Switching device for, and a method of switching, a downhole tool

摘要

The switching device comprises an electronic switch (111) embedded within a downhole tool (100) and an activator (20) for remote switching of the electronic switch (111). The activator (20) may be a handheld unit that is used at the surface of the wellbore by an operator or may be a wireline run unit. The activator (20) permits wireless and contactless activation of the electronic switch (111) without the need for mechanical switches which could provide a point of failure for the downhole tool (100). The electronic switch (111) comprises an electronics module and a power source such as one or more batteries (126) wherein in the active configuration, the switch (111) can allow electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source (126) and in the inactive configuration, the switch (111) prevents electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source (126).

主权项

1. A switching system for a downhole tool, the switching system comprising:
an electronic switch for accommodation within a downhole tool, the electronic switch comprising a switchable electrical connection between an electronics module and a power source, a wireless signal receiver device configured to receive a wireless signal and a closed electrical system with no external electrical connections; and an activator for remote switching of the electronic switch, the activator being a handheld surface activator having a wireless and contactless activation mechanism to activate the electronic switch at a surface of a well without physical connection between the electronic switch and the activator; wherein in an active configuration the electronics module and the power source are electrically connected by the switchable electrical connection and in an inactive configuration the electronics module and the power source are not electrically connected by the switchable electrical connection.