U.S. patent application number 17/529752 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-10 for fluid saturated formation core sampling tool.
This patent application is currently assigned to HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.. Invention is credited to Darren Gascooke, Christopher Michael Jones, Michael T. Pelletier, Anthony Van Zuilekom.
Application Number | 20220074302 17/529752 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60995985 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220074302 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Van Zuilekom; Anthony ; et
al. |
March 10, 2022 |
FLUID SATURATED FORMATION CORE SAMPLING TOOL
Abstract
Downhole core sampling apparatus including first and second
sealing elements and at least one pump configured to pump wellbore
fluid from the annular space defined by the sealing elements. The
downhole core sampling apparatus is capable of obtaining formation
fluid saturated core samples for laboratory testing and reservoir
evaluation. Method and system for obtaining formation fluid
saturated core samples from the sidewall of subterranean wellbores
is provided.
Inventors: |
Van Zuilekom; Anthony;
(Houston, TX) ; Jones; Christopher Michael;
(Houston, TX) ; Gascooke; Darren; (Houston,
TX) ; Pelletier; Michael T.; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES,
INC.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
60995985 |
Appl. No.: |
17/529752 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15579840 |
Dec 5, 2017 |
11187079 |
|
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PCT/US2016/043381 |
Jul 21, 2016 |
|
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17529752 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 49/10 20130101;
E21B 49/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 49/06 20060101
E21B049/06; E21B 49/10 20060101 E21B049/10 |
Claims
1. A method of taking one or more formation fluid measurements of a
formation comprising: disposing a downhole apparatus into a
wellbore, wherein the downhole apparatus comprises a first sealing
element, and a second sealing element; extending the first sealing
element and the second sealing element within a wellbore; sealing
the first sealing element and the second sealing element against
the wellbore, the first sealing element longitudinally spaced from
the second sealing element and defining, at least in part, an
annular space corresponding to a formation access zone along a
sidewall of the wellbore between the first sealing element and the
second sealing element; pumping fluid out of the annular space
through one or more ports disposed between the first sealing
element and the second sealing element; and accessing, with the
downhole apparatus, at least a portion of the formation through the
formation access zone to extract formation fluid from the formation
for making the one or more formation fluid measurements.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the downhole apparatus comprises
a sidewall drilling tool and the method further comprising:
accessing the at least a portion of the formation through the
formation access zone with the sidewall drilling tool.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: drilling through at
least a portion of the sidewall between the first sealing element
and the second sealing element to expose the at least a portion of
the formation to the annular space; and extracting the formation
fluid through the at least a portion of the formation that is
exposed to the annular space.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least a portion of the
sidewall between the first sealing element and the second sealing
element is drilled through after the fluid is pumped out of the
annular space.
5. The method of claim 3, where the at least a portion of the
formation of the annular space is exposed while refraining from
coring the formation through the at least a portion of the sidewall
between the first sealing element and the second sealing
element.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of the
formation is accessed through the formation access zone without
coring the formation through the formation access zone.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the downhole apparatus comprises
one or more pumps for pumping the fluid out of the annular space
through the one or more ports.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: operating the one or
more pumps to extract the formation fluid from the formation
through the at least portion of formation that is accessed through
the formation access zone.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more pumps are
operated to extract the formation fluid from the formation while
refraining from coring the formation through the formation access
zone.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the annular space defined, at
least in part, by the first sealing element and the second sealing
element is isolated from another portion of the wellbore when the
first sealing element and the second sealing element are sealing
against the wellbore.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the downhole apparatus
comprises an output port coupled to the one or more ports and
exposed to the another portion of the wellbore, the method further
comprising pumping the fluid through the one or more ports and out
of the output port to the another portion of the wellbore.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more formation fluid
measurements include chemistry of the formation fluid.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more formation fluid
measurements include reactive fluid component measurements.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more formation fluid
measurements include permeability measurements.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more formation fluid
measurements include capillary pressure measurements.
16. A formation fluid gathering apparatus that is insertable into a
wellbore for taking one or more formation fluid measurements of a
formation surrounding the wellbore, the apparatus comprising: an
elongate housing; a first sealing element and a second sealing
element coupled with the elongate housing, the first sealing
element and the second sealing element spaced apart from one
another along a longitudinal length of the elongate housing,
wherein the first sealing element and the second sealing element
are extendible substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
length of the elongate housing to engage a surface of the wellbore,
thereby forming an annular space corresponding to a formation
access zone along a sidewall of the wellbore between the first
sealing element and the second sealing element; a sidewall drilling
tool coupled with the elongate housing and configured to drill
through at least a portion of the sidewall between the first
sealing element and the second sealing element to expose at least a
portion of the formation to the annular space through the formation
access zone; one or more ports along a surface of elongate housing
between the first sealing element and the second sealing element;
and a pump coupled with one or more intake ports and configured to
extract formation fluid from the formation through the at least a
portion of the formation exposed to the annular space and into the
elongate housing through the one or more intake ports for making
the one or more formation fluid measurements.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one or more formation
fluid measurements include chemistry of the formation fluid.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one or more formation
fluid measurements include reactive fluid component
measurements.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one or more formation
fluid measurements include permeability measurements.
20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one or more formation
fluid measurements include capillary pressure measurements.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/579,840 filed Dec. 5, 2017, which claims benefit to national
stage entry of PCT/US2016/043381 filed Jul. 21, 2016, said
applications are expressly incorporated herein in their
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to obtaining core samples
from subterranean wellbores. In particular, the present disclosure
relates to fluid saturated core sampling from the side wall of
subterranean wellbores.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Wellbores are drilled into the earth for a variety of
purposes including tapping into hydrocarbon bearing formations to
extract the hydrocarbons for use as fuel, lubricants, chemical
production, and other purposes. Core samples may be collected from
the wellbore to facilitate evaluation of subterranean reservoirs
and formation fluids. In particular, core samples saturated with
formation fluid are useful because they may be used to measure
formation fluid chemistry, including reactive fluid components, as
well as permeability, relative permeability, and capillary
pressure. Accurate measurements of reactive fluid components, such
as mercury and hydrogen sulfide, are often important in determining
reservoir value and appropriate production strategies. However,
formation fluid measurements from fluid saturated core samples are
often limited because core samples can become contaminated with
production fluids or other wellbore fluids, such as coring fluid or
drilling fluid filtrate, that invade the reservoir rock in contact
with the wellbore during drilling or production operations. In
particular, higher permeability zones are especially susceptible to
invasion by wellbore fluids, including drilling fluids, greatly
decreasing the likelihood of obtaining fluid saturated core samples
containing a representative reservoir fluid sample.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] In order to describe the manner in which the advantages and
features of the disclosure can be obtained, reference is made to
embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments
of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wellbore operating
environment in which a downhole core sampling apparatus may be
deployed, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view of a downhole core
sampling apparatus in the run configuration, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away view of a downhole core
sampling apparatus in the set configuration, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away view of a downhole core
sampling apparatus in the set configuration with a sidewall coring
tool in drilling engagement with the wellbore, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a cut-away view of the sidewall coring tool
portion of a downhole core sampling apparatus with the coring bit
parallel to the sidewall coring tool, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of the sidewall coring tool
portion of a downhole core sampling apparatus with the coring bit
rotated toward the wellbore wall and perpendicular to the sidewall
coring tool, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of the sidewall coring tool
portion of a downhole core sampling apparatus with the coring bit
extended toward the wellbore wall, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a cut-away view of a core storage assembly portion
of a downhole core sampling apparatus, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a cover activation mechanism
portion of a downhole core sampling apparatus, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a cut-away view of a core storage assembly
portion of a downhole core sampling apparatus containing sampled
cores, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a pump and
sealing element coupled with a proximal portion of a downhole core
sampling apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment; and
[0016] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a pump and sealing
element coupled with a distal portion of a downhole core sampling
apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in
detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it
should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes
only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that
other components and configurations may be used without parting
from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
[0018] It should be understood at the outset that although
illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are
illustrated below, the disclosed compositions and methods may be
implemented using any number of techniques. The disclosure should
in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings,
and techniques illustrated herein, but may be modified within the
scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of
equivalents.
[0019] Unless otherwise specified, any use of any form of the terms
"connect," "engage," "couple," "attach," or any other term
describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit
the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and also
may include indirect interaction between the elements described. In
the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including"
and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should
be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to . . . ".
Reference to up or down will be made for purposes of description
with "up," "upper," "upward," "upstream," or "uphole" meaning
toward the surface of the wellbore and with "down," "lower,"
"downward," "downstream," or "downhole" meaning toward the terminal
end of the well, regardless of the wellbore orientation. The
various characteristics described in more detail below, will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art with the aid of this
disclosure upon reading the following detailed description, and by
referring to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] The present disclosure generally relates to a downhole core
sampling apparatus capable of obtaining sidewall core samples
saturated with formation fluids. The apparatus can include at least
one sealing element capable of isolating an inner portion of the
apparatus from at least one outer portion of the apparatus by
extending to sealingly engage a wellbore wall.
[0021] In some cases, the apparatus includes at least two sealing
elements longitudinally spaced apart from each other and capable of
extending to sealingly engage a wellbore wall. Upon extension, the
sealing elements isolate an inner portion of the apparatus from at
least one outer portion of the apparatus. The apparatus further
includes a sidewall coring tool coupled with the inner isolatable
portion of the apparatus and further coupled with a core storage
assembly having a chamber for storing one or more core samples. The
apparatus also includes at least one intake port along the inner
isolatable portion of the apparatus that is fluidly coupled with an
exit port along an outer portion of the apparatus. The apparatus
further includes at least one pump configured to pump fluid from
the intake port to the exit port when the sealing members are
extended to isolate the inner isolatable portion of the apparatus
from an outer portion of the apparatus.
[0022] The presently disclosed downhole core sampling apparatus,
may be used to pump fluids from the near wellbore environment
causing drilling fluid and other invasive fluids to be flushed from
sample zones of interest and providing for subsequent sampling of
core samples saturated with formation fluids from the flushed
zones. Core samples collected by the sidewall coring tool are
stored in a core storage assembly that includes a pressurized
chamber such that fluid is not lost from the core samples during
the trip out of the wellbore. The formation fluid saturated sample
cores, obtained using the presently disclosed core sampling
apparatus, allow for the sampling of reactive formation fluid
components, such as mercury and hydrogen sulfide, as well as the
measurement of formation fluid chemistry, permeability, capillary
pressure and other attributes useful for reservoir evaluation.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of a
wellbore operating environment in which a downhole core sampling
apparatus, method, and system may be deployed. As depicted, the
operating environment 100 includes a derrick 125 that supports a
hoist 115. Drilling oil and gas wells is commonly carried out using
a string of drill pipes connected together so as to form a drilling
string that is lowered through a rotary table into a wellbore 140.
Here it is assumed that the drill string has been temporarily
removed from the wellbore 140 to allow a downhole core sampling
apparatus 105 to be lowered into the wellbore 140 that has been
previously drilled through one or more formations 150.
[0024] As depicted, downhole core sampling apparatus 105 can be
lowered into wellbore 140 by wireline conveyance 130 coupled with
hoist 115. A casing 134 can be secured within the wellbore 140 by
cement 136. The wireline conveyance 130 can be anchored to the
derrick 125 or portable or mobile units such as a truck 135. The
wireline conveyance 130 provides support for the downhole core
sampling apparatus 105, as well as enabling communication between
the downhole core sampling apparatus 105 and processors or
controllers at the surface 127 outside the wellbore 140. The
wireline conveyance 130 can be one or more wires, wireline,
slickline, cables, tubulars, or the like. The wireline conveyance
130 can include fiber optic cabling or other wire or cable for
carrying out communications. The optical cable can be provided
internal or external of the conveyance 130. The wireline conveyance
130 is sufficiently strong and flexible to tether the downhole core
sampling apparatus 105 through the wellbore 140, while also
permitting communication through the wireline conveyance 130 to
processors or controllers at the surface 127. Additionally, power
can be supplied via the wireline conveyance 130 to meet the power
requirements of the downhole core sampling apparatus 105. While a
wireline conveyance 130 is illustrated in FIG. 1, other conveyances
may be used to convey the core sampling apparatus 105 into the
wellbore. In some instances, the core sampling apparatus 105 can be
conveyed by wired coiled tubing.
[0025] As depicted in FIG. 1, the downhole core sampling apparatus
105 is lowered into wellbore 140 penetrating one or more formations
150 to a desired core sampling zone after which the downhole core
sampling apparatus 105 may sample cores from the sidewall 145 of
wellbore 140. The core sampling apparatus 105 can include an
elongate housing 110, a first sealing element 160, a second sealing
element 165, a sidewall coring tool 170, a core storage assembly
175, first pump 180, and second pump 185.
[0026] While FIG. 1 depicts a first sealing element 160 and a
second sealing element 165, a downhole core sampling apparatus 105
that includes only a single sealing element is within the spirit
and scope of the present disclosure. For instance, the downhole
core sampling apparatus 105 may include only the first sealing
element 160. In other cases, the downhole core sampling apparatus
105 may include only the second sealing element 165.
[0027] Although FIG. 1 depicts a vertical wellbore 140, the present
disclosure is equally well-suited for use in wellbores having other
orientations including horizontal wellbores, slanted wellbores,
multilateral wellbores or the like. Also, even though FIG. 1
depicts an onshore operation, the present disclosure is equally
well-suited for use in offshore operations.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates just one embodiment of a wellbore
operating environment in which a downhole core sampling apparatus,
method, and system may be deployed. The core sampling apparatus,
method, and system may be deployed in other operating environments,
such as a drilling environment. For instance, the core sampling
apparatus 105 may be placed in a wellbore as part of a measurement
while drilling (MWD) portion of a drillstring or as part of a
logging while drilling (LWD) portion of a drillstring. In other
instances, the core sampling apparatus 105 may be on a drillpipe as
part of a wired drillpipe system.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of a core sampling
apparatus 105 that has been lowered to a sampling depth of interest
in wellbore 140 by wireline conveyance 130. As depicted in FIG. 2,
the core sampling apparatus 105 includes an elongate housing 110, a
first sealing element 160, and a second sealing element 165. The
first and second sealing elements 160, 165 are coupled with the
elongate housing 110 and are spaced apart from one another along a
longitudinal length of the elongate housing 110 to form an
isolatable portion 190 of the elongate housing between the first
and second sealing elements 160, 165. As depicted in FIG. 2, the
core sampling apparatus 105 a first outer portion 195 and a second
outer portion 196 spaced apart from one another along a
longitudinal length of the elongate housing 110 and separated from
one another by the first sealing element 160, the second sealing
element 165, and the isolatable portion 190 of the elongate housing
110. The isolatable portion 190 of the core sampling apparatus 105
is isolatable from outer portions 195, 196 of the elongate housing
110 upon extension of the sealing elements 160, 165 to engage a
surface of the wellbore. When the first sealing element 160 and the
second sealing element 165 are extended substantially perpendicular
to the longitudinal length of the elongate housing 110 to engage a
surface 145 of the wellbore 140, a sealed annulus region (for
example the isolated area 198 of wellbore 140 in FIG. 3) is formed
between the surface 145 of the wellbore 140, the first sealing
element 160, the second sealing element 165, and the isolatable
portion 190 of the elongate housing 110.
[0030] As depicted in FIG. 2, sealing elements 160, 165 can be
expandable sealing elements capable of expanding to sealingly
engage the sidewall 145 of wellbore 140. In such instances, the
isolatable portion 190 of the elongate housing 110 is isolatable
from outer portions 195, 196 of the elongate housing upon expansion
of the expandable sealing elements 160, 165. In some cases,
expandable sealing elements 160, 165 may be straddle packers.
[0031] Although sealing elements 160, 165 are depicted in FIG. 2 as
expandable sealing elements, sealing elements 160, 165 can be any
device capable of extending or deploying to isolate a section of
the wellbore and sealingly engage the wall 145 of the wellbore 140
so as to provide sufficient isolation of the core sampling zone so
that fluid may be pumped from the core sampling zone. For instance,
sealing elements 160, 165 can be sealing pads extended or deployed
to isolate a section of the wellbore and sealingly engage the wall
145 of the wellbore 140.
[0032] The core sampling apparatus 105 further includes a sidewall
coring tool 170 coupled along the isolatable portion 190 of the
core sampling apparatus 105 and further coupled with a core storage
assembly 175 having a chamber for storing a plurality of core
samples. The core sampling apparatus 105 additionally includes a
first intake port 181 disposed along the isolatable portion 190 of
the core sampling apparatus 105. The first intake port 181 is
configured to receive fluid into an interior portion 183 of the
elongate housing 110. The first intake port 181 is fluidly coupled
with a first exit port 182 disposed on a first outer portion 195 of
the core sampling apparatus. The first exit port 182 is configured
to expel fluid from the interior portion 183 of the elongate
housing 110. A first pump 180 is coupled with the first intake port
181 and the first exit port 182. The first pump 180 is configured
to draw fluid through the first intake port 181 into the interior
portion 183 of the elongate housing 110. The first pump 180 may
also be configured to pump fluid from the first intake port 181 to
the first exit port 182 when the sealing elements 160, 165 are
extended to isolate the isolatable portion 190 of the elongate
housing 110.
[0033] The core sampling apparatus 105 may optionally include one
or more additional intake ports, exit ports, and pumps. For
instance, FIG. 2 additionally depicts a second intake port 186
disposed along the isolatable portion 190 of the elongate housing
110. The second intake port 186 is fluidly coupled with a first
exit port 187 disposed on a second outer portion 196 of the core
sampling apparatus. The second intake port 186 is configured to
receive fluid into an interior portion 188 of the elongate housing
110. A second pump 185 is operatively coupled with the second
intake port 186 and the second exit port 187. The second exit port
187 is configured to expel fluid from the interior portion 188 of
the elongate housing 110. The second pump 185 is configured to draw
fluid through the second intake port 186 into the interior portion
188 of the elongate housing 110. The second pump 185 may also be
configured to pump fluid from the second intake port 186 to the
second exit port 187 when sealing elements 160, 165 are extended to
isolate the isolatable portion 190 of the elongate housing 110 from
the outer portions 195, 196 of the elongate housing 110.
[0034] As depicted in FIG. 2, the core sampling apparatus 105 is in
the run configuration suitable for running the core sampling
apparatus 105 into the wellbore and lowering to a sampling depth of
interest or for subsequent uphole or downhole repositioning in the
wellbore to one or more additional desired sampling sites. In the
run configuration, the sealing elements 160, 165 are retracted
allowing for free movement of the core sampling apparatus 105
within the wellbore 140. As depicted in FIG. 2, the sealing
elements 160, 165 are shown as expandable sealing members that are
deflated or unexpanded, allowing for free movement of the core
sampling apparatus 105 within the wellbore 140.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of the core sampling
apparatus 105 in the set configuration after being lowered to a
sampling depth of interest. In the set configuration, the sealing
elements 160, 165 are extended to sealingly engage the wall 145 of
the wellbore 140 and isolate the isolatable portion 190 of the
elongate housing 110. As depicted in FIG. 3, the sealing members
160, 165 can be expandable sealing elements. In such cases, the
sealing elements 160, 165 can be extended or expanded into position
by inflating the sealing elements 160, 165 with fluid through
controlled valves. When expanded, the sealing elements 160, 165
isolate a section of the wellbore and fluid from within the
isolated area can be drawn through one or more intake ports located
between the sealing elements 160, 165. The sealing elements 160,
165 may be straddle packers, or any other device capable of
extending, expanding or deploying to isolate a section of the
wellbore and sealingly engage the wall 145 of the wellbore 140 so
as to provide sufficient isolation of the core sampling zone so
that fluid may be pumped from the core sampling zone. In some
cases, the sealing elements 160, 165 may be sealing pads deployed
to isolate a section of the wellbore and sealingly engage the wall
145 of the wellbore 140.
[0036] Following expansion of the sealing elements 160, 165 to
sealingly engage the wall 145 of the wellbore 140, one or more
pumps on the core sampling apparatus can be used to pump fluid from
within the isolated area 198 of the wellbore 140 and adjacent to
the isolatable portion 190 of the elongate housing 110 to outside
199 the isolated area of the wellbore 140 adjacent to the outer
portions 195, 196 of the elongate housing 110. As depicted in FIG.
3, the core sampling apparatus 105 includes a first pump 180
operatively coupled with a first intake port 181 disposed along the
isolatable portion 190 of the core sampling apparatus 105. The
first intake port 181 is fluidly coupled with a first exit port 182
disposed on a first outer portion 195 of the core sampling
apparatus 105 and also operatively coupled with the first pump 180.
The first pump 180 is configured to pump fluid from the first
intake port 181 to the first exit port 182 thereby pumping fluids
from the near wellbore environment and flushing drilling fluid and
other invasive fluids from the sample zones of interest in the
portion of the wellbore isolated by the sealing elements 160, 165.
The first pump 180 is further configured to pump fluid from the
isolated portion 198 of the wellbore 140 with sufficient pressure
so as to draw formation fluid within the sample zones of interest
toward the wall 145 of the wellbore 140 such that subsequent
sampling of core samples from the sample zone of interest provides
for core samples saturated with representative formation
fluids.
[0037] The core sampling apparatus 105 may optionally include one
or more additional pumps operatively coupled to one or more intake
ports and exit ports. For instance, FIG. 3 additionally depicts a
second intake port 186 disposed along the inner isolatable portion
190 of the elongate housing 110. The second intake port 186 is
fluidly coupled with a first exit port 187 disposed on a second
outer portion 196 of the elongate housing 110. A second pump 185 is
operatively coupled with the second intake port 186 and the second
exit port 182. The second pump 185 is configured to pump fluid from
the second intake port 186 to the second exit port 187 when sealing
members 160, 165 are extended to isolate the inner isolatable
portion 190 of the elongate housing 110 from the outer portions
195, 196 of the elongate housing 110. In a similar manner as the
first pump 180, the pumping of second pump 185 flushes drilling
fluid and other invasive fluids from the sample zones of interest
in the portion of the wellbore isolated by sealing members 160,
165. The second pump 180 is further configured to pump fluid from
the isolated portion 198 of the wellbore 140 with sufficient
pressure so as to draw formation fluid within the sample zones of
interest toward the wall 145 of the wellbore 140 such that
subsequent sampling of core samples from the sample zone of
interest provides for core samples saturated with representative
formation fluids.
[0038] While two pumps and two intake ports and exit ports are
depicted in FIGS. 2-4, the core sampling apparatus 105 may include
a single pump operatively coupled to a single intake port and exit
port without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure. Additionally, the core sampling apparatus 105 may
include more than two pumps, each operatively coupled to at least
one intake port and exit port, without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates the core sampling apparatus 105 in the
set configuration with a sidewall coring tool 170 in drilling
engagement with the wellbore. The sidewall coring tool 170 is
coupled along the inner isolatable portion 190 of the elongate
housing 110 and further coupled with a core storage assembly 175
having a chamber for storing a plurality of core samples. Once the
core sampling apparatus 105 is lowered to a sample region of
interest, the sealing elements 160, 165 are extended to sealingly
engage wall 145 of wellbore 140, and one or more pumps have flushed
sample zone, the coring bit 172 of sidewall coring tool 170 is
rotated to face the wall 145 of the wellbore 140. Subsequently, the
coring bit 172 is extended to engage the wall 145 of the wellbore
140 so that a formation fluid saturated core sample may be cut and
extracted from wall 145 of wellbore 140. Formation fluid saturated
core samples collected by the sidewall coring tool 170 are stored
in a pressurized chamber within the core storage assembly 175 such
that fluid is not lost from the core samples during the trip out of
the wellbore.
[0040] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure,
after one or more core samples are collected and stored in the core
sampling apparatus 105, the sealing elements 160, 165 can be
retracted or deflated and the sidewall coring bit 172 retracted to
allow the apparatus to be moved to a new sampling location within
wellbore 140. After each time that the core sampling apparatus 105
is moved to an additional sampling location within wellbore 140,
the sealing elements 160, 165 can be extended to sealingly engage
the wall 145 of the wellbore 140, and one or more pumps used to
flush fluid from within the isolated area of the wellbore 140 so as
to provide for sampling of formation fluid saturated core
samples.
[0041] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the sidewall coring tool 170 portion of
core sampling apparatus 110. As depicted in FIGS. 5-7, the sidewall
coring tool 170 includes a coring bit 172 to be forced into a
formation so as to collect a formation fluid saturated core sample.
Certain example coring bits 172 include a finger in the coring head
to retain a sample. The sidewall coring tool can in some instances
include a bell crank 520 allowing the coring bit 510 to be both
rotated and moved. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the coring bit 172 is
spun while it is translated into the wall 145 of wellbore 140. In
some instances, the formation fluid saturated core sample is cut
from the wellbore 140 until the tool has reached a maximum
displacement into the wellbore wall 145. In some instances, a sharp
lateral translation of the tool and core barrel assembly will break
the core sample free from the wellbore wall 145 corresponding to
the formation 150.
[0042] The sequence of FIGS. 5-7 can be reversed as the coring bit
172 is retracted back into the core sampling apparatus 105 and then
rotated parallel to the core sampling apparatus 105. In some
instances, the coring bit 172 can be aligned with an opening 540 in
core storage assembly 175 upon retraction. The collected core is
pushed into the opening 540 of the core storage assembly 175 by,
for example, plunger 530.
[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates a core storage assembly 175 of a core
sampling apparatus 110, according to an exemplary embodiment. The
core storage assembly 175 includes a core tube assembly 810, which,
in turn, includes a carrier chamber 820 to store a plurality of
core samples. The core tube assembly 810 further includes a cover
action mechanism 830 to open and close the opening to the carrier
chamber 820. The core storage assembly 175 may include a chemical
chamber 840 for storing one or more chemicals for use with the core
samples.
[0044] The core storage assembly 175 is configured to store the
cores after they are retrieved from the formation 150 by sidewall
coring tool 170. The cores are stored within the carrier chamber
820 of the core storage assembly 175. In some instances, the
sidewall coring tool 170 may be a Hostile Rotary Sidewall Coring
(HR-SCT.TM.) tool by Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. In some
instances, the core storage assembly 175 includes two sections. The
first section is an activation mechanism module 830 and the second
section is a core tube assembly 810.
[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates a cover activation mechanism 830 shown
from outside the tool, according to an exemplary embodiment. The
cover activation mechanism 830 may be actuated to place one of a
cover 910 or the contents of one of chambers 920, 930, or 940 in
front of the core storage assembly 175. In some instances the core
storage assembly 175 may include fewer than four chambers, while in
other instances, the core storage assembly 175 may include four,
five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen,
fourteen, fifteen, or more chambers. Example ones of chambers 920,
930, and 940 may include one or more of isolator plugs, packaging
film, or other items for preserving core samples.
[0046] In some cases, the cover activation mechanism 830 is
actuated by a rotational motor, which may be a geared motor or
servo. In other instances, the cover activation mechanism is
actuated by a cable with a spring.
[0047] In some cases, when the core sampling apparatus 105 is in
coring mode, a cover activation mechanism 830 rotates the cover to
the open position which allows the sampled core to be deposited
into the carrier chamber 820 of the core storage assembly 175. In
some instances, after each core is drilled and deposited in the
carrier chamber 820, the cover activation mechanism 830 rotates the
cover to the closed positon. Once in the closed position, a push
rod within the cover activation mechanism 830 can install a plug
910 through the cover into the carrier chamber 820. The plug 910
may maintain the pressure of the carrier chamber 820, for example,
while it is brought to the surface and transported to a laboratory
for testing. Once on the surface, the carrier chamber 820 can be
removed from the larger assembly and shipped to the lab for further
evaluation and testing.
[0048] In some instances, the core sampling apparatus 105 obtains
two or more sets of core samples from different formation regions
in a single run and stores the sets of core samples in the carrier
chamber 820. In some instances, a swellable packer may be used to
isolate the sets of core samples from each other in the carrier
chamber 820. In other instances, the cores may be separated with a
disc. The discs can be composed of compliant materials, such as
foam. The discs can seal against the walls of the carrier chamber
820 to isolate the core samples and prevent fluid from being
transferred between core samples. In some cases, the discs seal
chemically to deter the adsorption of mud component or gas
exposure. The discs may also help to prevent the core samples from
rattling in the core tube and breaking while in transit to the
surface or in transit to the lab. The discs may also be used to
identify from what location in the wellbore 140 the core sample was
taken.
[0049] The core tube assembly 810 may include one or more sensors.
The sensors may be located at the top or the bottom of the carrier
chamber 820. The sensors may measure one or more of temperature,
pressure, or acceleration. The one or more sensors may be coupled
with a memory to store logged data. For instance, the sensors may
be coupled with a memory to store one or more measurements from the
sensors. The memory can be further coupled to one or more
processors to control the measurements from the sensors and the
storage of the measurements in the memory. In some instances, the
sensors measure one or more of a temperature, a pressure, or an
acceleration during or after storing a core sample in the core
storage assembly 175. The system may further store a time
associated with the sampling of a core and associate the time with
the measured temperature, pressure, or an acceleration. In some
cases, the memory is capable of being queried and read at the
surface. For instance, the memory may be queried using a computer
and a wired or wireless connection to the processor of the core
storage assembly 175.
[0050] In some instances, the plugging of the carrier chamber 820
is performed after the desired core samples are retrieved and
deposited in the carrier chamber 820. In some cases, the plugging
of the carrier chamber 820 maintains the pressure of the core
samples while the carrier chamber 820 is brought to the surface and
after the carrier chamber 820 has been brought to the surface. For
instance, the pressure may be maintained at or near in-situ
pressure for the formation samples.
[0051] In some cases, the core storage assembly 175 may include a
carrier chamber 820 filled with a fluid such as nitrogen. In some
instances, the bottom of the carrier chamber 820 may be fitted with
a piston 850 which is compressed as core samples are loaded into
the carrier chamber 820. For instance, as a core sample is loaded
into the carrier chamber 820, piston 850 is energized to maintain
an axial load on the cores samples. In some cases, piston 850 is a
travelling piston or a floating piston. In such cases, an axial
load is maintained on the core samples as they are brought to the
surface from the pressure maintained by the travel piston.
[0052] In some cases, the core storage assembly 175 includes a
bladder in the wall of carrier chamber 820. In such cases, the
bladder wall is used to maintain an axial load on the core samples,
maintaining hydrostatic pressure in the core samples. This bladder
wall may help to preserve the strain state of the core sample. The
bladder wall may further help to prevent shifting of the core
samples during transport and maintain the gas phase of the core
samples.
[0053] In some cases, the core storage assembly 175 may further
include tubing material to receive one or more core samples in the
carrier chamber 820. For instance, a thermoplastic such as
polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or Teflon may be used as a tubing in
the carrier chamber 820. In some cases, the tubing may be arranged
like a "sock" with the open end attached to the closed end of the
carrier chamber 820. In at least one aspect of the present
disclosure, as a core sample is brought into the carrier chamber
820, it is encased in a portion of the tubing. In some instances, a
heater may be used to heat shrink a portion of the tubing around
the core sample. In some cases, the shrinking and application of a
constricting radial load from the tubing seals the core sample. In
some cases, this heat shrink sealing helps to retain liquids in the
core sample and may further help to prevent sample-to-sample
contamination. In some instances where the core samples are stored
in tubing material, after a sample is loaded, a sample retainer is
rotated once as a sample tamping piston is nearing contact. This
seals each of the tubing-material sheathed core samples in an
individual compartment.
[0054] In some instances, the core tube assembly 810 can include
one or more heaters to apply heat to the core samples. The heaters
may be controlled based, at least in part, on one or more
temperature measurements measured by one or more sensors in the
core storage assembly 175. In some cases, the carrier chamber 820
may include one or more heaters at one or both ends of the carrier
chamber 820. In some cases, the core tube assembly 810 may include
a thin-film heater along at least part of its length to heat core
samples.
[0055] In some cases, the core storage assembly 175 may maintain
both the pressure and the temperature of a core sample. In such
cases, gases within the core sample may be kept in solution after
the carrier chamber 820 is brought to the surface.
[0056] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure,
the carrier chamber 820 of the core storage assembly 175 can be
coated with a coating that is unreactive with respect to one or
more components of the formation fluid. For instance, the carrier
chamber 820 may be coated with a sapphire (Al.sub.2O.sub.3) or
other coating known to be unreactive in the presence of hydrogen
sulfide (H.sub.2S) or mercury, such that these reactive formation
fluid components are preserved in the formation fluid saturated
cores for later analysis. Such protective sampling provides for the
measurement of low concentrations of reactive formation fluid
components. In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the
sapphire (Al.sub.2O.sub.3) coating may be applied using vapor
deposition.
[0057] In some instances, the core storage assembly 175 includes a
sampling chamber with end caps and fittings suitable for
installation in a laboratory displacement apparatus. In one
instance, the core samples may be stored continuously in a tube
lined system where a core end plate with flow fittings is attached
to the end of the tube. In some cases, the tube lining may be made
of Teflon of PEEK. In an exemplary operation, the core samples are
installed in the receiving chamber and a top cap is forced into
place as the tube is heat sealed to the top cap. In some cases, the
top cap is fitted for laboratory studies, such as flow studies
where fluid is flowed into or out of the sampling chamber. In some
cases, one or both of axial and radial loads are maintained on the
core samples, using techniques described above. Alternatively, one
end cap is set to stroke with hydraulic pressure, while the radial
component is maintained through a side port through which fluid is
injected to maintain the core samples under compression while the
samples are conveyed to the surface.
[0058] In some cases, a hydraulic support system maintains the
stress conditions on the core samples after retrieval and during
transportation of the core samples in the sampling chamber to, for
example, a laboratory. The radial and axial loads may further be
maintained while the sample chamber is installed in lab
equipment.
[0059] FIG. 10 illustrates the core storage assembly 175 portion of
a core sampling apparatus 105 with the carrier chamber 820 filled
with formation fluid saturated cores samples 1005, 1010, 1015,
1020, 1025, 1030, 1035, 1040, 1045, and 1050. Cover 910 has been
installed over carrier chamber 820 to maintain pressure within the
carrier chamber 820 such that fluid is not lost from the core
samples during the trip out of the wellbore.
[0060] FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of the
first pump 180 and first sealing element 160 coupled with a
proximal portion of the core sampling apparatus 105, according to
an exemplary embodiment. As depicted in FIG. 11, the first pump 180
is operatively coupled with a first intake port 181 disposed along
the isolatable portion 190 of the elongate housing 110. The first
intake port 181 is fluidly coupled with a first exit port 182
disposed on a first outer portion 195 of the elongate housing 110
and also operatively coupled with the first pump 180. Optionally,
the fluid coupling between the first intake port 181 and the first
exit port 182 may include one or more valves 1110 configured to
selectively permit and prevent flow of fluid between the first
intake port 181 and the first exit port 182. The first pump 180 is
configured to pump fluid from the first intake port 181 to the
first exit port 182 when the first sealing element 160 and the
second sealing element 165 are extended to isolate the isolatable
portion 190 of the elongate housing 110 from the outer portions
195, 196 of the elongate housing 110. The pumping action by the
first pump 180 serves to flush drilling fluid and other invasive
fluids from the sample zones of interest in the portion of the
wellbore isolated by the expanding sealing elements 160, 165. The
first pump 180 is further configured to pump fluid from the
isolated portion 198 of the wellbore with sufficient pressure so as
to draw formation fluid within the sample zones of interest toward
the wall 145 of the wellbore 140 such that subsequent sampling of
core samples from the sample zone of interest provides for core
samples saturated with representative formation fluids.
[0061] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second pump
185 and second sealing element 165 coupled with a distal portion of
the core sampling apparatus 105. As depicted in FIG. 12, the core
sampling apparatus 105 additionally includes a second intake port
186 disposed along the inner isolatable portion 190 of the elongate
housing 110. The second intake port 186 is fluidly coupled with a
second exit port 187 disposed on a second outer portion 196 of the
elongate housing 110. Optionally, the fluid coupling between the
second intake port 186 and the second exit port 187 may include one
or more valves 1210 configured to selectively permit and prevent
flow of fluid between the second intake port 186 and the second
exit port 187. A second pump 185 is operatively coupled with the
second intake port 186 and the second exit port 182. The second
pump 185 is configured to pump fluid from the second intake port
186 to the second exit port 187 when sealing elements 160, 165 are
extended to isolate the isolatable portion 190 of the elongate
housing 110 from the outer portions 195, 196 of the elongate
housing 110. In a similar manner as the first pump 180, the pumping
of second pump 185 flushes drilling fluid and other invasive fluids
from the sample zones of interest in the portion of the wellbore
isolated by the sealing elements 160, 165. The second pump 180 is
further configured to pump fluid from the isolated portion of the
wellbore 198 with sufficient pressure so as to draw formation fluid
within the sample zones of interest toward the wall 145 of the
wellbore 140 such that subsequent sampling of core samples from the
sample zone of interest provides for core samples saturated with
representative formation fluids.
[0062] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure,
the degree to which the fluids in the near wellbore environment
have been sufficiently flushed, for example, to cause formation
fluid to draw into the sample zones of interest, may be monitored
using optical analyzers positioned near the first and second intake
ports 181, 186 or near the first and second exit ports 182, 187.
Alternatively, one or more optical analyzers may be operatively
coupled with the first or second pumps 180, 185 or elsewhere in the
fluid coupling between intake ports 181, 186 and exit ports 182,
187. Additionally, the optical analyzers may be configured to
monitor fluid that has entered both the first and second intake
ports 181, 186 in order to ensure effective flushing of the full
wellbore region in the sampling zone of interest. Such optical
analyzers may be used to determine when the fluids within the
isolated area 198 of the wellbore 140 and adjacent to the
isolatable portion 190 of the elongate housing 110 have been
sufficiently flushed so as to likely provide for subsequent
sampling of core samples saturated with representative formation
fluids.
[0063] According to the present disclosure, a downhole core
sampling apparatus insertable in a wellbore is provided. The
apparatus includes an elongate housing, a first sealing member, and
a second sealing member. The first and second sealing members are
coupled with the elongate housing and spaced apart from one another
along a longitudinal length of the elongate housing to form an
isolatable portion of the elongate housing between the first
sealing element and the second sealing element The first sealing
element and the second sealing element are extendible substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the elongate housing to
engage a surface of the wellbore, thereby forming a sealed annulus
region between the surface of the wellbore, the first sealing
element, the second sealing element, and the isolatable portion of
the elongate housing. The apparatus further includes a sidewall
coring tool coupled with the isolatable portion of the elongate
housing and further coupled with a core storage assembly having a
chamber for storing a plurality of core samples. The sidewall
coring tool has a coring bit extendible from the isolatable
portion. The apparatus also includes a intake port along the
surface of the isolatable portion for receiving fluid into an
interior portion of the elongated housing. The apparatus further
includes a pump coupled with the intake port and configured to draw
fluid through the intake port into the interior portion of the
elongate housing.
[0064] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure,
the apparatus can further include a first outer portion and a
second outer portion, the first outer portion and the second outer
portion spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length
of the elongate housing and separated from one another by the first
sealing element, the second sealing element, and the isolatable
portion of the elongate housing. The apparatus can further include
an exit port disposed on one of the outer portions and fluidly
coupled with the intake port and coupled with the pump. The exit
port may be configured to expel fluid from the interior portion of
the elongate housing.
[0065] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure,
the pump may be configured to pump fluid from the intake port to
the exit port when the first sealing member and the second sealing
member are extended to isolate the isolatable portion of the
elongate housing from the first and the second outer portions.
[0066] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure,
the apparatus can further include a first outer portion and a
second outer portion. In such cases, the first exit port is
disposed on the first outer portion of the apparatus. The apparatus
further includes a second intake port disposed along the inner
isolatable portion of the apparatus and fluidly coupled with a
second exit port disposed on the second outer portion of the
apparatus. The apparatus further includes a second pump coupled
with the second intake port and the second exit port. The second
pump is configured to pump fluid from the second intake port to the
second exit port when the first sealing member and the second
sealing member are extended to isolate the inner isolatable portion
of the apparatus from the first outer portion and second outer
portion of the apparatus.
[0067] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure,
the apparatus can further include a plug configured to maintain
pressure in the chamber. According to at least one aspect of the
present disclosure, the core storage assembly can further include a
plurality of disks sealingly engaged with an inner wall of the
chamber so as to separate stored core samples. According to at
least one aspect of the present disclosure, the core storage
assembly can further include a heater configured to heat at least a
portion of the core storage assembly. According to at least one
aspect of the present disclosure, the core storage assembly of the
apparatus can further include a piston configured to maintain an
axial load on the one or more core samples stored in the chamber.
According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the
core storage assembly of the apparatus can further include a
selectively inflatable bladder configured to maintain hydrostatic
pressure on one or more core samples stored in the chamber.
[0068] According to the present disclosure, a method of obtaining
fluid saturated downhole core samples is provided. The method
includes disposing a downhole apparatus into a wellbore. The
downhole apparatus includes a sidewall coring tool, a first sealing
member, and a second sealing member. The method further includes
extending the first sealing member and the second sealing member
within a wellbore and sealing the first sealing member and the
second sealing member against the wellbore. The first sealing
member is longitudinally spaced from the second sealing member and
defines an annular space between the first sealing member, the
second sealing member and the wellbore. The method further includes
pumping fluid out of the annular space through one or more ports
disposed between the first sealing member and the second sealing
member. The method further includes cutting at least one core
sample from the sidewall of the wellbore.
[0069] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure,
the method further includes retracting the first sealing element
and the second sealing element, moving the downhole apparatus to a
second sampling location in the wellbore, extending the first
sealing element and the second sealing element within a wellbore,
and sealing the first sealing element and the second sealing
element against the wellbore. The first sealing element is
longitudinally spaced from the second sealing element and defines
an annular space between the first sealing element, the second
sealing element, and the wellbore. The method further includes
pumping fluid out of the annular space through one or more ports
disposed between the first sealing element and the second sealing
element and cutting at least one core sample from the sidewall of
the wellbore.
[0070] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure,
the method further includes an apparatus that includes a core
storage assembly configured to store a plurality of core samples.
According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the
core storage assembly is further configured to store the plurality
of core samples at sufficient hydrostatic pressure to maintain
fluid saturation in the plurality of core samples. According to at
least one aspect of the present disclosure, the method further
includes cutting a plurality of core samples from the sidewall of
the wellbore and storing the plurality of core samples in the core
storage assembly. According to at least one aspect of the present
disclosure, the pumping fluid out of the annular space includes
pumping with sufficient force and for sufficient duration to cause
the cut cores samples to be saturated with formation fluid.
[0071] According to the present disclosure, a system is provided.
The system includes a downhole core sampling apparatus disposed
within a wellbore. The downhole core sampling apparatus includes an
elongate housing, a first sealing element, and a second sealing
element coupled with the elongate housing. The first sealing
element and the second sealing element are spaced apart from one
another along a longitudinal length of the elongate housing to form
an isolatable portion of the elongate housing between the first
sealing element and the second sealing element. The first sealing
element and the second sealing element are extendible substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the elongate housing to
engage a surface of the wellbore, thereby forming a sealed annulus
region between the surface of the wellbore, the first sealing
element, the second sealing element and the isolatable portion of
the elongate housing. The apparatus may further include a sidewall
coring tool coupled with the isolatable portion of the elongate
housing. The sidewall coring tool may have a coring bit extendible
from the isolatable portion. The apparatus may further include an
intake port along the surface of the isolatable portion for
receiving fluid into an interior portion of the elongated housing.
The apparatus may further include a pump coupled with the intake
port and configured to draw fluid through the intake port into the
interior portion of the elongated housing.
[0072] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure,
the first sealing element and the second sealing element are each
configured to form a seal with the wellbore, the respective seals
defining an annular space between the first sealing element, the
second sealing element, and the wellbore. The downhole core
sampling apparatus further includes a sidewall coring tool coupled
with a core storage assembly having a chamber for storing a
plurality of cores samples. The sidewall coring tool is disposed
longitudinally between the first sealing element and the second
sealing element. The downhole core sampling apparatus further
includes at least one pump configured to pump fluid out of the
annular space.
[0073] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure,
the core storage assembly of the system further includes a plug
configured to maintain pressure in the chamber. In at least one
aspect of the present disclosure, the core storage assembly of the
system further includes a plurality of disks sealingly engaged with
an inner wall of the chamber so as to separate stored core samples.
In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the core storage
assembly of the system further includes a heater configured to
apply heat to core samples stored in the chamber. In at least one
aspect of the present disclosure, the core storage assembly of the
system further includes a piston configured to maintain an axial
load on the one or more core samples stored in the chamber. In at
least one aspect of the present disclosure, the core storage
assembly of the system further includes a selectively inflatable
bladder configured to maintain hydrostatic pressure on one or more
core samples stored in the chamber.
[0074] Although a variety of examples and other information was
used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no
limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular
features or arrangements in such examples, as one of ordinary skill
would be able to use these examples to derive a wide variety of
implementations. Further and although some subject matter may have
been described in language specific to examples of structural
features and/or method steps, it is to be understood that the
subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily
limited to these described features or acts. For example, such
functionality can be distributed differently or performed in
components other than those identified herein. Rather, the
described features and steps are disclosed as examples of
components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended
claims. Moreover, claim language reciting "at least one of" a set
indicates that a system including either one member of the set, or
multiple members of the set, or all members of the set, satisfies
the claim.
Statements of the Disclosure Include:
[0075] Statement 1: A downhole core sampling apparatus insertable
in a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: an elongate housing; a
first sealing element and a second sealing element coupled with the
elongate housing, the first sealing element and the second sealing
element spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length
of the elongate housing to form an isolatable portion of the
elongate housing between the first sealing element and the second
sealing element; wherein the first sealing element and the second
sealing element are extendible substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal length of the elongate housing to engage a surface of
the wellbore, thereby forming a sealed annulus region between
surface of the wellbore, the first sealing element, the second
sealing element, and the isolatable portion of the elongate
housing; a sidewall coring tool coupled with the isolatable portion
of the elongate housing, the sidewall coring tool having a coring
bit extendible from the isolatable portion; a core storage assembly
disposed within the elongate housing and coupled with the coring
tool, the core storage assembly having a chamber for receiving a
plurality of core samples; an intake port along the surface of the
isolatable portion for receiving fluid into an interior portion of
the elongated housing; and a pump coupled with the intake port and
configured to draw fluid through the intake port into the interior
portion of the elongate housing.
[0076] Statement 2: A downhole core sampling apparatus according to
Statement 1, further comprising: a first outer portion and a second
outer portion, the first outer portion and the second outer portion
spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length of the
elongate housing and separated from one another by the first
sealing element, the second sealing element, and the isolatable
portion of the elongate housing; and an exit port fluidly coupled
with the intake port and coupled with the pump, the exit port
disposed on one of the outer portions, wherein the exit port is
configured to expel fluid from the interior portion of the elongate
housing.
[0077] Statement 3: A downhole core sampling apparatus according to
Statement 2, wherein the pump is configured to pump fluid from the
intake port to the exit port when the first sealing member and the
second sealing member are extended to isolate the isolatable
portion of the elongate housing from the first and second outer
portions.
[0078] Statement 4: A downhole core sampling apparatus according to
Statement 2 or Statement 3, wherein the exit port is disposed on
the first outer portion, the apparatus further comprising: a second
intake port along the surface of the isolatable portion for
receiving fluid into an interior portion of the elongated housing,
the second intake port fluidly coupled with a second exit port
disposed on the second outer portion and coupled with a second
pump, wherein the second exit port is configured to expel fluid
from the interior portion of the elongate housing.
[0079] Statement 5: A downhole core sampling apparatus according to
any one of the preceding Statements 1-4, wherein the first and
second sealing elements are expandable sealing elements, the
extension of the first and second sealing elements comprising
expansion of the first and second sealing elements.
[0080] Statement 6: A downhole core sampling apparatus according to
any one of the preceding Statements 1-5, wherein the first and
second sealing elements are each straddle packers.
[0081] Statement 7: A downhole core sampling apparatus according to
any one of the preceding Statements 1-6, wherein the core storage
assembly further comprises a plug configured to maintain pressure
in the chamber.
[0082] Statement 8: A downhole core sampling apparatus according to
any one of the preceding Statements 1-7, wherein the core storage
assembly further comprises a plurality of disks sealingly engaged
with an inner wall of the chamber so as to separate stored core
samples.
[0083] Statement 9: A downhole core sampling apparatus according to
any one of the preceding Statements 1-8, wherein the core storage
assembly further comprises a heater configured to heat at least a
portion of the core storage assembly.
[0084] Statement 10: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 1-9, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a piston configured to maintain
an axial load on one or more core samples stored in the
chamber.
[0085] Statement 11: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 1-10, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a selectively inflatable bladder
configured to maintain hydrostatic pressure on one or more core
samples stored in the chamber.
[0086] Statement 12: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 1-11, further comprising an
optical analyzer positioned near at least one of the intake port,
the second intake port, the exit port, and the second exit
port.
[0087] Statement 13: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 1-12, wherein the chamber is
coated with a coating that is unreactive with respect to one or
more components of formation fluid.
[0088] Statement 14: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 1-13, wherein the chamber is
coated with an Al.sub.2O.sub.3 coating.
[0089] Statement 15: A downhole core sampling apparatus comprising:
a first expandable sealing element and a second expandable sealing
element, the first expandable sealing element longitudinally spaced
from the second expandable sealing element; an inner isolatable
portion between the first and second expandable sealing elements,
the inner isolatable portion isolatable from at least one outer
portion of the apparatus upon expansion of the first and second
expandable sealing elements; a sidewall coring tool coupled along
the inner isolatable portion of the apparatus and further coupled
with a core storage assembly having a chamber for storing a
plurality of core samples; a first intake port disposed along the
inner isolatable portion of the apparatus and fluidly coupled with
a first exit port disposed on an at least one of the outer portions
of the apparatus; and a first pump operatively coupled with the
first intake port and the first exit port, wherein the first pump
is configured to pump fluid from the first intake port to the first
exit port when the first expandable sealing element and the second
expandable sealing element are expanded to isolate the inner
isolatable portion of the apparatus from at least one outer portion
of the apparatus.
[0090] Statement 16: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to Statement 15, further comprising: a first outer portion and a
second outer portion, the first exit port disposed on the first
outer portion of the apparatus; a second intake port disposed along
the inner isolatable portion of the apparatus and fluidly coupled
with a second exit port disposed on the second outer portion of the
apparatus; and a second pump operatively coupled with the second
intake port and the second exit port, wherein the second pump is
configured to pump fluid from the second intake port to the second
exit port when the first expandable sealing element and the second
expandable sealing element are expanded to isolate the inner
isolatable portion of the apparatus from the first outer portion
and second outer portion of the apparatus.
[0091] Statement 17: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to Statement 15 or Statement 16, wherein the first and second
expandable sealing elements are straddle packers.
[0092] Statement 18: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 15-17, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a plug configured to maintain
pressure in the chamber.
[0093] Statement 19: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 15-18, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a plurality of disks sealingly
engaged with an inner wall of the chamber so as to separate stored
core samples.
[0094] Statement 20: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 15-19, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a heater configured to heat at
least a portion of the core storage assembly.
[0095] Statement 21: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 15-20, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a piston configured to maintain
an axial load on one or more core samples stored in the
chamber.
[0096] Statement 22: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 15-21, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a selectively inflatable bladder
configured to maintain hydrostatic pressure on one or more core
samples stored in the chamber.
[0097] Statement 23: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 15-22, further comprising an
optical analyzer positioned near at least one of the first intake
port, the second intake port, the first exit port, and the second
exit port.
[0098] Statement 24: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 15-23, wherein the chamber
is coated with a coating that is unreactive with respect to one or
more components of formation fluid.
[0099] Statement 25: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 15-24, wherein the chamber
is coated with an Al.sub.2O.sub.3 coating.
[0100] Statement 26: A downhole core sampling apparatus comprising:
a sealing member capable of isolating an inner isolatable portion
from an outer portion of the apparatus upon extension of the
sealing element; a sidewall coring tool coupled along the inner
isolatable portion of the apparatus and further coupled with a core
storage assembly having a chamber for storing a plurality of core
samples; an intake port disposed along the inner isolatable portion
of the apparatus and fluidly coupled with an exit port disposed on
the outer portion of the apparatus; and a pump operatively coupled
with the intake port and the exit port, wherein the pump is
configured to pump fluid from the intake port to the exit port when
the sealing element is extended to isolate the inner isolatable
portion of the apparatus from the outer portion of the
apparatus.
[0101] Statement 27: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to Statement 26, wherein the sealing member is an expandable
sealing element, the extension of the sealing element comprising
expansion of the sealing element.
[0102] Statement 28: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to Statements 26 or Statement 27, wherein the sealing element is a
straddle packer.
[0103] Statement 29: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 26-28, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a plug configured to maintain
pressure in the chamber.
[0104] Statement 30: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 26-29, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a plurality of disks sealingly
engaged with an inner wall of the chamber so as to separate stored
core samples.
[0105] Statement 31: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 26-30, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a heater configured to heat at
least a portion of the core storage assembly.
[0106] Statement 32: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 26-31, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a piston configured to maintain
an axial load on one or more core samples stored in the
chamber.
[0107] Statement 33: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 26-32, wherein the core
storage assembly further comprises a selectively inflatable bladder
configured to maintain hydrostatic pressure on one or more core
samples stored in the chamber.
[0108] Statement 34: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 26-33, further comprising an
optical analyzer positioned near at least one of the intake port
and the exit port.
[0109] Statement 35: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 26-34, wherein the chamber
is coated with a coating that is unreactive with respect to one or
more components of the formation fluid.
[0110] Statement 36: A downhole core sampling apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Statements 26-35, wherein the chamber
is coated with an Al.sub.2O.sub.3 coating.
[0111] Statement 37: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples, the method comprising: disposing a downhole apparatus
into a wellbore, wherein the downhole apparatus comprises a
sidewall coring tool, a first sealing element, and a second sealing
element; extending the first sealing element and the second sealing
element within a wellbore; sealing the first sealing element and
the second sealing element against the wellbore, the first sealing
element longitudinally spaced from the second sealing element and
defining an annular space between the first sealing element, the
second sealing element and the wellbore; pumping fluid out of the
annular space through one or more ports disposed between the first
sealing element and the second sealing element; and cutting at
least one core sample from the sidewall of the wellbore.
[0112] Statement 38: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 37, further comprising:
retracting the first sealing element and the second sealing
element; moving the downhole apparatus to a second sampling
location in the wellbore; extending the first sealing element and
the second sealing element within a wellbore; sealing the first
sealing element and the second sealing element against the
wellbore, the first sealing element longitudinally spaced from the
second sealing element and defining an annular space between the
first sealing element, the second sealing element, and the
wellbore; pumping fluid out of the annular space through one or
more ports disposed between the first sealing element and the
second sealing element; cutting at least one core sample from the
sidewall of the wellbore.
[0113] Statement 39: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 37 or Statement 38, wherein the
first and second sealing elements are expandable sealing elements,
the extending comprising expanding the first and second sealing
elements and the retracting comprising deflating the first and
second sealing elements.
[0114] Statement 40: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to any one of the preceding Statements
37-39, further comprising analyzing the fluid to ensure effective
flushing of a sampling zone of interest.
[0115] Statement 41: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to any one of the preceding Statements
37-40, further comprising storing the plurality of core samples at
sufficient hydrostatic pressure to maintain fluid saturation in the
plurality of core samples.
[0116] Statement 42: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to any one of the preceding Statements
37-41, wherein pumping fluid out of the annular space comprises
sufficient force and for sufficient duration to cause the cut core
samples to be saturated with formation fluid.
[0117] Statement 43: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to any one of the preceding Statements
37-42, wherein the downhole apparatus further comprises a core
storage assembly configured to store a plurality of core
samples.
[0118] Statement 44: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 43, wherein the core storage
assembly is further configured to store the plurality of core
samples at sufficient hydrostatic pressure to maintain fluid
saturation in the plurality of core samples.
[0119] Statement 45: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 43 or Statement 44, further
comprising cutting a plurality of core samples from the sidewall of
the wellbore and storing the plurality of core samples in the core
storage assembly.
[0120] Statement 46: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples, the method comprising: disposing a downhole apparatus
into a wellbore, wherein the downhole apparatus comprises a
sidewall coring tool, a first expandable sealing element, and a
second expandable sealing element; expanding the first expandable
sealing element and the second expandable sealing element within a
wellbore; sealing the first expandable sealing element and the
second expandable sealing element against the wellbore, the first
expandable sealing element longitudinally spaced from the second
expandable sealing element and defining an annular space between
the first expandable sealing element, the second expandable sealing
element and the wellbore; pumping fluid out of the annular space
through one or more ports disposed between the first expandable
sealing element and the second expandable sealing element; and
cutting at least one core sample from the sidewall of the
wellbore.
[0121] Statement 47: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 46, further comprising:
deflating the first expandable sealing element and the second
expandable sealing element; moving the downhole apparatus to a
second sampling location in the wellbore; expanding the first
expandable sealing element and the second expandable sealing
element within a wellbore; sealing the first expandable sealing
element and the second expandable sealing element against the
wellbore, the first expandable sealing element longitudinally
spaced from the second expandable sealing element and defining an
annular space between the first expandable sealing element, the
second expandable sealing element, and the wellbore; pumping fluid
out of the annular space through one or more ports disposed between
the first expandable sealing element and the second expandable
sealing element; cutting at least one core sample from the sidewall
of the wellbore.
[0122] Statement 48: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 46 or Statement 47, further
comprising analyzing the fluid to ensure effective flushing of a
sampling zone of interest.
[0123] Statement 49: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to any one of the preceding Statements
46-48, further comprising storing the plurality of core samples at
sufficient hydrostatic pressure to maintain fluid saturation in the
plurality of core samples.
[0124] Statement 50: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to any one of the preceding Statements
46-49, wherein pumping fluid out of the annular space comprises
sufficient force and for sufficient duration to cause the cut core
samples to be saturated with formation fluid.
[0125] Statement 51: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to any one of the preceding Statements
46-50, wherein the downhole apparatus further comprises a core
storage assembly configured to store a plurality of core
samples.
[0126] Statement 52: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 51, wherein the core storage
assembly is further configured to store the plurality of core
samples at sufficient hydrostatic pressure to maintain fluid
saturation in the plurality of core samples.
[0127] Statement 53: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 51 or Statement 52, further
comprising cutting a plurality of core samples from the sidewall of
the wellbore and storing the plurality of core samples in the core
storage assembly.
[0128] Statement 54: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples, the method comprising: disposing a downhole apparatus
into a wellbore, wherein the downhole apparatus comprises a
sidewall coring tool and a sealing element; extending the sealing
element within a wellbore; sealing the sealing element against the
wellbore, the sealing element defining an annular space between the
sealing element and the wellbore; pumping fluid out of the annular
space through one or more ports; and cutting at least one core
sample from the sidewall of the wellbore.
[0129] Statement 55: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 54, further comprising:
retracting the sealing element; moving the downhole apparatus to a
second sampling location in the wellbore; extending the sealing
element within a wellbore; sealing the sealing element against the
wellbore, the sealing element defining an annular space between the
sealing element and the wellbore; pumping fluid out of the annular
space through one or more ports; cutting at least one core sample
from the sidewall of the wellbore.
[0130] Statement 56: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 54 or Statement 55, wherein the
sealing element is an expandable sealing element, the extending
comprising expanding the sealing element and the retracting
comprising deflating the sealing element.
[0131] Statement 57: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to any one of the preceding Statements
54-56, further comprising analyzing the fluid to ensure effective
flushing of a sampling zone of interest.
[0132] Statement 58: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to any one of the preceding Statements
54-57, further comprising storing the plurality of core samples at
sufficient hydrostatic pressure to maintain fluid saturation in the
plurality of core samples.
[0133] Statement 59: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to any one of the preceding Statements
54-58, wherein pumping fluid out of the annular space comprises
sufficient force and for a sufficient duration to cause the cut
core samples to be saturated with formation fluid.
[0134] Statement 60: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to any one of the preceding Statements
54-59, wherein the downhole apparatus further comprises a core
storage assembly configured to store a plurality of core
samples.
[0135] Statement 61: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 60, wherein the core storage
assembly is further configured to store the plurality of core
samples at sufficient hydrostatic pressure to maintain fluid
saturation in the plurality of core samples.
[0136] Statement 62: A method of obtaining fluid saturated downhole
core samples according to Statement 60 or Statement 61, further
comprising cutting a plurality of core samples from the sidewall of
the wellbore and storing the plurality of core samples in the core
storage assembly.
[0137] Statement 63: A system comprising: a downhole core sampling
apparatus disposed within a wellbore; the downhole core sampling
apparatus comprising: an elongate housing; a first sealing element
and a second sealing element, the first sealing element and the
second sealing element spaced apart from one another along a
longitudinal length of the elongate housing to form an isolatable
portion of the elongate housing between the first sealing element
and the second sealing element, wherein the first sealing element
and the second sealing element are extendible substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the elongate housing to
engage a surface of the wellbore, thereby forming a sealed annulus
region between the surface of the wellbore, the first sealing
element, the second sealing element, and the isolatable portion of
the elongate housing; a sidewall coring tool coupled with the
isolatable portion of the elongate housing, the sidewall coring
tool having a coring bit extendible from the isolatable portion; an
intake port along the surface of the isolatable portion for
receiving fluid into an interior portion of the elongated housing;
and a pump coupled with the intake port and configured to draw
fluid through the intake port into the interior portion of the
elongated housing.
[0138] Statement 64: A system according to Statement 63, wherein
the downhole core sampling apparatus further comprises a core
storage assembly disposed within the elongate housing and coupled
with the coring tool, the core storage assembly having a chamber
for receiving a plurality of core samples.
[0139] Statement 65: A system according to Statement 63 or
Statement 64, wherein the first and second sealing elements are
expandable sealing elements.
[0140] Statement 66: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 63-65, wherein the first and second sealing elements are
straddle packers.
[0141] Statement 67: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 63-66, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a plug configured to maintain pressure in the
chamber.
[0142] Statement 68: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 63-67, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a plurality of disks sealingly engaged with an inner wall
of the chamber so as to separate stored core samples.
[0143] Statement 69: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 63-68, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a heater configured to heat at least a portion of the
core storage assembly.
[0144] Statement 70: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 63-69, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a piston configured to maintain an axial load on the one
or more core samples stored in the chamber.
[0145] Statement 71: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 63-70, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a selectively inflatable bladder configured to maintain
hydrostatic pressure on one or more core samples stored in the
chamber.
[0146] Statement 72: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 63-71, further comprising an optical analyzer positioned
near at least one of the intake port and the exit port.
[0147] Statement 73: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 63-72, wherein the chamber is coated with a coating that
is unreactive with respect to one or more components of the
formation fluid.
[0148] Statement 74: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 63-73, wherein the chamber is coated with an
Al.sub.2O.sub.3 coating.
[0149] Statement 75: A system comprising: a wellbore; and a
downhole core sampling apparatus comprising: a first expandable
sealing element and a second expandable sealing element, the first
expandable sealing element longitudinally spaced from the second
expandable sealing element, wherein the first expandable sealing
element and the second expandable sealing element are each
configured to form a seal with the wellbore, the seals defining an
annular space between the first expandable sealing element, the
second expandable sealing element, and the wellbore; a sidewall
coring tool coupled with a core storage assembly having a chamber
for storing a plurality of cores samples, wherein the sidewall
coring tool is disposed longitudinally between the first expandable
sealing element and the second expandable sealing element; and at
least one pump configured to pump fluid out of the annular
space.
[0150] Statement 77: A system according to Statement 75, wherein
the downhole core sampling apparatus further comprises at least one
intake port disposed longitudinally between the first expandable
sealing element and the second expandable sealing element and
fluidly coupled to an exit port, the at least one pump operatively
coupled with the intake port and the exit port.
[0151] Statement 77: A system according to Statement 75 or
Statement 76, wherein the first and second expandable sealing
elements are straddle packers.
[0152] Statement 78: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 75-77, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a plug configured to maintain pressure in the
chamber.
[0153] Statement 79: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 75-78, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a plurality of disks sealingly engaged with an inner wall
of the chamber so as to separate stored core samples.
[0154] Statement 79: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 75-79, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a heater configured to heat at least a portion of the
core storage assembly.
[0155] Statement 81: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 75-80, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a piston configured to maintain an axial load on the one
or more core samples stored in the chamber.
[0156] Statement 82: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 75-81, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a selectively inflatable bladder configured to maintain
hydrostatic pressure on one or more core samples stored in the
chamber.
[0157] Statement 83: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 75-82, further comprising an optical analyzer positioned
near at least one of the intake port and the exit port.
[0158] Statement 84: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 75-83, wherein the chamber is coated with a coating that
is unreactive with respect to one or more components of the
formation fluid.
[0159] Statement 85: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 75-84, wherein the chamber is coated with an
Al.sub.2O.sub.3 coating.
[0160] Statement 86: A system comprising: a wellbore; and a
downhole core sampling apparatus comprising: a sealing element
configured to form a seal with the wellbore, the seal defining an
annular space between the sealing element and the wellbore; a
sidewall coring tool coupled with a core storage assembly having a
chamber for storing a plurality of cores samples; and at least one
pump configured to pump fluid out of the annular space.
[0161] Statement 87: A system according to Statement 86, wherein
the downhole core sampling apparatus further comprises at least one
intake port fluidly coupled to an exit port, the at least one pump
operatively coupled with the intake port and the exit port.
[0162] Statement 88: A system according to Statement 86 or
Statement 87, wherein the sealing element is an expandable sealing
element.
[0163] Statement 89: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 86-88, wherein the sealing element is a straddle
packer.
[0164] Statement 90: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 86-89, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a plug configured to maintain pressure in the
chamber.
[0165] Statement 91: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 86-90, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a plurality of disks sealingly engaged with an inner wall
of the chamber so as to separate stored core samples.
[0166] Statement 92: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 86-91, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a heater configured to heat at least a portion of the
core storage assembly.
[0167] Statement 93: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 86-92, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a piston configured to maintain an axial load on the one
or more core samples stored in the chamber.
[0168] Statement 94: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 86-93, wherein the core storage assembly further
comprises a selectively inflatable bladder configured to maintain
hydrostatic pressure on one or more core samples stored in the
chamber.
[0169] Statement 95: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 86-94, further comprising an optical analyzer positioned
near at least one of the intake port and the exit port.
[0170] Statement 96: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 86-95, wherein the chamber is coated with a coating that
is unreactive with respect to one or more components of the
formation fluid.
[0171] Statement 97: A system according to any one of the preceding
Statements 86-96, wherein the chamber is coated with an
Al.sub.2O.sub.3 coating.
* * * * *