Method and apparatus for transferring core sample from core retrieval chamber under pressure for transport
OwnerJames T. Aumann, Craig R. Hylandinventors
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Abstract
A pressure and temperature core sampler comprises a tool for recovering cores specifically enabling the evaluation of methane hydrate resources. Because methane hydrate tends to decompose under conditions of pressure decrease and/or temperature increase as the samples are retrieved to the surface, a coring tool in accordance with the present invention provides a self-contained system for retrieving core samples at or near in situ pressure while cooling the core sample. The coring tool is preferably a wire line retrievable device that provides for nearly continuous coring during the drilling operation.
Claims20
An apparatus for transferring a core sample from a pressurized core retrieval chamber and for transporting the core sample, comprising:
- a pressurizable core retrieval chamber configured for obtaining and maintaining a pressurized core sample;
- a transport container having a distal end configured to mate with a proximal end of said pressurizable core retrieval chamber, said transport container defining a core sample transport chamber therein;
- an actuable sealing device associated with said transport container for selectively sealing said core sample transport chamber to form a substantially pressure tight chamber within said transport container when the core sample is contained therein;
- and
- a transferring device, for transferring the core sample while under pressure, having a proximal end configured to mate with a distal end of the pressurized core retrieval chamber and configured for forcing the core sample contained within said pressurizable core retrieval chamber into said core sample transport chamber.
A method of transferring a core sample from a core retrieval chamber under pressure, comprising:
- obtaining a core retrieval chamber having a pressurized core sample contained therein;
- attaching a transport container to a first end of the core retrieval chamber;
- attaching a transferring device to a second end of the core retrieval chamber;
- opening the first end of the core retrieval chamber;
- opening the second end of the core retrieval chamber;
- forcing the pressurized core sample from the core retrieval chamber into the transport container with the transferring device while maintaining pressure on the core sample;
- and
- sealing the transport container around the pressurized core sample.
An apparatus for transferring a core sample from a pressurized core retrieval chamber and for transporting the core sample, comprising:
- a pressurizable core retrieval chamber configured for obtaining and maintaining a pressurized core sample;
- a transport container having a distal end configured to mate with a proximal end of the pressurized core retrieval chamber;
- an actuable sealing device associated with said transport container for selectively forming a substantially pressure tight chamber within said transport container;
- and
- a transferring device having a proximal end configured to mate with a distal end of the pressurized core retrieval chamber, said transferring device comprising an extendable member for extending through the pressurized core chamber to force the core sample therefrom and into the transport container, said extendable member comprising a plurality of telescoping members extendable relative to one another such that at least a portion of said extendable member extends through the pressurized core chamber and through said sealing device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.