Tool assembly and monitoring applications using same

• US 6,928,864 B1
• Filed: 09/28/2000
• Issued: 08/16/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: In-Situ Incorporated
• Original Assignee: In-Situ Incorporated
• Inventors: Smith, Stanley B., Gray, Zachary A., Kreitman, Korey L., Watson, Mark A., Henry, Kent D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Williams, Hezron
• Assistant Examiner(s): JACKSON, ANDRE K
• Application Number:
  US09/672,660
• Time in Patent Office: 1,783 Days
• Field of Search: 731/525.4, 73/530.1, 731/520.5, 731/522.9, 738/630.1, 166/54.1, 175/40, 210/170, 701/220
• US Class Current: 73/152.54
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/023 Arrangements for connecting cables or wirelines to downhole devices
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/028 Electrical or electro-magnetic connections
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 41/0085 Adaptations of electric power generating means for use in boreholes
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/00 Survey of boreholes or wells monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid E21B21/08
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/13 by electromagnetic energy, e.g. radio frequency

Abstract

The present invention provides a tool assembly for use in field applications to monitor at least one condition in a well or other hole. The tool assembly may include a computing unit for directing operation of the tool assembly and may be sized to be operable in a hole having a diameter of 1 inch, and in some cases even smaller. In one aspect, the tool assembly is designed to significantly conserve power. Sensor readings may be taken at different schedules to conserve power when frequent readings are not required. Also, internal electronics of the tool assembly can be operated at a low voltage. In one aspect, the tool assembly is assemblable by simple rotatable engagement of the components, with electrical interconnections being made automatically by the rotatable engagement without keying of components. In another aspect, the tool assembly is networkable with other like tool assemblies and monitorable from a central location. In yet another embodiment, the tool assembly may include a tool bundle with a plurality of different sensor capabilities useful as a multi-parameter probe when tool diameter is not a big concern.

Claims

1. A tool assembly adapted for insertion into a well or other hole to direct monitoring of at least one condition existing in the well or other hole, the tool comprising:

an elongated housing with first and second ends, where the second end includes an opening sized to receive and provide access to one or more energy storage units insertable therein;

a computing unit positioned within the elongated housing and connectable to at least one sensor which is configured to provide a sensor reading of at least one monitored condition, the sensor reading comprising a sensor output signal including sensor reading data corresponding to the at least one monitored condition, the computing unit being configured to receive and process the sensor output signal, wherein the computing unit is capable of directing the obtainment of sensor readings according to at least two different sampling schedules

a main circuit board positioned within the elongated housing, the main circuit board including at least one electrical contact positioned to contact one or more electrodes of the one or more energy storage units components upon insertion through the opening of the second end; and

an electrical assembly including the at least one electrical contact and an electrical circuit configured to conduct electrical signals between the second end of the elongated housing and the computing unit.

2. A tool assembly adapted for insertion into a well or other hole to direct monitoring of at least one condition existing in the well or other hole, the tool comprising:

an elongated housing including a first end which comprises a removable sensor component configured to engage and disengage with the first end, the sensor component further including at least one sensor positionable therein, where the at least one sensor is configured to provide a sensor reading of at least one monitored condition, the sensor reading comprising a sensor output signal including sensor reading data corresponding to the at least one monitored condition;

said elongated housing further including a second end, where said second end includes an opening sized to receive and provide access to one or energy storage units insertable therein;

a computing unit positioned within the elongated housing and connectable to the at least one sensor, the computing unit being configured to receive and process the sensor output signal, wherein the computing unit is capable of directing the obtainment of sensor readings according to at least two different sampling schedules;

a main circuit board positioned within the elongated housing, the main circuit board including at least one electrical contact positioned to contact one or more electrodes of the one or more energy storage units components upon insertion through the opening of the second end; and

an electrical assembly including the at least one electrical contact and an electrical circuit configured to conduct electrical signals between the second end of the elongated housing and the computing unit.

3. A tool assembly adapted for insertion into a well or other hole to direct monitoring of at least one condition existing in the well or other hole, the tool comprising:

an elongated housing with first and second ends, where the second end includes an opening sized to receive and provide access to one or more energy storage units insertable therein;

a computing unit positioned within the elongated housing and connectable to at least one sensor which is configured to provide a sensor reading of at least one monitored condition, the sensor reading comprising a sensor output signal including sensor reading data corresponding to the at least one monitored condition, the computing unit being configured to receive and process the sensor output signal;

a main circuit board positioned within the elongated housing, the main circuit board including at least one electrical contact positioned to contact one or more electrodes of the one or more energy storage units components upon insertion through the opening of the second end;

an electrical assembly including the at least one electrical contact and an electrical circuit configured to conduct electrical signals between the second end of the elongated housing and the computing unit; and

a removable cable assembly which is connectable to the second end so as to enclose the elongated housing and further configured to electrically interconnect with said electrical assembly, the removable cable assembly including a cable component with a housing portion for engaging and disengaging the second end of the elongated housing and a cable which terminates in the cable component and includes at least one;

a first plurality of electrical conductors for carrying data signals, a second plurality of electrical conductors for carrying power signals;

wherein the cable component is a vented cable, having a first fluid conductive path extending along the length of the cable such that when the elongated housing and cable assembly are connected and the at least one sensor is a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor is capable of taking pressure readings adjusted for atmospheric pressure.

4. A tool assembly adapted for insertion into a well or other hole to direct monitoring of at least one condition existing in the well or other hole, the tool comprising:

an elongated housing with first and second ends, where the second end includes an opening sized to receive and provide access to one or more energy storage units insertable therein;

a computing unit positioned within the elongated housing and connectable to at least one sensor which is configured to provide a sensor reading of at least one monitored condition, the sensor reading comprising a sensor output signal including sensor reading data corresponding to the at least one monitored condition, the computing unit being configured to receive and process the sensor output signal, wherein the computing unit is capable of directing the obtainment of sensor readings according to at least two different sampling schedules;

a main circuit board positioned within the elongated housing, the main circuit board including at least one electrical contact positioned to contact one or more electrodes of the one or more energy storage units components upon insertion through the opening of the second end;

an electrical assembly including the at least one electrical contact and an electrical circuit configured to conduct electrical signals between the second end of the elongated housing and the computing unit; and

a removable cable assembly which is connectable to the second end so as to enclose the elongated housing and further configured to electrically interconnect with said electrical assembly the removable cable assembly including a cable component with a housing portion for engaging and disengaging the second end of the elongated housing and a cable which terminates in the cable component and includes at least one;

a first plurality of electrical conductors for carrying data signals, a second plurality of electrical conductors for carrying power signals.

5. A tool assembly adapted for insertion into a well or other hole to direct monitoring of at least one condition existing in the well or other hole, the tool comprising:

an elongated housing with first and second ends, where the second end includes an opening sized to receive and provide access to one or more energy storage units insertable therein;

at least one sensor positioned within the first end which is configured to provide a sensor reading of at least one monitored condition, the sensor reading comprising a sensor output signal including sensor reading data corresponding to the at least one monitored condition;

a computing unit positioned within the elongated housing and in electrical connection with the at least one sensor, the computing unit being configured to receive and process the sensor output signal;

a main circuit board positioned within the elongated housing, the main circuit board including at least one electrical contact positioned to contact one or more electrodes of the one or more energy storage units components upon insertion through the opening of the second end;

an electrical assembly including the at least one electrical contact and an electrical circuit configured to conduct electrical signals between the second end of the elongated housing and the computing unit; and

a removable cable assembly which is connectable to the second end so as to enclose the elongated housing and further configured to electrically interconnect with said electrical assembly, the removable cable assembly including a cable component with a housing portion for engaging and disengaging the second end of the elongated housing and a cable which terminates in the cable component and includes at least one;

a first plurality of electrical conductors for carrying data signals, a second plurality of electrical conductors for carrying power signals;

wherein the cable component is a vented cable, having a first fluid conductive path extending along the length of the cable such that when the elongated housing and cable assembly are connected and the at least one sensor is a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor is capable of taking pressure readings adjusted for atmospheric pressure.

6. A tool assembly adapted for insertion into a well or other hole to direct monitoring of at least one condition existing in the well or other hole, the tool comprising:

an elongated housing with first and second ends, where the second end includes an opening sized to receive and provide access to one or more energy storage units insertable therein;

at least one sensor positioned within the first end which is configured to provide a sensor reading of at least one monitored condition, the sensor reading comprising a sensor output signal including sensor reading data corresponding to the at least one monitored condition;

a computing unit positioned within the elongated housing and in electrical connection with the at least one sensor, the computing unit being configured to receive and process the sensor output signal, wherein the computing unit is capable of directing the obtainment of sensor readings according to at least two different sampling schedules;

a main circuit board positioned within the elongated housing, the main circuit board including at least one electrical contact positioned to contact one or more electrodes of the one or more energy storage units components upon insertion through the opening of the second end;

an electrical assembly including the at least one electrical contact and an electrical circuit configured to conduct electrical signals between the second end of the elongated housing and the computing unit; and

a removable cable assembly which is connectable to the second end so as to enclose the elongated housing and further configured to electrically interconnect with said electrical assembly, the removable cable assembly including a cable component with a housing portion for engaging and disengaging the second end of the elongated housing and a cable which terminates in the cable component and includes at least one;

a first plurality of electrical conductors for carrying data signals, a second plurality of electrical conductors for camming power signals.

7. A tool assembly adapted for insertion into a well or other hole to direct monitoring of at least one condition existing in the well or other hole, the tool comprising:

an elongated housing with first and second ends, where the second end includes an opening;

a computing unit positioned within the elongated housing and connectable to at least one sensor which is configured to provide a sensor reading of at least one monitored condition, the sensor reading comprising a sensor output signal including sensor reading data corresponding to the at least one monitored condition, the computing unit being configured to receive and process the sensor output signal;

a main circuit board positioned within the elongated housing, the main circuit board including at least one electrical contact positioned to contact one or more components positionable within the second end of the elongated housing; and

an electrical assembly including an electrical circuit configured to conduct electrical signals between the second end of the elongated housing and the computing unit;

wherein the one or more components comprise at least one of;

the electrical assembly and one or more energy storage units.

8. A tool assembly adapted for insertion into a well or other hole to direct monitoring of at least one condition existing in the well or other hole, the tool comprising:

an elongated housing with first and second ends, where the second end includes an opening;

a computing unit positioned within the elongated housing and connectable to at least one sensor which is configured to provide a sensor reading of at least one monitored condition, the sensor reading comprising a sensor output signal including sensor reading data corresponding to the at least one monitored condition, the computing unit being configured to receive and process the sensor output signal;

a main circuit board positioned within the elongated housing, the main circuit board including at least one electrical contact positioned to contact one or more components positionable within the second end of the elongated housing; and

an electrical assembly including an electrical circuit configured to conduct electrical signals between the second end of the elongated housing and the computing unit;

whereon the one or more components comprise at least one of;

the electrical assembly and one or more energy storage units;

wherein the one or more energy storage units comprises at least two AA cells in series.