Multi-zone formation fluid evaluation system and method for use of same

Abstract

A formation fluid evaluation system ( 800 ) interconnected within a tubular string ( 818 ) for operation in a wellbore ( 802 ) having multiple zones ( 806, 808, 810 ). The evaluation system ( 800 ) includes a set of straddle packers ( 820, 822 ) that is operable to sequentially isolate the multiple zones ( 806, 808, 810 ). A test valve ( 824 ) is disposed between the straddle packers ( 820, 822 ). A fluid unloading assembly ( 828 ) is positioned uphole of the straddle packers ( 820, 822 ). The fluid unloading assembly ( 828 ) is operable to draw fluid ( 834 ) from the isolated zone ( 808 ) into the tubular string ( 818 ) through the test valve ( 824 ) in response to the circulation of a drive fluid down the tubular string ( 818 ). A formation evaluation instrument ( 836 ) is disposed within the tubular string ( 818 ) and determines a characteristic of the fluid ( 834 ) received from the isolated zone ( 808 ).

1 . A formation fluid evaluation system interconnected within a tubular string for operation in a wellbore having multiple zones, the evaluation system comprising:
 a set of straddle packers that isolates one zone of the multiple zones;   a test valve disposed between the straddle packers, the test valve receiving fluid from the isolated zone into the interior of the tubular string;   a fluid unloading assembly positioned uphole of the straddle packers, the fluid unloading assembly operable to draw fluid from the isolated zone into the tubular string through the test valve; and   a formation evaluation instrument disposed within the tubular string that determines a characteristic of the fluid received from the isolated zone,   wherein the evaluation system is operable to sequentially isolate individual zones of the multiple zones and evaluate fluid received from the individual zones in a single trip.   
   
   
       2 . The system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the test valve further comprises a screen element. 
   
   
       3 . The system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the fluid unloading assembly further comprises a pump. 
   
   
       4 . The system as recited in  claim 3  wherein the pump is selected from a jet pump, a progressive cavity pump, a hydraulic driven piston pump, an electrical submersible pump and a syringe pump. 
   
   
       5 . The system as recited in  claim 3  wherein the pump is driven by a fluid circulated down the tubular string. 
   
   
       6 . The system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the fluid unloading assembly further comprises a gas lift valve. 
   
   
       7 . The system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the formation evaluation instrument is run in the tubular string on a conveyance and passes through the fluid unloading assembly. 
   
   
       8 . The system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the formation evaluation instrument is coupled to the tubular string. 
   
   
       9 . The system as recited in  claim 1  wherein data obtained by the formation evaluation instrument relative to the characteristic of the fluid is transmitted to the surface via a conductor operably associated with the formation evaluation instrument. 
   
   
       10 . The system as recited in  claim 1  wherein data obtained by the formation evaluation instrument relative to the characteristic of the fluid is transmitted to the surface via a wireless telemetry device operably associated with the formation evaluation instrument. 
   
   
       11 . The system as recited in  claim 1  wherein data obtained by the formation evaluation instrument relative to the characteristic of the fluid is stored in a memory of the formation evaluation instrument. 
   
   
       12 . A method of evaluating multiple zones during a single trip into a wellbore, the method comprising:
 interconnecting a formation fluid evaluation assembly within a tubular string;   positioning the formation fluid evaluation assembly in the wellbore proximate one zone of the multiple zones and isolating the zone;   unloading fluid from the isolated zone into the tubular string;   receiving reservoir fluid from the isolated zone into the interior of the tubular string;   determining a characteristic of the reservoir fluid received from the isolated zone; and   performing the positioning, isolating, unloading, receiving and determining steps for additional zones of the multiple zones in a single trip.   
   
   
       13 . The method as recited in  claim 12  further comprising the step of filtering the fluid entering the tubular string from the isolated zone. 
   
   
       14 . The method as recited in  claim 12  wherein the step of unloading fluid from the isolated zone into the tubular string further comprises pumping the fluid to the surface. 
   
   
       15 . The method as recited in  claim 14  wherein pumping the fluid to the surface further comprises driving a pump with fluid circulated down the tubular string. 
   
   
       16 . The method as recited in  claim 12  wherein the step of unloading fluid from the isolated zone into the tubular string further comprises lifting the fluid to the surface. 
   
   
       17 . The method as recited in  claim 12  wherein the step of determining a characteristic of the reservoir fluid received from the isolated zone further comprises obtained data relative to the characteristic of the fluid and transmitting the data to the surface via at least one of wired and wireless communication. 
   
   
       18 . The method as recited in  claim 12  wherein the step of determining a characteristic of the reservoir fluid received from the isolated zone further comprises obtained data relative to the characteristic of the fluid and storing the data in a memory. 
   
   
       19 . A formation fluid evaluation system interconnected within a tubular string for operation in a wellbore having multiple zones, the evaluation system comprising:
 a set of straddle packers that isolates one zone of the multiple zones;   a test valve disposed between the straddle packers, the test valve receiving fluid from the isolated zone into the interior of the tubular string;   a fluid unloading assembly positioned uphole of the straddle packers, the fluid unloading assembly operable to draw fluid from the isolated zone into the tubular string through the test valve in response to a drive fluid circulated down the tubular string; and   a formation evaluation instrument disposed within the tubular string that determines a characteristic of the fluid received from the isolated zone,   wherein the evaluation system is operable to sequentially isolate individual zones of the multiple zones and evaluate fluid received from the individual zones in a single trip.   
   
   
       20 . A method of evaluating multiple zones during a single trip into a wellbore, the method comprising:
 interconnecting a formation fluid evaluation assembly within a tubular string;   positioning the formation fluid evaluation assembly in the wellbore proximate one zone of the multiple zones and isolating the zone;   pumping a drive fluid down the tubular string;   unloading fluid from the isolated zone into the tubular string;   receiving reservoir fluid from the isolated zone into the interior of the tubular string;   determining a characteristic of the reservoir fluid received from the isolated zone; and   repeating the positioning, pumping, unloading, receiving and determining steps for additional zones of the multiple zones in a single trip.