Method and apparatus for remote actuation of a downhole device using a resonant chamber

• US 6,172,614 B1
• Filed: 07/13/1998
• Issued: 01/09/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Incorporated (Halliburton Company)
• Original Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Incorporated (Halliburton Company)
• Inventors: Robison, Clark, Gardner, Wallace R., Minear, John W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Edwards, Jr., Timothy
• Application Number:
  US09/114,456
• Time in Patent Office: 911 Days
• Field of Search: 340/853.3, 340/855.4, 340/855.6, 340/854.3, 367/81, 367/83
• US Class Current: 340/853.3
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 23/06 for setting packers
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/18 through the well fluid , e.g. mud pressure pulse telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/20 by modulation of mud waves, e.g. by continuous modulation

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.

Claims

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.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises initiating a signal using an acoustic source.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises initiating a coded signal.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises initiating a first coded signal to initiate a first downhole device.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises initiating a signal for a sufficient duration to allow an amplification to occur in the resonant chamber.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein step (d) comprises actuating a packer.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein step (d) comprises actuating a sliding side door.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein step (d) comprises actuating a perforation gun.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein step (d) comprises actuating a flow control device.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprises:

(c) initiating a second signal; and

(d) actuating a second device in response to the second signal.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprises tuning the resonant chamber.

12. The method of claim 11 comprises initiating a plurality of signals to determine an optimum signal.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the receiver is mounted on an outer surface of a tubing string for the well.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the receiver is a transducer.

15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the receiver is a hydrophone.

16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the at least one receiver comprises an array of receivers mounted within the well.

17. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the device comprises a packer.

18. An apparatus for the remote actuation of a downhole device in a well, comprising:

(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.