Container and method

Abstract

A container for receiving and retaining a sample from a subterranean formation, wherein the container is arranged to be removably accommodated within a coring assembly. The container comprises a receptacle, formed from at least two receptacle portions and a connector for connecting each receptacle portion to the adjacent receptacle portion, such that the receptacle portions are separable on disconnection of the connector. The receptacle portions can be complementary to form a receptacle in the shape of a substantially hollow cylinder. A cylinder axis can be defined by the long axis extending through the cylinder. The receptacle portions can be connectable along a line parallel to the cylinder axis of the receptacle such that at least one of the receptacle portions is movable radially away from the sample on disconnection of the connector.

1 . A container for receiving and retaining a sample from a subterranean formation, wherein the container is arranged to be removably accommodated within a coring assembly, the container comprising a receptacle, formed from at least two receptacle portions and a connector for connecting each receptacle portion to the adjacent receptacle portion, such that the receptacle portions are separable on disconnection of the connector.  
   
   
       2 . A container as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle portions are complementary to form a receptacle in the shape of a substantially hollow cylinder.  
   
   
       3 . A container as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein a cylinder axis is defined by the long axis extending through the cylinder and wherein the receptacle portions are connectable along a line parallel to the cylinder axis of the receptacle such that at least one of the receptacle portions is movable radially away from the sample on disconnection of the connector.  
   
   
       4 . A container as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each receptacle comprises two receptacle portions and the receptacle portions are in the form of two semi-cylindrical half-shells.  
   
   
       5 . A container as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the connector is arranged to maintain each receptacle portion in contact with the adjacent receptacle portion when the container is receiving a sample.  
   
   
       6 . A container as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the connector is integrally formed with the or each receptacle portion.  
   
   
       7 . A container as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each receptacle portion has contact edges arranged to contact the contact edges of the adjacent receptacle portion and wherein the connector comprises moulded contact edges of the receptacle portions.  
   
   
       8 . A container as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the connector comprises a shaped recess disposed on at least a part of the contact edge of a receptacle portion and a shaped protrusion disposed along a corresponding part of the contact edge of an adjacent receptacle portion, wherein the shaped protrusion is arranged to mate with the shaped recess.  
   
   
       9 . A container as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein each receptacle portion has a protrusion disposed along one contact edge and a recess disposed along the other contact edge.  
   
   
       10 . A container as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the protrusion is formed with a head having a width greater than an opening of the recess such that the connector connects the receptacle portions with a snap fit.  
   
   
       11 . A container as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the connector comprises a separate shaped insert and each receptacle portion is provided with at least one recess disposed along the contact edges for securely receiving the shaped insert.  
   
   
       12 . A container as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the connector comprises at least one centrally disposed recess formed in the contact edges of the receptacle portions such that the recesses of the contact edges of adjacent receptacle portions are aligned to form at least one aperture between adjacent receptacle portions and which at least one aperture is sealed to restrict fluid communication between the aperture and the ambient environment.  
   
   
       13 . A container as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the receptacle portions are joined with an integral connector comprising a weakened region including an area of reduced wall thickness between adjacent receptacle portions.  
   
   
       14 . A container as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the region of reduced wall thickness is spaced away from an inner surface of the receptacle portions.  
   
   
       15 . A container as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises at least one binding member arranged to circumscribe an outer circumference of the receptacle and apply a radial compressive force to the receptacle portions.  
   
   
       16 . A container as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein each binding member comprises a sleeve formed using a heat-shrinkable polymer thereby to apply a radial compressive force to the receptacle portions.  
   
   
       17 . A container as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the container is sealed to prevent fluid ingress and egress.  
   
   
       18 . A container as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a plurality of receptacles joined end to end by a joining member that engages the ends of adjacent receptacles to couple the receptacles to one another.  
   
   
       19 . A container apparatus comprising a container according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a tool for disconnecting the connector to separate the receptacle portions.  
   
   
       20 . An apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the tool comprises a bar having a bevelled end for insertion between the receptacle portions.  
   
   
       21 . An apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the tool comprises a cutting device for making a cut through the connector of the at least one receptacle portion.  
   
   
       22 . A method of receiving, retaining and accessing a sample from a subterranean formation, comprising the steps of: 
 a) forming a receptacle by providing at least two receptacle portions and connecting each receptacle portion to the adjacent receptacle portion using a connector;    b) accommodating the receptacle within a coring assembly;    c) receiving and retaining a sample within the receptacle;    d) removing the receptacle from the coring assembly; and    e) accessing the sample by disconnecting the connector and removing at least one of the receptacle portions.    
   
   
       23 . A method according to  claim 22 , wherein step (e) involves disconnecting the connector and lifting one or more of the portions radially away from the sample to thereby access the sample.  
   
   
       24 . A method according to  claim 21 , including recycling and reforming the at least one receptacle prior to reuse.  
   
   
       25 . A sampling assembly for receiving, retaining and accessing a sample from a subterranean formation, wherein the sampling assembly comprises a container arranged to be removably accommodated within a coring assembly, the container comprising at least one receptacle, wherein the or each receptacle is arranged to receive and retain a sample and wherein the or each receptacle has at least two receptacle portions and a connecting device for connecting each receptacle portion to the adjacent receptacle portion, and wherein the sampling assembly further comprises a tool for disengaging the connecting device to separate the receptacle portions.