US 6,745,833 B2 · Method of utilizing flowable devices in wellbores

Abstract

This invention relates to flowable devices and methods of utilizing such flowable devices in wellbores to provide communicate between surface and downhole instruments, among downhole devices, establish a communication network in the wellbore, act as sensors, and act as power transfer devices. The flowable devices are adapted to move with a fluid flowing in the wellbore. The flowable device may be memory device or a device that can provide a measure of a parameter of interest or act as a power transfer device. The flowable devices are introduced into the flow of a fluid flowing in the wellbore. The fluid moves the device in the wellbore. If the device is a data exchange device, it may be channeled in a manner that enables a device in the wellbore to interact with the memory device, which may include retrieving information from the flowable device and/or recording information on the flowable device. The sensor in a flowable device can take a variety of measurement(s) in the wellbore. The flowable devices return to the surface with the returning fluid.

Claims59

Dependent claims

A method of utilizing discrete devices in a wellbore wherein a working fluid provides a fluid flow path for moving said discrete devices from a first location of introduction of said devices into the flow path to a second location of interest, said method comprising:

(a) selecting at least one flowable discrete device constituting a data carrier that is adapted to be moved in the weilbore at least in part by the working fluid;
(b) introducing the at least one flowable discrete device into the fluid flow path at the first location to cause the working fluid to move the at least one flowable device to the second location of interest;
and
(c) providing a data exchange device in the fluid flow path for effecting two-way data exchange with the at least one flowable discrete device.

1 more element

A method of utilizing flowable devices in a wellbore wherein a working fluid provides a fluid flow path for moving said flowable devices from a first location of introduction of said devices into the flow path to a second location of interest, said method comprising:

(a) selecting at least one flowable device constituting a data carrier that is adapted to be moved in the wellbore at least in part by the working fluid, said at least one flowable device having a unique address (identification) identifying said flowable device and independent of a position of said at least one flowable device in the wellbore;
(b) introducing the at least one flowable device into the fluid flow path at the first location to cause the working fluid to move the at least one flowable device to the second location of interest;
and
(c) providing a data exchange device in the fluid flow path for effecting data exchange with the at least one flowable device.

1 more element

A method for utilizing flowable devices in a wellbore, the method comprising:

(a) providing at least one flowable device into a drilling tubular in the wellbore;
(b) providing a data exchange device at a downhole location for providing data exchange with the at least one flowable device;
and
(c) using a drilling fluid in the drilling tubular for flowing said at least one flowable device to a downhole location and performing a function selected from (i) providing information to a downhole controller, and, (ii) retrieving information from a downhole device.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method of utilizing flowable devices in wellbores

Life of this patent

Method of utilizing flowable devices in wellbores

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims59