Pressure and / or temperature monitoring of an annulus

Abstract

A system for monitoring an annulus in a well includes an inductive coupler. The inductive coupler includes a body, a power coil disposed around a first portion of the body, and a telemetry coil disposed around a second portion of the body separate from the first portion. A hole extends within the body, and a sensor is disposed in the hole.

Description

IS23.1562-WO-PCTPRESSURE AND / OR TEMPERATURE MONITORING OF AN ANNULUSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 695112 filed September 16, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein and should be considered part of this specification.BACKGROUND

[0002] Wells, such as for producing hydrocarbons, typically include nested strings of casing. Usually, a tubing string is disposed inside the innermost casing string. Regulations in some jurisdictions require operators to monitor one or more parameters (such as pressure or temperature) of the fluids that are within one or more of the annuli between the nested strings of casing. In some cases, a sensor disposed in an annulus between casing strings receives power and communicates data via an electric line. The electric line extends from the sensor to a wellhead. In order to connect to the electric line, a penetration is formed through the wellhead, which can be complex and costly, and can provide a potential leak path. Such detrimental consequences are multiplied for the provision of monitoring for each additional casing-to-casing annulus.

[0003] There is a need for improved systems, apparatus, and methods to provide monitoring of one or more casing-to-casing annulus.SUMMARY

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure provide systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring one or more annulus in a well. In one aspect, an inductive coupler includes an annular body, a power coil disposed around a first portion of the body, and a telemetry coil disposed around a second portion of the body separate from the first portion. The inductive coupler further includes a first hole extending within the body, and a first sensor disposed in the first hole.

[0005] In another aspect, an inductive coupler includes an annular body having an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner and outer walls extending from a first end of the body to a second end of the body opposite the first end. A power coil is disposed around the outer wall, and a telemetry coil is disposed around the outer wall. The inductive1SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT coupler further includes a plurality of first holes, each first hole extending into the body proximal to the first end of the body. The inductive coupler further includes a plurality of first sensors, each first sensor disposed in a corresponding first hole of the plurality of first holes.

[0006] In another aspect, an assembly includes a tubular member and an inductive coupler disposed around the tubular member. The inductive coupler includes a body, a power coil disposed around a first portion of the body, and a telemetry coil disposed around a second portion of the body separate from the first portion. The inductive coupler further includes a first hole extending within the body and a first sensor disposed in the first hole.

[0007] The following description and the appended figures set forth certain features for purposes of illustration.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The appended figures illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope of the disclosure, as the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a well including a monitoring system.

[0010] FIG. 1 A schematically illustrates in greater detail a portion of the monitoring system included in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an exemplary component that may be used in the monitoring system of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 2B schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the exemplary component depicted in FIG. 2A.

[0013] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary component that may be used in the monitoring system of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary application of the monitoring system of FIG. 1.

[0015] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is2SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus, systems, and methods of monitoring one or more annulus in a well. Sensors may be distributed axially along the well. Sensors may be distributed circumferentially about a tubular (such as a casing string or tubing string) in the well. In some embodiments, the sensors measure temperature or pressure in the annulus around the tubular to provide a circular distributed measurement of the conditions in the annulus.

[0017] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a well 10. The well 10 includes nested casing strings 20, 30, 40. As illustrated, the annuli 22, 32 surrounding the casing strings 20, 30, respectively, is at least partially filled with cement 60. The cement 60 secures each casing string 20, 30 in place, and provides a seal against the surrounding subterranean rock 50. In the illustrated example, fluids in a subterranean formation 52 are accessed via perforations 24 through the casing string 20, although other forms of completion may be used, such as a sand control screen. The fluids are conveyed through the well 10 in a tubing string 12. An annulus 14 between the tubing string 12 and the casing string 20 is sealed by a packer 16. The annulus 14 is typically referred to as the “A” annulus. The annulus 22 between casing string 30 and casing string 20 plus exposed subterranean rock 50 below the casing string 20 is typically referred to as the “B” annulus. The annulus 32 between casing string 40 and casing string 30 plus exposed subterranean rock 50 below the casing string 30 is typically referred to as the “C” annulus.

[0018] The well 10 includes one or more (two are illustrated) monitoring systems 100 A, 100B for monitoring a parameter (such as pressure or temperature) in each of the annulus 14, the annulus 22, or the annulus 32. As illustrated, in some embodiments, each monitoring system 100 A, 100B includes a primary inductive coupler 110 surrounding the tubing string 12, a secondary inductive coupler 120 surrounding the casing string 20, and a tertiary inductive coupler 130 surrounding the casing string 30. In some embodiments, the tertiary inductive coupler 130 is omitted. In some embodiments, the secondary inductive coupler 120 is omitted.

[0019] The primary inductive coupler 110 receives power via an electric line 102, and communicates data to a receiver at surface via the electric line 102. The primary inductive3SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT coupler 110 provides power inductively to the secondary inductive coupler 120 and to the tertiary inductive coupler 130. The primary inductive coupler 110 receives data inductively from the secondary inductive coupler 120 and from the tertiary inductive coupler 130. The primary inductive coupler 110, secondary inductive coupler 120, and tertiary inductive coupler 130 are disposed concentrically. The secondary inductive coupler 120 is outside the primary inductive coupler 110, and the tertiary inductive coupler 130 is outside the secondary inductive coupler 120.

[0020] As illustrated, in some embodiments, monitoring system 100 A includes a sensor 142 coupled to the tubing string 12 in the annulus 14. The sensor 142 measures one or more parameter (such as a pressure or a temperature) of the annulus 14 at the location of the sensor 142. The sensor 142 is coupled to the primary inductive coupler 110 via the electric line 102. In some embodiments, the primary inductive coupler 110 includes the sensor 142. As illustrated, in some embodiments, monitoring system 100B does not include the sensor 142. However, in some embodiments, monitoring system 100B does include the sensor 142.

[0021] In some embodiments, the secondary inductive coupler 120 of each monitoring system 100A, 100B includes a sensor 144. The sensor 144 measures one or more parameter (such as a pressure or a temperature) of the annulus 22 at the location of the sensor 144. In some embodiments, the tertiary inductive coupler 130 of each monitoring system 100A, 100B includes a sensor 146. The sensor 146 measures one or more parameter (such as a pressure or a temperature) of the annulus 32 at the location of the sensor 146.

[0022] In some embodiments, one or more of the secondary inductive coupler 120 or the tertiary inductive coupler 130 of any of monitoring system 100 A or monitoring system 100B is immersed in cement 60. In an example, the tertiary inductive coupler 130 of monitoring system 100A is shown to be disposed within a cemented portion of the annulus 32.

[0023] FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a portion of monitoring system 100B in greater detail. The illustrated portion includes a section of the primary inductive coupler 110 and a corresponding section of the secondary inductive coupler 120. The primary inductive coupler 110 includes a body 112. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the body 112 is coupled to an external surface of a tubular member 12A of the tubing string4SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT12. In some embodiments, the body 112 is formed as part of the tubular member 12A of the tubing string 12. A power coil 114 is disposed on a portion of the body 112. The power coil 114 is configured to provide power to the secondary inductive coupler 120, such as by including one or more windings of a relatively thick wire. A telemetry coil 116 is disposed on a portion of the body 112 separate from the power coil 114. The telemetry coil 116 is configured to provide data transfer between the primary inductive coupler 110 and the secondary inductive coupler 120, such as by including one or more windings of a relatively thin wire. In some embodiments, the wire of the telemetry coil 116 is thinner than the wire of the power coil 114. A cover 118 surrounds the power coil 114 and the telemetry coil 116.

[0024] The secondary inductive coupler 120 includes a body 122. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the body 122 is coupled to an external surface of a tubular member 20A of the casing string 20. In some embodiments, the body 122 is formed as part of the tubular member 20A of the casing string 20. In some embodiments, the tubular member 20A is non-magnetic. A power coil 124 is disposed on a portion of the body 122. The power coil 124 is configured to receive power from the primary inductive coupler 110, such as by including one or more windings of a relatively thick wire. A telemetry coil 126 is disposed on a portion of the body 122 separate from the power coil 124. The telemetry coil 126 is configured to provide data transfer between the primary inductive coupler 110 and the secondary inductive coupler 120, such as by including one or more windings of a relatively thin wire. In some embodiments, the wire of the telemetry coil 126 is thinner than the wire of the power coil 124. A cover 128 surrounds the power coil 124 and the telemetry coil 126.

[0025] The primary inductive coupler 110 and the secondary inductive coupler 120 are disposed concentrically. The power coil 114 of the primary inductive coupler 110 is concentric with the power coil 124 of the secondary inductive coupler 120. The telemetry coil 116 of the primary inductive coupler 110 is concentric with the telemetry coil 126 of the secondary inductive coupler 120.

[0026] Power supplied (such as via the electric line 102) to the power coil 114 of the primary inductive coupler 110 is transferred inductively to the power coil 124 of the secondary inductive coupler 120. The secondary inductive coupler 120 uses the power to operate the sensor 144 and communicate data from the sensor 144 to the primary5SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT inductive coupler 110 via the telemetry coils 126, 116. Data received by the primary inductive coupler 110 is communicated to surface via the electric line 102.

[0027] FIG. 2A is a partial cross-section that schematically illustrates an exemplary inductive coupler 200 A that may be used as the primary inductive coupler 110, the secondary inductive coupler 120, or the tertiary inductive coupler 130. The inductive coupler includes a body 210 having a longitudinal axis 202. The body 210 is annular about the longitudinal axis 202, including an inner wall 212 and an outer wall 214. The inner wall 212 and the outer wall 214 extend between an end 216 and an end 218. The end 216 is opposite the end 218.

[0028] In a first portion 222 of the body 210, the outer wall 214 includes a recess 232. A power coil 244, such as power coil 114 or power coil 124, is disposed in the recess 232. In a second portion 224 of the body, 210 the outer wall 214 includes a recess 234. A telemetry coil 246, such as telemetry coil 116 or telemetry coil 126, is disposed in the recess 234. In some embodiments, the second portion 224 of the body 210 is axially separate from the first portion 222 of the body 210. In some embodiments, the telemetry coil 246 is disposed separate from the power coil 244. In some embodiments, the power coil 244 and the telemetry coil 246 are disposed in a common recess across the first portion 222 of the body 210 and the second portion 224 of the body 210. A cover 248 surrounds the power coil 244 and the telemetry coil 246.

[0029] A hole 252 extends into the body from the end 216. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the hole 252 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 202, such as within five degrees, within four degrees, within three degrees, within two degrees, or within one degree of the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 252 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 252 extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis 202, such as at an acute angle greater than five degrees to the longitudinal axis 202.

[0030] A sensor 272 is disposed in the hole 252. The sensor 272 measures a parameter. In some embodiments, the sensor 272 measures pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor 272 measures temperature. In some embodiments, the sensor 272 measures pressure and temperature. The sensor 272 is disposed between the end 216 and the first portion 222 of the body 210. The sensor 272 is disposed between the end 216 and the power coil 244. The sensor 272 is disposed between the end 216 and the6SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT second portion 224 of the body 210. The sensor 272 is disposed between the end 216 and the telemetry coil 246.

[0031] In some embodiments, another hole 254 extends into the body 210 from the end 216. The hole 254 is circumferentially offset from the hole 272 about the longitudinal axis 202. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the hole 254 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 202, such as within five degrees, within four degrees, within three degrees, within two degrees, or within one degree of the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 254 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 254 extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis 202, such as at an acute angle greater than five degrees to the longitudinal axis 202.

[0032] A sensor 274 is disposed in the hole 254. The sensor 274 measures a parameter. In some embodiments, the sensor 274 measures pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor 274 measures temperature. In some embodiments, the sensor 274 measures pressure and temperature. The sensor 274 is disposed between the end 216 and the first portion 222 of the body 210. The sensor 274 is disposed between the end 216 and the power coil 244. The sensor 274 is disposed between the end 216 and the second portion 224 of the body 210. The sensor 274 is disposed between the end 216 and the telemetry coil 246. In some embodiments, the hole 254 and the sensor 274 are omitted.

[0033] In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200A includes a plurality of holes (such as holes 252, 254) extending into the body 210 from the end 216. Each hole of the plurality of holes may be circumferentially offset from each other hole of the plurality of holes about the longitudinal axis 202. In some examples, the plurality of holes includes two or more holes, such as four or more holes, six or more holes, eight or more holes, ten or more holes, twelve or more holes, fourteen or more holes, or sixteen or more holes. In such embodiments, the inductive coupler 200A includes a plurality of sensors (such as sensors 272, 274). Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is disposed in a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes. The plurality of sensors provides a circular distributed measurement of the conditions (such as temperature or pressure) at the inductive coupler 200A.

[0034] In some embodiments, a hole 256 extends into the body from the end 218. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the hole 256 extends substantially parallel to the7SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT longitudinal axis 202, such as within five degrees, within four degrees, within three degrees, within two degrees, or within one degree of the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 256 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 256 extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis 202, such as at an acute angle greater than five degrees to the longitudinal axis 202.

[0035] A sensor 276 is disposed in the hole 256. The sensor 276 measures a parameter. In some embodiments, the sensor 276 measures pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor 276 measures temperature. In some embodiments, the sensor 276 measures pressure and temperature. The sensor 276 is disposed between the end 218 and the first portion 222 of the body 210. The sensor 276 is disposed between the end 218 and the power coil 244. The sensor 276 is disposed between the end 218 and the second portion 224 of the body 210. The sensor 276 is disposed between the end 218 and the telemetry coil 246.

[0036] In some embodiments, another hole 258 extends into the body 210 from the end 218. The hole 258 is circumferentially offset from the hole 256 about the longitudinal axis 202. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the hole 258 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 202, such as within five degrees, within four degrees, within three degrees, within two degrees, or within one degree of the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 258 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 258 extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis 202, such as at an acute angle greater than five degrees to the longitudinal axis 202.

[0037] A sensor 278 is disposed in the hole 258. The sensor 278 measures a parameter. In some embodiments, the sensor 278 measures pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor 278 measures temperature. In some embodiments, the sensor 278 measures pressure and temperature. The sensor 278 is disposed between the end 218 and the first portion 222 of the body 210. The sensor 278 is disposed between the end 218 and the power coil 244. The sensor 278 is disposed between the end 218 and the second portion 224 of the body 210. The sensor 278 is disposed between the end 218 and the telemetry coil 246. In some embodiments, the hole 258 and the sensor 278 are omitted.

[0038] In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200A includes a plurality of holes (such as holes 256, 258) extending into the body 210 from the end 218. Each hole of the8SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT plurality of holes may be circumferentially offset from each other hole of the plurality of holes about the longitudinal axis 202. In some examples, the plurality of holes includes two or more holes, such as four or more holes, six or more holes, eight or more holes, ten or more holes, twelve or more holes, fourteen or more holes, or sixteen or more holes. In such embodiments, the inductive coupler 200A includes a plurality of sensors (such as sensors 276, 278). Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is disposed in a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes. The plurality of sensors provides a circular distributed measurement of the conditions (such as temperature or pressure) at the inductive coupler 200A.

[0039] In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200A includes hole 252 and sensor 272, and includes hole 256 and sensor 276. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200A includes hole 252 and sensor 272, but hole 256 and sensor 276 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200A includes hole 256 and sensor 276, but hole 252 and sensor 272 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200A includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors at end 216 (as described above), and includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors at end 218 (as described above). In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200A includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors at end 216, but the plurality of holes and the plurality of sensors at end 218 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200 A includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors at end 218, but the plurality of holes and the plurality of sensors at end 216 are omitted.

[0040] The sensors 252, 254, 256, 258 (when present) are coupled to an electronics board 242, shown below the cover 248. The electronics board 242 receives power from the power coil 244. The electronics board 242 includes a controller that controls operation of the sensors 252, 254, 256, 258 and controls data transfer via the telemetry coil 246. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the electronics board 242 is located in the recess 232. In some embodiments, the electronics board 242 is located in the recess 234. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200A includes additional electronics boards 242 coupled to one or more of sensors 252, 254, 256, 258.

[0041] FIG. 2B is a partial cross-section that schematically illustrates an exemplary inductive coupler 200B that is a variant of the inductive coupler 200A. Inductive coupler 200B is configured similarly to the inductive coupler 200A , except for the aspects described below.9SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT

[0042] A hole 262 extends into the body 210 from the outer wall 214. The hole 262 is located between the end 216 and the first portion 222. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the hole 262 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202, such as within five degrees, within four degrees, within three degrees, within two degrees, or within one degree of being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 262 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 262 extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis 202, such as at an acute angle greater than five degrees to the longitudinal axis 202.

[0043] The sensor 272 is disposed in the hole 262. The sensor is disposed between the end and the first portion of the body. The sensor 272 is disposed between the end 216 and the power coil 244. The sensor 272 is disposed between the end 216 and the second portion 224 of the body 210. The sensor 272 is disposed between the end 216 and the telemetry coil 246.

[0044] In some embodiments, another hole 264 extends into the body 210 from the outer wall 214 between the end 216 and the first portion 222. The hole 264 is circumferentially offset from the hole 262 about the longitudinal axis 202. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the hole 264 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202, such as within five degrees, within four degrees, within three degrees, within two degrees, or within one degree of being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 264 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 264 extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis 202, such as at an acute angle greater than five degrees to the longitudinal axis 202.

[0045] The sensor 274 is disposed in the hole 264. The sensor 274 is disposed between the end 216 and the first portion 222 of the body 210. The sensor 274 is disposed between the end 216 and the power coil 244. The sensor 274 is disposed between the end 216 and the second portion 224 of the body 210. The sensor 274 is disposed between the end 216 and the telemetry coil 246. In some embodiments, the hole 264 and the sensor 274 are omitted.

[0046] In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200B includes a plurality of holes (such as holes 262, 264) extending into the body 210 from the outer wall 214 between the end 216 and the first portion 222. Each hole of the plurality of holes may be10SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT circumferentially offset from each other hole of the plurality of holes about the longitudinal axis 202. In some examples, the plurality of holes includes two or more holes, such as four or more holes, six or more holes, eight or more holes, ten or more holes, twelve or more holes, fourteen or more holes, or sixteen or more holes. In such embodiments, the inductive coupler 200B includes a plurality of sensors (such as sensors 272, 274). Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is disposed in a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes. The plurality of sensors provides a circular distributed measurement of the conditions (such as temperature or pressure) at the inductive coupler 200B.

[0047] In some embodiments, a hole 266 extends into the body 210 from the outer wall 214 between the end 218 and the second portion 224. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the hole 266 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202, such as within five degrees, within four degrees, within three degrees, within two degrees, or within one degree of being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 266 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 266 extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis 202, such as at an acute angle greater than five degrees to the longitudinal axis 202.

[0048] The sensor 276 is disposed in the hole 266. The sensor 276 is disposed between the end 218 and the first portion 222 of the body 210. The sensor 276 is disposed between the end 218 and the power coil 244. The sensor 276 is disposed between the end 218 and the second portion 224 of the body 210. The sensor 276 is disposed between the end 218 and the telemetry coil 246.

[0049] In some embodiments, another hole 268 extends into the body 210 from the outer wall 214 between the end 218 and the second portion 224. The hole 268 is circumferentially offset from the hole 266 about the longitudinal axis 202. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the hole 268 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202, such as within five degrees, within four degrees, within three degrees, within two degrees, or within one degree of being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 268 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 202. In some embodiments, the hole 268 extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis 202, such as at an acute angle greater than five degrees to the longitudinal axis 202.11SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT

[0050] The sensor 278 is disposed in the hole 268. The sensor 278 is disposed between the end 218 and the first portion 222 of the body 210. The sensor 278 is disposed between the end 218 and the power coil 244. The sensor 278 is disposed between the end 218 and the second portion 224 of the body 210. The sensor 278 is disposed between the end 218 and the telemetry coil 246. In some embodiments, the hole 268 and the sensor 278 are omitted.

[0051] In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200B includes a plurality of holes (such as holes 266, 268) extending into the body 210 from the outer wall 214 between the end 218 and the second portion 224. Each hole of the plurality of holes may be circumferentially offset from each other hole of the plurality of holes about the longitudinal axis 202. In some examples, the plurality of holes includes two or more holes, such as four or more holes, six or more holes, eight or more holes, ten or more holes, twelve or more holes, fourteen or more holes, or sixteen or more holes. In such embodiments, the inductive coupler 200B includes a plurality of sensors (such as sensors 276, 278). Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is disposed in a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes. The plurality of sensors provides a circular distributed measurement of the conditions (such as temperature or pressure) at the inductive coupler 200B.

[0052] In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200B includes hole 262 and sensor 272, and includes hole 266 and sensor 276. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200B includes hole 262 and sensor 272, but hole 266 and sensor 276 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200B includes hole 266 and sensor 276, but hole 262 and sensor 272 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200B includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors located between end 216 and the first portion 222 (as described above), and includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors located between end 218 and the second portion 224 (as described above). In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200B includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors located between end 216 and the first portion 222, but the plurality of holes and the plurality of sensors located between end 218 and the second portion 224 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200B includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors located between end 218 and the second portion 224, but the plurality of holes and the plurality of sensors located between end 216 and the first portion 222 are omitted.12SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT

[0053] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-section that schematically illustrates an exemplary inductive coupler 300 that may be used as the primary inductive coupler 110, the secondary inductive coupler 120, or the tertiary inductive coupler 130. The inductive coupler 300 includes a body 310 having a longitudinal axis 302. The body is annular about the longitudinal axis 302, including an inner wall 312 and an outer wall 314. The inner wall 312 and the outer wall 314 extend between an end 316 and an end 318. The end 316 is opposite the end 318.

[0054] In a first portion 322 of the body 310, the outer wall 314 includes a recess 332. A power coil 344, such as power coil 244 or power coil 124, is disposed in the recess 332. In a second portion 324 of the body 310, the outer wall 310 includes a recess 334. A telemetry coil 346, such as telemetry coil 246 or telemetry coil 146, is disposed in the recess 334. In some embodiments, the second portion 324 of the body 310 is axially separate from the first portion 322 of the body 310. In some embodiments, the telemetry coil 346 is disposed separate from the power coil 344. In some embodiments, the power coil 344 and the telemetry coil 346 are disposed in a common recess across the first portion 322 of the body 310 and the second portion 324 of the body 310.

[0055] In a third portion 326 of the body 310, the outer wall 314 includes a recess 336. One or more electronics boards 342 are disposed in the recess 336. The one or more electronics boards 342 may be configured similarly to electronics board 242. The third portion 326 of the body 310 is between the first portion 322 and the end 316. In some embodiments, the third portion 326 of the body 310 is axially separate from the first portion 322 of the body 310. In some embodiments, the power coil 344 and the one or more electronics boards 342 are disposed in a common recess that across the first portion 322 of the body 310 and the third portion 326 of the body 310. A cover 348 surrounds the power coil 344, the telemetry coil 346, and the one or more electronics boards 342.

[0056] As illustrated, in some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 252 with sensor 272 disposed therein, as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200A. In such embodiments, sensor 272 is disposed between the end 316 and the third portion 326 of the body 310, and between the end 316 and the electronics board 342. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 254 with sensor 274 disposed therein, as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200A. In such embodiments, sensor 274 is disposed between the end 316 and the third portion 326 of the body 310, and between the end 316 and the electronics board 342. InSLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of holes (such as holes 252, 254) extending into the body 310 from the end 316, such as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200A. Each hole of the plurality of holes may be circumferentially offset from each other hole about the longitudinal axis 302. In such embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of sensors (such as sensors 272, 274). Each hole of the plurality of holes contains a sensor (such as sensors 272, 274), such as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200A. The plurality of sensors provides a circular distributed measurement of the conditions (such as temperature or pressure) at the inductive coupler 300.

[0057] As illustrated, in some embodiments, the inductive coupler includes hole 256 with sensor 276 disposed therein, as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200A. In such embodiments, sensor 276 is disposed between the end 318 and the second portion 324 of the body 310, and between the end 318 and the telemetry coil 346. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 258 with sensor 278 disposed therein, as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200A. In such embodiments, sensor 278 is disposed between the end 318 and the second portion 324 of the body 310, and between the end 318 and the telemetry coil 346. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of holes (such as holes 256, 258) extending into the body 310 from the end 318, such as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200A. Each hole of the plurality of holes may be circumferentially offset from each other hole about the longitudinal axis 302. In such embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of sensors (such as sensors 276, 278). Each hole of the plurality of holes contains a sensor (such as sensors 276, 278), such as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200A. The plurality of sensors provides a circular distributed measurement of the conditions (such as temperature or pressure) at the inductive coupler 300.

[0058] In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 252 and sensor 272, and includes hole 256 and sensor 276. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 252 and sensor 272, but hole 256 and sensor 276 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 256 and sensor 276, but hole 252 and sensor 272 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors at end 316 (as described above), and includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors at end 318 (as described above). In some14SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors at end 316, but the plurality of holes and the plurality of sensors at end 318 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors at end 318, but the plurality of holes and the plurality of sensors at end 316 are omitted.

[0059] As illustrated, in some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 262 with sensor 272 disposed therein, as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200B. In such embodiments, sensor 272 is disposed between the end 316 and the third portion 326 of the body 310, and between the end 316 and the electronics board 342. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 264 with sensor 274 disposed therein, as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200B. In such embodiments, sensor 274 is disposed between the end 316 and the third portion 326 of the body 310, and between the end 316 and the electronics board 342. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of holes (such as holes 262, 264) extending into the body 310 from the outer wall 314, such as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200B. Each hole of the plurality of holes may be circumferentially offset from each other hole about the longitudinal axis 302. In such embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of sensors (such as sensors 272, 274). Each hole of the plurality of holes contains a sensor (such as sensors 272, 274), such as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200B. The plurality of sensors provides a circular distributed measurement of the conditions (such as temperature or pressure) at the inductive coupler 300.

[0060] As illustrated, in some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 266 with sensor 276 disposed therein, as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200B. In such embodiments, sensor 276 is disposed between the end 318 and the second portion 324 of the body 310, and between the end 318 and the telemetry coil 346. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 268 with sensor 278 disposed therein, as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200A. In such embodiments, sensor 278 is disposed between the end 318 and the second portion 324 of the body 310, and between the end 318 and the telemetry coil 346. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of holes (such as holes 266, 268) extending into the body 310 from the outer wall 314, such as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200B. Each hole of the plurality of holes may beSLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT circumferentially offset from each other hole about the longitudinal axis 302. In such embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of sensors (such as sensors 276, 278). Each hole of the plurality of holes contains a sensor (such as sensors 276, 278), such as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200B. The plurality of sensors provides a circular distributed measurement of the conditions (such as temperature or pressure) at the inductive coupler 300.

[0061] In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 262 and sensor 272, and includes hole 266 and sensor 276. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 200B includes hole 262 and sensor 272, but hole 266 and sensor 276 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes hole 266 and sensor 276, but hole 262 and sensor 272 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors located between end 316 and the third portion 326 (as described above), and includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors located between end 318 and the second portion 324 (as described above). In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors located between end 316 and the third portion 326, but the plurality of holes and the plurality of sensors located between end 318 and the second portion 324 are omitted. In some embodiments, the inductive coupler 300 includes a plurality of holes and a plurality of sensors located between end 318 and the second portion 324, but the plurality of holes and the plurality of sensors located between end 316 and the third portion 326 are omitted.

[0062] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary application of monitoring system 100, that may represent monitoring system 100 A or 100B. The monitoring system 100 is installed in a portion of the well 10, and includes the primary inductive coupler 110 coupled to the tubing string 12, and the secondary inductive coupler 120 coupled to the casing string 20. In some embodiments, the primary inductive coupler 110 is configured as one of inductive coupler 200A, inductive coupler 200B, or inductive coupler 300. In some embodiments, the secondary inductive coupler 120 is configured as one of inductive coupler 200A, inductive coupler 200B, or inductive coupler 300.

[0063] The secondary inductive coupler 120 includes a sensor 144 A and a sensor 144B. Sensor 144A is circumferentially offset from sensor 144B about a longitudinal axis of the secondary inductive coupler 120, such as described above with respect to the inductive coupler 200 A, inductive coupler 200B, or inductive coupler 300. Each sensor16SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT144 A, 144B measures one or more parameter (such as a pressure or a temperature) of the annulus 22 at the location of the respective sensor 144 A, 144B.

[0064] The secondary inductive coupler 120 is disposed in a cemented portion of the annulus 22. In the illustrated scenario, there is a crack or void 62 in the cement 60 in the annulus 22. A fluid (such as water, liquid hydrocarbons, or gaseous hydrocarbons) is represented by arrows 54. The fluid 54 is migrating in the crack or void 62 past the secondary inductive coupler 120. The fluid 54 is migrating proximal to the sensor 144A, but distal from the sensor 144B. In some embodiments, a pressure measured by the sensor 144A due to the presence of the fluid 54 is different (higher or lower) from a pressure measured by the sensor 144B. In some embodiments, a temperature measured by the sensor 144A due to the presence of the fluid 54 is different (higher or lower) from a temperature measured by the sensor 144B. The difference in pressure or temperature measured by the sensor 144 A and the sensor 144B provides an indication of the migration of the fluid 54 within the annulus 22.

[0065] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide apparatus, systems, and methods of monitoring one or more annulus in a well, such as one or more of the “A” annulus, the “B” annulus, and the “C” annulus. Sensors may be distributed axially along the well. Sensors may be distributed circumferentially about a tubular (such as a casing string or tubing string) in the well. The apparatus, systems, and methods of the present disclosure facilitate annulus pressure and temperature monitoring that is more comprehensive than conventional systems without increasing installation complexity.

[0066] It is contemplated that any one or more elements or features of any one disclosed embodiment or example may be beneficially incorporated in any one or more other non-mutually exclusive embodiments or examples. While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

[0067] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Within a claim, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. No claim element is to beSLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for”. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.18SLB-Private

Claims

IS23.1562-WO-PCTWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An inductive coupler, comprising: an annular body; a power coil disposed around a first portion of the body; a telemetry coil disposed around a second portion of the body separate from the first portion; a first hole extending within the body; and a first sensor disposed in the first hole.

2. The inductive coupler of claim 1, wherein: the first hole extends substantially longitudinally within the body from a first end of the body; and the first sensor is disposed between the first portion and the first end.

3. The inductive coupler of claim 1, wherein the first hole extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body between the first portion and a first end of the body.

4. The inductive coupler of claim 1, further comprising an electronics board coupled to the first sensor, the electronics board disposed on an outer wall of the body.

5. The inductive coupler of claim 4, wherein the electronics board is disposed at one of the first or second portions of the body.

6. The inductive coupler of claim 4, wherein the electronics board is disposed at a third portion of the body between the first end and the first portion of the body.

7. The inductive coupler of claim 1, further comprising: a second hole extending within the body, the second hole circumferentially offset from the first hole about a longitudinal axis of the body; and a second sensor disposed in the second hole.19SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT8. The inductive coupler of claim 1, wherein: the first sensor is disposed between the first portion and a first end of the body; a second hole extends within the body between the first portion and a second end of the body, the second end opposite the first end; and a second sensor is disposed in the second hole.

9. An inductive coupler, comprising: an annular body having an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner and outer walls extending from a first end of the body to a second end of the body opposite the first end; a power coil disposed around the outer wall; a telemetry coil disposed around the outer wall; a plurality of first holes, each first hole extending into the body proximal to the first end of the body; and a plurality of first sensors, each first sensor disposed in a corresponding first hole of the plurality of first holes.

10. The inductive coupler of claim 9, wherein the first holes are disposed circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the body.

11. The inductive coupler of claim 9, further comprising an electronics board coupled to one or more of the first sensors, the electronics board disposed on the outer wall.

12. The inductive coupler of claim 11, wherein the electronics board is disposed adjacent the power coil or the telemetry coil.

13. The inductive coupler of claim 11, wherein the electronics board is disposed between the first end and the power coil.

14. The inductive coupler of claim 9, wherein each first sensor measures at least one of a pressure or a temperature.20SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT15. The inductive coupler of claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of second holes, each second hole extending into the body proximal to the second end of the body; and a plurality of second sensors, each second sensor disposed in a corresponding second hole of the plurality of second holes.

16. An assembly comprising: a tubular member; and an inductive coupler disposed around the tubular member, the inductive coupler including: a body; a power coil disposed around a first portion of the body; a telemetry coil disposed around a second portion of the body separate from the first portion; a first hole extending within the body; and a first sensor disposed in the first hole.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the inductive coupler further comprises: a second hole extending within the body, the second hole circumferentially offset from the first hole about a longitudinal axis of the body; and a second sensor disposed in the second hole.

18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein: the first sensor is disposed between the first portion and a first end of the body; a second hole extends within the body between the first portion and a second end of the body, the second end opposite the first end; and a second sensor is disposed in the second hole.

19. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the inductive coupler further comprises an electronics board coupled to the first sensor, the electronics board disposed at one of the first or second portions of the body.21SLB-PrivateIS23.1562-WO-PCT20. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the inductive coupler further comprises an electronics board coupled to the first sensor, the electronics board disposed at a third portion of the body between the first end and the first portion of the body.22 SLB-Private

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