising; a flowline for fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid analysis module, the flowline having a first end for the fluids to enter and a second end for the fluids to exit the fluid analysis module; the flowline comprising; a primary flowline and a bypass flowline; and the fluid analysis module further comprising; a single valve interconnecting the primary flowline and the bypass flowline, the single valve being operable to a first position for formation fluids to flow in the primary flowline, and to a second position for formation fluids to flow, via the bypass flowline, in the primary flowline, wherein; the bypass flowline comprises a closed loop flowline for captured fluids when the valve is in the first position. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. A fluid flow control system structured to control flow of downhole fluids through a fluid sampling and analysis module configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, the fluid sampling and analysis module comprising a primary flowline and a bypass flowline, in fluid communication with the primary flowline, for downhole fluids withdrawn from a formation to flow through the fluid sampling and analysis module, the primary flowline having a first end for the fluids to enter and a second end for the fluids to exit the fluid sampling and analysis module, the fluid flow control system comprising:
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a movable shaft configured and designed for operation downhole, within a borehole, the movable shaft being operable to selectively interconnect the primary flowline and the bypass flowline of the fluid sampling and analysis module, wherein the movable shaft has a first operating position interconnecting a first port of the primary flowline with a second port of the primary flowline, and a second operating position interconnecting the first port of the primary flowline with a first port of the bypass flowline and the second port of the primary flowline with a second port of the bypass flowline, wherein in the first position of the movable shaft downhole fluids flow in the primary flowline, and in the second position of the moveable shaft downhole fluids flow, via the bypass flowline, in the primary flowline; and fluid flow in the primary flowline is maintained during operation of the movable shaft between the first and the second operating positions. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A method of downhole characterization of formation fluids utilizing a downhole tool comprising a fluid sampling and analysis module having a primary flowline, a bypass flowline and a single valve configured and designed for selectively interconnecting the primary flowline and the bypass flowline for flowing formation fluids through the fluid sampling and analysis module and for capturing formation fluids in a closed loop of the bypass flowline, the method comprising:
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setting the valve in a first operating position so that formation fluids flow through the primary flowline; monitoring at least a first parameter of interest relating to formation fluids flowing in the primary flowline; when a predetermined criterion for the first parameter of interest is satisfied, setting the valve in a second operating position so that formation fluids flow, via the bypass flowline, in the primary flowline; capturing formation fluids in the closed loop of the bypass flowline by returning the valve to the first operating position; balancing pressure at opposite ends of the valve so that operation of the valve between the first and the second operating positions is at a balanced fluid pressure; and characterizing captured formation fluids by operation of one or more sensor structured and arranged on the bypass flowline. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification