native bottomhole samples of very viscous crude oil (bitumen, tar) are obtained by injecting water plus a suitable surfactant mixture down a hollow sucker rod whereby mixing occurs downhole, producing a resultant oil-in-water emulsion, and recovering the crude oil from the emulsion. Contamination of the crude oil sample with light hydrocarbons is avoided.

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2 codes

IPC · International Patent Classification

Section E — Fixed constructions

E21B49/08

USPC · US Patent Classification

166/264

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