Device and Method for Extracting a Sample While Maintaining a Pressure That Is Present at the Sample Extraction Location

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This patent describes a device and method for extracting geological samples from deep underground formations while maintaining the original pressure at the extraction site. The invention includes a pressure-retaining chamber (autoclave), a lifting mechanism for transferring the sample into the chamber, a trigger for initiating the sampling process, and specialized modules for regulating and maintaining pressure within the chamber during and after sample retrieval. This approach helps keep the sample's structure and properties intact as they were 'in situ', enabling more accurate scientific and industrial analyses.

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• Sampling of gas hydrates, methane hydrates, or other pressure-sensitive geological deposits for scientific research.
• Resource exploration and assessment for oil, gas, or alternative energy applications where maintaining original formation conditions is critical.
• Environmental studies for CO2 storage sites or potential contaminant migration in underground formations.
• Collection of undisturbed core samples for geotechnical engineering or construction in challenging geological settings.
• Testing and analysis in marine or offshore drilling operations where decompression could otherwise alter or destroy samples.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Maintains original 'in-situ' pressure and environmental conditions of the sample, preserving its natural state for accurate analysis.
• Reduces risks of sample alteration, decomposition, or contamination caused by depressurization during retrieval.
• Enables extraction of larger-diameter and higher-quality core samples than some existing wireline methods.
• Supports advanced research and commercial endeavors in unconventional energy, geotechnical assessment, and environmental safety.
• Modular and flexible system design, allowing integration with various drilling and sampling methods.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a round-trip autoclave sample-extracting device (1) for extracting a sample (P) at a sample extraction location of a geological formation, said device comprising a self-closing pressure chamber module (DKM) for receiving the sample (P). The pressure chamber module (DKM) is connected to a lifting module (HMB1, HBM2) in order to lift the sample (P) into the pressure chamber module (DKM) in one sampling stroke (Deltaz2). The round-trip autoclave sample-extracting device (1) has a triggering module (AM1, AM2, AM3) and a pressure regulating module (AK1, AK2), said triggering module (AM1, AM2, AM3) acting on the lifting module (HMB1, HBM2) in order to trigger the sampling stroke (Deltaz2), and the pressure regulating module (AK1, AK2) is coupled to the pressure chamber module (DKM) at least on the pressure side after the sampling stroke (Deltaz2) in order to influence a pressure in the pressure chamber module (DKM). Furthermore, a round-trip method is proposed which includes a first trip (VS1, VS2) and at least one second trip (VS3 to VS10) for extracting a sample (P) while maintaining a pressure that is present at the sample extraction location. The corresponding method steps are described in the patent application in a detailed manner.