U.S. patent application number 15/172378 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-07 for methods and appartus for remote actuation of a downhole device in a wellbore.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schlumberger Technology Corporation. Invention is credited to Gregory Giem, Jesse West.
Application Number | 20170350237 15/172378 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60483088 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170350237 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giem; Gregory ; et
al. |
December 7, 2017 |
METHODS AND APPARTUS FOR REMOTE ACTUATION OF A DOWNHOLE DEVICE IN A
WELLBORE
Abstract
An apparatus for remote actuation of a downhole device in a
wellbore, that includes a cable head configured to connect with a
cable in communication with surface equipment. The cable head is
connected with a tractor module. A communication module is
connected with the tractor, and a release device is connected with
the communication module. The release device is connected with an
anchor. The anchor section is connected with a downhole device. The
downhole device is configured to communication with the
communication module when the communication module is released from
the release device.
Inventors: |
Giem; Gregory; (Houston,
TX) ; West; Jesse; (Sugar Land, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schlumberger Technology Corporation |
Sugar Land |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60483088 |
Appl. No.: |
15/172378 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 23/14 20130101;
E21B 23/01 20130101; E21B 23/001 20200501; E21B 47/12 20130101;
E21B 33/127 20130101; E21B 47/07 20200501; E21B 23/04 20130101;
E21B 43/116 20130101; E21B 47/13 20200501; E21B 47/14 20130101;
E21B 34/06 20130101; E21B 47/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 47/12 20120101
E21B047/12; E21B 23/14 20060101 E21B023/14; E21B 23/01 20060101
E21B023/01; E21B 23/04 20060101 E21B023/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for remote actuation of a downhole device in a
wellbore, wherein the apparatus comprises: a cable head configured
to connect with a cable in communication with surface equipment; a
tractor module connected with the cable head; a communication
module connected with the tractor; a release device connected with
the communication module; an anchor section connected with the
release device; and a downhole device connected with the release
device, wherein the downhole device is configured to communication
with the communication module when the communication module is
released from the release device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication between the
communication module and the release device is wired.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the communication comprises a
tether that is on a reel in the communication module, and wherein
the tether is in communication with the cable head and with the
downhole device.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein communication between the
communication module and the release device is wireless.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the communication module
comprises a transmitter of a wireless communication system, and
wherein the downhole device comprises a receiver of the wireless
communication system.
6. A method of remotely actuating a downhole device in a wellbore
comprises: conveying a downhole device to a desired location of a
wellbore; actuating an anchor in the wellbore; and actuating the
downhole device when the downhole device is at a predetermined
location.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein actuating the downhole device
comprises removing an end of a trip wire from the downhole
device.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein actuating the downhole device
comprises activating a detonation cord.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein actuating the downhole device
comprises a processor on the anchor sending a signal to the
downhole device after a predetermined time.
10. The method of claim 6, wherein actuating the downhole device
comprises using hydrostatic pressure.
11. The method of claim 6, wherein actuating the downhole device
comprises a processor on the downhole device instructing a switch
to close completing an electric circuit when the processor
determines that the downhole device is at a predetermined
location.
12. A method of remotely actuating a downhole device in a wellbore
comprises: conveying a toolstring into a wellbore, wherein the
toolstring is connected with a cable, wherein the toolstring
comprises: a tractor module connected with a cable head, wherein
the cable head is connected with the cable; a communication module
connected with the tractor; a release device connected with the
communication module; an anchor section connected with the release
device; and a downhole device connected with the anchor section;
anchoring the downhole device in the wellbore by actuating the
anchor section; disconnecting the communication module form the
anchor section by activating the release device; moving the tractor
module and communication module a distance from the downhole
device; and actuating the downhole device by transmitting an
actuation signal from the communication module to the downhole
device.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein transmitting an actuation
signal from the communication module to the downhole device
comprises sending a signal over a tether connected with the
communication module and the downhole device.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the actuation signal is sent
from a processor located on the toolstring and in communication
with the communication module when the tractor module is at a
predetermined distance from the downhole device.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the actuation signal is sent in
response to a signal sent to the communication module from surface
equipment.
16. The method of claim 12, transmitting an actuation signal from
the communication module to the downhole device comprises sending a
signal wirelessly to the downhole device.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the downhole device is an
explosive device, and wherein actuation of the explosive device
comprises detonating the explosive device.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The disclosure generally relates to methods and apparatus
for remote actuation of a downhole device in a wellbore.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Hydrocarbons may be produced from wellbores drilled from the
surface through a variety of producing and non-producing
formations. The wellbore may be drilled substantially vertically or
may be an offset well that is not vertical and has some amount of
horizontal displacement from the surface entry point. Often
wellbores have tubulars or casing in them, and sometimes downhole
devices are used to cut the tubular or perforate the casing.
SUMMARY
[0003] An embodiment of an example apparatus for remote actuation
of a downhole device includes a cable head. The cable head is
configured to connect with a cable in communication with surface
equipment. The cable head is connected with the tractor module. The
tractor module is connected with a communication module. The
communication module is connected with a release device. The
release device is connected with the anchor. A downhole device is
connected with the release device, wherein the downhole device is
configured to communication with the communication module when the
communication module is released from the release device.
[0004] An example method of remotely detonating a downhole device
in a wellbore includes conveying a downhole device into a desired
location of a wellbore. The method also includes anchoring the
downhole device in the wellbore. The method also includes
transmitting an actuation signal to the downhole device.
[0005] Another example method of remotely detonating a downhole
device in a wellbore includes conveying a toolstring into a
wellbore. The toolstring is connected with a cable. The toolstring
includes a tractor module connected with a cable head, wherein the
cable head is connected with the cable. The toolstring also
includes a communication module connected with the tractor, and a
release device connected with the communication module. The anchor
section is connected with the release device, and a downhole device
is connected with the anchor section. The method also includes
anchoring the downhole device in the wellbore by actuating the
anchor section. The method also includes disconnecting the
communication module form the anchor section by activating the
release device. The method also includes moving the tractor module
and communication module a distance from the downhole device; and
detonating the downhole device by transmitting an actuation signal
from the communication module to the downhole device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 depicts an example apparatus for remote actuation of
a downhole device in a wellbore.
[0007] FIG. 2 depicts the apparatus for remote actuation of a
downhole device in a wellbore with a tractor module remote from the
downhole device.
[0008] FIG. 3 depicts another example apparatus for remote
actuation of a downhole device in a wellbore with a tractor module
remote from the downhole device.
[0009] FIG. 4 depicts an apparatus for remote actuation of a
downhole device that is conveyed into a well via pump-down
conveyance.
[0010] FIG. 5 depicts an apparatus for remote actuation of a
downhole device that is actuated by a trip wire.
[0011] FIG. 6 depicts an anchor engaged with a wall of a wellbore
after being pumped downhole and a downhole device remote
therefrom.
[0012] FIG. 7 depicts a schematic of an example actuation
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures
and described in detail below. In describing these examples, like
or identical reference numbers are used to identify common or
similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and
certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown
exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and/or
conciseness.
[0014] An example apparatus for remote actuation of a downhole
device in a wellbore can include a cable head configured to connect
with a cable in communication with surface equipment. The cable
head can be any known cable head. In one or more embodiments, the
cable head can have an electronic release device, a mechanical
release device, or both. The cable head can also have one or more
sensors configured to measure tension in the cable, temperature in
the wellbore, pressure in the wellbore, other wellbore or tool
properties, or combinations thereof. The measured properties can be
communicated to the surface equipment in real-time.
[0015] The example apparatus can also include a tractor module
connected with the cable head. The tractor module can be similar to
those known in the art or future known tractor modules. In one or
more embodiments, the tractor module can acquire real-time
operation data including speed, radial force exerted on the
wellbore wall, position of the tractor, acceleration, or other
operation quantities. In one or more embodiments, the tractor
module can have a processor that can receive the measured operation
parameters in real-time and adjust the operation of the tractor
module to optimize the performance of the tractor. For example, the
processor can receive data on the force exerted on the wellbore
well and measure slip of wheels of the tractor and can adjust the
force exerted on the wall of the wellbore to reduce slip and
increase the efficiency of the tractor drive. The acquired
operation parameters can also be transmitted to the surface in
real-time. In one or more embodiments, the velocity of the tractor
module can be measured and used to determine the location of the
tractor module in the wellbore that can assist an operator with
determining when the toolstring is at a desired location in the
wellbore.
[0016] The example apparatus can further include a communication
module connected with the tractor module. The communication module
can be a wired module or a communication module configured for
wireless communication with a downhole device, as explained further
below.
[0017] A release device can be connected with the communication
module. The release device can be a motorized release device, an
electronic release device, or both. The release device can be
configured to reconnect with the downhole device. The release
device can be any now known or future known release device.
[0018] An anchor section can be connected with the release device.
The anchor section can be hydraulically or electrically operated.
The anchor section can have one or more arms that can be actuated
to radial expand and engage a wall of the wellbore. The arms can be
actuated by a hydraulic ram that provides force, due to pressurized
fluid from a pump that radially expands the arms. The arms once
radially expanded can be locked in place, by closing a valve
keeping the hydraulic ram in position, using a mechanical lock to
hold the arms in place, or using now known or future known locking
devices.
[0019] A downhole device can be connected with the release device.
The downhole device is configured to communication with the
communication module when the communication module is released from
the release device. The downhole device can be an explosive device,
an inflatable packer, a valve, a sensor module, or the like. The
communication between the communication module and the downhole
device can be wired. In one embodiment, the communication module
can include an actuation tether that is on a spooling device in the
communication module, and the tether is in communication with the
cable head and with the downhole device. The tether can transmit an
actuation signal to the downhole device. For example, the
communication cable can be connected with the cable head or
otherwise in communication with surface equipment or a downhole
processor at a first end and with a detonation device in
communication with an explosive device. The tether can be a cable,
a trip wire, a detonation cord, a wire, or the like. In one
embodiment, a detonation cord can be connected with the
communication module and the downhole device. The detonation cord
can be detonated causing actuation of the downhole device.
[0020] In another embodiment, the communication between the
communication module and the downhole device is wireless. The
communication module can include a transmitter of a wireless
communication system. The downhole device can include a receiver of
the wireless communication system. For example, the transmitter can
be in communication with surface equipment or a downhole processor
via a wired connection, and the surface equipment or downhole
processor can issue a signal to the transmitter of the wireless
communication system instructing it to send the actuation signal to
the receiver in the downhole device, the actuation signal can be
received by the receiver and the receiver can cause actuation of
the downhole device.
[0021] The wireless communication can include any wireless
telemetry including sound waves, electrical waves, pressure pulses,
or other now known or future known wireless telemetry.
[0022] In an embodiment, the downhole device can be conveyed into
the well with an actuator attached thereto. The conveyance can be
pump-down conveyance. The actuator can be configured to latch to
the wellbore when conveyed a predetermined distance into the
wellbore. The distance that the device is conveyed into the
wellbore can be determined using sensors on the downhole device,
casing joint locators, or other now known or future known
displacement measurement methods. The downhole device can continue
to travel downhole a second predetermined distance before
actuating. The actuation can be initiated using an accelerometer on
the downhole device that is communication with a processor in the
downhole device. The processor can be configured to receive the
acceleration data, integrate the acceleration data over elapsed
time to determine the velocity and then multiply the determined
velocity by the elapsed time to determine the distance traveled by
the downhole device, upon the processor determining that the
downhole device reached the second predetermined distance in the
wellbore, the processor can initiate actuation of the downhole
device.
[0023] In another embodiment, the downhole device can be an
explosive device that has a detonator connected therewith. A first
end of a trip wire is connected with the detonator, and a second
end of the trip wire is connected with the anchor. The downhole
device, trip wire, and an anchor can be pumped into a wellbore. The
actuator can be configured to latch to a predetermined portion of a
wellbore, for example the outer diameter of the actuator can be
such that it will catch on a pipe joint, or can have a swellable
material that is configured to expand at a predetermined rate, such
that the outer diameter of the anchor will be large enough to
engage the completion or wellbore wall at a predetermined location
in the wellbore, the anchor can have a processor that initiates
radial expansion of arms on the anchor when the anchor has been
conveyed a predetermined distance into the wellbore, or an operator
can send a signal from the surface to actuate arms on the anchor
when a predetermined distance is traveled by the anchor. After the
anchor engages the wellbore, the downhole device can keep traveling
until the length of the trip wire is reached, at which point the
trip wire will pull out of the detonator allowing actuation of the
explosive device.
[0024] In one or more embodiments, a second tool, such as a
weighted roller, dart, ball, or the like, can be deployed into the
wellbore and contacted with the downhole device to initiate
actuation.
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts an example apparatus for remote actuation of
a downhole device in a wellbore. The apparatus 100 includes a cable
head 120, a tractor module 130, a communication module 140, a
release device 150, an anchor section 160, and a downhole device
170.
[0026] The cable head 120 is connected with a cable 110 that is in
communication with surface equipment (not shown). The cable head
120 can be configured to measure temperature, tension, or other
downhole parameters and relay the acquired data to the surface
equipment.
[0027] The cable head 120 can be connected with a tractor module
130. The tractor module 130 can have one or more drives, one or
more anchor sections, electronic cartridges, and other equipment.
The tractor module 130 can be any now known tractor or future known
tractor. The tractor drive section can be hydraulic, electric, or
other known drive sections. The tractor module 130 can be connected
with a communication module 140. The communication module can have
telemetry cartridges, power cartridges, a processor, other
equipment, or combinations thereof. The communication module can be
similar to other telemetry modules that are known for downhole use
or future known telemetry modules.
[0028] The communication module 140 can be connected with a release
device 150. The release device 150 can be any now known or future
known inline release device. Illustrative release devices include
electric controlled release devices, mechanical release devices, or
the like.
[0029] The release device 150 can be connected with an anchor
section 160. The anchor section 160 can have two grippers that are
hydraulically actuated to radial expand and engage a wall of a
wellbore. The anchor section can be any now known or future known
anchor section. The anchor section can be hydraulically actuated or
actuated by other known methods.
[0030] The anchor section 160 can be connected with a downhole
device 170. The downhole device 170 can be a perforation charge, a
colliding tool, or other downhole devices. The downhole device can
have a detonator that is actuated by a signal sent from the
communication module 140. The detonator can be any now known
detonator or future known detonator.
[0031] FIG. 2 depicts the apparatus for remote actuation of a
downhole device in a wellbore with a tractor module remote from the
downhole device.
[0032] The anchor section 160 can be actuated from a signal sent
from the surface via the cable 110 when the apparatus 100 reaches a
desired location in a wellbore. After, the anchor section 160 is
set, the release device 150 is actuated. The release device 150 can
be actuated by a signal sent from the surface via the cable 110 or
by other known methods. The release device 150 when actuated
releases from the communication module 140.
[0033] As depicted in FIG. 2, the communication module 140 can have
a wire spool and a tether 152. The tether 152 can be in
communication with the cable 110, a processor in the communication
module, or combinations thereof. The tractor module 130 can be
operated to move a distance from the anchored downhole device. A
signal can be sent from the communication module 140 to the
downhole device via the tether 150 to cause actuation of the
downhole device. The tether 150 can be a wire, a cable, an optical
fiber, or the like.
[0034] FIG. 3 depicts another example apparatus for remote
actuation of a downhole device in a wellbore with a tractor module
remote from the downhole device. The apparatus 300 in FIG. 3 is
substantially similar to the apparatus 100. The communication
module 340 can include a transmitter 341 of a wireless
communication system. A receiver 342 of the wireless communication
system is in communication with a detonator of the downhole device
170. The wireless communication system can be a pressure pulse
system, electronic system, radio system, or other now known or
future known wireless communication systems.
[0035] In operation, the tractor module 130 can be operated to move
the apparatus 300 to a desired location in a wellbore. Upon
reaching the desired location, the anchor section 160 can be
actuated. Once the anchor section 160 is actuated, the release
device 150 can be operated to release the communication module 340
therefrom. The tractor module 130 can then be operated to move a
distance from the downhole device 170. After the tractor module 130
and the connected communication module 340 is a desired distance
from the downhole device 170, a signal is sent from transmitter 341
to the receiver 342 to detonate the downhole device 170.
[0036] FIG. 4 depicts an apparatus for remote actuation of a
downhole device that is conveyed into a well via pump-down
conveyance. The downhole device 430, a tether 440, and an anchor
420 can be conveyed into the wellbore. The anchor 420 is in
communication with surface equipment 410.
[0037] The anchor 420 can have an anchor actuator 425 that causes
engagement with the wall of the wellbore 445 in response to an
actuation signal. The actuation signal can be sent from the surface
equipment 410, from a processor on the anchor, or any combination
thereof. The anchor 420 can also have a spooling device 442. The
spooling device 442 can be a spring loaded spooling device that
allows the tether 440 to spool therefrom and retrieve the tether
after removal of tension caused by the weight of the downhole
device 430.
[0038] The tether 440 can provide communication and power from the
surface equipment 410, a processor on the anchor, or combinations
thereof. Once the downhole device 430 is a desired distance from
the anchor the downhole device 430 can be actuated by an actuation
signal being sent to the actuator 432. The distance of the downhole
device from the anchor can be determined by measuring the spooling
rate of the tether, acceleration and/or velocity of the downhole
device 430, or using other now know or future known ways of
determining displacement.
[0039] FIG. 5 depicts an apparatus for remote actuation of a
downhole device that is actuated by a trip wire. The anchor 420,
tether 540, and the downhole device 430, can be deployed into the
wellbore. The anchor actuator 525 can be in communication with
surface equipment 410, and the anchor actuator 525 can be actuated
when the anchor 420 is at a desired location in the wellbore 445.
The downhole device 430 will disconnect from the anchor and
continue moving away from the anchor 420, until the tether 540 is
removed from the actuator 532, thereby, allowing a circuit to be
completed that allows actuation of the downhole device 430.
[0040] FIG. 6 depicts an anchor engaged with a wall of a wellbore
after being pumped downhole and a downhole device remote therefrom.
The anchor device 420 can be sized to pass through the wellbore 445
until engaging joint section 450. The anchor can secure to the
joint section 450. The downhole device 430 can have an actuator
620. The actuator 620 can be actuated by hydrostatic pressure, a
signal sent from surface equipment 410, or from a processor on the
downhole tool device. For example, the processor can be programmed
to determine that the downhole device is not moving, for example
from data obtained from an accelerometer, the processor can then be
programmed to start a clock, and to issue an actuation signal to an
initiator, hydraulic motor, or the like after the a predetermined
amount of time has lapsed.
[0041] FIG. 7 depicts a schematic of an example actuation system.
The actuation system 700 can include a processor 720. The processor
720 can be in communication with one or more sensors 710. The one
or more sensors can be pressure sensors, accelerometers, force
sensors, or other known or future know measuring devices. The
processor can have an internal clock for tracking time lapse.
[0042] The processor 720 can be programmed to issue an actuation
signal to activate an actuator 732 based on inputs from the one or
more sensors, internal clock, or combinations thereof. For example,
the processor 720 can send a signal to a solenoid, motor, or
similar device. The solenoid, motor, or similar device can cause a
switch 730 to close completing a circuit 734 that allows current to
be sent to the actuator 732 causing actuation of a downhole
device.
[0043] A method of remotely actuating a downhole device in a
wellbore can include conveying a downhole device into a desired
location of a wellbore. The conveying can include using a tractor
module releasably connected with the downhole device; anchoring the
downhole device in the wellbore; disconnecting the tractor module
from the downhole device; moving the tractor module a predetermined
distance from the downhole device; and transmitting an actuation
signal to the downhole device when the tractor module is a desired
distance from the downhole device.
[0044] Transmitting an actuation signal from the tractor module to
the downhole device can include sending a signal over a tether
connected with the tractor module and the downhole device. The
actuation signal can be sent from a processor located on the
tractor module when the tractor module is at the predetermined
distance from the downhole device. In another embodiment, the
actuation signal can be sent in response to a signal sent to the
tractor module from surface equipment. In an embodiment, the method
can include transmitting an actuation signal from the tractor
module to the downhole device wirelessly to the downhole
device.
[0045] A method of remotely actuating a downhole device in a
wellbore can include conveying a toolstring into a wellbore. The
toolstring can be connected with a cable, and the toolstring can
include a tractor module connected with a cable head, wherein the
cable head is connected with the cable; a communication module
connected with the tractor; a release device connected with the
communication module; an anchor section connected with the release
device; and a downhole device connected with the anchor section.
The method can also include anchoring the downhole device in the
wellbore by actuating the anchor section, and disconnecting the
communication module from the anchor section by activating the
release device.
[0046] The method can also include moving the tractor module and
communication module a distance from the downhole device; and
detonating the downhole device by transmitting an actuation signal
from the communication module to the downhole device.
[0047] The actuation signal can be communicated via a tether, such
as a cable, wire, or the like, between the downhole device and the
communication module. After actuation of the downhole device, the
tractor can be moved back to the downhole device.
[0048] The tractor can reconnect the release device with the
downhole device and recover the downhole device from the wellbore.
The tether can be spooled out on a spring loaded drum that allows
cable to be spooled therefrom when the tractor is moving away from
the downhole device and retrieves the tether as the tractor moves
towards the downhole device.
[0049] Although example assemblies, methods, systems have been
described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not
limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers every method,
apparatus, and article of manufacture fairly falling within the
scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine
of equivalents.
* * * * *