| Project Engineer: Tom Pettigrew |
| Staff Liaison: Adam Klaus |
The Fisseler Water Sampler tool development was initiated to overcome some limitations of the present WSTP. The primary new features are intended (1) to reduce the pressure differential while sampling formation fluids, (2) to improve the probe tip geometry to reduce formation cracking when the tool is inserted, and (3) to create a modular design to facilitate tool operations.
The FWS was deployed five times during Leg 164. The FWS function very well mechanically. Unfortunately, the FWS failed to collect a useful water sample, presumably because of formation conditions. The WSTP was deployed with similar results, although the WSTP did manage to recover a few good samples.
Several ideas have been suggested for further development of the tool, but at present no development effort is planned.
The tool will probably be run again on Leg 169 in virtually the same form as on Leg 164. Some minor electronic tweaking has been done and some operational changes will be made.