Method and system for performing operations and for improving production in wells
First Claim
1. A method for actuating or installing downhole equipment in a wellbore, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing, a first downhole structure that comprises an RF identification transmitter unit that stores an identification code and transmits an RF signal corresponding to the identification code, wherein a plurality of first downhole structures are located at different depths in a wellbore, each of the first downhole structures comprises a tubular member having a hollow axial bore therethrough and the RF identification transmitter unit secured thereto;
(b) providing a second downhole structure that comprises an RF receiver unit that can receive the signal transmitted by the identification transmitter unit, decode the signal to determine the identification code corresponding thereto, and compare the identification code to a preset target identification code;
wherein one of the first downhole structure and the second downhole structure is secured at a given location in a subterranean wellbore, and the other is moveable in the wellbore;
(c) placing the second downhole structure in close enough proximity to the first downhole structure so that the RF receiver unit can receive the RF signal transmitted by the RF identification unit;
(d) comparing the identification code determined by the RF receiver unit to the target identification code, wherein the determined identification code is used to determine the depth of the second downhole structure in the borehole; and
(e) if the determined identification code matches the target identification code, actuating or installing one of the first downhole structure or second downhole structure in physical proximity to the other.
9 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well. A system for performing the method includes the identification devices, the reader device, the process tool, and a computer or controller. In addition the identification devices can be placed in casing collars of the well and can be configured as passive devices or as active devices.
-
Citations
36 Claims
-
1. A method for actuating or installing downhole equipment in a wellbore, comprising the steps of:
-
(a) providing, a first downhole structure that comprises an RF identification transmitter unit that stores an identification code and transmits an RF signal corresponding to the identification code, wherein a plurality of first downhole structures are located at different depths in a wellbore, each of the first downhole structures comprises a tubular member having a hollow axial bore therethrough and the RF identification transmitter unit secured thereto; (b) providing a second downhole structure that comprises an RF receiver unit that can receive the signal transmitted by the identification transmitter unit, decode the signal to determine the identification code corresponding thereto, and compare the identification code to a preset target identification code;
wherein one of the first downhole structure and the second downhole structure is secured at a given location in a subterranean wellbore, and the other is moveable in the wellbore;(c) placing the second downhole structure in close enough proximity to the first downhole structure so that the RF receiver unit can receive the RF signal transmitted by the RF identification unit; (d) comparing the identification code determined by the RF receiver unit to the target identification code, wherein the determined identification code is used to determine the depth of the second downhole structure in the borehole; and (e) if the determined identification code matches the target identification code, actuating or installing one of the first downhole structure or second downhole structure in physical proximity to the other. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
-
5. A method of performing a operation in a well comprising:
-
transporting a tool and a reader assembly through a well having a plurality of radio identification devices capable of transmitting a unique signal to identify each of the plurality of radio identification devices and the depth thereof in the well; and controlling at least one operation of the tool responsive to the reader assembly locating one of the plurality of radio identification devices which is located at a depth in the well appropriate for conducting the at least one operation. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
-
-
23. A system for performing an operation in a well comprising:
-
at least one tool configured for transport through a well; a plurality of radio identification devices located at spaced intervals at known depths in the well and configured to transmit response signals for uniquely identifying each radio identification device and the depth thereof in the well; and a reader assembly configured for receiving the response signals from the radio identification devices and for controlling the operation of the at least one tool at an appropriate depth in the well responsive to the response signals. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
-
Specification