US 7,062,958 B2 · Receptacle for sampling downhole

Abstract

A receptacle (10) for use in collecting samples down a well bore (14) is provided, the receptacle comprising a plurality of interconnecting modules (22, 24, 26, 30, 32, 34). A main chamber (22) is capable of holding a sample, and sensors (58, 60, 62, 64) within the chamber detect physical and chemical characteristics of the sample. Valves (50, 52) in a chamber wall seal the chamber (22) after a fluid sample has been collected. A communication means is placed in communication with the chamber (22) so as to provide an externally accessible port which communicates with the inside of the chamber (22) and allows detection and analysis of sample characteristics without removing the sample from the sealed chamber (22). The chamber (22) includes a piston (82) which is adjustable to keep pressure constant in the chamber and a heating element (58) to keep temperature constant. A method for sampling downhole fluids is also provided.

Claims24

Dependent claims

An apparatus for analyzing fluid from a subterranean formation, the apparatus comprising:

a receptacle configured for coupling with a wellbore deployment tool to provide for deployment of said receptacle in a wellbore penetrating said subterranean formation to collect a sample of said fluid and configured for uncoupling from said deployment tool to provide for storage or transport of said sample, said receptacle being adapted to enclose and hold said sample of fluid and to provide for detecting at least one of a physical property of said sample and a chemical property of said sample during storage or transport of said sample;
wherein the receptacle comprises:
a chamber contained within said receptacle with one or more sealable apertures and configured to hold said sample, wherein said one or more sealable apertures are configured to provide for flow of the fluid into and out of the chamber;
and
a sensor adapted to sense at least one chemical or physical characteristic of said sample within the receptacle during storage or transport of said sample in said receptacle.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Receptacle for sampling downhole

Life of this patent

Receptacle for sampling downhole

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24