Modular connector and method
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- determining the distance between opposing ends of two components of a sampling-while-drilling tool string configured for conveyance via drill pipe in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein at least one of the two components is selected from the group consisting of a probe module and a sample storage module, wherein the probe module is configured to engage a wall of the wellbore to extract formation fluid from the formation, and wherein the sample storage module is configured to store a sample of formation fluid; and
connecting the two components in accordance with the determined distance, thereby establishing a first fluid connection between primary flow passages of the two components configured to pass drilling fluid received from the Earth'"'"'s surface, a second fluid connection between auxiliary flow lines of the two components configured to pass formation fluid received from the formation, and an electrical connection between electrical lines of the two components.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A connector connects auxiliary flow lines—and, in some configurations, electrical lines—that extend through and terminate at or near opposing ends of two respective components of a downhole tool string. The connector comprises a body assembly for fluidly-connecting the auxiliary flow lines and electrically-connecting the electrical lines of the respective two components, and an assembly for adjusting the length of the body assembly. In particular embodiments, the two components are discrete modules of a unitary tool, or alternatively, are distinct tools. Additionally, the connector may include a mechanism for closing the auxiliary flow lines of one or both components upon disconnection of the fluid connection between the two components.
95 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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determining the distance between opposing ends of two components of a sampling-while-drilling tool string configured for conveyance via drill pipe in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein at least one of the two components is selected from the group consisting of a probe module and a sample storage module, wherein the probe module is configured to engage a wall of the wellbore to extract formation fluid from the formation, and wherein the sample storage module is configured to store a sample of formation fluid; and connecting the two components in accordance with the determined distance, thereby establishing a first fluid connection between primary flow passages of the two components configured to pass drilling fluid received from the Earth'"'"'s surface, a second fluid connection between auxiliary flow lines of the two components configured to pass formation fluid received from the formation, and an electrical connection between electrical lines of the two components. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method, comprising:
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adjusting a distance between a first end of a first auxiliary flow line and a second end of a second auxiliary flow line, wherein the first and second auxiliary flow lines extend through first and second components of a sampling-while-drilling tool string, respectively, wherein the sampling-while-drilling tool string is conveyable via drill pipe in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein at least one of the first and second components is selected from the group consisting of a probe module and a sample storage module, wherein the probe module is configured to engage a wall of the wellbore to extract formation fluid from the formation, wherein the sample storage module is configured to store a sample of formation fluid, and wherein the first and second auxiliary flow lines isolate auxiliary fluid from drilling mud transmitted within the downhole tool string; and fluidly connecting the first and second auxiliary flow lines. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method, comprising:
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adjusting a distance between a first end of a first auxiliary flow line and a second end of a second auxiliary flow line, wherein the first and second auxiliary flow lines extend through first and second downhole tool string components, respectively, wherein the downhole tool string is positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, and wherein the first and second auxiliary flow lines isolate auxiliary fluid from drilling mud transmitted within the downhole tool string; and fluidly connecting the first and second auxiliary flow lines; wherein first and second electrical lines extend through the first and second downhole tool string components, respectively, and wherein fluidly connecting the first and second auxiliary flow lines comprises electrically connecting the first and second electrical lines; wherein fluidly connecting the first and second auxiliary flow lines comprises fluidly connecting a body assembly between the first and second auxiliary flow lines and between the first and second electrical lines; and wherein adjusting the distance comprises adjusting a length of the body assembly.
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Specification