Methods and apparatus to sample heavy oil in a subterranean formation
First Claim
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1. A method for sampling fluid in a subterranean formation, comprising:
- producing heat in a portion of the subterranean formation by at least one of an ohmic heating and a dielectric heating;
injecting a displacement fluid into the heated portion of the subterranean formation, the displacement fluid pressurizing the heated portion of the subterranean formation;
monitoring a pressure applied by the displacement fluid on formation fluid in the heated portion of the subterranean formation, a decrease in the pressure indicating a corresponding decrease in a viscosity of the formation fluid; and
collecting a sample of the formation fluid mobilized by the displacement fluid from the heated portion of the subterranean formation via at least one formation interface.
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Abstract
A method for sampling fluid in a subterranean formation includes, reducing a viscosity of a fluid, pressurizing a portion of the subterranean formation and collecting a fluid sample. Specifically, a viscosity of a fluid in a portion of the subterranean formation is reduced and a portion of the subterranean formation is pressurizing by injecting a displacement fluid into the subterranean formation. A sample of the fluid pressurized by the displacement fluid is then collected.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method for sampling fluid in a subterranean formation, comprising:
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producing heat in a portion of the subterranean formation by at least one of an ohmic heating and a dielectric heating; injecting a displacement fluid into the heated portion of the subterranean formation, the displacement fluid pressurizing the heated portion of the subterranean formation; monitoring a pressure applied by the displacement fluid on formation fluid in the heated portion of the subterranean formation, a decrease in the pressure indicating a corresponding decrease in a viscosity of the formation fluid; and collecting a sample of the formation fluid mobilized by the displacement fluid from the heated portion of the subterranean formation via at least one formation interface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification