CONTROL SYSTEM

• US 20110290504A1
• Filed: 10/01/2009
• Published: 12/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC (Weatherford International PLC)
• Original Assignee: Petrowell Limited (Weatherford International PLC)
• Inventors: Purkis, Daniel
• Granted Patent: US 8,950,503 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 166/373
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 41/0085 Adaptations of electric power generating means for use in boreholes

Abstract

An improved control system for use in a subterranean well is described. The system comprises at least one apparatus positioned within the subterranean well, at least one power generation device positioned within the subterranean well, the at least one power generation device adapted to supply electrical power to the at least one apparatus and at least one control line positioned in the subterranean well. The at least one control line is adapted to supply a hydraulic pressure applied from surface to the at least one power generation device from which the at least one power generation device generates electrical power.

Claims

1. An improved control system for use in a subterranean well, the system comprising:

at least one apparatus positioned within the subterranean well;

at least one power generation device positioned within the subterranean well, the at least one power generation device adapted to supply electrical power to the at least one apparatus; and

at least one control line positioned in the subterranean well, the at least one control line adapted to supply a hydraulic pressure applied from surface to the at least one power generation device from which the at least one power generation device generates electrical power.

2. The improved control system of claim 1, wherein the/each power generation device is adapted to supply electrical power to more than one downhole apparatus.

3. The improved control system of claim 2, wherein a power generation device powers an RFID tag reader and a downhole tool, such as a valve.

4. The improved control system of claim 1, wherein the/each power generation device is adapted to supply electrical power to an energy storage device such as a battery, a capacitor, a spring, a compressed fluid device such as a gas spring or the like.

5. The improved control system of claim 1, wherein the/each power generation device is adapted to supply electrical power to a drive means to raise a weight against gravity.

6. The improved control system of claim 1, wherein the/each power generation device converts the applied hydraulic pressure in to linear motion.

7. The improved control system of claim 6, wherein the/each power generation device comprises a piston to convert the applied hydraulic pressure in to linear motion.

8. The improved control system of claim 7, wherein the/each power generation device is further adapted to convert the linear motion into rotary motion.

9. The improved control system of claim 8, wherein the/each power generation device includes a ball screw or rack and pinion for converting the linear motion into rotary motion.

10. The improved control system of claim 1, wherein the/each power generation device is adapted to convert the applied hydraulic pressure in to rotary motion.

11. The improved control system of claim 1, wherein the/each power generation device is adapted to convert rotary motion to electrical power.

12. The improved control system of claim 11, wherein the/each power generation device includes a generator for converting rotary motion to electrical power.

13. The improved control system of claim 11, wherein the/each power generation device produces AC power and the control system further comprises a rectifier or switch mode regulator.

14. The improved control system of claim 1, wherein the/each power generation device includes a biasing means adapted to resist the application of hydraulic pressure.

17. The improved control system of claim 14, wherein the biasing means comprises a compression spring, a wind up spring, a coil spring, a leaf spring, a gas spring, well pressure, a suspended weight or the like.

15. The improved control system of 7, wherein where the/each power generation device converts the applied hydraulic pressure in to linear motion using a piston, the piston is moveable between a first position and a second position and comprises a biasing means to bias the piston to the first position.

16. The improved control system of claim 15, wherein the hydraulic pressure moves the piston against the biasing means to the second position, generating linear motion.

18. The improved control system of claim 15, wherein downhole pressure is utilised to provide the biasing means or to return the piston to the first position.

19. The improved control system of claim 15, wherein a second control line is provided in the well to provide the biasing means or to return the piston to the first position.

20. A method of controlling at least one apparatus positioned within a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of:

applying a hydraulic pressure from surface to a power generation device, the power generation device adapted to convert the applied force into electrical energy, the electrical energy being used to control at least one apparatus positioned within the subterranean well.