Disclosed are methods, systems, and devices for measuring and otherwise processing core samples. In some embodiments, a method includes containing a core sample in a containment vessel including dynamically adjusting pressure within the containment vessel to maintain a phase of fluid within the core sample. Pressure is reduced within the containment vessel. During pressure or following reduction, one or more properties of the fluid in the core sample are measured.

Disclosed are methods, systems, and devices for measuring and otherwise processing core samples. In some embodiments, a method includes containing a core sample in a containment vessel including dynamically adjusting pressure within the containment vessel to maintain a phase of fluid within the core sample. Pressure is reduced within the containment vessel. During pressure or following reduction, one or more properties of the fluid in the core sample are measured.

An apparatus for manipulating an object in a borehole in an earthen formation includes a body configured to be conveyed along the borehole and a plurality of linear actuators disposed in the body and operatively connected to the object. The plurality of linear actuators applies a translational and rotational movement to the object. A related method includes applying a translational and rotational movement to the object using the plurality of linear actuators.

An apparatus for manipulating an object in a borehole in an earthen formation includes a body configured to be conveyed along the borehole and a plurality of linear actuators disposed in the body and operatively connected to the object. The plurality of linear actuators applies a translational and rotational movement to the object. A related method includes applying a translational and rotational movement to the object using the plurality of linear actuators.

A downhole probe assembly is employed in a wellbore to mitigate the effects of hoop stress on the operation of the probe assembly. A shaped head is driven radially into the geologic formation surrounding the wellbore. A sensor and/or fluid ports may thereby be delivered to a radial depth in the geologic formation beyond a hoop stress regime associated with the wellbore. In this manner, analysis and fluid communication with the geologic formation may not be hindered by the hoop stress regime surrounding the wellbore. The probe assembly may be employed in microfracture tests in which fluid is injected into geologic formation through mechanical fractures created by the shaped heads extending through the hoop stress regime. The fluid injected through the hoop stress regime may more readily interact with the geologic formation, and subsequent analysis of the injected fluids may yield more relevant information about the geologic formation.

A downhole probe assembly is employed in a wellbore to mitigate the effects of hoop stress on the operation of the probe assembly. A shaped head is driven radially into the geologic formation surrounding the wellbore. A sensor and/or fluid ports may thereby be delivered to a radial depth in the geologic formation beyond a hoop stress regime associated with the wellbore. In this manner, analysis and fluid communication with the geologic formation may not be hindered by the hoop stress regime surrounding the wellbore. The probe assembly may be employed in microfracture tests in which fluid is injected into geologic formation through mechanical fractures created by the shaped heads extending through the hoop stress regime. The fluid injected through the hoop stress regime may more readily interact with the geologic formation, and subsequent analysis of the injected fluids may yield more relevant information about the geologic formation.

A triaxial test system and method including a core sample, high temperature-resistant drains disposed around the core sample, and at least one and optionally two high temperature-resistant elastomeric sealing membranes disposed about the drains and sample. Preferred for use is a shear-resistant and high temperature-resistant sealing membrane such as a Viton membrane, optionally in combination with a silicone high temperature-resistant sealing membrane. The system and methods can be used to test core samples in compliance with ASTM standard test methods for triaxial compression tests, at temperatures of between about 100 C. and 200 C., optionally between about 175 C. and 200 C., for extended periods of time, for example several days or longer.

A triaxial test system and method including a core sample, high temperature-resistant drains disposed around the core sample, and at least one and optionally two high temperature-resistant elastomeric sealing membranes disposed about the drains and sample. Preferred for use is a shear-resistant and high temperature-resistant sealing membrane such as a Viton membrane, optionally in combination with a silicone high temperature-resistant sealing membrane. The system and methods can be used to test core samples in compliance with ASTM standard test methods for triaxial compression tests, at temperatures of between about 100 C. and 200 C., optionally between about 175 C. and 200 C., for extended periods of time, for example several days or longer.

Pressure coring where the core apparatus drills the core sample and seals the core sample at its native downhole pressure (e.g., several thousand psi) may be expanded to include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging components to produce a pressurized NMR core holder that allows for NMR imaging of the core samples having been maintained in a downhole fluid saturation state. NMR imaging performed may include 1H and also 19F imaging depending on the chamber fluid used in the pressurized NMR core holder.

Pressure coring where the core apparatus drills the core sample and seals the core sample at its native downhole pressure (e.g., several thousand psi) may be expanded to include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging components to produce a pressurized NMR core holder that allows for NMR imaging of the core samples having been maintained in a downhole fluid saturation state. NMR imaging performed may include 1H and also 19F imaging depending on the chamber fluid used in the pressurized NMR core holder.