Apparatus and method for downhole well equipment and process management, identification, and actuation
US6989764B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/119
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method for actuating or installing downhole equipment in a wellbore employs non-acoustic signals (e.g., radio frequency signals) to locate, inventory, install, or actuate one downhole structure in relation to another downhole structure. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a first downhole structure that comprises a non-acoustic (e.g., radio frequency) identification transmitter unit that stores an identification code and transmits a signal corresponding to the identification code; (b) providing a second downhole structure that comprises a non-acoustic receiver unit that can receive the signal transmitted by the non-acoustic identification transmitter unit, decode the signal to determine the identification code corresponding thereto, and compare the identification code to a preset target identification code; wherein one of the first downhole structure and the second downhole structure is secured at a given location in a subterranean wellbore, and the other is moveable in the wellbore; (c) placing the second downhole structure in close enough proximity to the first downhole structure so that the non-acoustic receiver unit can receive the signal transmitted by the non-a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.