Seismic monitoring and control method

Abstract

A seismic communication system suitable to communicate information to an underground device is disclosed. A seismic source (preferably on or near the surface of the earth) generates a timed series of seismic shots. These shots are then detected by one or more seismic receivers underground. Depending on the timing of these seismic shots, and the communication protocol selected, various information may be communicated to the underground target. Such a system is particularly desirable when the underground device includes a perforating gun because the perforating gun may not only be remotely detonated without the drawbacks of previous methods, but the detonation of the perforating gun charges may also be detected, giving an indication whether substantially fewer than all of the explosive charges detonated. The seismic communication system may also be used, as a component within a multi-functional well seismic system, for seismic reservoir monitoring or seismic monitoring of well operations.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 455,970 filed Jun. 6, 2003 which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 595,384 filed Jun. 15, 2000 and now Issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,406.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] The invention relates to subterranean well drilling, completion and maintenance. In particular, the invention is directed to seismic communication methods for controlling the operation of well tools. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] Those in the petroleum industry are particularly concerned with extracting petroleum from the earth by boring holes from the earth surface down into deep underground rock formations that contain petroleum. To evaluate the geologic conditions and to facilitate and control the extraction process, various mechanical devices are placed into the boreh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a system for transmitting information to a device at an underground location using seismic waves. The system includes a seismic source to generate the seismic waves, a seismic receiver to receive the waves, and a processor to decipher the information from the waves. The system can be used to communicate with a perforating gun in a borehole to detonate explosive charges. The invention also provides a method for interpreting seismic signals by waiting for a second seismic signal and determining information based on the time of the second signal. The technical effects of the invention include improved communication with underground devices and more efficient oil and gas well operations."

Problems solved by technology

However, in many cases it is inconvenient or impractical to provide these physical linkages from the surface to the devices deep in the borehole.

However, this method is subject to limitations imposed by high-resistive rock formations and by deep boreholes.

Electromagnetic noise may also prevent successful communication.

Hardware in the wellbore such as casing strings and tubing may interfere with signal reception.

Deep boreholes imply high temperature and high pressure conditions, as well as requiring longer signal transmission distances and are not amenable to the application of existing electromagnetic communication systems.

This causes the shearing of a metal pin that initiates a chain of events resulting in firing of the gun.

However, this manipulation of borehole fluid pressure is time consuming, expensive, and sometimes hazardous.

Such high pressures induce significant stress to the downhole components.

This stress, along with the stress of very high temperatures, risks the overstress of a downhole tool.

This high wellhead pressure is a safety concern as it places great stress on the constraining pipes and valves, once again risking overstress of these components.

Another drawback of this method of device control is that only a very small range of command signals can be sent affordably due to the extremely low data transmission rate of the signaling method.

Current methods of controlling deep devices through pressure variation of the bore fluids are not completely reliable and the cost of occasional failure is very high.

Removal of the failed device is time-consuming and costly and may also be hazardous to equipment and personnel.

For example, it may cost over one million dollars to remove failed downhole components from a deep wellbore.

The use of electrical wires or fiberoptic conductors to communicate from the surface to these perforating guns is undesirable because of safety considerations and because of operational practicalities.

No alternative to activating the device through variations of borehole fluid pressure is presently available.

This problem is particularly acute in a very deep well where often the perforating gun is not, or cannot, be brought to the surface for inspection.

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