Radio frequency identification well delivery communication system and method

Abstract

A system for communicating with downhole components is provided comprising at least one RFID device configured with an identification code. The system further includes a device conduit extending next to the downhole components and a device propulsion system configured to translate the RFID devices next to the downhole components to facilitate an exchange of information between the downhole component and the RFID device. The device conduit may include a check valve or a turn-around sub depending upon the application. In some cases, the exchange of information may trigger actuation of one or more of the downhole components. A method is also provide comprising providing a device conduit near downhole components, propelling an RFID device near to the downhole components via the device conduit and a device propulsion system, and exchanging information between the RFID device and the downhole components.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to radio frequency identification well delivery systems and methods.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]The following descriptions and examples are not admitted to be prior art by virtue of their inclusion in this section.[0005]Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been used outside of the oilfield industry for a number of years to provide one-way and two-way communication and identification. However, the technology is gaining increased acceptance within the oilfield industry, primarily in surface oilfield applications such as inventory control (e.g., equipment identification) and to an extent in downhole applications to communicate with tools placed downhole. In current applications, RFID technology is deployed using one of the following approaches:[0006]Placing a downhole RFID module in the drill string, tubing, or casing, to identify downhole locations and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]In accordance with one embodiment of a system for communicating with downhole components, the system may comprise one or more RFID devices configured with an identification code (ID code). The system may further include a device conduit extending proximate to the downhole components and a device propulsion system. The device propulsion system may translate the one or more RFID devices proximate to the downhole component to facilitate an exchange of information between the downhole component and the RFID device.

Problems solved by technology

However, this is only possible during specific times and situations.

When the well is shut-in, dead, highly deviated or horizontal, an RFID device cannot be dropped down.

This is also true for a flowing well (i.e., for a flowing well, dropping an RFID is also not possible or practically feasible).

In addition, dropping an RFID device only provides one-way travel down the main bore of a substantially vertical well while pumping an RFID device downhole requires an intervention and interruption of production flow.

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