Methods and apparatus for evaluating downhole conditions through rfid sensing
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsScott Goodwin, Mark W. Roberson, Craig W. Roddy, Krishna M. Ravi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method may operate to mount one or more communication assemblies relative to the exterior of a casing being placed in a borehole. Two communication assemblies can be placed in longitudinally spaced relation to one another along the casing, wherein each communication assembly is configured to obtain data from RFID tags in one or more azimuthally oriented regions of the annulus surrounding the casing, and to interrogate RFID tags in a first fluid in the borehole. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
Claims23
A method of making measurements in a well, comprising:
- associating a first communication assembly with the exterior of a casing string being placed in a borehole, wherein the first communication assembly is configured to communicate with radio frequency identification device (RFID) tags in the annulus surrounding the casing when the casing is in place within the borehole;
- wherein the first communication assembly includes a plurality of RFID sensor assemblies, with a first RFID sensor assembly configured to detect RFID tags in a first azimuthal area of the annulus, and a second RFID sensor assembly configured to detect tags in a second azimuthal region of the annulus, and wherein the first azimuthal region of the annulus is at least partially offset from the second azimuthal region of the annulus;
- pumping a first fluid into the annulus surrounding the casing, the fluid containing a first plurality of RFID tags;
- and
- interrogating the first plurality of RFID tags by the first communication assembly to determine the presence or absence of RFID tags within the first and second azimuthal regions of the annulus proximate the depth of the first communication assembly.
A communication assembly, comprising:
- an assembly configured to form a portion of a casing string installed in an Earth borehole defined by formation sidewalls, wherein the casing string when placed in the borehole will define an annulus between the casing string and formation sidewalls, the assembly comprising,
- a plurality of RFID sensing assemblies, each RFID sensing assembly including at least one antenna configured to communicate with RFID tags in the annulus, and further including electronic control circuitry configured to communicate interrogation signals to RFID tags within the annulus and to receive signals from the RFID tags;
- a data storage device to receive information associated with signals received from the RFID tags;
- and
- a power source configured to supply electrical power to the electronic control circuitry and the data storage device;
- and
- wherein the antennas of each of at least a portion of the RFID sensing assemblies are configured and arranged around the circumference of the communication assembly such that each such RFID sensing assembly will be sensitive to RFID tags within an azimuthal region of the annulus, at least a portion of such azimuthal regions being at least partially offset from each another.
A system, comprising:
- a casing string having first and second communication assemblies supported by the casing string and disposed in longitudinally spaced relation to one another along the casing string, wherein each communication assembly is configured to obtain information associated with RFID tags in a plurality of radially offset regions of an annulus surrounding the casing when the casing is in place within a borehole;
- and
- a first plurality of RFID tags placed within a first fluid pumped into the annulus;
- and
- a control unit configured to receive data indicative of the information received from the first and second communication assemblies to provide information about the first fluid pumped into the annulus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.