Oilphase

MDT Sampling Training

This training section is divided into the following topics:

• Basic Overview
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Principle of operation
• Safety
• Summary
• Self Test
• Glossary
• Useful Websites

Basic Overview

The MDT is a wireline formation-testing tool. It is used to obtain formation

pressure profiles, reservoir samples and permeability estimates. It operates in
the open hole environment where it is surrounded by drilling mud, which is a
difficult and problematic environment to take good quality samples. The main
problem being that the drilling mud contaminates the PVT sample.

Introduction

The MDT is run to the required depth of interest and the probe extended. The
probe is fitted with a large rubber seal or packer. This is pushed against the
well bore, isolating the formation pressure from the hydrostatic pressure. The
Pre-test module takes a small sample at a known rate from the formation, a
drawdown and a build up are created. Instantaneous determination of the rock
permeability can be seen. The probe is retracted and the MDT is then
repositioned and the process is repeated throughout the zone of interest. Once
good permeability has been found and it is considered a good place to take
samples the pump-out is started. This is a displacement pump that takes the
fluid from the formation and pumps it into the well bore away from the
sampling point. The purpose of this is to try and clean-up the oil from the
formation. Drilling mud will have entered the rock and surrounding area, so by
flowing the formation fluid in to the MDT and then pumping the fluid into the
well bore, the formation is cleaned up.

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The Optical Fluid Analyser (OFA) is used to indicate the type of fluid entering
the MDT. This device within the MDT uses light to determine the fluid
properties. Infrared light is used to differentiate oil and water and reflection
measurement is used to measure gas. The OFA can indicate how the oil is

cleaning up as it flows through the MDT. It gives a relative indication that the
mud or gas content is changing. New software developments allow for
estimation of mud filtrate contamination levels.

The pump out can pump several gallons of formation fluid in an attempt to
minimise contamination from the well bore. Once the contamination has been
reduced to an acceptable level the sampling process can start. There are three
main options available for sampling, the 450cc MPSR, the 1 gallon MRSC and
the 2 ¾ gallon MRSC.

For PVT quality samples the 450cc MPSR’s are used. Six are mounted in the
one carrier, the multi-sample module MRMS. Each MPSR can be fired
individually at different depths and the sampling rate can be controlled using
the flow-control module. For mono-phasic PVT sampling the MPSR’s are
replaced with Oilphase’s SPMC Single-Phase Reservoir Sampler. These are
dimensionally compatible with the MPSR but have a reduced sample volume of
250cc due to the Nitrogen compensation. The 1 gallon and 2 ¾ gallon
chambers are usually used for bulk samples.

Objectives

Upon completion of this training section and associated practical exercises, you
should be able to do the following tasks.

• Explain the MDT running procedures and its operation.

• Explain the importance of the ‘clean up’, how this is achieved and
monitored.
• Understand the procedures for capturing both mono-phasic and large
volume samples.
• Understand the selection and operation of MDT modules used in bottomhole
sampling.
• Understand the MDT configuration for different sampling techniques and
when these would be used.

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Principles of operation

There are three different ways in which the sample chambers, 450cc, 1 gallon
and 2 ¾ gallon chambers can be filled.

• Gas cushion, where gas is charged behind a floating piston to 200 psi.
When the flowline of the MDT is opened to the sample chamber, there will
be a massive surge of sample entering the sample chamber. This is due to
the pressure in-balance across the floating piston. This high flow-rate will
create a large drawdown and if sample pressure falls below bubble point
pressure, the sample pressure will be compromised. This massive
drawdown will pulse or shock the formation, damaging the rock, which may
cause blockage of the probe or increase the mud contamination levels
which must be avoided for representative PVT sampling.
• Water Cushion, where water is charged behind the floating piston to
200psi. When the flowline is opened to the sample chamber there will be
an initial pulse as the formation pressure energises the water pressure from
200 psi to formation pressure. This pressure pulse is undesirable as it can
damage the formation. The water is displaced from the sample chamber
through restrictors to an atmospheric dump chamber. The displacement of
water from the sample chamber can also be metered using the flow control
module.
• Low Shock, where water is used behind the piston. The water is charged
at surface to atmospheric pressure. The cushion is allowed to communicate
to the well bore, so as the MDT is run in the well, the hydrostatic pressure
increases and so does the water cushion. When the flowline is opened to
the sample chamber there is no pressure pulse or shock. The hydrostatic
pressure is always higher than formation pressure. To get the sample into
the chamber the pump out is used. This minimises any pressure shocks to
the MDT and the rock face. The sample can be taken at a controlled rate
and the sample can be over pressured in an attempt to obtain single-phase
samples. In certain well conditions this works, but this is the exception
rather than the rule. ( this only applies to MPSR samples and not SPMC
samples where the sample is maintained in a mono-phasic condition due to
the Nitrogen cushion.)

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THROTTLE/SEAL THROTTLE/SEAL THROTTLE/SEAL
VALVE VALVE VALVE

DRAIN DRAIN DRAIN

VALVE VALVE VALVE
TRANSPORT TRANSPORT TRANSPORT
VALVE VALVE VALVE

WATER
CUSHION

150 psi HYDROSTATIC

AIR PRESSURE
CUSHION CHOKES

150 psi
AIR
150 psi
CUSHION
AIR
PRESSURE

RECYCLE RECYCLE RECYCLE

VALVE VALVE VALVE
FLOWLINE BUS FLOWLINE BUS FLOWLINE BUS

AIR CUSHION WATER CUSHION LOW SHOCK

PChamber << P Formation PChamber < PFormation PChamber > P Formation

Once the MDT string returns to surface the filled sample chambers must confirm
to local and international regulations and codes. The MPSR’s are US DOT
exempt, which means they can be shipped throughout the world, except
Canada at present. The MRSC’s (large volume sample chambers) have no
certification and do not conform to any shipping regulations, so these chambers
must be either depressurised or the sample must be transferred into Oilphase
sample bottles at the well-site.

At present the maximum temperature that the MDT sample chambers can be
heated to for transfer is 130 F.

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Safety

• The operation of MDT sampling equipment requires the safe manipulation of

pressurised fluids and gasses, refer to the Schlumberger Pressure Operations
Manual section 7.0 (Sampling Equipment) for full guidelines.
• It is essential that the latest controlled Oilphase Operating Procedures are
followed as the procedures are the correct and safest way to carry out
normal sampling operations.
• All sampling equipment shall be pressure rated. It is forbidden to submit
any piece of sampling equipment to a pressure higher than its working
pressure.
• Full PPE must be worn while working with sampling equipment.
• Ensure the work area is always clean, tidy, well lit and ventilated.
• Schlumberger and local working legislation including the permit to work
system must be adhered to.
• The area used for pressure sampling operations must be cordoned off with
all personnel and rig authorities informed.
• Pressurised samples are only to be transported in designated pressure
vessels. On no account should samples be transported from the well-site in
downhole tools, unless these have been approved for transportation by the
local governing agency.
• MDT equipment is heavy, use a crane or colleague for assistance. Strictly
follow good lifting practices.
• Never allow problems to go unreported.

Summary

This summary is an overview of the most important points presented in this

training section. It is included to help you review the information. In this
training section we have presented the following:

• Operation in open-hole environment where drilling mud contamination is a

concern
• MDT running/operational procedures during sampling.
• Formation clean up.
• Fluid determination using the OFA.
• MPSR/SPMC operation.
• Three different sampling methods, Gas cushion, Water cushion and low
shock.
• MRSC’s do not conform to shipping regulations therefor must be transferred
or depressurised.
• Maximum temperature for heated MDT transfer is 130 F.

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Self Test

• What is the running /sampling procedure for the MDT?

• Explain the purpose of the pre-test module.
• What is the purpose of the pump-out module?
• What is the purpose of and how does the OFA operate?
• What are the benefits of the SPMC over the MPSR?
• Describe the different techniques of Gas cushion, Water cushion and Low
shock sampling. When would each be used?
• Which sample chambers can be shipped?
• What is the maximum temperature for MDT transfers?

Glossary

A glossary can be found at the following wed address:

http://glossary.connect.slb.com/

Other Useful Websites

The above information gives a very basic overview of the MDT, with a bias
towards sampling, for a more in depth understanding of the MDT consult the
attached operating procedures. Additional information can be obtained from
the following websites,

http://gcss.belle-chasse.wireline.slb.com
http://www.sugar-land.spc.slb.com.
http://www.aberdeen.oilphase.slb.com/Departments/TrainingPages
http://www.hub.slb.com/index.cfm?id=id14216

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