Apparatus and method for representative fluid sampling

摘要

Apparatus and method for collecting and preserving in representative condition a fluid sample from a reservoir which comprises: positioning a sample container including a sampler in the vicinity of a subterranean zone to be sampled, and wherein the step of collecting and preserving the sample comprises allowing or causing the sample to first flow into the sample receptacle, wherein the movement of the sample into the sample receptacle is restricted by the movement of a sampling piston, and wherein the movement of the sampling piston is further controlled by the rotation of an electrical motor connected to the sample piston by mechanical linkage such that the rotation of the electric motor in either direction translates to lateral movement of the sample piston, the lateral movement of the sample piston in turn allowing sample to enter the sample receptacle, and wherein once an adequate volume of sample has been collected, reversing the direction of the electrical motor will serve to cause the sample piston to exert pressure on the collected sample and thus preserve the integrity of the sample from the deleterious effects of shrinkage as the sample is recovered to the surface.

主权项

1. An apparatus for sampling a subterranean reservoir fluid, the apparatus comprising:
a. a fluid inlet port; b. a tubular portion; c. a piston disposed within the tubular portion, wherein one or more surfaces of the piston and the tubular portion in conjunction with the fluid inlet port, at least in part, define a sample collection space and wherein the piston is attached to a motor within the tubular portion; d. a sleeve within the tubular portion, wherein the sleeve is connected to a rotatable shaft of the motor; e. a support attached to the inside surface of the tubular portion wherein the outside surface of the sleeve is attached to the support such that the sleeve can rotate while held in place by the support; f. a screw having one end attached to the piston and the other end moveable within the sleeve; g. a plurality of rods within the tubular portion wherein the plurality of rods are attached to the piston and pass through the support; h. a gearbox in the tubular portion for magnifying torque generated by the motor; and i. a connector for conveying the apparatus to a desired subterranean location.