Miniature pump-through sensor modules
First Claim
1. A method for sensing downhole measurement parameters in a well, comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of sensor modules, each having a sensor section, a storage register and a power source which are encapsulated in a protective outer covering, and operative for sensing at least one desired parameter and storing a value therefor in a storage register;
injecting the plurality of the sensors modules into a flow line connected to the drill string;
pumping the sensor modules downhole, through a lower portion of the drill string and into an annulus defined between the drill string and a borehole of the well, detecting the desired parameter and storing the value therefor in the storage register; and
passing the sensor modules to a read unit to read the value of the parameter stored in the storage register.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Sensor modules are provided which are pumped into a well by first being pumped downhole within a drill string, then passing through the drill bit and being circulated uphole in the annulus between the drill string and the borehole of the well. The sensors take measurement readings as they are being pumped uphole through the annulus. The sensors are preferably separated from the mud returns from the well, and then read at an inductive read unit. The sensor modules are provided by semiconductor substrates which measure downhole well parameters, and then store the date for retrieval at the surface. The semiconductor substrates preferably have a plurality of sides on which measurement sensors and circuitry may be formed, allowing the circuitry and the sensors to be made of smaller sizes. Such sensors include temperature sensors, three-dimensional stain gauges, which are also useful as pressure transducers, inductive pressure transducers, inclination sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes and radiation detectors. The sensors and circuitry are preferably provided on spherically shaped semiconductor substrates.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for sensing downhole measurement parameters in a well, comprising the steps of:
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providing a plurality of sensor modules, each having a sensor section, a storage register and a power source which are encapsulated in a protective outer covering, and operative for sensing at least one desired parameter and storing a value therefor in a storage register;
injecting the plurality of the sensors modules into a flow line connected to the drill string;
pumping the sensor modules downhole, through a lower portion of the drill string and into an annulus defined between the drill string and a borehole of the well, detecting the desired parameter and storing the value therefor in the storage register; and
passing the sensor modules to a read unit to read the value of the parameter stored in the storage register. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification