Apparatus and method for downhole well equipment and process management, identification, and operation

• US 20020050930A1
• Filed: 11/05/2001
• Published: 05/02/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Thomeer, Hubertus V., Adnan, Sarmad
• Granted Patent: US 7,385,523 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/853.3
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 23/00 Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells setting of casings, screens or liners E21B43/10
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 23/001 Self-propelling systems or apparatus, e.g. for moving tools within the horizontal portion of a borehole
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 23/02 for locking the tools or the like in landing nipples or in recesses between adjacent sections of tubing E21B23/03 - E21B23/06 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 34/06 in wells
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 41/00 Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 41/0035 Apparatus or methods for multilateral well technology, e.g. for the completion of or workover on wells with one or more lateral branches
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/119 Details, e.g. for locating perforating place or direction
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/024 of devices in the borehole determining slope or direction of the borehole E21B47/022
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/04 Measuring depth or liquid level
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/09 Locating or determining the position of objects in boreholes or wells , e.g. the position of an extending arm; Identifying the free or blocked portions of pipes
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/12 Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/26 Storing data down-hole, e.g. in a memory or on a record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/74 Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 15/00 Tags attached to, or associated with, an object, in order to enable detection of the object record carriers for use with machines having a detectable tag or marker G06K19/00

Abstract

A method for operating a downhole tool. The method includes moving an instrument through a wellbore, and the instrument includes a first non-acoustic transponder that is adapted to detect identification codes. An identification code detected from at least one second non-acoustic transponder is compared to a reference code. The at least one second non-acoustic transponder is attached to an emplaced structure in the wellbore, and the comparison is performed when the instrument moves by the at least one second non-acoustic transponder. The downhole tool is then operated if the identification code matches the reference code.

A downhole tool operation system including at least one first non-acoustic transponder emplaced in a wellbore and adapted to communicate an identification code. At least one second non-acoustic transponder is adapted to move through the wellbore, and the at least one second non-acoustic transponder is adapted to detect an identification code when moving by the at least one first non-acoustic transponder. A processor is coupled to the at least one second non-acoustic transponder and is adapted to compare the identification code to a reference code and operate the downhole tool if the identification code matches the reference code.

Claims

1_9. ] A method for operating a downhole tool, the method comprising:

moving an instrument through a wellbore, the instrument comprising a first non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the first non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect identification codes;

comparing an identification code detected from at least one second non-acoustic transponder by the first non-acoustic transponder to a reference code, the at least one second non-acoustic transponder attached to an emplaced structure in the wellbore, the comparing performed when the instrument moves proximate to the at least one second non-acoustic transponder; and

operating the downhole tool if the identification code matches the reference code.

2_9. ] The method of claim 1, wherein the first non-acoustic transponder comprises at least one of an optical transponder, a magnetic transponder, and an electrical transponder.

3_9. ] The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one second non-acoustic transponder comprises at least one of an optical transponder, a magnetic transponder, and an electrical transponder.

4_9. ] The method of claim 1, wherein the operating comprises firing a perforating gun.

5_9. ] The method of claim 1, wherein the operating comprises securing the downhole tool at a fixed position in the wellbore.

6_9. ] The method of claim 1, further comprising operating the emplaced structure if the identification code matches the reference code.

7_9. ] The method of claim 6, wherein the operating comprises firing a perforating gun.

8_9. ] The method of claim 6, wherein the operating comprises securing the downhole tool at a fixed position in the wellbore.

9_9. ] The method of claim 1, further comprising determining an azimuthal orientation of the downhole tool.

10_9. ] The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a depth of the downhole tool in the wellbore.

11_9. ] The method of claim 1, wherein the instrument is disposed on the downhole tool.

12_9. ] The method of claim 1, further comprising:

moving the first non-acoustic transponder past a plurality of axially spaced apart second non-acoustic transponders each coupled to at least one sensor and adapted to communicate an identification code and data signal corresponding thereto; and

detecting and recording the data signals and the identification codes communicated by each of the plurality of second non-acoustic transponders when the first non-acoustic transponder moves proximate each thereof, the recording performed to enable identification of a source one of the plurality of second non-acoustic transponders from which each data signal originated.

13_9. ] The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displacing a movable member coupled to the emplaced structure between a first and second position so as to expose one of the at least one second non-acoustic transponders and a third non-acoustic transponder, the displacing covering the other of the second and third non-acoustic transponders;

detecting an identification code communicated by the exposed one of the second non-acoustic transponder and the third non-acoustic transponder to the first non-acoustic transponder; and

determining from the detected identification code if the movable member is in the first or second position.

14_9. ] The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displacing a movable member coupled to the instrument between a first and second position so as to expose one of the first non-acoustic transponder and a third non-acoustic transponder, the displacing covering the other of the first and third non-acoustic transponders;

detecting an identification code communicated by the exposed one of the first non-acoustic transponder and the third non-acoustic transponder to the at least one second non-acoustic transponder; and

determining from the detected identification code if the movable member is in the first or second position.

15_9. ] A method for interrogating sensors emplaced in a wellbore, the method comprising:

moving a first non-acoustic transponder operatively coupled to a recording device through the wellbore, the first non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect data from corresponding non-acoustic transponders; and

recording data signals and an identification code communicated by at least one second non-acoustic transponder coupled to at least one sensor emplaced in the wellbore when the first non-acoustic transponder is proximate thereto.

16_9. ] The method of claim 15, further comprising:

programming instructions into the first non-acoustic transponder; and

communicating the programmed instructions to the at least one second non-acoustic transponder when the first non-acoustic transponder moves proximate thereto.

17_9. ] The method of claim 15, wherein the moving comprises pumping the first non-acoustic transponder through the wellbore.

18_9. ] The method of claim 15, wherein the moving comprises lowering the first non-acoustic transponder into the wellbore on at least one of a wireline, a slickline, coiled tubing, and drill pipe.

19_9. ] A method of operating a perforating gun in a wellbore, the method comprising:

moving a perforating gun through a wellbore, the perforating gun comprising a first non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the first non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect an identification code;

comparing an identification code detected from at least one second non-acoustic transponder by the first transponder to a reference code, the at least one second non-acoustic transponder attached to an emplaced structure in the wellbore, the comparing performed when the first non-acoustic transponder is proximate the at least one second non-acoustic transponder; and

firing the perforating gun if the identification code matches the reference code.

20_9. ] The method of claim 19, wherein the identification code corresponds to a depth of the at least one second non-acoustic transponder in the wellbore.

21_9. ] The method of claim 19, wherein the identification code corresponds to an azimuthal orientation of the at least one second non-acoustic transponder in the wellbore.

22_9. ] The method of claim 19, wherein the moving comprises allowing the perforating gun to free fall in the wellbore.

23_9. ] A method of orienting a downhole tool in a well, the method comprising:

moving the downhole tool through a wellbore, the downhole tool comprising a first non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the first non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect identification codes;

comparing an identification code detected from at least one second non-acoustic transponder by the first non-acoustic transponder to a reference code, the at least one second non-acoustic transponder disposed in a selected lateral bore in the wellbore; and

orienting the downhole tool so that the downhole tool will enter the selected lateral bore if the identification code matches the reference code.

24_9. ] The method of claim 23, further comprising preventing the downhole tool from entering the selected lateral bore if the identification code and reference code do not match.

25_9. ] The method of claim 23, further comprising detecting a third identification code from a third non-acoustic transponder disposed in the selected lateral bore and comparing the third identification code to the reference code to determine if the downhole tool has entered the selected lateral bore.

26_9. ] A downhole tool operation system comprising:

at least one first non-acoustic transponder emplaced in a wellbore and adapted to communicate an identification code;

at least one second non-acoustic transponder adapted to move through the wellbore, the at least one second non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect an identification code when proximate the at least one first non-acoustic transponder; and

a processor operatively coupled to the at least one second non-acoustic transponder and adapted to compare the identification code to a reference code and operate the downhole tool if the identification code matches the reference code.

27_9. ] The system of claim 26, wherein the at least one first non-acoustic transponder comprises at least one of an optical transponder, a magnetic transponder, and an electrical transponder.

28_9. ] The system of claim 26, wherein the at least one second non-acoustic transponder comprises at least one of an optical transponder, a magnetic transponder, and an electrical transponder.

29_9. ] The system of claim 26, wherein the at least one first non-acoustic transponder is secured proximate an axial bore of a tubular member emplaced in the wellbore.

30_9. ] The system of claim 29, wherein the at least one first non-acoustic transponder is embedded in the tubular member.

31_9. ] The system of claim 26, wherein the at least one first non-acoustic transponder is coupled to at least one of a landing nipple, a gas lift mandrel, a flow control valve mandrel, a length of tubing, a packer, a length of casing, an external casing packer, a slotted liner, a multilateral junction, a slip, and a sleeve.

32_9. ] The system of claim 26, wherein the downhole tool comprises at least one of a subsurface safety valve, a gas lift valve, a packer, a perforating gun, a length of expandable tubing, an expandable screen, and a flow control device.

33_9. ] The system of claim 26, further comprising a plurality of first non-acoustic transponders disposed at selected positions in the wellbore, each first non-acoustic transponder comprising a different identification code.

34_9. ] The system of claim 33, wherein selected ones of the plurality of first non-acoustic transponders are disposed in selected lateral bores of a multilateral well.

35_9. ] The system of claim 26, wherein the identification code corresponds to a depth of the at least one first non-acoustic transponder in the wellbore.

36_9. ] The system of claim 26, wherein the identification code corresponds to an azimuthal orientation of the at least one first non-acoustic transponder in the wellbore.

37_9. ] The system of claim 26, wherein a plurality of first non-acoustic transponders are disposed about a circumference of the wellbore and each of the first non-acoustic transponders comprises a different identification code, the processor adapted to determine a rotary orientation of the downhole tool from the identification codes.

38_9. ] The system of claim 26, wherein the downhole tool comprises a member movable between a first position and a second position and two second non-acoustic transponders disposed proximate the movable member, wherein one of the second non-acoustic transponders is exposed and the other of the second non-acoustic transponders is masked when the movable member is in the first position, and wherein the one of the second non-acoustic transponders is masked and the other of the second non-acoustic transponders is exposed when the movable member is in the second position, the masked one of the non-acoustic transponders prevented from communicating its identification code to the first non-acoustic transponder.

39_9. ] The system of claim 26, wherein the first non-acoustic transponder is disposed proximate an emplaced structure in the wellbore, the emplaced structure comprising a member movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first non-acoustic transponder is exposed and a third non-acoustic transponder is masked when the movable member is in the first position, and wherein the first non-acoustic transponder is masked and the third non-acoustic transponder is exposed when the movable member is in the second position, the masked one of the non-acoustic transponders prevented from communicating its identification code to the at least one second non-acoustic transponder.

40_9. ] The system of claim 38, wherein the processor is adapted to determine a position of the movable member from the detected identification code.

41_9. ] The system of claim 39, wherein the processor is adapted to determine a position of the movable member from the detected identification code.

42_9. ] The system of claim 26, further comprising a locking mechanism adapted to secure the downhole tool in a selected position in the wellbore when the downhole tool is operated.

43_9. ] The system of claim 42, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one radially expandable lock disposed proximate an outer surface of the downhole tool and adapted to lockingly engage at least one locking surface formed on an inner surface of the wellbore.

44_9. ] A system for transmitting information in a wellbore comprising:

at least one first non-acoustic transponder emplaced in the wellbore and coupled to at least one sensor, the at least one first non-acoustic transponder adapted to communicate an identification code and data signals from the at least one sensor;

a downhole tool adapted to move through the wellbore, the downhole tool comprising at least one second non-acoustic transponder and a plurality of releasably coupled non-acoustic transponders, the at least one second non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect identification codes and data signals communicated by the at least one first non-acoustic transponder;

a processor operatively coupled to the downhole tool, the at least one second non-acoustic transponder, and the plurality of releasably coupled non-acoustic transponders, the processor adapted to compare an identification code detected from the at least one first non-acoustic transponder to a reference code and to transfer the detected identification code and data signals from the at least one first non-acoustic transponder to at least one of the plurality of releasably coupled non-acoustic transponders, the downhole tool adapted to release the at least one of the plurality of releasably coupled non-acoustic transponders into the wellbore so that it can travel to the earth'"'"'s surface.

45_9. ] The system of claim 44, wherein the received data signals comprise temperature measurements.

46_9. ] The system of claim 44, wherein the received data signals comprise pressure measurements.

47_9. ] The system of claim 44, further comprising a plurality of first non-acoustic transponders emplaced in the wellbore and coupled to at least one sensor, each first non-acoustic transponder adapted to communicate a different identification code and data signal.

48_9. ] A method for operating a downhole tool, the method comprising:

moving an instrument through a wellbore, the instrument comprising a first non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the first non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect identification codes;

disengaging a first substantially autonomous downhole tool from the instrument at a selected depth in the wellbore, the substantially autonomous downhole tool comprising a second non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the second non-acoustic transponder adapted to communicate identification codes and corresponding data signals;

operating the substantially autonomous downhole tool in the wellbore; and

reengaging the substantially autonomous downhole tool to the instrument when the second non-acoustic transponder is positioned proximate the first non-acoustic transponder.

49_9. ] The method of claim 48, wherein the operating comprises moving the substantially autonomous downhole tool through the wellbore past a plurality of third non-acoustic transponders attached to emplaced structures in the wellbore, each third non-acoustic transponder coupled to at least one sensor and adapted to communicate an identification code and a corresponding data signal from the sensor, the second non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect identification codes and corresponding data signals when positioned proximate each of the third non-acoustic transponders.

50_9. ] The method of claim 48, wherein the operating comprises moving the substantially autonomous downhole tool into a selected lateral bore connected to a main wellbore.

51_9. ] The method of claim 48, wherein the operating comprises moving the first substantially autonomous downhole tool through the wellbore so as to communicate with a second substantially autonomous downhole tool disposed therein, the second substantially autonomous downhole tool comprising a fourth non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the fourth non-acoustic transponder adapted to communicate identification codes and corresponding data signals to the third non-acoustic transponder when positioned proximate thereto.

52_9. ] The method of claim 51, wherein the first substantially autonomous downhole tool is adapted to record identification codes and corresponding data signals communicated from the second substantially autonomous downhole tool.

53_9. ] A method for operating a downhole tool, the method comprising:

moving an instrument through a wellbore, the instrument comprising a first non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the first non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect and record identification codes and corresponding data signals communicated by a second non-acoustic transponder coupled to a first substantially autonomous downhole tool disposed in the wellbore,

the second non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect and record identification codes and corresponding data signals communicated by each of a plurality of third non-acoustic transponders when the second non-acoustic transponder is positioned proximate thereto, each third non-acoustic transponder attached to an emplaced structure in the wellbore and coupled to at least one sensor.

54_9. ] The method of claim 53, further comprising communicating with a second substantially autonomous downhole tool disposed in the wellbore, the second substantially autonomous downhole tool comprising a fourth non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the communicating comprising communicating detected and recorded identification codes and corresponding data signals between the instrument and the second substantially autonomous downhole tool when the first non-acoustic transponder is positioned proximate the fourth non-acoustic transponder, and between the first and second substantially autonomous downhole tools when the second non-acoustic transponder is positioned proximate the fourth non-acoustic transponder.

55_9. ] The method of claim 54, further comprising:

operating the first substantially autonomous downhole tool in a first fluid, the first substantially autonomous downhole tool comprising a first sensor adapted to determine a density of a fluid proximate thereto, the first substantially autonomous downhole tool being formed from a material having substantially the same density as a density of the first fluid; and

operating the second substantially autonomous downhole tool in a second fluid, the second substantially autonomous downhole tool comprising a second sensor adapted to determine a density of a fluid proximate thereto, the second substantially autonomous downhole tool being formed from a material having substantially the same density as a density of the second fluid,

wherein the densities determined by the first and second sensors are used to selectively operate the first and second substantially autonomous downhole tools in the first and second fluids, respectively.

56_9. ] The method of claim 54, wherein the first and second substantially autonomous downhole tools are adapted to operate in first and second lateral bores connected to a main wellbore.

57_9. ] The method of claim 54, wherein the first substantially autonomous downhole tool is adapted to operate in a main wellbore and the second substantially autonomous downhole tool is adapted to operate in a lateral bore connected to the main wellbore.

58_9. ] A downhole system comprising:

at least one first non-acoustic transponder attached to an emplaced structure in the wellbore and coupled to at least one sensor, the at least one first non-acoustic transponder adapted to communicate an identification code and data signals from the at least one sensor;

an instrument adapted to move in the wellbore, the instrument comprising at least one second non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the at least one second non-acoustic transponder adapted to communicate an identification code; and

a substantially autonomous downhole tool releasably coupled to the instrument and adapted to be released at a selected depth in the wellbore, the substantially autonomous downhole tool comprising at least one third non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the at least one third non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect and record the identification code and corresponding data signals communicated by the at least one first non-acoustic transponder when positioned proximate thereto, the substantially autonomous downhole tool adapted to reengage the instrument when the at least one third non-acoustic transponder is positioned proximate the at least one second non-acoustic transponder.

59_9. ] A downhole system comprising:

at least one first non-acoustic transponder attached to an emplaced structure in the wellbore and coupled to at least one sensor, the at least one first non-acoustic transponder adapted to communicate an identification code and data signals from the at least one sensor;

an instrument adapted to move in the wellbore, the instrument comprising at least one second non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the at least one second non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect and record identification codes and corresponding data signals;

a first substantially autonomous downhole tool adapted to move in the wellbore, the first substantially autonomous downhole tool comprising at least one third non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the at least one third non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect and record the identification code and corresponding data signals communicated by the at least one first non-acoustic transponder when the at least one third non-acoustic transponder is positioned proximate thereto; and

a second substantially autonomous downhole tool adapted to move in the wellbore, the second substantially autonomous downhole tool comprising at least one fourth non-acoustic transponder coupled thereto, the at least one fourth non-acoustic transponder adapted to detect and record the identification code and corresponding data signals communicated by the at least one first non-acoustic transponder when the at least one fourth non-acoustic transponder is positioned proximate thereto,

the at least one third and fourth non-acoustic transponders adapted to communicate the detected and recorded identification codes and corresponding data signals to the at least one second non-acoustic transponder when positioned proximate thereto.

60_9. ] The system of claim 59, wherein the at least one third and fourth non-acoustic transponders are adapted to communicate the detected and recorded identification codes and corresponding data signals to each other when they are positioned proximate each other.

61_9. ] The system of claim 59, further comprising:

a first density sensor operatively coupled to the first substantially autonomous downhole tool, the first density sensor adapted to determine a density of a first fluid proximate the first substantially autonomous downhole tool, the first substantially autonomous downhole tool being formed from a material having substantially the same density as a density of the first fluid; and

a second density sensor operatively coupled to the second substantially autonomous downhole tool, the second density sensor adapted to determine a density of a second fluid proximate the second substantially autonomous downhole tool, the second substantially autonomous downhole tool being formed from a material having substantially the same density as a density of the second fluid,

wherein the densities determined by the first and second density sensors are used to selectively operate the first and second substantially autonomous downhole tools in the first and second fluids, respectively.

62_9. ] The system of claim 61, wherein the first and second substantially autonomous downhole tools are adapted to communicate with each other proximate a fluid boundary between the first and second fluids.

63_9. ] The system of claim 59, wherein the first and second substantially autonomous downhole tools are adapted to operate in first and second lateral bores connected to a main wellbore.

64_9. ] The system of claim 59, wherein the first substantially autonomous downhole tool is adapted to operate in a main wellbore and the second substantially autonomous downhole tool is adapted to operate in a lateral bore connected to the main wellbore.