Abstract:
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for supporting a tubing bundle during installation or removal. The apparatus includes a clamp for securing the tubing bundle to an external wireline. In various examples, the clamp is external to the tubing bundle or integral with the tubing bundle. According to one method, a tubing bundle and wireline are deployed together and the tubing bundle periodically secured to the wireline using a clamp. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for coupling conduit segments together. A first pump obtains a sample and transmits it through a first conduit to a reservoir accessible by a second pump. The second pump further conducts the sample from the reservoir through a second conduit. In a specific example, one or more clamps are used to connect the first and/or second conduits to an external wireline.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application of, and incorporates by reference, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/706,630, filed Feb. 16, 2010 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,727,024, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/152,405, filed Feb. 13, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT 
     This invention was made with United States Government support under a grant from the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Grant/Contract No. DE-AC08-00NV13609. The United States Government has certain rights in the invention. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a method and system for obtaining fluid samples or otherwise removing a specified volume of that fluid. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a clamp that can be used to support a tubing bundle. In another example, the present disclosure provides a staged pump array that can allow samples to be acquired from greater depths than a single pump alone. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A number of methods traditionally have been used to obtain fluid samples from various locations, such as environmental testing wells. One method is the Bennett pump, an air driven pump typically used at depths of less than about 800 feet. The existing Bennett pump technology has been used successfully for several years at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) to collect groundwater samples for geochemical analysis. However Bennett pump use has been limited to a subset of the total number of wells that could be sampled, at the NTS, for example, by the operational limitations of the pump. 
     Bennett Sample Pumps, Inc. previously manufactured a pump that could lift up to 1,600 feet. However, tubing bundles typically experienced significant problems at these deployment depths. 
     One difficulty experienced in Bennett pump installation in deep boreholes is associated with the mechanical crushing of the tubing bundle as it tracks around a crown pulley at the surface ( FIG. 1 ). The crushing phenomenon is caused by the weight of the tubing bundle, and associated borehole water in the lift tube, being counteracted by a pull force induced by the tubing spooling winch unit. An 800-foot tubing bundle hanging in a borehole has a weight of approximately 170 pounds dry. When all of the tubes are filled with water, the bundle and associated water has a combined weight of approximately 200 pounds. These weights typically scale with increased borehole depth and tubing length. The problem is exacerbated by the bundle design itself. 
     The tubing bundle typically used with Bennett pumps is assembled by co-wrapping three individual pieces of polypropylene tubing together with a 3/32″ aircraft cable and a single, multi-conductor electrical cable. These individual components are brought together from individual material spools to form a bundle on the factory floor, and are then packaged by continuously wrapping with polyvinyl chloride pipe wrap tape before being wound onto a shipping spool. This bundle has an effective diameter of 1.8 inches. Because of this significant diameter, and because of the weight of the bundle hanging in the borehole counteracted by a winch pullout force, the bundle tends to crush, or flatten, as it travels around the crown pulley. The subsequent distortion of the bundle leads to a physical, permanent crushing of individual tubes in the bundle and to delamination of the tape wrap. 
     Repairs to crushed sections of Bennett tubing bundles are not typically satisfactory because repair hardware results in a localized increase in the Bennett tubing bundle diameter, which can lead to difficulties in the repair traveling through the crown pulley. Recurrent leaks and the associated difficulty in locating leaks under a continuous tape wrap also contribute to the unsuccessful repair and re-use of damaged Bennett tubing bundles. There are reported examples of tubing bundles being crushed beyond repair during the first-use cycle. There is one reported case of the tubing bundle being crushed to such a degree during the initial stages of removal that extreme difficulties were encountered in removing the bundle successfully from the borehole, thereby putting the integrity and long-term accessibility of the borehole at risk. 
     Additional problems and complications can arise from simply coupling together multiple pumps in an attempt to remove liquid from deeper locations. For example, one prior attempt to couple two Bennet pumps pumped both water and air. The air was produced as a consequence of cavitation. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a sampling method that includes deploying a tubing bundle, such as from a spool, deploying a wireline proximate the tubing bundle, and coupling the wireline to the tubing bundle. In particular implementations, the wireline and tubing bundle are periodically coupled along their lengths. Coupling the wireline and tubing bundle can support the tubing bundle by transferring bundle weight to the wireline and thereby reduce the chance of the tubing bundle being damaged, particularly during installation and removal. 
     In some implementations, a clamp is secured around the tubing bundle and secured to the wireline. In some examples, the clamp is prevented from inadvertent loss into the open borehole during installation or removal, such as using a leash to temporarily tie the clamp to a surface-mounted fixture or stationary object. The clamp, in some implementations, is integral with the tubing bundle and securable to the wireline, such as using a fastener. In further implementations, the clamp is external to the tubing bundle and securable to the wireline, such as using a fastener. 
     Various methods can be used to secure the clamp to the tubing bundle and wireline. In one example, the clamp and wireline are secured by tightening two clamp portions together with a fastener. In another example, the two clamp portions are secure together with a first fastener and the wireline is secured to a clamp portion with a second fastener. In a more specific example, the second fastener is inserted through a shoe clamp that matingly engages the wireline. 
     The present disclosure also provides a clamp, which may be used in the above-described sampling method. The clamp includes a first clamp portion having an interior portion defining a tubing mounting region. The clamp also includes a second clamp portion having an interior portion defining a tubing mounting region. The second clamp portion also defines a channel adapted to receive a wireline. The first and second clamp portions are configured to surround a tubing section and to be coupled to a wireline located proximate the tubing section. 
     In some implementations, the first clamp portion also includes a channel for receiving the wireline, which can be designed to mate with the channel of the second clamp portion. The clamp portions can be secured together using various methods, including using a fastener inserted through the apertures formed in the first and second clamp portions. The fastener can also secure the clamp to the wireline. In other implementations, the wireline is secured to the clamp by another method. For example, the clamp can include a shoe clamp that is securable to a clamp portion using a fastener. The wireline may be placed between the shoe clamp and the clamp portion. In some cases, the shoe clamp is located adjacent the channel of the second clamp portion. 
     Clamps, whether external or integral, can include additional features. For example, one or both of the clamp portions can include a leash mount for receiving a leash, which may be used to further secure the clamp during installation/removal to prevent inadvertent loss into the open borehole. 
     In yet another implementation the interior portion of the first or second clamp portions are shaped to account for, and securely mount to, tubing having a helical twist. In another implementation, the interior portions of the first or second clamp portions are formed from, or coated with, a resilient material or a gripping material, which can help cushion the tubing bundle in the clamp and reduce slippage. 
     In yet another implementation, the clamp is located within the tubing bundle, such as by being built into the tubing bundle during tubing assembly. In a specific example, a fixture is placed in the annular space between the tubing pieces and is mechanically coupled to the aircraft cable built into the tubing bundle. A fastener matingly couples the clamp to an external wireline that is co-installed with the tubing bundle. In this example, a very low profile clamping arrangement can result in a negligible increase in the overall tubing bundle diameter. 
     In various implementations of an integral clamp, a clamp body includes one or more tubing channels located radially about the clamp body. The clamp can also include apertures or channels for additional components, such as a support cable and/or a conductor, such as a multiconductor wire. In one example, a channel is formed in the radial surface of the clamp body for receiving the support cable and conductor. The channel has a first portion having a first width for receiving the support cable and a second portion having a second width for receiving the conductor. The clamp body further defines a channel or aperture for receiving a wireline. In some example, the wireline channel or aperture is formed in the radial surface of the clamp body. 
     The integral clamp may be secured to the wireline in a number of ways. In one example, a clamp shoe having a wireline channel is secureable to the clamp body using one or more fasteners. In another example, the clamp includes a clamp arm having a curved portion that defines a wireline channel. The clamp arm may be secured to the clamp body using a fastener. In another example, a clamp arm is used that does not include a curved portion, rather being flat, but is tapered so as to encourage engagement of the clamp arm with the wireline. For example, the clamp arm portion having the wireline channel may have a reverse taper and the clamp arm portion receiving the fastener may have a forward taper. In yet another example, the clamp includes a clamp arm having a curved portion defining a wireline channel and a forked end defining a fastener aperture. The clamp arm and clamp body include apertures for receiving a pin. The fastener has a collar defining a channel for receiving the clamp arm. In operation, the pin couples the clamp arm to the clamp body. The forked end of the clamp arm is placed in the channel of the fastener. Moving the fastener out from the clamp body forces the collar against the clamp arm, which pivots about the pin and engages the wireline in the wireline channel of the clamp arm and clamp body. 
     Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a sampling method that includes obtaining a fluid sample, transmitting the fluid sample to a staging pump, and pumping the fluid sample with the staging pump to a collection vessel. The assembly can employ a plurality of pumps and/or tubing bundles, such as two, three, four, five, six, or more pumps and/bundles. 
     In a particular implementation, the fluid sample is transmitted to a reservoir operatively coupled with the staging pump. The reservoir may be formed, for example, by a housing surrounding the staging pump. The reservoir is, in some examples, open to the atmosphere. In other examples, the reservoir is coupled to a gas source for adjusting the level or pressure of gas in the reservoir as the fluid level in the reservoir varies or as the hydraulic pressure in the lower pump changes. Maintaining the hydraulic pressure in a sample during lift through tubing can help prevent dissolved gasses from coming out of solution during transport, which can provide a measurement that more accurately reflects the sample composition at the sampling point. In another implementation, the sample is transmitted to a sample inlet of the staging pump. 
     In some implementations of the sampling method, the staging pump is coupled to air supply and air exhaust tubes, such as through manifolds coupled to ports on the staging pump. 
     The staging pump is, in further implementations, coupled to upstream and downstream tubing bundles. A wireline is deployed proximate the tubing bundle. The upstream and downstream tubing bundles are coupled to the wireline. The tubing bundles are, in some examples, coupled to the wireline through one or more clamps, such as a plurality of clamps located periodically along the length of the tubing bundles. The clamps may be designed as described above. 
     A staging pump assembly, which is useable in the above-described sampling method, is provided in another embodiment of the present disclosure. The staging pump assembly includes a housing, a pump having an air supply inlet, an exhaust air outlet, a sample inlet, and a sample outlet. An air supply manifold is coupled to the air supply inlet of the pump. An exhaust air manifold is coupled to the exhaust air outlet of the pump. 
     In a more specific implementation, a control valve is coupled to the exhaust air manifold. In another implementation, the control valve is coupled to the air supply manifold. The control valve, which is a solenoid in some specific examples, may be used to control the speed of the pump, such as relative to another pump located further down a tubing bundle. In other example, the control valve is an orifice plate. 
     In some implementations, the sample inlet is coupled to a reservoir formed by the interior of the housing. In a particular example, the reservoir is open to the atmosphere. According to another example, the reservoir is coupled to a pressure source, such as a gas source, which can be used to adjust the pressure, such as the level of gas in the reservoir, as the reservoir fluid level varies. This arrangement can help prevent sample degassing during transport. In a particular example, the gas source is an inert gas, such as argon. In other embodiments, the sample inlet is coupled to a sample tube, such as through an end cap coupled to the housing. 
     The staging pump assembly can include additional features. For example, when the assembly is used with a wireline, the housing can include a raceway designed to receive the wireline. 
     The present disclosure also provides a sample collection system that includes a staging pump assembly, as described above, an upper tubing bundle, a lower tubing bundle, a wireline, and a plurality of clamps coupled to the wireline and the upper tubing bundle. In one configuration, the system also includes a plurality of clamps coupled to the lower tubing bundle and the wireline. 
     In a particular implementation, the upper and lower tubing bundles each include an air supply tube, an exhaust air tube, and a sample tube. The sample tube of the upper tubing bundle is coupled to the sample outlet of the pump. The air supply tubes, in some examples, are coupled to the air supply manifold. The exhaust air tubes, in further examples, are coupled to the exhaust air manifold. In one example, the sample tube of the lower tubing bundle is coupled to a reservoir formed by the staging pump assembly housing. In another example, the sample tube of the lower tubing bundle is coupled to the sample inlet of the pump. 
     The exhaust air manifold, in some configurations, is attached to an exhaust bypass tube. In other configurations, the air supply manifold is coupled to an air supply bypass tube. 
     In one example, an apparatus according to the present disclosure is used to conduct a hydraulic well test. A suitable volume of liquid is removed while monitoring the liquid level as a function of time. 
     There are additional features and advantages of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. They will become evident as this specification proceeds. 
     In this regard, it is to be understood that this is a brief summary of the various embodiments described herein. Any given embodiment of the present disclosure need not provide all features noted above, nor must it solve all problems or address all issues in the prior art noted above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a prior art method of deploying a tubing bundle. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of a clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7A  is an exploded perspective view, and  FIG. 7B  is a top plan view, of a clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8A  is an exploded perspective view, and  FIG. 8B  is a top plan view, of a clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of a method of deploying a tubing bundle and wireline according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart of a method of deploying a tubing bundle and wireline according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of a sample collection system using a staging pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic illustration of a sample collection system using a staging pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of a staging pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the staging pump assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. The singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “comprising” means “including;” hence, “comprising A or B” means including A or B, as well as A and B together. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment  200  of a clamp according to the present disclosure. The clamp  200  is designed to secure a section of a tubing bundle  204 . The tubing bundle  204 , in a specific example, is a Bennett tubing bundle, such as for use with a Bennett pump. Suitable pumps and tubing bundles are available from Bennett Sample Pumps, Inc., of Amarillo, Tex. Bennett tubing bundles typically include three tubes,  206 ,  208 ,  210 , which can be used for admission of air to the pump, exhausting of air out of the pump and the borehole, and for pumped liquid conveyance. The tubing may be used for other purposes, and the tubing bundle may be of a different type than Bennett tubing. The tubing bundle, in some examples, includes more or less than the three tubes shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the tubing bundle  204  is surrounded by a sheath  212 , which may be a wrap of polyvinylchloride film, for example. In other cases, ties, such as nylon wire ties, are used to hold the tubes  206 ,  208 ,  210  in the bundle  204 . In further implementations, the sheath is omitted. In yet further implementations, the sheath is a bonded rubber or plastic material. The tubing, in another configuration, is concentrically nested inside one another, with various sheaths as previously described. 
     The tubing bundle  204  can contain additional components. For example, the tubing bundle  204  can include a metal cable (not shown), such as a stainless steel cable, in some implementations. In a particular example, the metal cable is located in the interior of the tubing bundle  204 . The metal cable can be used to help provide rigidity to the tubing bundle  204 . In another implementation, the tubing bundle  204  includes one or more additional wires or cables that may be used, in some examples, to supply power to components used with the tubing bundle  204 , such as pumps or meters, or to transmit data to or from components used with the tubing bundle  204 . 
     The clamp  200  includes a first portion  216  and a second portion  218 . The first and second portions  216 ,  218  are generally semicircular. Thus, when the clamp  204  is in use, it has a generally circular cross section. Each portion  216 ,  218  includes mounting sections  222 ,  224 . Mounting sections  222 ,  224  are shaped and dimensioned to engage the tubing bundle  204 . Accordingly, the mounting sections  222 ,  224  may have different shapes or dimensions, depending on the nature of the tubing bundle  204  with which the clamp  200  will be used. Although the first and second portions  216 ,  218  are shown as semicircular, they may have other geometric shapes. For example, in some cases the clamp  200 , when in use, may have an oval, rectangular, or square cross section. Circular cross sections may be beneficial when the clamp  200  is to be used in a well, as wells are typically bored with a generally circular cross section. 
     The first and second portions  216 ,  218 , in some implementations, have axial faces terminating in a geometry that minimizes the chances of the clamp  200  catching on protrusions encountered in the operating environment. For example, the portions  216 ,  218  may have a right-circular cone geometry. 
     The clamp  200  may be constructed from any suitable materials, which are typically chosen to withstand the environment in which the clamp  200  will be used. For example, at least a portion of the clamp  200  may be constructed from metals or metal alloys, such as stainless steel. Portions of the clamp  200  may also be constructed from polymeric materials, such as silicone or polyurethane. Portions of the clamp may also be constructed from elastomers, such as latex. When less rigid materials are used, such as polymeric materials, for the construction of the clamp portions  216 ,  218 , exterior portions or interior portions thereof may be bonded to a protective shell, such as a metallic coating, for example, a stainless steel shell. 
     In some embodiments, the first or second portions  216 ,  218 , particularly the mounting sections  222 ,  224 , may be coated with a material to aid in gripping the tubing bundle or cushioning the interaction of the clamp  200  and the tubing bundle  204  to prevent damage to the tubing bundle  204 . The material may be for, example, a polymeric material, particularly elastomers, such as latex. The material may also be a polyurethane or silicone material. In other implementations, such as when the first and second portions  216 ,  218  are formed primarily from a polymeric material, the mounting sections  222 ,  224  are coated with a more rigid material, for example, a metal or metal alloy. In a specific example, the mounting sections  222 ,  224  are made of stainless steel and mounted to a less rigid material. 
     In further embodiments, the mounting sections  222 ,  224 , or a coating thereon, are formed in a pattern or texture that aids in gripping the tubing bundle. For example, the mounting sections  222 ,  224  may have a ribbed surface. In another embodiment, the mounting section  222 ,  224  are shaped to accommodate the shape and geometry of the tubing bundle. For example, in use, the tubing bundle  204  may have a helical twist. The mounting sections  222 ,  224  can be manufactured with a mating helical structure. 
     The first and second portions  216 ,  218  of the clamp  200  are held together by a hinge formed from a tab  228  on the second portion  218  and a slot formed by arms  230  (the other arm is not visible in  FIG. 2 ) on the first portion  216 . The tab  228  and arms  230  have bores  232 ,  234  through which a pin  236  can be inserted to secure the hinge joint together. In some cases, the tab  228  or arms  230  are threaded (not shown) and the pin  236  is secured through mating threads (not shown). In other embodiments, the hinge joint is secured through other means, such as a retaining device, such as a cotter pin, inserted through an aperture in the pin  236 . However, the present disclosure is not limited to the use of a hinge to secure portions  216 ,  218 , which may be secured together in any suitable manner. 
     The clamp  200  is typically used in conjunction with an external wireline  214 . In some examples, the wireline serves simply as a mechanical support. In other examples, the wireline may serve additional purposes. For example, in specific examples, the wireline is a multiconductor geophysical logging wireline. A multiconductor wireline may be used, for example, for operating a pressure transducer, which can be used to log hydraulic stage during an aquifer test. The mulitconductor wireline can also be used for making time-series measurements of fluid chemistry during a field-scale tracer test or purging. The multiconductor wireline may also be used to operate a radiation sensor, such as a tritium detector. 
     The clamp  200  may be secured to the wireline. First and second portions  216 ,  218  include grooves  240 ,  242  for receiving the wireline. The grooves  240 ,  242  can be tightened against the wireline using retention bolt  246 . Retention bolt  246  includes central shaft  248  and first and second ends  250 ,  252 , which typically have a larger diameter than the central shaft  248 . The retention bolt  246  is inserted through apertures  256 ,  258  in the first and second portions  216 ,  218 , respectively. In some embodiments, the aperture  258  in the second portion  218  of the clamp  200  is threaded and can be secured through mating threads in the aperture  258 . In at least some embodiments, the diameter of the second end  252  is larger than the aperture  256 . In this way, the retaining bolt  246  is kept with the first portion  216 . In particular embodiments, the second end  252  includes a trapped nut. Securing the retaining bolt  246  can avoid potential problems from the bolt  246  being lost, such as in a sample well, which could damage the well or other components used in the well. In other embodiments, a different component is used to tighten the portions  216 ,  218  to the wireline, such as a bolt other than a retention bolt, for example, when component loss into the operating environment is less of a concern. 
     The clamp  200  includes apertures  260 ,  262  for receiving a retaining device (not shown). The retaining device can be useful, for example, for securing the clamp  200  to a fixed object at the wellhead. Securing the clamp  200  to a fixed object can have benefits such as securing the clamp portions  216 ,  218 , preventing them from being lost in the event the clamp  200  disengages from the wireline or tubing bundle  204  during the installation or removal procedure. Suitable retaining device include Kwik-Lok pins and lanyards, available from Jergens, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio. The apertures  260 ,  262  can include indentions for receiving a portion of the retaining device, such as spring loaded radially extending pins. The apertures  260 ,  262  may be located elsewhere on the clamp  200 , such as on the opposite axial face of the clamp  200  or on the radial surface of the clamp  200 . In further embodiments, one or both of the apertures  260 ,  262  are omitted, as the clamp  200  is not limited to use with a retaining device, or the clamp  200  includes additional aperture for receiving retaining devices, including multiple such apertures on a single clamp portion  216 ,  218 . 
       FIG. 3  presents an alternative design of a clamp  300  according to the present disclosure. Certain components are analogous to those in the clamp  200  of  FIG. 2  are correspondingly labeled, and not further discussed. The clamp  300  differs from clamp  200  in that, in addition to the two clamp portions  216 ,  288 , the clamp  300  includes a clamping shoe  310 . The clamping shoe  310  may be used, for example, to secure the clamp  300  to the wireline  214 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the clamping shoe  310  is generally wedge shaped and configured to mate with a notch  312  of the first clamp portion  216 . A portion of the face of the clamping shoe  310  that engages the notch  312  includes a channel  318 . The first clamp portion  316  includes a matching channel  320 . The channels  318  and  310  receive the wireline  214 . The clamp shoe  310  defines an aperture  324 . 
     The clamp  300  is secured to the wireline  214  by clamp shoe bolt  330 . Clamp shoe bolt  330  has a central shaft  332  and first and second ends  334 ,  336 , which typically have a larger diameter than the central shaft  332 . The clamp shoe bolt  246  is inserted through aperture  324  of the clamp shoe  310 , aperture  340  of the first clamp portion  216 , and aperture  342  of the second clamp portion  218 . In some embodiments, the aperture  342  in the second portion  218  of the clamp  300  is threaded and can be secured through mating threads in the bolt  330 . In at least some embodiments, the diameter of the second end  336  is larger than the diameter of the aperture  320 . In this way, the clamp shoe bolt  330  is kept with the clamp shoe  310 . In particular embodiments, the second end  336  includes a trapped nut. Securing the clamp shoe bolt  330  can avoid potential problems from the bolt  330  being lost, such as in a sample well, which could damage the well or other components used in the well. Tightening the clamp shoe bolt  330  engages the clamp shoe  310  and the first clamp portion  216  with the wireline  214 . In other embodiments, a different component is used to secure the clamp shoe  310  to the clamp  300 , or to tighten the clamp shoe  310  and the first clamp portion  216  to the wireline  214 , such as a bolt without a retention means, such as when component loss into the operating environment is less of a concern. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a clamp  400  according to the present disclosure. The clamp  400  includes a molded elastomer center  405 , such as molded rubber, surrounded by a rigid shell  410 . In a specific example, the shell  410  is made of stainless steel. The clamp  400  is secured around a tubing bundle  415  using a fastener  420 . The fastener  420 , in one example, has a retaining clip  425  to help secure the fastener  420  to the clamp  400 . The clamp  400  also includes stainless steel grip plates  430 , which surround an aperture for receiving a wireline. 
     The clamp  400  is shown in use with a tubing bundle that includes an air exhaust tube  435 , a sample tube  440 , and an air supply tube  445 . The tubing bundle also includes a multi-conductor cable  450  and a support cable  455 . The clamp  400  is shown coupled to an external wireline  460 . 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of another clamp embodiment  500  of the present disclosure. While the clamps  200 ,  300 , and  400  are designed to secure a tubing bundle from the outside, clamp  500  is adapted to secure tubing bundle  204 , having tubes  206 ,  208 , and  210 , from the interior of the tubing bundle. As shown, the tubing bundle  204  includes an inner support cable  514 . A conductor  510 , such a multiconductor wire, is used with the tubing bundle  204 . The clamp  500  defines an aperture  518  or grove in the outer surface of the clamp  500  for receiving the inner support cable  514  and the conductor  510 . The inner support cable  514  is matingly secured to the clamp  500  by means of a ferrule or other such arrangement to lock the cable  514  into the aperture  518 . 
     The outer surface of the clamp  500  also defines apertures or groves  522 ,  524 ,  526  for receiving tubes  206 ,  208 , and  210 . An aperture or groove  530  for receiving the wireline  214  is also defined in the outer surface of the clamp  500 . The wireline  214  can be secured in the aperture  530 , and to the clamp  500 , using a clamp shoe  534 . The clamp shoe  534  has a mating groove or aperture  538  for receiving the wireline  214 . The clamp shoe  534  defines apertures  542  through which fasteners  546 , such as bolts, can be used to securingly engage the clamp shoe  534  against the clamp  500 . 
     In some examples, the clamp  500  is inserted into the tubing bundle  204  during manufacturing. In other examples, the clamp  500  is spliced into the tubing bundle  204  after manufacturing. Compared with some clamp designs which secure the tubing bundle  204  from the outside, clamp  500  secures the tubing bundle  204  from the inside. This arrangement can allow the clamped tubing bundle to have a reduced diameter, which can be useful in smaller diameter wells/boreholes. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a clamp  600  that is somewhat similar to the clamp  500  of  FIG. 5  and analogous components are labeled as in  FIG. 6 . The clamp  600  includes a somewhat different mechanism for securing the clamp  600  to the wireline  214 . The clamp  600  includes a clamp arm  650 . The clamp arm  650  has a curved portion  654  that defines a channel for receiving the wireline  214 . The clamp  600  defines a channel  658  that also receives the wireline  214 . A flat portion of the clamp arm  650  defines an aperture  662  that receives a fastener  666  that can be secured to the clamp  600 . In a specific example, fastener  666  is a caged bolt. The clamp  600  allows the wireline  214  to be secured/removed without completely removing the clamp arm  650  from the clamp  600 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates another clamp design,  700 , that is similar to the clamp  600  of  FIG. 6 . Clamp  700  includes a clamp arm  750  having a portion  754  that defines a channel for receiving the wireline  214 . Unlike the clamp arm  650 , the clamp arm  750  is not curved, and so can mount flatter to the clamp  700 , as shown in  FIG. 7B . The clamp  700  defines a channel  758  that, together with the channel in the portion  754 , receives the wireline  214  and secures it to the clamp  700 . The clamp arm  750  defines an aperture  762  through which a fastener  766 , which is a caged bolt in some examples, may be inserted to secure the clamp arm  750  to the clamp  700 . 
     In a particular implementation, both edges of the clamp arm  750  incorporate a tapered, wedge shape. The end of the clamp arm  750  that includes that channel  754  has a reverse taper and forces the clamp arm  750  into the wireline  214 . The side of the clamp arm  750  that includes the aperture  762  includes a forward taper, forcing the clamp arm  750  sideways toward the wireline  214 , allowing the reverse taper to work. This design can allow the clamp  700  to be secured to the wireline  214  tightening the fastener  766  as in other designs. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a further design for a clamp  800 . The clamp  800  includes a clamp lever arm  850 . The clamp lever arm  850  includes a curved portion  854  that defines a channel  858  for receiving the wireline  214 . The clamp  800  also defines a channel  862  for receiving the wireline  214 . 
     A pin  866  is insertable through an aperture  870  in the clamp arm  850 . The clamp  800  also includes an aperture  874  for receiving the pin  866 . The portion of the clamp arm  850  at the opposite end as the curved portion  854  includes fork arms  878  that define an opening  882 . A fastener  886 , having a collar that defines a channel  890 , is insertable through the opening  882  and retainably received by the clamp  800 . 
     In operation, loosening the fastener  886  pushes the ridges of the channel  890  against the pin  866 , thus forcing the clamp arm  850  against the clamp  800 , securing the wireline  214  in the channels  858 ,  862 . This arrangement is shown in  FIG. 8B . 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating how the clamps  200 - 800  of  FIGS. 2-8  may be used. These designs can be used to reduce or eliminate tubing bundle failures associated with prior installation techniques. For example, the setup shown in  FIG. 9  can reduce or eliminate the tubing bundle  910  as a mechanical support component of the tubing-pump bundle, and transfer these load-carrying responsibilities to a separately controlled wireline  916 . Mechanical contact is made between the tubing bundle  910  and the wireline  916  at a suitable number of points to provide the desired level of mechanical support. Mechanical contact is accomplished using a clamp  922 , which in some embodiments, is the clamp  200  of  FIG. 2 , the clamp  300  of  FIG. 3 , or the clamp  400  of  FIG. 4 . In a particular implementation, a clamp  922  is secured to the wireline  916  approximately every 50 feet. Through the use of the clamp  922 , the weight of the tubing  910 , pump(s)  928 , and any material contained within the tubing bundle  910 , such as sample water, is transferred to, and supported by, the wireline  916 . As a result, the tubing bundle  910  is less likely to experience the forces encountered during prior installation techniques, and will therefore be less likely to be subjected to forces that lead to crushing of the tubing bundle  910 . 
     In a particular implementation, the setup includes a separate wireline winch  934  and operator, which may be located on a wireline truck  940 . The wireline  910 , in some examples, is a simple load-bearing cable. In other examples, the wireline is a multi-conductor geophysical logging wireline. The multi-conductor wireline can be used, for example, to operate a pressure transducer, such as for logging hydraulic stage during an aquifer test, or for making time-series measurements of borehole fluid chemistry, such as during a field-scale tracer test or purging, or for other borehole measurements with suitable sensors, devices, or tools that are attached to the wireline. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the tubing bundle  910  is coupled to a spool  948  on a tubing truck  952 . 
     In some embodiments, a clamp according to the present disclosure is coupled to a tubing bundle during the manufacturing process or prior to loading the tubing bundle for installation, such as prior to winding the tubing on a spool. In other embodiments, a clamp according to the present disclosure is coupled to the tubing bundle while the tubing bundle is being deployed or installed. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a flowchart of a method  1000  of using the disclosed clamping device with a tubing bundle and wireline. In step  1010 , a tubing bundle is deployed, such as from the spool  948  of  FIG. 9 . In step  1020 , a wireline is deployed, such as from the wireline truck  940  of  FIG. 9 . In a specific example, steps  1010  and  1020  are performed simultaneously such that the wireline and the tubing bundle are deployed at the same rate. 
     In step  1025  a clamp is attached to a retaining device, or leash, one end of which is secured to a non-moving object outside of the well casing. In particular examples, step  1025  is carried out by slipping a lanyard to a fixed object outside the borehole and inserting a pin into the apertures  260 ,  262  of the clamps  200 ,  300  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , respectively. The leash is a flexible cable that does not hinder personnel manipulation of the clamp, but is strong enough to prevent loss of the clamp into the well in the event that it is dropped by the operator in the process of attempting to secure the tubing bundle and the wireline with the clamp in steps  1030  and  1040 . 
     In step  1030 , a clamp is secured to the tubing bundle. Securing the clamp to the tubing bundle may include the steps of placing clamp portions around the tubing bundle and securing the clamp portions together, such as by inserting a hinge pin through the clamp portions. Step  1030  can also include the step of securing the clamp portions together using a fastener, such as a bolt. 
     In step  1040 , the clamp is secured to the wireline. In particular implementations of the method  1000 , steps  1030  and  1040  occur concurrently. For example, when the clamp  200  of  FIG. 2  is used, securing the clamp portions together with a bolt secures the clamp portions together and engages the clamp with the wireline. In other implementations, step  1040  is a discrete action. For example, when the clamp  300  of  FIG. 3  is used, step  1040  can include tightening the clamp shoe bolt  330  to secure the clamp shoe  310  to the first clamp portion  216 . 
     In step  1050  the retaining device, or leash, is removed from the clamp. 
     Once the tubing bundle is no longer needed, it can be removed from its operating environment by performing the steps of method  1000  in reverse order. 
     Staging Pump Assembly 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a staging pump assembly. The staging pump assembly can be used to allow liquid to be transported a greater lift height than with a single pump. A schematic illustration of an example system  1100  is shown in  FIG. 11 . The end  1110  of a tubing string  1115 , such as a Bennett tubing bundle, is attached to a pump  1120 , such as a Bennett pump. A section  1125  of the tubing is coupled to a pump stage assembly  1130 . The pump stage assembly  1130  is then connected to the remaining section  1135  of the tubing string  1115 , which is connected to a collection unit  1140 . Although a single pump stage assembly  1130  is illustrated, multiple pump stage assemblies may be used at various positions in the tubing string  1115  as needed for a particular application. 
       FIG. 12  presents a more specific embodiment of a system  1200  for using a pump stage assembly. The system  1200  includes a tubing bundle  1210 , such as a Bennett tubing bundle. The tubing bundle  1210  includes an exhaust tube  1215 , an air supply tube  1220 , and a sample tube  1225 . A pump  1230  is coupled to the end of the tubing bundle  1210 . In practice, the tubing bundle  1210  may include multiple tubing bundle sections. For example, a first tubing bundle can be used to connect a lower pump to an upper pump and a second tubing bundle can be used to connect the upper pump to the surface. 
     A staging pump  1235  is coupled to an intermediate portion  1240  of the tubing bundle  1210 . The staging pump is housed inside of a pump stage assembly reservoir  1250 . The air supply tube  1220  is coupled to a manifold  1240 , which couples the air supply tube  1220  to the staging pump  1235 . Similarly, the exhaust tube  1215  is coupled to a manifold  1245 , which couples the exhaust tube  1215  to the staging pump  1235 . The sample tube  1225  is coupled to a reservoir  1250  surrounding at least a portion of the staging pump  1235 . In a specific example, the sample tube  1225  is not connected to the inlet port of the upper pump  1235 . 
     In some embodiments, the reservoir  1250  includes an overflow aperture  1255 . In other embodiments, the overflow aperture  1255  is omitted. In yet further embodiments, the aperture  1255  is located at the top of the reservoir  1250 . The overflow aperture  1255  can serve as a vent for the reservoir. The vent in the reservoir  1250  can reduce or eliminate cavitation in the pump  1235 , which could significantly degrade the usefulness of the device. 
     In other examples, the reservoir  1250  is coupled to a gas source (not shown) for adjusting the level or pressure of gas in the reservoir  1250  as the fluid level in the reservoir varies or as the hydraulic pressure in the lower pump  1230  changes. Maintaining the hydraulic pressure in a sample during lift through tubing can help prevent dissolved gasses from coming out of solution during transport, which can provide a measurement that more accurately reflects the sample composition at the sampling point. Suitable gasses include inert gasses, such as argon. In other example, another method is used to maintain or alter the pressure in the reservoir  1250 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , a control valve  1260  is coupled to the exhaust tube  1215 . The control valve  1260  may be, for example, an orifice plate, a stage controlled solenoid valve, or a stage controlled needle valve. In further embodiments, the control valve  1260  is omitted or is located on a different portion of the system  1200 , for example on the air supply tube  1240 . In yet further embodiments, the system  1200  includes multiple control valves. 
     In operation, air or another gaseous fluid is introduced into the air supply tube  1220 . The air supply causes the pump  1230  to intake a fluid sample through the sample tube  1225 . Air passing through the pump  1230  is returned via the exhaust tube  1215 . 
     The sample taken into the sample tube  1225  passes into the reservoir  1250 . Supply air passing through the manifold  1240  causes the staging pump  1235  to pump the sample through the upper sample tube  1225 . Air passing through the staging pump  1235  enters the exhaust tube  1215  through the manifold  1245 . 
     The control valve  1260  is used to match the speeds of the pump  1230  and the staging pump  1235 . Matching the pump speeds can be used, for example, to prevent or reduce pump cavitation and to adjust the overall pumping rate of the array. Excess sample accumulating in the reservoir  1250  can, in some embodiments, be returned to the environment surrounding the reservoir  1250 , such as being discharged into a well in which the tubing bundle  1210  is located. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate exploded views of a staging pump assembly  1300  suitable for use in the systems  700  and  1200 . The staging pump assembly  1300  is generally cylindrical and, in use, is surrounded by a housing  1302 . The housing  1302  protects internal components and, in some examples, also serves to retain sample material pumped in a reservoir formed by the interior of the housing  1302 . 
     The housing  1302  is generally circular and defines a rectangular aperture  1304  extending axially along the housing surface. A raceway  1306  is insertable into the aperture  1304  and is configured to receive a wireline  1308 . The raceway  1306  may be secured to the housing  1302 , and optionally the wireline  1308  using shoe clamps  1310 . The housing  1302  also defines circular apertures  1312  at each end through which fasteners can be inserted to secure the housing  1302  to upper and lower end caps  1314 ,  1316 . 
     Fittings serve to couple tubes  1318 ,  1320 ,  1322 , extending away from staging pump assembly  1300 , to corresponding tubes  1324 ,  1326 ,  1328  extending into the staging pump assembly  1300 . Tubes  1318 ,  1324  are exhaust tubes Inner exhaust tube  1318  is coupled to a first port  1330  of a manifold  1332 . A second port  1334  of the manifold  1332  is coupled with a fitting to a tubing section  1336  coupled to port on a pump  1338 . A third port  1340  of the manifold  1332  is coupled with a fitting to an exhaust bypass tube  1342 . The exhaust bypass tube  1342  is coupled with a fitting through the lower end cap  1316  to a fitting and a lower exhaust tube  1344 . The lower exhaust tube  1344  is couplable to an air exhaust tube on a Bennett tubing bundle assembly. A gasket  1346  abuts the lower end cap  1316  and can be used to help seal the lower end of the housing  1302  so that fluid does not leak from the staging pump assembly  1300 . 
     The manifold  1332  is coupled to a solenoid  1348 . The solenoid  1348  is used to regulate flow between the ports  1330 ,  1334 ,  1340  of the manifold  1332 . Thus, the solenoid  1348  acts as a control valve, and may be used to regulate the pumping rate of the pump  1338  and in concert with one or more additional pumps located elsewhere on a tubing string that is in fluid communication with the lower exhaust tube  1344 . As explained elsewhere in the disclosure, other methods may be used to control the pump speed of the pump  1338  or another pump coupled to a tubing bundle. 
     Tubes  1320 ,  1326  are sample tubes. Inner sample tube  1326  is coupled with a fitting to a port on the pump  1338 . The tubes  1322 ,  1328  are air supply tubes. Inner air supply tube  1328  is coupled to a manifold  1352 . One outlet of the manifold  1350  is coupled with a tubing section  1352  to a port on the pump  1322 . The manifold  1350  also coupled to an air supply bypass tube  1354 . The air supply bypass tube  1354  is coupled with a fitting through the lower end cap  1328  and to a lower air supply tube  1356 . The lower air supply tube  1356  is connectable to an air supply port of another pump through a Bennett tubing bundle assembly, not shown. 
     A lower sample tube  1358  is coupled through the lower end cap  1316  with a pair of fittings. Two saddle clamps  1360  are secured to the pump  1338 . The saddle clamps  1360  are secured to the housing  1302 , such as with a fastener, for example a bolt or a screw. The saddle clamps  1360  thus secure the pump  1338  within the housing  1302 . 
     A pressure transducer  1362  is mounted in a recess  1364  in the side of the pump  1338 . The pressure transducer  1362  is typically coupled to a remote computer system and can be used, for example, to determine how much sample is present in the housing  1302 , when the housing  1302  functions as a reservoir. In particular implementations, the pressure transducer  1362  is used to help regulate the speed of the pump  1338  by allowing the remote computer system to operate the solenoid  1348  to maintain fluid level as measured by pressure transducer  1362 . 
     Some tubing bundles, such as Bennett tubing bundles, include an internal support structure, such as a steel cable.  FIG. 13  illustrates such a cable  1366  extending through the staging pump assembly  1300 . 
     In operation, sample is pumped to the staging pump assembly  1300  through the lower sample tube  1358 . In some implementations, the lower sample tube  1358  is directly coupled to the sample inlet of the pump  1338  when using a control mechanism, such as an orifice plate, to control pump air supply or air exhaust rate as described below. In other implementations, the lower sample tube  1358  empties into a reservoir formed by the housing  1302  and the lower end cap  1316 , where it can be taken up by a sample inlet of the pump  1338 . 
     Supply air passes through the upper air supply tube  1322 , into air supply tube  1328 , and into manifold  1350 . Manifold  1350  splits the incoming supply air. A portion is directed to the pump  1338  though the tube  1352 . Another portion is directed to the lower air supply tube  1356  through air supply bypass tube  1354 . Air entering lower air supply tube  1356  may be, for example, directed to a pump located further down the tubing string. 
     Exhaust air, such as from a pump located further down the tubing string, passes through lower exhaust tube  1344  into the exhaust bypass tube  1342  where it enters manifold  1332 . Exhaust from the pump  1338  enters the manifold  1332  through tube  1336 . The speed of the pump  1338  relative to a pump located further down a tubing string can be adjusted by controlling the flow of exhaust air through the manifold  1332  using solenoid  1348 . The solenoid  1348  is typically used to match the pump speeds to help prevent pump cavitation. When more than two pumps are used, a multiconductor cable can be used to control, such as independently control, each pump, such as using a solenoid for each pump. 
     Sample output by the pump  1338  enters sample tubes  1320 ,  1326 , where it can be carried to a collection point or to another staging pump assembly. 
     The staging pump assembly can be operated in a number of ways. In one example, the staging pump assembly is used for aquifer testing with a constant pumping rate. In this example, the pump flow rate can be computer controlled. In another example, the staging pump assembly is used for tracer testing with a constant pumping rate. In addition to the computer controlled pumping rate, geophysical instrumentation below the pump is controlled by the wireline. A number of parameters can be monitored using this method, including water level, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential, and/or specific ions, such as using ion-specific electrodes. In another example, the staging pump assembly is used for geochemical sample collection. In this example, the pump flow rate may be controlled using pre-selected exhaust port orifice disks. The diameter of the orifice controls the exhaust flow rate, thereby controlling water flow rate. 
     One consideration in operating the staging pump is matching its flow rate with that of a pump located further down the tubing string. Although a number of methods can be used to accomplish flow rate matching, three methods are described below. 
     Matching the flow rates of the two pumps can be accomplished mechanically, assuming that the lift requirements do not change for either pump during operation. The pump performance characteristics can be quantified for various pump and tubing systems. From these pump performance characteristics, the staging pump rate can be adjusted to match the flow rate of a lower pump. In this example, the staging pump can be adjusted at the surface prior to pump and tubing bundle installation. This adjustment can include, for example, installing an exhaust port restriction orifice to increase backpressure on the airmotor, thereby decreasing the power output of the motor, which in turn results in a decrease in pump flowrate and lift height capability. The installation of the orifice plate in the exhaust port has the effect of increasing the effective lift height of the staging pump, without affecting the performance of the lowermost pump. Since both pumps exhaust their respective airmotor air into a common exhaust line, it may be difficult to install this orifice at the surface without affecting both pumps. This approach is simple from both a design and use standpoint, relatively easy to invoke, and field adjustable and repairable. However, this approach may not produce a constant flow rate if the water table is expected to decline with time during pumping. 
     Matching the flow rates of the two pumps can be accomplished with computer control. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by installing a pressure transducer in the staging pump reservoir for the purpose of measuring reservoir water levels. This transducer may be wired into a multi-conductor cable that is integrated into a tubing bundle or a wireline. In addition, an electrical solenoid valve is plumbed into the air supply line to the second-stage pump and wired into the multi-conductor cable. At the surface, a computer or datalogger monitors the water level in the reservoir and controls the air supply to the second-stage pump motor to maintain reservoir water levels between high and low setpoints. However, this approach can produce sporadic or ‘spurting’ flow at the surface and includes the added complication of computer control. 
     Another approach to computer control of the staging pump is to incorporate a variable aperture, numerically controlled valve in the air supply line. This valve is capable of adjusting air flow to the pump with a better resolution than the solenoid valve approach described above. Coupling this valve together with a water-level pressure transducer in the pump reservoir allow a controlling computer to optimize the flow rate of the staging pump and provide a constant stage in the pump reservoir. As a consequence, the flow rate of the staging pump can be adjusted to match that of a lower pump. In addition, if constant flow from the lower pump is required, the variable aperture valve can be installed on the air supply line to the lower pump. Control of the lower pump can be achieved until the lift head on the pump reaches the desired level. 
     It is to be understood that the above discussion provides a detailed description of various embodiments. The above descriptions will enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosed embodiments, and to make departures from the particular examples described above to provide embodiments of the methods and apparatuses constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The embodiments are illustrative, and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is rather to be determined by the scope of the claims as issued and equivalents thereto.