Cylindrical shaped snorkel interface on evaluation probe
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorDennis Eugene Roessler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A snorkel and pad for use with a formation testing tool is formed with a cylindrical geometry at the interface where the snorkel and pad contacts the inner surface of a borehole. The cylindrical geometry reduces or eliminates gaps that a flat interface surface would leave between the snorkel and the inner surface of the borehole, reducing the possibility that a surrounding pad could extrude through the gap. The snorkel is prevented from rotating during operation, ensuring the correct orientation of the cylindrical geometry interface surface relative to the inner surface of the borehole. The snorkel may be used as part of a formation testing system.
Claims22
A method, comprising:
- reducing an extrusion gap between a borehole interface surface of a first snorkel of a formation testing tool and a surface of a borehole, comprising:
- forming a cylindrical geometry at a borehole interface of the first snorkel;
- extending the first snorkel through an opening in a protective pad disposed about the first snorkel,
- wherein the cylindrical geometry is operationally axially aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the borehole.
A snorkel for use in a formation testing tool, comprising:
- a tubular body, configured for extension from and retraction into a piston cylinder of the formation testing tool, wherein the tubular body when extended from the piston cylinder, extends through an opening in a pad;
- and
- a borehole interface, formed at a radially outward and of the tubular body, having a cylindrical geometry,
- wherein the cylindrical geometry of the borehole interface is operationally axially aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the borehole.
A system for testing an earth formation surrounding a borehole, comprising:
- a formation testing tool, comprising:
- a plurality of sections, at least one of which comprises:
- a piston cylinder;
- and
- a first snorkel configured for extension from and retraction into the piston cylinder, comprising:
- a tubular body, configured for extension from and retraction into the piston cylinder;
- a pad, disposed about the tubular body, wherein the tubular body extends through an opening in the pad when extended from the piston cylinder;
- and
- a borehole interface, formed at a radially outward end of the tubular body, having a cylindrical geometry,
- wherein the cylindrical geometry of the borehole interface is operationally axially aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the borehole;
- a conveyance apparatus;
- and
- a connecting structure operationally connecting the formation testing tool to the conveyance apparatus to convey the formation testing tool in the borehole.
A formation testing tool, comprising:
- a plurality of sections, at least one of which comprises:
- a pad, comprising:
- an elastomeric element, configured for sealing with a surface of the borehole;
- and
- a piston cylinder;
- and
- a first snorkel configured for extension from and retraction into the piston cylinder, the pad disposed about the first snorkel, the first snorkel comprising:
- a tubular body, configured for extension from and retraction into the piston cylinder, wherein the tubular body when extended from the piston cylinder, extends through an opening in the pad;
- and
- a borehole interface, formed at a radially outward end of the tubular body, having a cylindrical geometry,
- wherein the cylindrical geometry of the borehole interface is operationally axially aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the borehole.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.