Generating commands for a downhole tool using a surface fluid loop
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorVladimir Vaynshteyn
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system is used with a well that has a downhole tool which is responsive to a stimulus. The system includes a fluid circulation path that is connected to circulate a fluid and a flow restrictor that is connected in the fluid circulation path and located at the surface of the well. A controller causes the flow restrictor to selectively alter flow of the fluid in the circulation path, and a link is coupled to the circulation path to furnish the stimulus to the downhole tool in response to the alteration of flow by the flow restrictor.
Claims18
A system for use with a well having a tool downhole that is responsive to a stimulus communicated through a column of hydrostatic fluid in the well, the system comprising:
- a fluid flow path located at the surface of the well and adapted to circulate a second fluid, the flow path including a flow restrictor;
- a controller adapted to cause the flow restrictor to selectively alter flow of the second fluid in the flow path;
- and
- a link coupled to the flow path and adapted to furnish the stimulus to the hydrostatic fluid to communicate the stimulus to the downhole tool in response to the alteration of flow by the flow restrictor.
A method for use with a well having a tool downhole that is responsive to a stimulus, communicated through a column of hydrostatic fluid that is in communication with the tool the method comprising:
- circulating a second fluid in a surface flow path;
- selectively altering flow of the second fluid;
- and
- furnishing the stimulus to the column of hydrostatic fluid to communicate the stimulus to the tool in response to the altering.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.