Downhole sampling tool and method for using same

• US 7,703,517 B2
• Filed: 11/25/2008
• Issued: 04/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Bittleston, Simon H., Ramos, Rogerio T., Melbourne, Angus J., Pop, Julian J., Tarvin, Jeffrey A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dang; Hoang
• Application Number:
  US12/277,664
• Publication Number:
  US 20090194279A1
• Time in Patent Office: 518 Days
• Field of Search: 166/264, 166/100, 166/113, 731/522.6
• US Class Current: 166/264
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 49/10 using side-wall fluid samplers or testers

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).

Claims

1. A downhole sampling tool, comprising:

a shaft extendable from a housing into a perforation penetrating a subterranean formation;

a flowline extending within the shaft and the housing, the flowline having an inlet for receiving downhole fluid from the perforation; and

a fluid restrictor comprising a fluid injected into the formation and creating a seal about at least a portion of the perforation.

2. The sampling tool of claim 1 wherein the shaft comprises a bit configured to penetrate the formation.

3. The sampling tool of claim 1 further comprising a perforator configured to create the perforation in the formation.

4. The sampling tool of claim 3 wherein the perforator is separate from the shaft.

5. A method of sampling formation fluid from a subterranean formation, comprising:

creating a perforation penetrating the formation beyond an invaded zone about a wellbore penetrating the formation;

extending a shaft into the perforation;

isolating the perforation from wellbore fluids by injecting another fluid into the formation about the perforation; and

drawing formation fluid from the isolated perforation via the shaft.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising injecting a viscous fluid in the wellbore about the perforation.

7. The method of claim 5 further comprising positioning a packer against a sidewall of the wellbore about the perforation.

8. The method of claim 5 wherein creating the perforation comprises rotating a bit positioned at an end of the shaft.

9. The method of claim 5 further comprising selectively diverting formation fluid from the shaft into one of a sample chamber, the wellbore, and combinations thereof.

10. The method of claim 5 further comprising taking a downhole measurement using a sensor.

11. The method of claim 5 further comprising analyzing the formation fluid drawn from the perforation.

12. A downhole sampling tool, comprising:

a shaft extendable from a housing into a perforation penetrating a subterranean formation;

a flowline extending within the shaft and the housing, the flowline having an inlet for receiving downhole fluid from the perforation; and

a fluid restrictor comprising a viscous fluid injected in a portion of the wellbore about the perforation.

13. The sampling tool of claim 12 wherein the shaft comprises a bit configured to penetrate the formation.

14. The sampling tool of claim 12 further comprising a perforator configured to create the perforation in the formation.

15. The sampling tool of claim 14 wherein the perforator is separate from the shaft.

16. A method of sampling formation fluid from a subterranean formation, comprising:

creating a perforation penetrating the formation beyond an invaded zone about a wellbore penetrating the formation;

extending a shaft into the perforation;

isolating the perforation from wellbore fluids by injecting a viscous fluid in the wellbore about the perforation; and

drawing formation fluid from the isolated perforation via the shaft.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein creating the perforation comprises rotating a bit positioned at an end of the shaft.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising selectively diverting formation fluid from the shaft into one of a sample chamber, the wellbore, and combinations thereof.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising taking a downhole measurement using a sensor.

20. The method of claim 16 further comprising analyzing the formation fluid drawn from the perforation.