Halliburton Company

Roger H Schultz

Paul David Ringgenberg

H Kent Beck

A number of improvements are provided in early evaluation systems which can be utilized to test and/or treat a subsurface formation intersected by an open uncased borehole. An outer tubing string is run into the well and has a packer which is set in the open, uncased borehole above the subsurface formation of interest. An inflation passage is provided and preferably has an inflation valve associated therewith which is operated by manipulation of the tubing string. A communication passage communicates the interior of the outer tubing string with the borehole below the packer. An inner well tool is run into the outer tubing string and engaged therewith, whereupon it is placed in fluid communication with the subsurface formation to either sample the formation or treat the formation. Preferably, a circulating valve is provided above the packer to allow fluid circulation in the well annulus during the testing procedure to prevent differential sticking of the outer tubing string. The inner well tool may include an inner tubing string, preferably coiled tubing, which may include annulus pressure responsive tester valves therein.

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Stillwater, OK, United States of America

Roger H Schultz