Patent · US Expired

Universal downhole tool control apparatus and methods

US6915848B2 · kind B2 · utility

92Cited by
51References
38Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 30, 2002
Grant dateJul 12, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 30, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B47/138
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A method and apparatus for internal data conveyance within a well from the surface to a downhole tool or apparatus and for returning downhole tool data to the surface, without necessitating the provision of control cables and other conventional conductors within the well. One embodiment involves sending telemetry elements such as tagged drop balls or a fluid having specific chemical characteristics from surface to a downhole tool as a form of telemetry. The telemetry element or elements are provided with identification and instruction data, which may be in the form of data tags, such as RF tags or a detectable chemical constituent. The downhole tool or apparatus is provided with a detector and microcomputer and is capable of recognizing the telemetry element and communicating with it or carrying out instructions that are provided in the telemetry data thereof.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.