Controlling formation tester probe extension force
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorKristopher V. Sherrill
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A formation tester for use in a subterranean well can include a probe which extends outward into contact with an earth formation, and an adjustable flow control device which limits an extension pressure applied to extend the probe. A method of testing a subterranean formation can include positioning a formation tester in a wellbore, extending a probe of the formation tester outward into contact with the formation, and limiting a force applied by the probe to the formation, the limiting being performed by variable actuation of a flow control device downhole. Another formation tester can include a probe which extends outward into contact with an earth formation, with a force applied by the probe to the formation being remotely adjustable downhole.
Claims33
A formation tester for use in a well located in a subterranean formation, comprising:
- a probe extendable within the well to contact the formation;
- a piston connected to the probe and positioned with a housing comprising first and second chambers separated by the piston;
- a pump coupled to and in fluid communication with the first and second chambers;
- an adjustable flow control device coupled between and in fluid communication with the pump and the first chamber, wherein the adjustable flow control device comprises a servo-controlled valve and is configured to limit an extension pressure applied to extend the probe;
- and
- a position sensor configured to measure a displacement rate of the probe.
A method of testing a subterranean formation, comprising:
- positioning a formation tester in a wellbore located in the formation;
- extending a probe of the formation tester outward into contact with the formation, wherein the probe is connected to a piston positioned in a housing comprising first and second chambers separated by the piston, wherein the first and second chambers are coupled to and in fluid communication with a pump, and wherein the probe is extended by applying pressure to the piston via a first solenoid valve coupled between the pump and the first chamber;
- measuring a displacement rate of the probe by a position sensor;
- limiting a force applied by the probe to the formation by variably actuating a flow control device located downhole, wherein the flow control device is coupled between and in fluid communication with the pump and the first chamber;
- retracting the probe by applying pressure to the piston via a second solenoid valve coupled between the pump and the second chamber.
A formation tester for use in a well located in a subterranean formation, comprising:
- a probe extendable to contact the formation;
- a piston connected to the probe and positioned in a housing comprising first and second chambers separated by the piston;
- a pump coupled to and in fluid communication with the first and second chambers;
- an adjustable flow control device coupled between and in fluid communication with the pump and the first chamber, wherein the adjustable flow control device is configured to limit an extension pressure applied to the first chamber for extending the probe;
- a position sensor configured to measure a displacement rate of the probe;
- a first solenoid valve coupled between the pump and the adjustable flow control device;
- a second solenoid valve coupled between the pump and the second chamber;
- a relief valve coupled to the pump and configured to prevent the pump from applying an excessive pressure to the first and second chambers;
- and
- wherein a force applied by the probe to the formation is remotely adjusted downhole in the well.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.