Method and apparatus for recovering unstable cores

Patent 4371045 Issued on February 1, 1983. Estimated Expiration Date:

April 1, 2001. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

2386832

2779195

2812160

2915285

3221558

3318394

3447615

Apparatus and method for obtaining a core at in situ pressure Patent #: 4317490
Issued on: 03/02/1982
Inventor: Milberger , et al.

Inventors

Assignee

The United States of America as represented by the United States

Application

No. 06/249783 filed on 04/01/1981

US Classes:

175/17, WITH HEATING OR COOLING (1) WITHIN THE BORE, OR (2) DRILLING FLUID175/218, With valve175/246, Receiver removable through below-ground tool shaft175/58, Sampling of earth formations73/863.11With heating or cooling

Examiners

Primary: Novosad, Stephen J.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

International Classes

E21B 21/10 (20060101)
E21B 25/08 (20060101)
E21B 21/00 (20060101)
E21B 25/02 (20060101)
E21B 33/072 (20060101)
E21B 25/00 (20060101)
E21B 33/03 (20060101)
E21B 36/00 (20060101)

Abstract

A method and apparatus suitable for stabilizing hydrocarbon cores are given. Such stabilized cores have not previously been obtainable for laboratory study, and such study is believed to be required before the hydrate reserves can become a utilizable resource. The apparatus can be built using commercially available parts and is very simple and safe to operate.

Other References

Bily et al., "Naturally Occurring Gas Hydrates in the Mackenzie Delta, N.W.T.," Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology, vol. 22, No. 3, (Sep. 1974), pp. 340-352
Ward et al., A Study to Determine the Feasibility of Obtaining True Samples of Oil and Gas Reservoirs, BERC/RI/-77/10, (Oct. 1977), pp. 7-16, and 43-61
"DSDP Develops New Coring System," Petroleum Engineer International, Feb. 1981, p. 12
NL Hycalog Diamond Bits and Coring Tools Brochure, Houston, Texas, pp. 17-18