Patent · US Expired

Focused formation fluid sampling probe

US6301959A · kind A · utility

195Cited by
17References
47Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 26, 1999
Grant dateOct 16, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 26, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B33/1243
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A formation fluid sampling probe uses two hydraulic lines to recover formation fluids from two zones in a borehole. One of the zones is a guard zone and the other is a probe zone. The guard zone and the probe zone are isolated from each other by mechanical means, with the guard zone surrounding the probe zone and shielding it from the direct access to the borehole fluids. Operation of the tool involves withdrawal of fluid from both zones. Borehole fluids are preferentially drawn into the guard zone so that the probe zone recovers the formation fluid substantially free of borehole fluids. Separation of the guard zone from the probe zone may be accomplished by means of an elastomeric guard ring, by inflatable packers or by tubing. The device can be adapted for use either on a wireline or in an early evaluation system on a drillstring.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.