U.S. patent application number 10/711608 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-30 for removable equipment housing for downhole measurements.
Invention is credited to Adrian Snell.
Application Number | 20060065395 10/711608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36097690 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060065395 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snell; Adrian |
March 30, 2006 |
Removable Equipment Housing for Downhole Measurements
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a removable sealed housing
for equipment that may be employed in obtaining downhole
measurement data and methods for making same. In one illustrative
embodiment, the apparatus comprises a component adapted to be
positioned in a subterranean wellbore, the component having a
recess formed therein, a detachable sealed housing removably
coupled to the component, at least a portion of the detachable
sealed housing being positioned in the recess, the housing having
at least one cavity formed therein, and at least one device
positioned in the cavity. In one illustrative embodiment, the
method comprises positioning a detachable sealed housing at least
partially in a recess formed in a component adapted to be
positioned in a subterranean wellbore, removably coupling the
detachable sealed housing to the component wherein at least a
portion of the detachable housing is positioned in the recess
formed in the component, the detachable sealed housing having at
least one cavity formed therein and at least one device positioned
within the cavity, positioning the component and the detachable
sealed housing in the subterranean wellbore, and acquiring data
using the at least one device after the detachable sealed housing
is positioned within the subterranean wellbore.
Inventors: |
Snell; Adrian; (Houston,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JEFFREY E. DALY;GRANT PRIDECO, L.P.
400 N. SAM HOUSTON PARKWAY EAST
SUITE 900
HOUSTON
TX
77060
US
|
Family ID: |
36097690 |
Appl. No.: |
10/711608 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/255.2 ;
175/398; 175/45; 175/61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 41/0078 20130101;
E21B 47/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/255.2 ;
175/045; 175/061; 175/398 |
International
Class: |
E21B 47/00 20060101
E21B047/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a component adapted to be positioned
in a subterranean wellbore, said component having a recess formed
therein; a detachable sealed housing removably coupled to said
component, at least a portion of said detachable sealed housing
being positioned in said recess, said detachable sealed housing
having at least one cavity formed therein; and at least one device
positioned in said cavity.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of a sensor.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of an electrical component.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of at least one sensor and at least one electrical
component.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein substantially all of said
detachable sealed housing is positioned in said recess.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said detachable sealed housing
is threadingly coupled to said recess.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said detachable sealed housing
is removably coupled to said housing by a split ring.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a threaded
retaining member that is threadingly coupled to said component,
said threaded retaining member adapted to engage at least a portion
of said detachable sealed housing to secure said portion of said
detachable sealed housing in said recess.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover plate
positioned over said detachable sealed housing, said cover plate
being removably coupled to said component by at least one threaded
fastener.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing has a plurality
of cavities formed therein.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one sensor is
positioned in each of said plurality of cavities.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one electrical
component is positioned in each of said cavities.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one sensor and at
least one electrical component is positioned in each of said
plurality of cavities.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said recess is formed in an
exterior surface of said component.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said detachable sealed
housing comprises; a body; a cover plate coupled to said body; and
a seal positioned between said body and said cover plate.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said detachable sealed
housing has at least one of a generally cylindrical configuration
and a generally rectangular configuration.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said detachable sealed
housing has a configuration of a partial ring segment.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said detachable sealed
housing is coupled to said component by at least one hinged
connection.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one
passageway extending from said at least one cavity to an external
surface of said detachable sealed housing.
20. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an internal
passageway formed in said detachable sealed housing that connects
at least two of said plurality of cavities to one another.
21. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said at least one sensor is
comprised of at least one of a thermometer, a gyroscope, an
accelerometer, a strain gauge, a barometer, a pressure sensor, a pH
sensor, an oxygen sensor, a NOx, a carbon monoxide sensor, and a
hall effect switch.
22. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said at least one electrical
component comprises at least one of a battery, a microprocessor, a
wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a circuit board, an
analog-to-digital converter, a communications port and a memory
chip.
23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said component comprises at
least one of a drill bit, a pipe, a motor, a rotary steerable
device, and a downhole sub.
24. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one
indicator light coupled to said detachable sealed housing.
25. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one
display panel coupled to said detachable sealed housing.
26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said
detachable sealed housing defines a nozzle that is coupled to a
drill bit.
27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said device is operatively
coupled to a sensor positioned within an opening defined in said
component or another component.
28. An apparatus, comprising: a component adapted to be positioned
in a subterranean wellbore, said component having a recess formed
therein; a detachable sealed housing threadingly coupled to said
component, at least a portion of said detachable sealed housing
being positioned in said recess, said detachable sealed housing
having at least one cavity formed therein; and at least one of a
sensor and an electrical component positioned in said cavity.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising a cover plate
positioned over said detachable sealed housing, said cover plate
being removably coupled to said component by at least one threaded
fastener.
30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said detachable sealed
housing comprises; a body; a cover plate coupled to said body; and
a seal positioned between said body and said cover plate.
31. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said detachable sealed
housing has a plurality of cavities formed therein.
32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein at least one sensor is
positioned in each of said plurality of cavities.
33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein at least one electrical
component is positioned in each of said cavities.
34. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein at least one sensor and at
least one electrical component is positioned in each of said
plurality of cavities.
35. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising at least one
passageway extending from said at least one cavity to an external
surface of said detachable sealed housing.
36. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising an internal
passageway formed in said housing that connects at least two of
said plurality of cavities to one another.
37. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising at least one
indicator light coupled to said detachable detachable sealed
housing.
38. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising at least one
display panel coupled to said detachable detachable sealed
housing.
39. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein at least a portion of said
detachable sealed housing defines a nozzle that is coupled to a
drill bit.
40. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said device is operatively
coupled to a sensor positioned within an opening defined in said
component or another component.
41. An apparatus, comprising: a component adapted to be positioned
in a subterranean wellbore, said component having a surface; a
detachable sealed housing removably coupled to said surface of said
component, said housing having at least one cavity formed therein;
and at least one device positioned in said cavity.
42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of a sensor.
43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of an electrical component.
44. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of at least one sensor and at least one electrical
component.
45. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said detachable sealed
housing is threadingly coupled to said surface of said component by
at least one threaded fastener.
46. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said surface of said
component is an exterior surface.
47. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said detachable sealed
housing comprises; a body; a cover plate coupled to said body; and
a seal positioned between said body and said cover plate.
48. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said surface is an exterior
cylindrical surface.
49. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein said detachable sealed
housing has a plurality of cavities formed therein.
50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein at least one sensor and at
least one electrical component is positioned in each of said
plurality of cavities.
51. The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising at least one
indicator light coupled to said detachable sealed housing.
52. The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising at least one
display panel coupled to said detachable sealed housing.
53. A method, comprising: positioning a detachable sealed housing
at least partially in a recess formed in a component adapted to be
positioned in a subterranean wellbore; removably coupling said
detachable sealed housing to said component wherein at least a
portion of said detachable sealed housing is positioned in said
recess formed in said component, said detachable sealed housing
having at least one cavity formed therein and at least one device
positioned within said at least one cavity; positioning said
component and said housing in said subterranean wellbore; and
acquiring data using said at least one device after said detachable
sealed housing is positioned within said subterranean wellbore.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein substantially all of said
detachable sealed housing is positioned within said recess.
55. The method of claim 53, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of a sensor.
56. The method of claim 53, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of an electrical component.
57. The method of claim 53, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of at least one sensor and at least one electrical
component.
58. The method of claim 53, wherein said detachable sealed housing
is removably coupled to said component by a threaded
connection.
59. The method of claim 53, wherein said detachable sealed housing
is removably coupled to said component by a retaining clip.
60. The method of claim 53, further comprising a threaded retaining
member that is threadingly coupled to said component, said threaded
retaining member adapted to engage at least a portion of said
detachable sealed housing to removably couple said detachable
sealed housing to said component.
61. The method of claim 53, wherein removably coupling said
detachable sealed housing to said component comprises positioning a
cover plate over said detachable sealed housing, said cover plate
being removably coupled to said component by at least one threaded
fastener.
62. The method of claim 53, wherein said housing has a plurality of
cavities formed therein.
63. The method of claim 53, wherein said recess is formed in an
exterior surface of said component.
64. The method of claim 53, wherein said recess is formed in an
interior surface of said component.
65. The method of claim 53, wherein said component comprises at
least one of a drill bit, a pipe, a motor, a rotary steerable
device, and a downhole sub.
66. The method of claim 53, further comprising withdrawing said
detachable sealed housing from said wellbore and observing at least
one indicator light operatively coupled to said detachable sealed
housing.
67. The method of claim 53, further comprising withdrawing said
detachable sealed housing from said wellbore and observing at least
one display panel operatively coupled to said detachable sealed
housing.
68. A method, comprising: positioning a detachable sealed housing
adjacent a surface of a component adapted to be positioned in a
subterranean wellbore; removably coupling a detachable sealed
housing to said surface of said component, the housing having at
least one cavity formed therein and at least one device positioned
within said at least one cavity; positioning said component and
said detachable sealed housing in said subterranean wellbore; and
acquiring data using said at least one device after said detachable
sealed housing is positioned within said subterranean wellbore.
69. The method of claim 68, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of a sensor.
70. The method of claim 68, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of an electrical component.
71. The method of claim 68, wherein said at least one device is
comprised of at least one sensor and at least one electrical
component.
72. The method of claim 68, wherein said detachable sealed housing
is removably coupled to said surface of said component by at least
one threaded fastener.
73. The method of claim 68, wherein said detachable sealed housing
has a plurality of cavities formed therein.
74. The method of claim 68, wherein said detachable sealed housing
is removably coupled to an exterior surface of said component.
75. The method of claim 68, wherein said detachable sealed housing
is removably coupled to an interior surface of said component.
76. The method of claim 68, wherein said component comprises at
least one of a drill bit, a pipe, a motor, a rotary steerable
device, and a downhole sub.
77. The method of claim 68, further comprising withdrawing said
detachable sealed housing from said wellbore and observing at least
one indicator light operatively coupled to said detachable sealed
housing.
78. The method of claim 68, further comprising withdrawing said
detachable sealed housing from said wellbore and observing at least
one display panel operatively coupled to said detachable sealed
housing.
Description
STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES
[0001] The subject matter of the present application is, in a
general sense, related to the subject matter disclosed in pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/709,625, filed on May 18, 2004,
entitled "Equipment Housing for Downhole Measurements," which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is generally related to the field of
data acquisition related to oil and gas wells, and, more
particularly, to a removable sealed housing for equipment that may
be employed in obtaining downhole measurement data.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Oil and gas wells are formed by a rotary drilling process.
To that end, a drill bit is mounted on the end of a drill string
which may be very long, e.g., several thousand feet. At the
surface, a rotary drive mechanism turns the drill string and the
attached drill bit at the bottom of the hole. In some cases, a
downhole motor may provide the desired rotation to the drill bit.
During drilling operations, a drilling fluid (so-called drilling
mud) is pumped through the drill string and back up-hole by pumps
located on the surface. The purpose of the drilling fluid is to,
among other things, remove the earthen cuttings resulting from the
drilling process.
[0006] The environmental conditions that exist downhole in oil and
gas wells can be very important to drilling, production and
completion operations. For example, downhole temperatures and
pressures as well as fluid viscosities can greatly impact various
operations that are involved in creating a productive oil and gas
well. More specifically, with respect to drilling operations, there
is a growing desire to obtain as much data as possible regarding
downhole environmental and operating conditions. Such data may be
useful for research purposes, as well as, in some cases, taking
actions with respect to drilling a particular well or future wells.
Additionally, it may be desirable to provide positional
information, e.g., depth, and relative location of a drilling bit,
such that a well may be properly drilled to a desired target
zone.
[0007] While there are existing methodologies for acquiring some
forms of downhole data, such methodologies tend to be relatively
expensive and difficult to employ. What is desired is a relatively
low-cost mechanism and procedure for acquiring downhole measurement
data. The provision of such a mechanism would allow its use on a
far greater number of wells, thereby providing much more
information that may be useful in drilling and completing future
oil and gas wells.
[0008] The present invention is directed to an apparatus and
methods for solving, or at least reducing the effects of, some or
all of the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is generally directed to a removable
sealed housing for equipment that may be employed in obtaining
downhole measurement data. In one illustrative embodiment, the
apparatus comprises a component adapted to be positioned in a
subterranean wellbore, the component having a recess formed
therein, a detachable sealed housing removably coupled to the
component, at least a portion of the detachable sealed housing
being positioned in the recess, the housing having at least one
cavity formed therein, and at least one device positioned in the
cavity. In some cases, substantially all of the detachable sealed
housing may be positioned within the recess in the component.
[0010] In another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus comprises
a component adapted to be positioned in a subterranean wellbore,
the component having a recess formed therein, a detachable sealed
housing threadingly coupled to the component, at least a portion of
the detachable sealed housing being positioned in the recess, the
detachable sealed housing having at least one cavity formed
therein, and at least one of a sensor and an electrical component
positioned in the cavity.
[0011] In yet another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus
comprises a component adapted to be positioned in a subterranean
wellbore, the component having a surface, a detachable sealed
housing removably coupled to the surface of the component, the
detachable sealed housing having at least one cavity formed
therein, and at least one device positioned in the cavity. The
detachable sealed housing may be removably coupled to the surface
by use of one or more threaded fasteners.
[0012] In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises
positioning a detachable sealed housing at least partially in a
recess formed in a component adapted to be positioned in a
subterranean wellbore, removably coupling the detachable sealed
housing to the component wherein at least a portion of the
detachable housing is positioned in the recess formed in the
component, the detachable sealed housing having at least one cavity
formed therein and at least one device positioned within the
cavity, positioning the component and the detachable sealed housing
in the subterranean wellbore, and acquiring data using the at least
one device after the detachable sealed housing is positioned within
the subterranean wellbore.
[0013] In another illustrative embodiment, the method comprises
positioning a detachable sealed housing adjacent a surface of a
component adapted to be positioned in a subterranean wellbore,
removably coupling a detachable sealed housing to the surface of
the component, the detachable sealed housing having at least one
cavity formed therein and at least one device positioned within the
cavity, positioning the component and the detachable sealed housing
in the subterranean wellbore, and acquiring data using the at least
one device after the detachable sealed housing is positioned within
the subterranean wellbore.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention may be understood by reference to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements,
and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an illustrative example of a downhole component
comprising a plurality of removable sealed housings in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 2A-2C depict illustrative embodiments of a detachable
sealed housing in accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 3A-3B depict yet another illustrative embodiment of a
detachable sealed housing in accordance with the present
invention.
[0018] FIGS. 4A-4B depict an embodiment of the present invention
wherein the detachable sealed housing is configured as a ring
segment.
[0019] FIGS. 5A-5D depict various techniques that may be employed
to attach a detachable sealed housing of the present invention to a
downhole component.
[0020] FIGS. 6A-6C depict yet another illustrative technique for
coupling a detachable sealed housing of the present invention to
the downhole component.
[0021] FIG. 7 depicts yet another illustrative embodiment of a
manner in which a detachable sealed housing of the present
invention may be attached to a downhole component.
[0022] FIGS. 8A-8B depict illustrative examples wherein a
detachable sealed housing of the present invention may be part of a
nozzle employed with downhole drill bits.
[0023] FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative example wherein a detachable
sealed housing of the present invention may be formed as part of a
component positioned in a downhole component for various
reasons.
[0024] FIGS. 10A-10C depict one illustrative embodiment of the
present invention wherein the detachable sealed housing may be
configured to receive or send data obtained from a sensor
positioned in a downhole component.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a view of a plurality of indicator lights and a
display panel that may be employed with various embodiments of the
present invention.
[0026] FIGS. 12A-12B depict an illustrative example wherein a
plurality of detachable sealed housings of the present invention
may be employed on an illustrative drill string.
[0027] FIGS. 13A-13B depict an illustrative example wherein a
plurality of detachable sealed housings of the present invention
may be employed with wired pipe sections.
[0028] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown
by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that the description
herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described
below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual
implementation are described in this specification. It will of
course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual
embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made
to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with
system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary
from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be
appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and
time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for
those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0030] The present invention will now be described with reference
to the attached figures. The words and phrases used herein should
be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the
understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the
relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e., a
definition that is different from the ordinary and customary
meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is intended to
be implied by consistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the
extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning,
i.e., a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans,
such a special definition will be expressly set forth in the
specification in a definitional manner that directly and
unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or
phrase.
[0031] In general, the present invention is directed to a removable
sealed housing that may be removably coupled to a downhole
component that is adapted to be positioned in a subterranean hole,
e.g., a wellbore. In one illustrative embodiment, the removable
sealed housing may have one or more cavities wherein one or more
devices, e.g., sensors and/or electrical components, may be
positioned in such cavities. In one very particular embodiment, the
detachable sealed housing contains at least one cavity wherein at
least one sensor may be positioned for acquiring various forms of
downhole data. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art
after a complete reading of the present application, the present
invention may be employed in connection with acquiring any of a
variety of different types of data, and the detachable sealed
housing disclosed herein may be coupled to any of a variety of
different types of downhole components, e.g., a tubular component,
a bottom hole assembly, a downhole sub, a drill bit, etc. Thus, the
present invention should not be considered as limited to the
acquisition of any particular type of data, or as to the coupling
of the detachable sealed housing disclosed herein to any particular
type of downhole component, unless such limitations are expressly
set forth in the appended claims. Nor should the present invention
be considered as limited to use with only sensors positioned in the
cavities of the detachable sealed housing, as a variety of items or
devices may be positioned in the cavities formed in the detachable
sealed housing.
[0032] In general, in one illustrative embodiment, the present
invention is directed to a removable sealed housing that may be
positioned, at least partially, in a recess or opening formed in a
downhole component. FIG. 1 depicts the illustrative situation where
a removable sealed housing 10 in accordance with the present
invention may be positioned in a recess 40 formed in an
illustrative drill bit 14. Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 1, a
removable sealed housing 10 of the present invention may be
positioned in a recess 40 formed in a tubular component 12, e.g.,
pipe, that is adapted to be positioned in a subterranean wellbore.
The number of detachable sealed housings 10 employed on a given
downhole component or a string of various components, e.g., a drill
string, may vary depending upon the particular application.
[0033] As will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a
complete reading of the present application, the present invention
has broad applicability and may be employed with any of a variety
of components that may be positioned in a subterranean wellbore.
For example, the present invention may be employed with drill bits,
tubular components, bottom hole assemblies, drilling motors,
electrical submersible pumps, fishing tools, whipstocks, packers,
etc. Thus, the present invention should not be considered as
limited to use with any particular type of downhole component. As
will be understood after a complete reading of the present
application, the removable sealed housing 10 of the present
invention may take a variety of shapes and configurations, and it
may be installed using a variety of techniques. Various
illustrative examples will be described in the specification,
however, the present invention should not be consider as limited to
these specifically disclosed embodiments as they are illustrative
in nature. Moreover, the removable sealed housing 10 may be coupled
to the downhole component using a variety of techniques.
Accordingly, the particular techniques disclosed herein for
coupling the housing 10 to the downhole component are illustrative
in nature only, and should not be considered a limitation of the
present invention unless such limitations are expressly set forth
in the appended claims.
[0034] FIGS. 2A-2B depict one illustrative embodiment of the
detachable sealed housing 10 in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional side view of the detachable
sealed housing 10, whereas FIG. 2B is an end view of the detachable
sealed housing 10. As shown in these drawings, the detachable
sealed housing 10 is generally comprised of a body 20 having a
bottom surface 19 and at least one cavity 18 formed therein. The
detachable sealed housing 10 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B further
comprises external threads 24 and a socket 22 that will be used to
facilitate removal of the detachable sealed housing 10 from the
downhole component. One or more devices 29 may be positioned within
the cavity 18 formed in the detachable sealed housing 10. The
particular embodiment of the detachable sealed housing depicted in
FIGS. 2A-2B has a generally cylindrical configuration, and it is
adapted to be threadingly coupled to a downhole component (not
shown) via the external threads 24.
[0035] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C, the detachable
sealed housing 10 further comprises a cover plate 20a that is
threadingly secured to the body 20 by a plurality of threaded
fastners 22a. A seal 24a is provided between the cover plate 20a
and the body 20 of the detachable sealed housing 10 to define at
least one sealed cavity 18 in the housing 10. As used herein, the
term sealed housing shall be understood to mean a housing comprised
of at least one cavity 118 formed therein wherein the cavity 18 is
sealed to prevent the ingress of gases and/or fluids into the
cavity 18. FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative alternative embodiment
depiction how the illustrative cover plate 20a may be sealingly
coupled to the body 20 of the detachable housing 10 of the present
invention. As shown therein, the cover plate 20a may be threadingly
coupled to the body 20 by a threaded connection 26a, e.g., external
threads formed on the body 20 and internal threads formed on the
cover plate 20a. The seal 24a is disposed between the cover plate
20a and the body 20. As will be recognized by those skilled in the
art after a complete reading of the present application, the exact
manner in which the sealing described above may be accomplished may
vary depending on the particular application. Various illustrative
examples are discussed herein for purposes of explanation only, but
they should not be considered a limitation of the present
invention.
[0036] As indicated previously, the present invention may be
employed in a variety of different applications. In one
illustrative example, the detachable sealed housing 10 may have at
least one device 29, e.g., at least one sensor and/or at least one
item of electrical equipment, positioned in the cavity 18. Thus, as
depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, a plurality of devices 29 are shown
positioned within the cavity 18. More specifically, in the depicted
embodiment, the devices 29 comprise a plurality of sensors 30 and a
plurality of electrical components 31 that are mounted on a surface
18a of the cavity 18. It should be understood that the depicted
sensors 30 and electrical components 31 are schematic and
illustrative in nature. Moreover, in some cases, some of the
devices employed in obtaining downhole data, e.g., one or more
sensors, may be mounted in or on another structure, e.g., a drill
bit, and the cavity 18 may contain only various electrical
components. In other cases, only sensors are mounted within the
cavity 18 and the electrical components are positioned elsewhere,
e.g., a downhole sub.
[0037] The manner in which such devices, e.g., sensors 30 and/or
electrical components 31, are coupled together so as to obtain the
desired data are well known to those skilled in the art and thus
will not be described in any greater detail herein. The sensors 30
and the electrical components 31 may be mounted to the surface 18a
by a variety of known techniques, e.g., gluing, use of a potting
compound, etc. Moreover, although only the surface 18a is depicted
as having the sensors 30 and the electrical components 31 mounted
thereon, such items may be mounted on any or all of the surfaces of
the cavity 18 depending upon the particular application. Thus, the
present invention should not be considered as limited to any
particular type of sensor 30 or electrical component 31 or how such
items are mounted within the cavity 18 of the detachable sealed
housing 10 of the present invention. After the devices 29 are
mounted in the cavity 18, the cavity 18 may be substantially filled
with a potting compound or other material.
[0038] In general, in one illustrative embodiment, the present
invention may be used to facilitate the acquisition of data
regarding any of a variety of different types of downhole data or
information, including, for example, formation type, well
temperature, well pressure, drill bit accelerations, velocities and
displacements, drill bit inclination and azimuth, drill bit axial
load and rotational torque, drill bit rotary speed and rate of
penetration, chemical sensors for grease analysis, pH sensors,
oxygen sensors, NOx sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, etc. The
present invention may also be employed to acquire ring compression
data that may be indicative of successful make-up. Strain gauges
may be employed in such an illustrative application. The present
invention may also be employed to acquire data relating to drill
pipe accelerations as well as data relating to the dynamic behavior
of any bottom hole assembly (BHA).
[0039] Examples of sensing devices 30 that may be positioned within
the cavity 18 include any of a variety of different types of
mechanical and/or electrical sensors, e.g., thermometers,
gyroscopes, strain gauges, accelerometers, barometers, pressure
sensors, hall effect switches, etc. Examples of electrical
components 31 that may be positioned within the cavity 18 include,
but are not limited to, a battery, a microprocessor, a memory unit
or chip, a circuit board, a communications port, and/or an
analog-to-digital converter, etc. If desired or necessary, a
plurality of such components may be positioned within the cavity
18, e.g., multiple batteries. The sensors 30 and electrical
components 31 may be coupled together in any of a variety of known
techniques.
[0040] As indicated previously, the detachable sealed housing 10
may be of any desired shape, and any number of sealed cavities 18
may be formed within the housing 10. Moreover, the shape and
configuration of the cavities 18 may also vary depending upon the
particular application. FIGS. 3A-3B depict another illustrative
embodiment of the present invention wherein the body 20 of the
detachable sealed housing 10 has a generally rectangular
configuration and a plurality of cavities 18 are formed in the
detachable sealed housing 10. Also, in the illustrative embodiment
depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B, the cavities 18 have a generally
rectangular configuration. As in FIGS. 2A-2C, a cover plate 20a and
seal 24a are provide to define the sealed housing 10 with the
cavities 18 therein.
[0041] FIGS. 4A-4B depict yet another illustrative embodiment of
the detachable sealed housing 10 of the present invention wherein
the detachable sealed housing 10 has a configuration of a partial
ring segment. As shown therein, the body 20 comprises an inner
surface 20i, an outer surface 20o, a top surface 20t and a bottom
surface 20b. Two illustrative generally rectangular cavities 18 are
formed therein and are open to the interior surface 20i of the
detachable sealed housing 10. Alternatively, the cavities 18 can
open to any surface of the body 20. A plurality of sensors 30 and
electrical components 31 are positioned among the cavities 18
formed in the detachable sealed housing 10.
[0042] In one illustrative embodiment, at least a portion of the
detachable sealed housing 10 is adapted to be positioned in a
recess or opening 40 formed in a body 111 of an illustrative
downhole component. In other embodiments, substantially the
entirety of the detachable sealed housing 10 may be positioned
within the recess 40. The manner in which the detachable sealed
housing 10 is coupled to the downhole component 111 may vary
depending upon the particular application. Again, it should be
understood that the downhole component 111 is depicted by way of
example only as it may be any type of device adapted to be
positioned in a subterranean wellbore. The following are
illustrative examples of how the detachable sealed housing 10 of
the present invention may be removably coupled to the downhole
component 11.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 5A, in one illustrative embodiment, the
detachable sealed housing 10 is a generally cylindrical component
that may be threadingly coupled to the downhole component 11. More
specifically, the detachable sealed housing 10 depicted in FIG. 5A
comprises external threads 38 that are adapted to threadingly
engage internal threads 36 within the recess 40 formed in the
downhole component 11. A seal 34 may be provided between the
detachable sealed housing 10 and the component 111 if desired to
provide redundancy with respect to preventing ingress of
undesirable fluids into the cavity 18. However, since the
detachable sealed housing 10 is itself sealed to prevent the
ingress of fluids into the cavity 18, the extra seal 34 may or may
not be employed depending on the particular application. A socket
recess 22 is formed in the body 20 of the detachable sealed housing
10 to facilitate removal of the detachable sealed housing 10 from
the recess 40. A plurality of cavities 18 are formed in the body 20
of the detachable sealed housing 10 depicted in FIG. 5A.
[0044] FIG. 5B depicts an illustrative situation where a split ring
50 is used to secure the detachable sealed housing 10 within the
recess 40 formed in the downhole component 11. More specifically,
the split ring 50 is adapted to engage a groove 51 formed in the
downhole component 11 to thereby retain the detachable sealed
housing 10 in the recess 40. As indicated above, a seal 34 may be
provided between the detachable sealed housing 10 and the downhole
component 111 if desired, but it is not necessary to practice
various aspects of the present invention. As with other embodiments
disclosed herein, the detachable sealed housing 10 in FIG. 5B
comprises a plurality of cavities 18 formed therein. Illustrative
sensors 30 and electrical components 31 are positioned in the
cavities 18.
[0045] FIG. 5C depicts yet another illustrative embodiment wherein
a cover plate 60 is removably coupled to the downhole component 11
by a plurality of fasteners 52 to thereby secure the detachable
sealed housing 10 within the recess 40 defined in the downhole
component 11. The number of fasteners 52 employed as well as the
specific type of fasteners employed may vary depending upon the
particular application. In one illustrative embodiment, the
fasteners 52 are threaded bolts that are adapted to threadingly
engage the downhole component 11. Similar to the embodiments
discussed previously, a seal 34 may be provided between the cover
plate 60 and the downhole component 11 as indicated in FIG. 5C. In
this illustrative embodiment, the detachable sealed housing 10
comprises a single cavity 18.
[0046] FIG. 5D depicts yet another illustrative embodiment of the
detachable sealed housing 10 of the present invention that may be
removably coupled to a downhole component 11. As shown therein, the
body 20 of the detachable sealed housing 10 has a nose end 25 that
is adapted to be positioned in a groove 41 that forms part of the
recess 40. The recess 40 has a tapered surface 46 that is adapted
to engage a tapered surface 26 formed on the body 20 of the
detachable sealed housing 10. A threaded fastener 56 having a
tapered surface 57 is adapted to engage a tapered recess 27 formed
on the body 20 of the detachable sealed housing 10. In practice,
when the threaded fastener 56 is in a retracted position, the
detachable sealed housing 10 may be inserted into the recess 40.
Thereafter, by advancing a threaded fastener 56, the detachable
sealed housing 10 may be secured in the recess 40 due to engagement
of the tapered surface 57 with the tapered recess 27 and the
engagement of the tapered surface 26 on the detachable sealed
housing 10 with the tapered surface 46 of the recess 40. The
detachable sealed housing 10 depicted in FIG. 5D comprises a
plurality of cavities 18 that are open to an interior surface 20i
of the body 20.
[0047] The present invention may also be employed in situations in
which the removable sealed housing 10 is removably coupled to a
surface 11a of a downhole component 11. The surface 11a may be an
interior surface or an exterior surface of the component 11. In one
particular embodiment, the surface 11a may be an external
cylindrical surface of the component 11. As shown in FIG. 6A, the
detachable sealed housing 10 may be removably coupled to the
surface 11a by a plurality of threaded fasteners 52 that extend
through openings 21 formed in the housing 10 and threadingly engage
the downhole component 11. In one embodiment, a plurality of such
fasteners 52 may be used to secure the detachable sealed housing 10
to the component 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, four
illustrative fasteners 52 are used to secure the detachable sealed
housing 10 to the component 11. FIG. 6C depicts the illustrative
example where a single threaded fastener 52 is used to secure the
detachable sealed housing 10 to the component 11. An additional
seal 24b may be employed in this embodiment between the cover plate
20a and the body 20. As indicated in FIG. 6C, the housing 10 has
four illustrative cavities 18 having components 30, 31 formed
therein. Of course, the configuration of the detachable sealed
housing 10 depicted in FIGS. 6A-6C is illustrative in nature.
[0048] FIG. 7 depicts yet another illustrative embodiment of the
present invention wherein the detachable sealed housing 10 is
coupled to the downhole component 11 via a hinged connection 70.
More specifically, a retaining plate 72 and a plurality of
fasteners 52a, 52b are used to secure the body 20 of the detachable
sealed housing 10 within the recess 40. The threaded fastener 52a
extends through the retaining plate 72 and is threadingly coupled
to the component 11, whereas the threaded fastener 52b extends
through the retaining plate 72 and is threadingly coupled to the
body 20 of the housing 10.
[0049] The body 20 of the detachable sealed housing 10 may serve
other useful purposes in addition to housing the sensors 30 and/or
electrical components 31. For example, in the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 8A-8B, the body 20 of the detachable sealed housing 10 is
configured as a nozzle 82 that is adapted to be positioned in an
opening 81 formed in the body of a drill bit 80. As will be
recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of
the present application, drilling mud or fluid may be pumped down
through the nozzle 82 in the direction indicated by the arrow 85.
The detachable sealed housing 10 is secured within the opening 81
in the drill bit 80 by a snap ring 84. In this particular
embodiment, the internal surface 55 of the body 20 of the
detachable sealed housing 10 is configured to act as a nozzle to
thereby increase the velocity of the drilling fluid exiting the
nozzle 82. One or more cavities 18 are formed in the body 20 of the
detachable sealed housing 10 as with other embodiments of the
present invention. Stated another way, the cavities 18 described
herein may be formed in a standard nozzle body used in the drilling
industry, and one or more devices, e.g., a sensor 30 and/or
electrical component 31, may be positioned in the cavity 18. FIG.
8B depicts yet another illustrative embodiment wherein the
detachable sealed housing 10 is configured as a nozzle 82, and the
detachable sealed housing 10 is threadingly coupled to the drill
bit body 80 by the threaded connection 86. One or more cavities 18
are formed in the housing 10. As depicted therein, one or more
cover plates 20a are used to cover the cavities 18 and the cover
plates 20a are secured to the detachable sealed housing 10 by a
plurality of threaded fasteners 22b.
[0050] FIG. 9 depicts the illustrative example wherein the
detachable sealed housing 10 of the present invention is part of
another component positioned in a downhole component. For example,
as indicated in FIG. 9, the detachable sealed housing 10 may be
part of a grease reservoir 90 that is removably positioned within a
drill bit body 80. More specifically, the body 97 of the grease
reservoir 90 is adapted to be removably coupled to the drill bit
body 80 by a snap ring 94 that mates with corresponding grooves 93
formed in the drill bit body 80 and the body 97. A seal 96 is
provided between the body 97 and the drill bit body 80. The body 97
has at least one cavity 18 formed therein that is adapted to
receive one or more of the sensors 30 and/or electrical components
31. A threaded cover plate 20a is used to cover the cavity 18 and
secured to the body 97 by a threaded connection 92. A seal 24a is
provide between the cover plate 20a and the body 97.
[0051] The present invention may also be employed in situations
when the removable sealed housing 10 of the present invention may
be adapted to communicate with or receive data from
instrumentation, sensors and/or electrical components that are
installed in various downhole components. For example, in some
applications, it may be desirable to have a sensor located at a
particular location within a downhole component, e.g., thermocouple
positioned adjacent the bearings of a roller cutter drill bit to
sense the temperature experienced by the bearings. To that end,
FIGS. 10A-10C depict an illustrative example where the present
invention may be employed in such situations. As shown in FIG. 10A,
an illustrative sensor 102 is positioned in an opening 100 formed
in an illustrative downhole component 11. A wire 101 extends from
the sensor to a contact 104. The contact 104 is positioned such
that it may be accessed via the recess 40 formed in the component
11. In this particular embodiment, the removable sealed housing 10
comprises a contact ring 41 (see FIGS. 10B and 10C) formed adjacent
the bottom surface 19 of the body 20 that is adapted to engage the
contact 104 such that data may be transmitted between and among the
sensor 102 and the various components 30, 31 positioned in the
cavity 18. The detachable sealed housing 10 may comprise one or
more channels 39 having a wire 43 extending from the contact ring
41 to the components 30, 31 to accomplish such objectives. In this
particular embodiment, a cover plate 20a is secured to the body 20
with a plurality of threaded fastners 22a. A seal 24a is positioned
between the cover plate 20a and the body 20.
[0052] In various embodiments of the present invention, a plurality
of cavities 18 are formed in the detachable sealed housing 10 and
the cavities 18 are connected to one another via one or more
internal passageways 37 (see FIG. 3A). In this illustrative
embodiment, the devices, e.g., electrical components 31 and/or
sensors 30, positioned in the various cavities 18 may be coupled to
one another via wires positioned in the passageways 37. Of course,
all of the cavities 18 may not need to be interconnected together
by the passageways 37.
[0053] As illustratively depicted in FIG. 11, the detachable sealed
housing 10 may also be provided with one or more indicator lights
and/or display panels for various purposes. By way of example only,
FIG. 11 schematically depicts an illustrative cylindrical
embodiment of the detachable sealed housing 10 with a plurality of
indicator lights 47 and a display panel 42 operatively coupled to
the detachable sealed housing 10, e.g., positioned in an outer
surface thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, such components
may be positioned such that they may be viewed by an operator
looking at the outside of the detachable sealed housing 10 or they
may be positioned within one or more of the cavities 18 formed in
the detachable sealed housing 10. In one illustrative embodiment,
the indicator lights 47 and the display panel 42 may be viewed from
the outside when the detachable sealed housing 10 is installed in a
recess 40 formed in the component 11, such as when the detachable
sealed housing 10 is retrieved from downhole.
[0054] In the case where the present invention is employed to
obtain downhole data, the indicator lights 47 and/or display panel
42 may be employed in a variety of different contexts. For example,
a control logic may be established such that an indicator light is
"on" only when a sensed parameter, e.g., temperature, pressure,
torque, etc., exceeds a preselected allowable limit or range, i.e.,
the indicator light can indicate an out-of-tolerance or problem
condition. Alternatively, the control logic may be established such
that the indicator light is always "on" and only goes off when an
out-of-tolerance condition is sensed. Colored indicator lights may
also be employed with the present invention, e.g., red and green
lights, wherein the red light indicated an out-of-tolerance
condition and the green light indicated a within-tolerance
condition. The use of such indicator lights may be very useful. For
example, through use of the indicator lights 47, an
out-of-tolerance event may be quickly identified as soon as the
detachable sealed housing 10 is removed from the borehole. In that
case, analysis of the data acquired by the devices in the housing
10, e.g., sensors, may be given a very high priority as an
out-of-tolerance condition is indicated. Absent the use of such
good/bad indicator lights, the analysis of the acquired data may be
delayed. Such delays may be very problematic in many situations if
corrective actions are delayed. Such indicator lights may be
employed for any or all sensed variables depending upon the
particular application. The indicator lights 47 may be LED devices
that are commonly found in the industry. The lights 47 may be
electrically coupled to the equipment, e.g., electrical components
31 and/or sensors 30 positioned in the cavities 18 in the
detachable sealed housing 10. The lights 47 may be actuated by
known circuitry positioned within the cavities 18. The control
logic used to actuate the lights 47 may be embedded in various
circuits formed on the electrical components 31 positioned within
the cavities 18, e.g., a microprocessor, a programmable logic
device, etc.
[0055] As indicated in FIG. 11, the detachable sealed housing 10
may also be provided with one or more display panels 42. The
display panel 42 may be, for example, an LED display panel. The
panel 42 may provide information with respect to one or more
variables. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the display
panel displays the highest temperature sensed during the downhole
operation. Of course, the display panel 42 could also indicate
other variables, such as maximum downhole pressure, maximum or
average torque values, etc. As with the indicator lights 47, the
display panel 42 may be coupled to one or more electrical
components 31 and/or sensors 30 positioned in the cavities 18
formed in the detachable sealed housing 10.
[0056] Thereafter, in the illustrative embodiment where one or more
sensors 30 and/or electrical components 31 are positioned within
the cavities 18, the detachable sealed housing 10 is removably
coupled to a downhole component and the detachable sealed housing
10 and the downhole component are positioned downhole and data is
acquired regarding, for example, various downhole environmental
conditions or positional information. In one illustrative
embodiment, this data is stored in a memory unit or chip positioned
within the cavity 18. After sufficient data has been acquired, the
detachable sealed housing 10 is brought uphole and the information
regarding the acquired data is downloaded and used for any of a
variety of research, development or production reasons. In some
embodiments, the downloading of the acquired information may be
accomplished by an electrical connection or by wireless
interrogation using a radio or infrared device. If desired, the
cavity 18 may be unsealed by, for example, removing the
illustrative cover plate 20a depicted in various embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0057] In some cases, the detachable sealed housing 10 of the
present invention may be employed wherein the data obtained by the
sensor(s) positioned within the cavity 18 is sent to the surface on
a real-time, or near real-time, basis. To that end, a communication
link between the surface and the sensors 30 and/or electrical
components 31 within the cavity 18 is provided and data is
transmitted to the surface on a real-time or near real-time
basis.
[0058] FIGS. 12A-12C depict another illustrative embodiment of the
present invention. As indicated in FIG. 12A, a plurality of
removable sealed housings 10 of the present invention may be
positioned at various spaced-apart locations along a drill string
50 having an illustrative drill bit 14 positioned at the end
thereof. In this illustrative embodiment, the drill string 50 is
comprised of many sections of standard un-wired pipe. In this
illustrative embodiment, data may be sensed by various sensors (not
shown in FIG. 12A) positioned in or proximate the drill bit 14
and/or in one or more cavities 18 formed in the detachable sealed
housing 10. The detachable sealed housing 10 coupled to the drill
bit 14 may also contain a schematically depicted wireless
transmitter 52 for transmitting data regarding the information or
parameters sensed downhole. Each of the other detachable sealed
housings 10 contain a transmitter 52 and a schematically depicted
receiver 54 that is adapted to receive wireless transmissions from
the transmitter 52 in an adjacent housing 10. In some cases, the
detachable sealed housing 10 proximate the drill bit 14 may also
have a wireless receiver 54. Thus, in this embodiment, the
spaced-apart detachable sealed housings 10 may be used as relay
stations to wirelessly transmit data acquired downhole to a surface
location 56. In this manner, the data acquired downhole may be sent
to the surface on a real-time or near-real-time basis. The control
circuitry and power source for the transmitter 52 and receiver 54
may be contained in the cavities 18 formed in the various
detachable sealed housings 10. The plurality of detachable sealed
housings 10 may be spaced apart any desired distance that is
consistent with reliable receipt and transmission of wireless data.
That is, there may be multiple sections of pipe positioned between
adjacent detachable sealed housings 10.
[0059] FIGS. 13A-13B depict yet another illustrative embodiment of
the present invention. As shown therein, a drill string 60 is
comprised of multiple sections of wired pipe 62 and a downhole
device 64 positioned between sections of wired pipe 62. Also
depicted in FIGS. 13A-13B are a plurality of detachable sealed
housings 10 of the present invention removably coupled to the wired
pipe sections 62. Data wires 66 are schematically depicted in the
wired pipe sections 62. As is known to those skilled in the art,
data may be transmitted along the data wires 66 embedded within the
wired pipe 62. To that end, the lengths of wired pipe 62 may be
provided with an inductive coil 69 on both ends of each section of
wired pipe 62 such that data may be transmitted from one section of
pipe to another after the sections are joined together. According
to this aspect of the present invention, one or more of the data
wires 66 may be operatively coupled to one or more devices 29 in
the one or more cavities 18 formed in each detachable sealed
housing 10 to allow data to be transmitted to or received from the
sensors 30 and/or electrical components 31 positioned within the
removable sealed housing 10. The manner in which the data wires 66
may be operatively coupled to the sensors 30 and/or electrical
components 31 are well known to those skilled in the art and may
vary depending upon the particular application. Each of the
detachable sealed housings 10 may further comprise a wireless
transmitter 52 and a wireless receiver 54 as discussed above with
reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.
[0060] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13A, the detachable
sealed housings 10 may be used to wirelessly transmit data from one
section of wired pipe 62 to another spaced-apart section of wired
pipe 62. In the depicted embodiment, the downhole device 64 is not
wired, and may not be capable of being wired, e.g., a stabilizer.
However, according to this aspect of the present invention, the
transmitter and receiver in each of the detachable sealed housings
10 may be used to bypass the un-wired downhole device or
assembly.
[0061] In general, in one embodiment, the present invention is
directed to a removable sealed housing for equipment that may be
employed in obtaining downhole measurement data. In one
illustrative embodiment, the apparatus disclosed herein comprises a
component adapted to be positioned in a subterranean wellbore, the
component having a recess formed therein, a detachable sealed
housing removably coupled to the component, at least a portion of
the detachable sealed housing being positioned in the recess, the
detachable sealed housing having at least one cavity formed
therein, and at least one device positioned in the cavity. In some
applications, substantially all of the detachable sealed housing
may be positioned within the recess formed in the component.
[0062] In another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus comprises
a component adapted to be positioned in a subterranean wellbore,
the component having a recess formed therein, a detachable sealed
housing threadingly coupled to the component, at least a portion of
the detachable sealed housing being positioned in the recess, the
detachable sealed housing having at least one cavity formed
therein, and at least one of a sensor and an electrical component
positioned in the cavity.
[0063] In yet another illustrative embodiment, the apparatus
comprises a component adapted to be positioned in a subterranean
wellbore, the component having a surface, a detachable sealed
housing removably coupled to the surface of the component, the
detachable sealed housing having at least one cavity formed
therein, and at least one device positioned in the cavity.
[0064] In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises
positioning a detachable sealed housing at least partially in a
recess formed in a component adapted to be positioned in a
subterranean wellbore, removably coupling the detachable sealed
housing to the component wherein at least a portion of the
detachable sealed housing is positioned in the recess formed in the
component, the detachable sealed housing having at least one cavity
formed therein and at least one device positioned within the
cavity, positioning the component and the detachable sealed housing
in the subterranean wellbore, and acquiring data using the at least
one device after the detachable sealed housing is positioned within
the subterranean wellbore.
[0065] In another illustrative embodiment, the method comprises
positioning a detachable sealed housing adjacent a surface of a
component adapted to be positioned in a subterranean wellbore,
removably coupling a detachable sealed housing to the surface of
the component, the housing having at least one cavity formed
therein and at least one device positioned within the cavity,
positioning the component and the detachable sealed housing in the
subterranean wellbore, and acquiring data using the at least one
device after the detachable sealed housing is positioned within the
subterranean wellbore.
[0066] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative
only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different
but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having
the benefit of the teachings herein. For example, the process steps
set forth above may be performed in a different order. Furthermore,
no limitations are intended to the details of construction or
design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below.
It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed
above may be altered or modified and all such variations are
considered within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the
claims below.
* * * * *