Methods and apparatus for evaluating downhole conditions through RFID sensing

摘要

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.

主权项

1. 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.