Downhole Measurement System and Method

• US 20060016593A1
• Filed: 09/16/2004
• Published: 01/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Gambier, Philippe
• Granted Patent: US 7,201,226 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 166/250.70
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 33/1295 actuated by fluid pressure
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/06 Measuring temperature or pressure

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention is a system and method to measure a pressure or other measurement at a source (e.g. a hydraulic power supply) and in or near a downhole tool and compare the measurements to verify that, for example, the supply is reaching the tool. Another aspect of the present invention is a system and method in which a gauge is positioned within a packer. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a gauge that communicates with the setting chamber of a packer as well as related methods. Other aspects and features of the system and method are also described. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. A packer, comprising a sensor positioned therein.

2. The packer of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a MEMS sensor.

3. The packer of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a nanotechnology-based sensor.

4. The packer of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure gauge.

5. The packer of claim 1, wherein the sensor is adapted to measure a characteristic within the packer.

6. The packer of claim 5, wherein the characteristic is a pressure.

7. The packer of claim 1, further comprising:

a setting chamber; and

the sensor is adapted to measure a pressure within a setting chamber.

8. The packer of claim 7, further comprising a second sensor adapted to measure a characteristic external to the packer.

9. The packer of claim 1, wherein the sensor is adapted to measure a characteristic external to the packer.

10. The packer of claim 9, wherein the sensor is adapted to measure a well annulus pressure.

11. The packer of claim 1, wherein the sensor is adapted to measure a tubing pressure.

12. A completion, comprising:

a packer having a setting chamber;

a pressure gauge adapted to measure a pressure within the setting chamber.

13. The completion of claim 12, wherein the pressure gauge measures the direct pressure of the setting chamber.

14. The completion of claim 12, wherein the pressure gauge is directly ported to the setting chamber.

15. The completion of claim 12, wherein the pressure gauge is positioned within the setting chamber.

16. The completion of claim 12, wherein the pressure gauge is positioned above the packer in a well.

17. The completion of claim 12, wherein the pressure gauge is adapted to measure a tubing pressure in an interior central passageway of the packer via the setting chamber.

18. A completion, comprising:

a packer;

a gauge above the packer;

the gauge communicating with an interior cavity of the packer.

19. The completion of claim 18, wherein the gauge is directly connected to the packer.

20. The completion of claim 18, wherein the gauge is positioned within the interior cavity of the packer.

21. A method for use in a well, comprising directly measuring a pressure in a setting chamber of a downhole tool with a pressure gauge.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising measuring a tubing pressure with the pressure gauge.

23. A method for use in a well, comprising:

positioning a plurality of gauges within a packer;

measuring well characteristics at different positions within the well using the gauges.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising measuring a tubing pressure with one of the gauges.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising measuring an annulus pressure with one of the gauges.

26. The method of claim 23, further comprising measuring a setting chamber pressure within the packer with one of the gauges.