Methods and apparatus to control downhole tools

• US 20040108108A1
• Filed: 12/01/2003
• Published: 06/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC (Weatherford International PLC)
• Original Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb Incorporated (Weatherford International PLC)
• Inventors: Bailey, Thomas F., Nero, Michael, Wilson, Timothy L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,025,130 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 166/242.6
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 31/107 using impact means for releasing stuck parts, e.g. jars
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 31/113 hydraulically-operated
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 31/1135 Jars with a hydraulic impedance mechanism, i.e. a restriction, for initially delaying escape of a restraining fluid
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/12 Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/06 Deflecting the direction of boreholes

Abstract

The present invention generally provides a downhole tool with an improved means of transmitting data to and from the tool through the use of wired pipe capable of transmitting a signal and/or power between the surface of the well and any components in a drill string. In one aspect, a downhole tool includes a body, and a mandrel disposed in the body and movable in relation to the body. A conducive wire runs the length of the body and permits signals and/or power to be transmitted though the body as the tool changes its length.

Claims

1. A downhole tool comprising:

a housing;

a mandrel at least partially disposed in the housing and movable in relation to the housing;

an actuation mechanism, causing the mandrel to move from a first to a second position within the housing;

means for carrying a signal and/or power from a first to a second end of the tool, the signal and/or power running between a surface of the well and at least one other component on a tubular string below the tool; and

a coupling at the first and second ends of the tool, the coupling providing a physical connection between the tool and the tubular string and a path for the signal and/or power between the tubular string and the tool.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the means for carrying a signal and/or power includes a wire conductor extending between the first and second ends of the tool.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the path for the signal and/or power includes an induction means between the tubular string and the tool.

4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the path includes a metal to metal conductive contact between the tubular string and the tool.

5. The tool of claim 1, wherein the means for carrying a signal and/or power includes an electromagnetic sub disposed at the first and second ends of the tool, the electromagnetic subs transmitting the signal and or power along the length of the tool.

6. The tool of claim 5, wherein the electromagnetic sub includes a signal boosting member disposed therein.

7. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is a jar and includes a hammer formed on the surface of the mandrel for contacting a shoulder formed on the inner wall of the housing, the hammer contacting the shoulder to produce a jarring force.

8. The tool of claim 7, wherein the hammer is adjustable along the mandrel to change a free striking range measured between the hammer and the shoulder.

9. The tool of claim 8, wherein the free striking range is adjustable in the wellbore through the use of an actuator disposed proximate the hammer, the actuator causing the hammer to move along a threaded portion of the mandrel.

10. The tool of claim 9, wherein the actuator is electric and operates with a battery located adjacent the actuator.

11. The tool of claim 7, wherein the jar includes an orifice through which fluid is passed in order to cause the hammer to strike the shoulder at a predetermined time.

12. The tool of claim 11, wherein the orifice can be moved between an open and a closed position, the jar non-operable in the closed position.

13. The tool of claim 12, wherein the orifice includes multiple positions between the open and closed position permitting the orifice to assume a plurality of sizes.

14. The tool of claim 13, wherein the position of the orifice can be controlled from the surface of the well by a signal.

15. The tool of claim 14, wherein the orifice is moved with the use of a solenoid disposed adjacent the orifice and powered by a battery in the tool.

16. The tool of claim 3, wherein the induction means includes a plurality of radially formed contacts on the outer surface of the mandrel and a single radial contact formed on the inner surface of the housing, the contacts constructed and arranged to permit communication therebetween as the mandrel moves axially within the housing.

17. The tool of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism is electronic and the tool is operated with a signal from the surface of the well.

18. The tool of claim 1, wherein the at least two tools are disposed in the tubular string and are controlled electronically, wherein the tools are operable in a sequential manner to create a desired effect in the wellbore.

19. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is a thruster locatable at the end of a drill string adjacent a drill bit.

20. A downhole tool comprising:

a housing; and

a coupling at a first end of the tool, the coupling providing a physical connection between the tool and a tubular string and a path for a signal and/or power to or from the tubular string to the tool.