Annulus pressure operated test tools, catalog page 20
AP Sampler
Full-opening sampler that captures formation fluid downhole
Description
The AP sampler is a full-opening, pressure-controlled tool used in cased holes. Its main function is to obtain formation fluid samples downhole.
Features
- While running in, the shear pin keeps the operating mandrel in the sampler-open condition
- Full opening before and after sampling
- Sampling is possible at any time during the testing process
- Piston propulsion system in the sample chamber allows the sample to be transferred to another container under high-pressure conditions
- Cannot reopen once closed; to take samples at different stages of the test, different metering cartridges can be used to vary the closing time
Operation
The operating pressure of the AP sampler is usually set 1,000–1,500 psi higher than that of other tools. To take a sample, apply annulus pressure to burst the rupture disc and shear the pin; the operating mandrel moves upward and traps formation fluid inside the sample chamber. The chamber cannot reopen and the tool stays full bore. At surface, a special device is connected to transfer the high-pressure fluid into a sample bottle for property analysis.
