Control apparatus for automated downhole tools

• US 20040183692A1
• Filed: 01/22/2004
• Published: 09/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC (Weatherford International PLC)
• Original Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb Incorporated (Weatherford International PLC)
• Inventors: Robison, Clark, Weatherill, Scott
• Granted Patent: US 7,283,060 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/853.1
• 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 44/00 Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systems; Systems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
• 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

Abstract

A method and apparatus for a computer controlled apparatus for use in wellbore completions. A touch-screen is provided that facilitates commands and information that is entered by an operator ordering movement of a downhole tool. In another embodiment, real-time information about the status of the downhole tools is transmitted to the apparatus based upon operating variables within the system, like pressure, flow rate, total flow, and time.

Claims

1. A method of operating one or more downhole devices in a wellbore, comprising:

disposing the one or more devices in the wellbore, the one or more devices having at least an open and a closed position; and

providing a signal to the one or more devices to move between the open and the closed position, the signal being computer generated based upon an operator'"'"'s interaction with a touch screen.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the signal to the one or more devices comprises transmitting the signal to a controller.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising moving the one or more devices between the open and the closed position.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more devices is operated using fluid pressure.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein providing the signal to the one or more devices comprises transmitting the signal to a controller.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising placing the one or more devices in fluid communication with a fluid source.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein providing the signal to the one or more devices further comprises selecting an icon representing the one or more devices on the touch screen.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising moving the one or more downhole devices between an open position and a closed position.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising viewing the touch screen to confirm movement of the one or more downhole devices.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein moving the one or more downhole devices comprises providing a pressure to operate a controller to move the one or more downhole devices.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein moving the one or more downhole devices comprises providing a first pressure to operate a controller, and providing a second pressure to move the one or more downhole devices.

12. A method of monitoring operation of a downhole tool, the method comprising:

providing a signal to the downhole tool, whereby the signal causes the tool to move between an initial and a second position; and

monitoring variables within a fluid power system to confirm the position of the downhole tool, the variables including at least one of pressure, time, total flow, or flow rate.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein monitoring the variables comprises viewing a touch screen having information related to the variables.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the touch screen comprises a resistive touch screen monitor.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the touch screen comprises a touch sensor, controller, and software driver.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the downhole tool comprises one or more fluid control devices.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising interacting with the touch screen to modify the operation of the downhole tool.