Methods for downhole sampling of tight formations
First Claim
1. A method of sampling a subterranean formation, comprising the steps ofsuspending a tool with side bore drilling, fluid storage and pumping capability from the surface to a desired location in a well;
- creating a side bore into the wall of a well traversing said formation;
sealing said wall around the side bore to provide a pressure seal between said side bore and said well;
pressurizing the side bore beyond a pressure inducing formation fracture while maintaining said seal;
pumping a fracturing fluid adapted to prevent a complete closure of said fracture from a reservoir inside said tool through said side bore into said fracture; and
reversing the pumping to sample formation fluid through said fracture and said side bore.
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Accused Products
Abstract
There is provided a method of sampling a subterranean formation. The method includes the steps of creating a side bore into the wall of a well traversing the formation, sealing the wall around the side bore to provide a pressure seal between the side bore and the well, pressurizing the side bore beyond a pressure inducing formation fracture while maintaining the seal, pumping a fracturing fluid adapted to prevent a complete closure of the fracture through the side bore into the fracture, and reversing the pumping to sample formation fluid through the fracture and the side bore.
46 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of sampling a subterranean formation, comprising the steps of
suspending a tool with side bore drilling, fluid storage and pumping capability from the surface to a desired location in a well; -
creating a side bore into the wall of a well traversing said formation; sealing said wall around the side bore to provide a pressure seal between said side bore and said well; pressurizing the side bore beyond a pressure inducing formation fracture while maintaining said seal; pumping a fracturing fluid adapted to prevent a complete closure of said fracture from a reservoir inside said tool through said side bore into said fracture; and reversing the pumping to sample formation fluid through said fracture and said side bore. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification