Adjustable Testing Tool and Method of Use

Abstract

Methods and systems for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. A testing tool has a plurality of packers spaced apart along the axis of the tool, and at least a testing port. The testing tool is positioned into the wellbore and packers are extended into sealing engagement with the wellbore wall, sealing thereby an interval of the wellbore. In some embodiments, the wellbore interval sealed between two packers is adjusted downhole. In one embodiment, the location of the testing port is adjusted between two packers. The methods may be used to advantage for reducing the contamination of the formation fluid by fluids or debris in the wellbore.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a non-provisional application of co-pending provisional application No. 60 / 845,332 filed on Sep. 18, 2006, and relates to co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 562,908 filed Nov. 22, 2006; U.S. patent application No. 60 / 882,701 filed Dec. 29,2006; and U.S. patent application No. 60 / 882359 filed Dec. 28, 2006, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to well testing tools and method of use. More particularly, the invention relates to testing tools having a plurality of packer elements and at least a testing port on the tool body.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Advanced formation testing tools have been used for example to capture fluid samples from subsurface earth formations. The fluid samples could be gas, liquid hydrocarbons or formation water. Formation testing tools are typically eq...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides methods and systems for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The testing tool has a tool body with packer elements and a testing port located between the packer elements. The testing tool is positioned into the wellbore and the packers are extended into sealing engagement with the wellbore wall to seal an interval of the wellbore. Fluid is flown between the sealed interval and the testing tool through the testing port. The invention allows for the selection of the length of the interval of the wellbore to be sealed and the extension of packer elements into sealing engagement with the wellbore wall to seal two intervals of the wellbore. The invention also includes the adjustment of a port on the testing tool and the use of a snorkel assembly adaptable on the testing tool. The technical effects of the invention include improved testing of subterranean formations and more efficient wellbore construction.

Problems solved by technology

In some situations, a problem occurs when fluid is drawn into the tool through openings along the tool body.

Moreover, when the density of the wellbore fluid is larger than the density of the formation fluid, it is very difficult to remove all of the wellbore fluid since there will be a residual of wellbore fluid that resides between the lowest opening and the lowest packer, even after a log pumping time.

Thus, these wellbore fluids can contaminate the formation fluid entering the tool.

Note that methods applicable for reducing the contamination by mud filtrate surrounding the wellbore are not always applicable for reducing the contamination by fluids and other debris from the wellbore.

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