Method and apparatus for remotely controlling downhole tools using untethered mobile devices

摘要

Remote operation of downhole tools in a subterranean wellbore is performed by inserting untethered, mobile devices sequentially into the wellbore. The mobile devices can include motive means, power supply, communication and data storage means, etc. In one embodiment, the method comprises maneuvering a first mobile device into proximity with a downhole tool, the device powering the tool. The first device is then removed, such as by flowing up or dissolving. The now-powered tool is used to perform a test or other operation. A second mobile device is maneuvered into proximity with the downhole tool and data is transferred. The second device is retrieved with the data or, using on-board logic devices, provides “if-then” commands to the downhole tool. Alternately, a third mobile device can be used to power and transfer commands to the tool. The method can be used for various tasks, such as opening bypass ports on ICD valves.

主权项

1. A method for remote operation of a downhole tool positioned in a subterranean wellbore extending from the surface and through at least one hydrocarbon-bearing zone, the method comprising the steps of:
maneuvering an untethered, first mobile device from the surface through an interior passageway defined in a downhole tubular extending through the wellbore and on to a substantially annular first seat positioned in an interior passageway defined in a downhole tool positioned in the wellbore; transferring an electrical signal between the first mobile device and the downhole tool; powering the downhole tool utilizing the first mobile device, wherein the first mobile device substantially restricts fluid flow through the interior passageway, wherein the fluid flow is altered by the first mobile device to operate a power producing assembly operably connected to power the downhole tool; removing the first mobile device from the downhole tool; maneuvering an untethered, second mobile device from the surface through the interior passageway defined in the downhole tubular extending through the wellbore and on to a substantially annular second seat positioned in an interior passageway defined in the downhole tool; transferring an electrical signal between the downhole tool and the second mobile device; operating the downhole tool; operating one or more additional downhole tools positioned in the wellbore in response to a transfer of an electrical signal from the first or second mobile device to the downhole tool; removing the second mobile device from the second seat; and transferring data from the first or second mobile device at the surface.