Patent ID: 7762130
Filing Date: 2010-07-27
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for obtaining a fluid sample in a subterranean well, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a sample chamber defined therein, the sample chamber selectively in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing and operable to receive at least a portion of the fluid sample therein; a debris trap piston slidably disposed within the housing, the debris trap piston including a debris chamber, responsive to the fluid sample entering the sample chamber, the debris trap piston receiving a first portion of the fluid sample in the debris chamber then displacing relative to the housing to expand the sample chamber such that a remainder of the fluid sample is received in the sample chamber; and a check valve disposed in an inlet portion of the debris trap piston, the check valve operable to retain the first portion of the fluid sample in the debris chamber.