U.S. patent application number 12/816457 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-04 for measurement devices with memory tags and methods thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Emmanuel Balster, Robert Brent Brough, Petrus Gerardus Jacobus Butter, Rune Gimre, Svein Kvernstuen, Stephen W. Pride, Ian Raw, Donald W. Ross.
Application Number | 20110191028 12/816457 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44342361 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110191028 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ross; Donald W. ; et
al. |
August 4, 2011 |
MEASUREMENT DEVICES WITH MEMORY TAGS AND METHODS THEREOF
Abstract
A downhole measurement device includes one or more sensors
configured to measure a parameter in a well; a plurality of memory
tags for storing measurement data from the one or more sensors; and
an ejection module configured to release one of the plurality of
memory tags upon a predetermined condition. A method for monitoring
a well includes deploying of a measurement device having one or
more sensors and a plurality of memory tags into a wellbore;
obtaining measurement data of the parameter using the one or more
sensors; writing the measurement data to one of the plurality of
memory tags; releasing the memory tag having the measurement data;
allowing the memory tag having the measurement data to be carried
by a flow in the wellbore uphole; reading the measurement data from
the memory tag having the measurement data at a location remote
from the downhole measurement device.
Inventors: |
Ross; Donald W.;
(Kingswells, GB) ; Pride; Stephen W.; (Sandnes,
NO) ; Raw; Ian; (Swanbourne, AU) ; Balster;
Emmanuel; (Holte, DK) ; Kvernstuen; Svein;
(Sandnes, NO) ; Gimre; Rune; (Kleppe, NO) ;
Butter; Petrus Gerardus Jacobus; (Heemskerk, NL) ;
Brough; Robert Brent; (Stavanger, NO) |
Assignee: |
SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY
CORPORATION
SUGAR LAND
TX
|
Family ID: |
44342361 |
Appl. No.: |
12/816457 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61301480 |
Feb 4, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 47/26 20200501;
E21B 47/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/6 |
International
Class: |
E21B 47/00 20060101
E21B047/00 |
Claims
1. A downhole measurement device, comprising: one or more sensors
configured to measure a parameter in a well; a plurality of memory
tags for storing measurement data from the one or more sensors,
wherein the plurality of memory tags are configured to be carried
by a fluid flow uphole; and an ejection module configured to
release one of the plurality of memory tags upon a predetermined
condition.
2. The downhole measurement device of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of memory tags are radiofrequency identification (RFID)
type memory tags.
3. The downhole measurement device of claim 1, further comprising a
self-propel mechanism.
4. The downhole measurement device of claim 3, further comprising a
steering mechanism.
5. The downhole measurement device of claim 1, wherein the one or
more sensors comprise one or more of a pressure sensor, a
temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, a flow sensor, a chemical
gauges, or a combination thereof.
6. The downhole measurement device of claim 1, further comprising a
mechanism for anchoring itself in the well.
7. The downhole measurement device of claim 1, wherein the downhole
measurement device has a dart or plug shape.
8. The downhole measurement device of claim 7, wherein the downhole
measurement device comprises a channel to allow a fluid to flow
through the downhole measurement device.
9. The downhole measurement device of claim 1, further comprising a
memory storing a program for controlling data measurements and/or
ejection of the plurality of memory tags.
10. The downhole measurement device of claim 9, wherein the memory
is reprogrammable.
11. A method for monitoring a well or fluid parameter in a
wellbore, comprising: deploying of a downhole measurement device
having one or more sensors and a plurality of memory tags, wherein
the deploying is by allowing the downhole measurement device to be
carried by a fluid into the wellbore; obtaining measurement data of
the parameter using the one or more sensors; writing the
measurement data to one of the plurality of memory tags; releasing
the memory tag having the measurement data; allowing the memory tag
having the measurement data to be carried by a flow in the wellbore
uphole; reading the measurement data from the memory tag having the
measurement data at a location remote from the downhole measurement
device.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the deploying is to a lateral
leg in the wellbore.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the deploying uses a
self-propel mechanism on the downhole measurement device to enter
the lateral leg.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the obtaining the measurement
data is control by a program stored in a memory in the downhole
measurement device.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the deploying results in the
downhole measurement device being lodged at a predetermined depth
in the wellbore.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The invention claims benefits of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/301,480, filed on Feb. 4, 2010, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to the measurements of
wellbore conditions in downhole applications, and more particularly
to the use of well-monitoring systems that record downhole data and
communicates that data to the surface of a well system.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] In oil and gas production, it is important to monitor
downhole data, such as pressure, temperature, flow and other fluid
or reservoir properties. These measurements may be obtained by
various sensing devices, either using permanent completion deployed
sensors or intervention based logging tools on an episodic basis.
These sensors may provide key data to enable development of fields,
managing and exploiting reserves in place to maximize production
and recovery. Challenges exist where the wells or reservoirs become
difficult to reach with permanent completion sensors because of
multiple stages in the well. In addition, downhole sensors that are
installed will fail over time and intervention-based solutions are
very costly, especially on small platforms or subsea wells.
[0006] In most cases, permanent downhole gauges or sensors may be
not installed as part of the completion for many reasons, e.g.
cost, geometrical compatibility, reliability, and temperature of
the well to name a few. However, legal (regulatory) or reservoir
requirement may demand data from wells at some stage of operations.
These data may be obtained with memory gauges or logging tools
coupled with various sensors that are configured to report on the
performance of a well. When sensors are not permanently installed
with completion, data needed to meet these legal or regulatory
requirements may be obtained, for example, using slickline memory
gauges deployed in a well for a period of time, and then retrieved
to download the data. Additionally, another solution is to use
retrofit technology to deploy sensors on slickline, wireline and or
coiled tubing into the well.
[0007] Many of these technologies have safety risks with regards to
intervention in a well, are costly, and have limited data
capability. As existing oil wells begin to either deplete or water
out, there is a need to close off the existing production zones and
drill a secondary leg in the same well. This secondary leg, drilled
to a new pocket of oil and or gas, is known as a lateral or
multi-lateral leg and is accomplished by through tubing drilling
and completion. The through tubing drilling and completion makes
use of the existing well upper casing and upper completion sections
and offers additional drainage point(s) from the same well,
considerably lowering an operator's CAPEX and OPEX costs.
[0008] With lateral or multi-lateral well construction, obtaining
measurements from a new lateral section in an existing well may
pose a difficult task for intervention logging tools. The tools may
have a difficult time entering the new lateral section in order to
obtain reservoir and/or production measurements. Additionally, it
is not possible to run a conventional permanent sensor as the
existing completion is not removed and therefore limits the size of
what can be run in hole. In some cases, a new completion of a much
smaller diameter may be run through the existing upper completion.
However, this new completion may not be tied back or coupled to the
surface infrastructure.
[0009] Therefore, there is still a need for systems and methods
that can be used to monitor or measure conditions in a wellbore,
especially in newly developed wells, such as laterals or
multi-laterals.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to downhole measurement
devices. A downhole measurement device in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention includes one or more sensors configured
to measure a parameter in a well; a plurality of memory tags for
storing measurement data from the one or more sensors, wherein the
plurality of memory tags are configured to be carried by a fluid
flow uphole; and an ejection module configured to release one of
the plurality of memory tags upon a predetermined condition.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention relates to methods for
monitoring a well or fluid parameter in a wellbore. A method in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes: deploying
of a downhole measurement device having one or more sensors and a
plurality of memory tags, wherein the deploying is by allowing the
downhole measurement device to be carried by a fluid into the
wellbore; obtaining measurement data of the parameter using the one
or more sensors; writing the measurement data to one of the
plurality of memory tags; releasing the memory tag having the
measurement data; allowing the memory tag having the measurement
data to be carried by a flow in the wellbore uphole; reading the
measurement data from the memory tag having the measurement data at
a location remote from the downhole measurement device.
[0012] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] Certain embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein
reference numerals denote corresponding elements. It should be
understood, however, that the accompanying drawings illustrate only
the various implementations described herein and are not meant to
limit the scope of various technologies described herein. The
drawings are as follows:
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a prior art well monitoring
system having a sensor in a wellbore.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of a measurement device according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a schematic of a measurement device engaged in
a completion nipple or other profile, according to one embodiment
of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a schematic of multiple measurement devices
deployed in a wellbore according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a self-propelled measurement
device according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for
monitoring and collecting well parameters by using a downhole
measurement device according to one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems
for measurements of well conditions or parameters using sensor
devices deployed from the surface. Methods and systems of the
invention are particularly useful when laterals or multi-laterals
are developed to reach new production zones. In such laterals or
multi-laterals, permanent sensors are often not installed due to
technical difficulties. Using embodiments of the invention, well
conditions and parameters may be monitored without permanently
installed sensors.
[0021] In the following description, numerous details are set forth
to provide an understanding of some illustrative embodiments of the
present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that various embodiments of the present disclosure may
be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or
modifications from the described embodiments may be possible
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0022] In the specification and appended claims the terms "memory
tag" is used to mean an electronic chip that has a memory for
storing data. Any memory tag suitable for storing information may
be used with embodiments of the invention, such as RFID tags. A
memory tag may further include an antenna coil and a power supply
circuit such that in use the memory tag may be powered by inductive
coupling. A memory tag may also have a sensor for the receipt of
transmitted signals, a processor for processing the received input
signals, and a modulation circuit for the overlay of output signals
onto the power supply circuit. A read/write device may be used to
communicate with a memory tag. The read/write device may have a
signal generator, an antenna coil and a power supply circuit for
powering the memory tag by inductive coupling. The read/write
device may further include a light emitter for emission of a light
carrying the input signals to the memory tag, and a demodulation
circuit for retrieval of the output signals from the inductive
coupling. The term "sensor" is used to mean any device for
measuring various properties in the well, such as pressure, fluid
flow rates, temperatures, vibration, composition, fluid flow
regime, and fluid holdup.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows an example of a sensor installed in a wellbore,
as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,434, issued to Chouzenoux et
al. As showed in FIG. 1, a sensor is installed in an underground
well having a production tubing 38 therein. The sensor comprises a
sensor body 11 that can be installed in a hole formed in the casing
18 so as to extend between the inside and outside of the casing 18;
sensor elements located within the body and capable of sensing
properties of an underground formation 10 surrounding the well; and
communication elements 66 located within the body and capable of
communicating information between the sensor elements and a
communication device 68 in the well; wherein the sensor body 11
also includes a portion that can be sealed to the casing or tubing
to prevent fluid communication between the inside and the outside
of the casing 18 through the hole when the sensor body is installed
therein. The sensors can include pressure, temperature,
resistivity, conductivity, stress, strain, pH and chemical
composition sensors.
[0024] To obtain downhole data, such as pressure, temperature,
flow, and other fluid or reservoir properties, a permanent or fixed
completion deployed sensors or through intervention based logging
tools are conventionally used. Some measurement tools may be
installed in the well permanently for long term monitoring, while
others are run into the well during an intervention to obtain
temporary measurements.
[0025] As noted above, when new laterals are developed, it is
impractical to deploy permanent sensors in the new legs and the
intervention approach is costly. Embodiments of the invention
provide more convenient approaches to monitoring and measuring well
conditions, especially for wells (e.g., new laterals or
multi-laterals) where deployment of permanent sensors with
completion tubing is impractical.
[0026] Some embodiments of the invention relate to deployable
measurement devices that can be sent into wellbores from the
surface to monitor or measurement wellbore conditions or
fluid/reservoir properties. These measurement devices will then
record such measurements on memory tags (such as RFID tags) and
send those tags uphole. For example, a measurement device in
accordance with embodiments of the invention may include a chamber
housing memory tags (e.g., RFID tags) and an ejection mechanism
(which may be an electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical ejection
mechanism) to eject or release those data-containing tags into the
flow. These devices may include sensors (e.g., pressure and/or
temperature sensors) or some other sensing devices for measuring
downhole conditions.
[0027] After the sensors make measurements, the devices then write
(record) the measured data onto one or more memory tags. Such
measurements and recordings may occur, for example, at a
predetermined time or under a preset condition. Once this operation
is completed, the device may eject or release the memory tag (e.g.,
an RFID tag), e.g., from an ejection carrier, whereby the tags are
carried toward the surface with the flow of oil and/or gas. The
memory tags may pass a reader located either on the surface or
along the flow line. The reader may automatically upload the
acquired data and send the data to surface. This process may take
place continuously until the memory tags have been exhausted in the
device or the batteries have been expended, whereupon another
device may be sent downhole to continue the process.
[0028] Event logic can also be built into the devices. The event
logic, for example, may be programmed to obtain high frequency data
when a change in production occurs, automatically eject the memory
tag (e.g., RFID tag) upon stabilization of the event, and then go
back to the original logic. This process may be referred to as
delta event management.
[0029] The sensors and/or event logic components may be MEMS
(microelectromechanical systems) or SOI (silicon-on-insulator)
devices. The number of logging of events can essentially be
unlimited. Some embodiments of the device may be self-programmable
or able to be trained.
[0030] Some embodiments of the invention are illustrated in FIG. 2
through FIG. 5. The illustrations are meant to demonstrate how a
well measurement device may be shaped, how the various components
may fit inside the device, or how the device(s) may be placed in a
well or a lateral. One skilled in the art would appreciate that
these are for illustration only and are not meant to limit the
scope of the invention.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, which shows an exemplary measurement
device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Such a
device may be used as a retrievable retrofit measurement device
deployed in tubing or casing. As shown, the measurement device 200
may be in the form of a flow through plug 202, which includes a
hallow channel allowing fluids to flow therethrough. In accordance
with embodiments of the invention, such a flow through plug 202 may
be deployed to latch onto a tubing or casing 203 via lock mandrels
or dogs 201. The measurement device 200 may include an ejection
capsules 204 containing RFID tags or memory tags, a long life
battery 205, downhole reference clock/counter 206, which may have
time stamping capabilities, and one or more pressure, temperature,
or other sensors or a combination of sensors 207.
[0032] The flow through plug 202 may be dropped or inserted into
the well from the surface (e.g., through a Christmas tree) and be
allowed to drop down to the bottom of the well or to set or engage
with the surrounding tubing or casing 203 via lock mandrels or dogs
201. The measurement device may be lodged in a nipple profile or an
independent anchor at a predetermined location or be deployed at an
appropriate depth and held in place with a lock mandrel or dog 201
until retrieval is required. The device may have built-in
intelligence for depth recognition, or for finding or steering its
way into a multi lateral leg. The measurement device may be run by
battery or downhole power generation.
[0033] The device may comprise an ejection capsule 204, which is
configured to eject or release the memory tags (e.g., RFID tags).
The ejection capsule 204 may be operated by a hydraulic,
mechanical, or electrical mechanism. In accordance with some
embodiments of the invention, the RFID or memory tags may be able
to store a certain amount of data before release, for example up to
1 week of 24 hours of data at 1 second intervals. The writer may be
designed to function downhole and the reader may be designed to
function downhole or at the surface flow line. A downhole
clock/counter 205 may be used to correct or remedy the effects of
the time delay between data acquisition and reading.
[0034] Multiple devices may be operated simultaneously in
wells/laterals. The devices may be used where permanent gauges have
failed or in a lateral or multiple laterals simultaneously. Since
the sizes and structures of oil wells and laterals may differ, the
need for well monitoring may be different for each structure. The
construction of a measurement device may be altered for different
situations.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows another measurement device, which may be used
in downhole retrofit production monitoring. As shown in FIG. 3, the
measurement device 300 may have a nipples or latches 301 to engage
a casing or tubing 303. This measurement device is a variant of the
device shown in FIG. 2. The measurement device 300 may contain one
or more components 303 selected from: pressure and/or temperature
sensors, battery, clock, RFID receiver/transmitter, etc. The
measurement device 300 may be self propelled and/or be programmed
to descend to a particular depth or location. The measurement
device 300 may include a plurality of releasable RFID tags or
memory tags configured to store information from the sensors. The
RFID tags or memory tag may be released or ejected in the flow
stream to travel toward the surface of the well system.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, which shows an illustrative embodiment
of simultaneous use of multiple downhole measurement devices
described in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the multiple downhole
measurement devices 409 may be deployed though an existing upper
completion tubing 401. The existing upper completion is deployed in
a casing 403. The completion may include a surface controlled
sub-surface safety valve (SCSSV) 402 and one or more permanently
installed sensor devices 404, which may include memory tags that
can record measurements and be released on demand by signals sent
from surface.
[0037] A production deflector 406 is used to drill a lateral from
the main-bore. The lateral completion may be anchored to the upper
completion using a ported packer 405. In some embodiments, other
methods of well construction may be used in the lower completion
such as a slotted liner or a cemented and perforated liner. The
lower completion may include swell packers 408 and inflow control
device (ICD) stations with screens 407. One or more measurement
devices 409 (as described in FIG. 2 or 3) are shown as being
deployed throughout the lateral completion. As shown, the
measurement devices 409 may be able to record the contribution of
each of the multiple zones of production, indicate the individual
production rates, identify the location of water breakthroughs,
etc.
[0038] The measurement devices in accordance with embodiments of
the invention may be sent into a wellbore and be carried to the
desired locations (depths) by the downward fluid flows or by
gravity. Alternatively, such measurement devices may have the
ability to self-propel to the desired locations. Furthermore, some
of these devices may have the steering ability such that they can
be controlled to enter selected laterals.
[0039] FIG. 5 shows an example of a measurement device 500 having
the ability to self-propel and/or steer according to one embodiment
of the invention. In this particular example, the measurement
device 500 has a substantially truncated cone shape (or dart
shaped). However, one skilled in the art would appreciate that a
device in accordance with embodiments of the invention may also
adopt other shapes. Diagram (A) shows a side view and Diagram (B)
shows a top view of the measurement device 500. The measurement
device 500 may include a self-propel mechanism 502 and a steering
mechanism 505 such that the device can self-propel and self-steer
to the desired locations. The measurement device also includes an
ejection module/carrier 501 for carrying and releasing multiple
RFID or memory tags. In addition, the measurement device 500 may
include a plurality of sensors 506, which may be SOI or MEMS
sensors. The measurement device may optionally include an
inflatable or anchor device 504 for lodging itself in the well.
[0040] Furthermore, the measurement device may also include a
memory 507 for storing a program to control the sensor measurements
and/or ejection module. In accordance with embodiments of the
invention, the memory 507 may be reprogrammable such that the event
logics can be changed when necessary. Any method known in the art
may be used to change the program in the memory, for example by
sending a signal from the surface downhole or by flowing an RFID
tags by the device.
[0041] The device may be battery-operated so that it can reach a
predetermined depth, and the device may be constructed and
programmed to self-navigate to enter the well (e.g., a lateral leg)
to reach anywhere in the well, or to be fixed at the bottom of the
well. Advanced smartness can be built into the device to expand its
intelligence, so that it may have depth-recognition, find and steer
its way into multi lateral legs, or continuously sweep the
producing formation to log the inflow areas. After reaching the
desired depth, the device may set or lock itself in a location, for
example, by extending or inflating anchor device 504 (see FIG.
5(C)). In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the
device may be programmed with pre-determined logic that enables the
device to carry out self-alignment and depth-correlation.
[0042] Once at the desired location, the device may automatically
begin the process of data logging and storing data. Various well
conditions, formation properties, or fluid properties may be
measured. In addition, fluid velocity and flow may be measured, for
example, using flutes on the tool's surface. The device may send
the data-containing RFID tags or memory tags from ejection
module/carrier 501 into the fluid flow to send the memory tags
uphole.
[0043] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the memory
tags are configured or selected such that they can float in the
fluids expected in the well. If low flow rates are expected,
buoyant RFID tags or memory tags may be used to ensure that they
travel to where the tag reader is located or to the surface.
Furthermore, the memory tags may include a drag or similar devices
such that they will pass the reader in a known orientation. The
RFID tag or memory tag reader may capture the well or fluid data in
the well or at the surface, as the tags flow by. Alternatively, the
tags may be captured by a strainer device in the flow line and be
read later.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 6 which is a flow chart illustrating a
method for monitoring and collecting well parameters by using a
downhole measurement device in accordance with embodiments of the
invention. In accordance with this method, a measurement device of
the invention may be deployed downhole (step 61). The measurement
device will include one or more sensors for obtaining well or fluid
parameter data (step 62). After obtaining said well or fluid
parameters data, the measurement device may write the measured data
onto one or more RFID tags or memory tags (step 63). The memory
tags are carried in an ejection module. The measurement and
recordation may occur at a predetermined time and rate or at the
occurrence of certain events, as described above. The ejection
module may be configured to release or eject the said
data-containing memory tags into the flow at a predetermined rate
or based upon some other criteria when the operation is completed
or after a certain amount of data has been written to the RFID tags
or memory tags (step 64). The released tags may be carried toward
surface along with the flow. The released tags may pass a tag
reader anywhere along the flow line or at the surface. The reader
may then gather data or automatically upload the acquired data to a
processing or handling system (step 65).
[0045] This process may be carried out on a continuous basis until
the RFID or Memory tags have been exhausted in the tool or the
battery life is expended. Once the supply of stored RFID or Memory
tags is exhausted, the device may be retrieved or allowed to remain
in the well, and another device may be sent downhole to continue
the measurement process. A reader in the flow line at the wellhead
or on a process line may acquire (read) the data as the RFID tags
or memory tags pass by or after the memory tags are captured in a
strainer device. The reader may send the data to an acquisition or
processing system for data analysis and processing.
[0046] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having the
benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments
can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention
as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should
be limited only by the attached claims.
* * * * *