Method and apparatus for remote actuation of a downhole device using a resonant chamber
First Claim
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1. A method of remotely actuating a downhole device within a well comprising the steps of:
- (a) initiating an actuation signal within a variably tunable resonant chamber;
(b) amplifying the actuation signal within the resonant chamber;
(c) communicating the amplified signal to the downhole device; and
(d) actuating the device in response to the amplified signal.
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Abstract
The method of remotely actuating a downhole device provides the initiation of an acoustic signal. The acoustic signal is amplified within a resonance chamber and is transmitted down a fluid column in the tubing string or in the annulus around the tubing string. The signal can be coded to allow activation of multiple downhole devices. The use of a resonance chamber allows for the amplification of the actuation signal to ensure that a downhole receiver can detect it. The receiver can be either a transducer or a hydrophone. The apparatus and method allow for remote actuation without the need for intervention into the well.
63 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of remotely actuating a downhole device within a well comprising the steps of:
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(a) initiating an actuation signal within a variably tunable resonant chamber;
(b) amplifying the actuation signal within the resonant chamber;
(c) communicating the amplified signal to the downhole device; and
(d) actuating the device in response to the amplified signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
(c) initiating a second signal; and
(d) actuating a second device in response to the second signal.
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11. The method of claim 1 further comprises tuning the resonant chamber.
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12. The method of claim 11 comprises initiating a plurality of signals to determine an optimum signal.
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13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the receiver is mounted on an outer surface of a tubing string for the well.
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14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the receiver is a transducer.
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15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the receiver is a hydrophone.
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16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the at least one receiver comprises an array of receivers mounted within the well.
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17. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the device comprises a packer.
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18. An apparatus for the remote actuation of a downhole device in a well, comprising:
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(a) a transmitter coupled to a signal generation means and located within a resonant chamber;
(b) means to variably tune said resonant chamber to enhance a signal generated by said signal generation means;
(c) an actuator coupled to the device;
(d) at least one receiver coupled to the actuator;
(e) means to communicate the enhanced signal from said resonant chamber to said receiver.
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Specification