Coring Tool and Method

• US 20090114447A1
• Filed: 11/02/2007
• Published: 05/07/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Reid, Lennox Errol JR., Lavaure, Rachel Agnes
• Granted Patent: US 8,061,446 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 175/58
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 25/00 Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors core bits E21B10/02
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 49/06 using side-wall drilling tools pressing or scrapers

Abstract

A coring tool for use in a borehole formed in a subterranean formation includes a tool housing with a coring aperture and a core receptacle. A coring bit is mounted within the tool housing and movable between retracted and extended positions by a series of pivotably connected extension link arms. Another set of link arms rotates the coring bit between coring and eject positions. The coring tool may also include a multi-column core storage magazine with shifters to move cores or core holders between columns. The coring tool may be used to measure core lengths during operation and facilitates retrieval of cores having larger lengths and diameters than conventional sidewall coring tools.

Claims

1. A coring tool for use in a borehole formed in a subterranean formation, comprising:

a tool housing adapted for suspension within the borehole at a selected depth;

a coring aperture formed in the tool housing;

a core receptacle disposed in the tool housing;

a bit housing disposed within the tool housing;

a coring bit mounted within a coring bit assembly, the coring bit assembly being movably disposed in the bit housing;

a bit motor operably coupled to the coring bit and adapted to rotate the coring bit;

a series of pivotably connected extension link arms having a first end pivotably coupled to the bit housing and a second end pivotably coupled to the coring bit assembly, wherein the series of extension link arms comprises a scissor jack; and

a piston operably coupled to the series of extension link arms and adapted to actuate the coring bit between the retracted and extended positions.

3. The coring tool of claim 1 , in which the series of extension link arms comprises a follower link arm.

4. The coring tool of claim 3, in which the series of extension link arms further comprises a rocker arm pivotably mounted on the bit housing and having a first segment pivotably coupled to the follower link arm and a second segment pivotably coupled to the scissor jack.

5. The coring tool of claim 1, in which the coring bit extends by at least 2.25 inches into the formation.

6. The coring tool of claim 1 wherein the piston is a first piston, and further comprising:

a rotation link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the housing and a second end pivotably coupled to the bit housing to rotate the bit housing between an eject position, in which the coring bit registers with the core receptacle, and a coring position, in which the coring bit registers with the tool housing coring aperture;

a second rotation link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the housing and a second end pivotably coupled to the bit housing thereby to further control rotation of the bit housing between the eject and coring positions; and

a second piston operably coupled to the bit housing and adapted to actuate the bit housing between the eject and coring positions.

7. The coring tool of claim 6, in which the second piston actuates independently of the first piston.

9. The coring tool of claim 6, in which the coring bit extends by at least 2.75 inches into the formation.

10. The coring tool of claim 1, in which the coring bit comprises a bit cutting end that has an inner diameter approximately equal to or greater than 1.5 inches.

26. The coring tool of claim 1 wherein the tool housing is configured to be suspended within the borehole in a wireline application.

27. The coring tool of claim 1 wherein the tool housing is configured to be suspended within the borehole in a while-drilling application.

2. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

11. -25. (canceled)

28. A coring tool, comprising:

a tool housing configured for suspension within a borehole formed in a subterranean formation, wherein the tool housing comprises a coring aperture, a core receptacle and a bit housing;

a coring bit assembly comprising a coring bit and movably disposed in the bit housing;

a bit motor configured to rotate the coring bit;

a series of pivotably connected extension link arms having a first end pivotably coupled to the bit housing and a second end pivotably coupled to the coring bit assembly, wherein the series of extension link arms comprises a scissor jack; and

a piston configured to move the coring bit between retracted and extended positions.

29. The coring tool of claim 28 wherein the tool housing is configured for suspension within boreholes having a nominal diameter ranging between about 6.5 inches and about 17.5 inches.

30. The coring tool of claim 28 wherein the bit housing is pivotably coupled to the tool housing between an eject position, in which the coring bit registers with the core receptacle, and a coring position, in which the coring bit registers with the coring aperture.

31. The coring tool of claim 28 wherein a distance between the retracted and extended positions is at least 2.25 inches.

32. The coring tool of claim 28 wherein the tool housing is configured to be suspended within the borehole in a wireline application.

33. The coring tool of claim 28 wherein the tool housing is configured to be suspended within the borehole in a while-drilling application.