Patent · US Expired

Fluid sampling methods and apparatus for use in boreholes

US6719049B2 · kind B2 · utility

73Cited by
29References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 23, 2002
Grant dateApr 13, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 23, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B49/10
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

The invention concerns a method of sampling the formation fluids in an earth formation surrounding a borehole, the region of the formation immediately surrounding the borehole being at least partially invaded by borehole fluids, and an apparatus for carrying out such a method. According to the invention, a borehole tool is adapted to be lowered into the borehole and is provided with a sampling probe device and means for urging the sampling probe device into contact with the borehole wall, the sampling probe device comprising an inner probe and an outer probe surrounding the inner probe for withdrawing respective fluid samples from the formation, wherein the ratio between the respective flow areas of the inner and outer probes is selected so as to tend to reduce the time taken to obtain via the inner probe a sample of the formation fluids having a given level of contamination by borehole fluids.

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