Autonomous Wellbore Devices With Orientation-Regulating Structures and Systems and Methods Including the Same

摘要

Autonomous wellbore devices with orientation-regulating structures and systems and methods including the same. The autonomous wellbore devices include a wellbore tool, a control structure, and an orientation-regulating structure. The wellbore tool is configured to autonomously perform a downhole operation within a wellbore conduit that extends within a subterranean formation. The control structure is programmed to determine that an actuation criterion has been satisfied and to provide an actuation signal to the wellbore tool. The orientation-regulating structure is configured to regulate a cross-sectional orientation of the wellbore tool while the autonomous wellbore device is being conveyed autonomously within the wellbore conduit. The methods include methods of performing the downhole operation with the autonomous wellbore device and include locating the device within the wellbore conduit, autonomously conveying the device within the wellbore conduit, autonomously regulating the cross-sectional orientation of the wellbore tool, and autonomously actuating the wellbore tool.

主权项

1. An autonomous wellbore device, comprising:
a wellbore tool configured to, responsive to receipt of an actuation signal, autonomously perform a downhole operation within a wellbore conduit that is defined by a wellbore tubular that extends within a subterranean formation; a control structure configured to be conveyed autonomously within the wellbore conduit with the wellbore tool and programmed to: (i) determine that an actuation criterion has been satisfied; and (ii) provide the actuation signal to the wellbore tool responsive to satisfaction of the actuation criterion; and an orientation-regulating structure configured to be conveyed autonomously within the wellbore conduit with the wellbore tool and to regulate a cross-sectional orientation of the wellbore tool within the wellbore conduit while the autonomous wellbore device is being conveyed autonomously within the wellbore conduit.