Tube-in-tube device useful for subsurface fluid sampling and operating other wellbore devices

Abstract

The present invention provides for a tube-in-tube system comprising: (a) an outer conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, and (b) an inner conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the inner conduit is disposed within the outer conduit, wherein the proximal end of the inner conduit is in fluid communication with a first aperture, and the proximal end of the outer conduit is in fluid communication with a second aperture, and the distal ends of the inner and outer conduits are in fluid communication with each other and to a third aperture. The present invention also provides for a split toroidal borehole clamp.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tube-in-tube system comprising: (a) an outer conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, and (b) an inner conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the inner conduit is disposed within the outer conduit, wherein the proximal end of the inner conduit is in fluid communication with a first aperture, and the proximal end of the outer conduit is in fluid communication with a second aperture, and the distal ends of the inner and outer conduits are in fluid communication with each other and to a third aperture 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tube-in-tube system is a well-bore sampler the first aperture in fluid communication with a high pressure gas source, and the second aperture in fluid communication with a sample collector, or vice versa, and the third aperture in fluid communication with a downhole or well-bore. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a check valve in fluid communication with the third aperture, wherein the check valve permits fluid moving in the direction towards the distal ends of the inner and outer conduits, but does not permit fluid moving in the direction away from the distal ends of the inner and outer conduits. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising a sliding end packer, in fluid communication with the check valve, for isolation of wellbore fluids. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , further comprising an inlet filter in fluid communication with the sliding end packer, wherein the inlet filter (such as a 40 μm sintered stainless steel filter) removes particulates that can interfere with the operation of the check valve. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the inlet filter comprises an at least 40 μm sintered stainless steel filter. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more split toroidal borehole clamps. 
     
     
         8 . A split toroidal borehole clamp comprising a first portion comprising one or more piston cylinders and a second portion comprising one or more pistons which fit the piston cylinders, wherein the first or second portion together fit within the wall of a borehole and the pistons and the piston cylinders are used to spread the toroidal clamp open and force one or more sensor against the wall of the borehole. 
     
     
         9 . The split toroidal borehole clamp of  claim 8 , wherein one sensor is a geophone. 
     
     
         10 . The split toroidal borehole clamp of  claim 8 , wherein each piston is fitted with one or more O-rings seals.