U-tube Sampling

The U-tube was developed to provide large volume samples of uncontaminated aliquots of subsurface fluid. U-tube samples are recovered to the surface at reservoir pressure isolated from contamination. The method is particularly suited for multi-phase fluid sampling in deep boreholes, as it is effective at recovering mixtures of gases and liquids. The following CO2 storage projects incorporated U-tube samplers:

• 2004-2006 Frio Brine Pilot

• 2007-2012 CO2CRC Otway Project 

• 2009-2010 SECARB Cranfield DAS Test

• 2012- SECARB Citronelle Dome Anthropogenic Test

U-tube sampling is also a practical method for aqueous fluid sampling. U-tubes were installed in the following projects:

• 2006 NC-EWDP-24PB, Amargosa Valley, Nevada, Yucca Mountain Project S&T Study

• 2007 High Lake Project, Nunuvut Territory, Canada (NASA funded study on sub-permafrost microbes)

• 2009 Greenland Analogue Project, Kangerluusuaq, Greenland (SKB funded study on glacial margins)