AUTONOMOUS WELLBORE DOWNHOLE INDEXING DEVICE
Wellbore rotational indexing devices, methods and systems for indexing a wellbore device downhole. The rotational indexing device has an electronic controller electronically configured to cause a rotary actuator to automatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence. The rotary actuator, the controller and a power source are operatively carried on the body for inserting downhole in the wellbore. When the indexing device is disposed downhole and the rotary actuator is operatively coupled to the wellbore device to be rotated, the indexing device automatically rotates the wellbore device through successive rotational steps according to the predetermined indexing sequence.
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The present invention generally relates to downhole wellbore devices and, more specifically but not exclusively, to downhole rotational indexing of wellbore drill string devices.
BACKGROUNDDownhole wellbore indexing tools are necessary to position other devices and tools that are configured together on a drilling or tubing string, in the course of drilling and extraction of oil, gas, water and minerals. Many of the large oilfield tool providers have some rotational devices to position their downhole tools and most are manually controlled or activated from the surface. As problems are encountered or rotation not verified, the drilling or tubing string must be withdrawn and inspected or repositioned. There are no current indexing alternatives to ensure a precise rotation to nearest one degree or programmable rotational devices that can be set or adjusted whenever required, unless the indexing tool is withdrawn and removed from the wellbore upon each successive rotation to check for accuracy.
There are other types of hydraulic and electrical motors that serve as rotational devices downhole, and the suspension string itself may be capable of rotating the downhole string and tools, however a drilling or tubing string alone is incapable of providing a precise controlled rotation and will frequently require hydraulic or electrical motors to provide a drive an additional mechanism downhole to position the tools. At high pressure, under fluid and at depth within the wellbore additional elements of uncertainty are common, affecting such tools that utilize motors and their ability to rotate at the desired rates and distances. High pressure environments downhole pushing inward on the rotating components of the tool, create frictional forces that add unique effects on the devices, again affecting the actual expected results and indexing positions of the rotating tools.
Even when the drilling or tubing string is rotated on surface there are no assurances that the desired rotation is achieved at the selected depth downhole. Adding length to the string significantly increases weight and uncertainty of rotational accuracy, as does the angle of the wellbore with current methods, proving to be a very ineffective in deviated or horizontal wells due to friction and drag.
Wellbore solid particles are also a problem for rotational devices that do not actuate within an enclosed, sealed and protected environment.
There is a need to provide improved downhole wellbore indexing devices and methods that enable wellbore string device processing to be carried out more effectively and efficiently.
SUMMARYAccording to one aspect, there is provided a rotational indexing device for indexing a wellbore device downhole. The rotational indexing device can comprise a body configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore; a rotary actuator configured for rotationally indexing a wellbore device; an electronic controller for controlling the rotary actuator; wherein the electronic controller is electronically configured to cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence; and a power source for powering the controller; wherein the rotary actuator, the controller and the power source are operatively carried on the body for inserting downhole in the wellbore; and wherein, when the indexing device is disposed downhole and the rotary actuator is operatively coupled to the wellbore device to be rotated, the indexing device automatically rotates the wellbore device through successive rotational steps according to the predetermined indexing sequence.
By carrying an electronic controller and power source on the indexing body and configuring the controller to cause the rotary actuator to rotationally index the wellbore device according to a pre-determined indexing sequence, continuity of the wellbore device action and performance is maintained without any surface intervention. This reduces and eliminates additional withdrawals and insertions of the drilling or tubing string and devices from the wellbore that were otherwise necessary for resetting or checking on the status of various devices and tools downhole.
In one example, the electronic controller is electronically configured to cause the rotary actuator to index the wellbore device through successive rotational steps at time intervals predetermined to permit cutting, jetting or other wellbore tool functions to be performed by the wellbore device between successive rotational steps.
According to another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for causing an indexing device to index a wellbore device downhole, the apparatus comprising a memory, such as a computer readable storage medium, storing instructions which, when processed by one or more processors, cause: initiating timer; in response to an output of the timer, rotating an electrical mechanical drive carried on the indexing device downhole through successive rotational steps according to a predetermined indexing sequence.
According to yet another aspect, there is provided a method for rotational indexing a wellbore device by an indexing device, the indexing device comprising a body configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore; a rotary electromechanical drive configured for operably coupling a wellbore device to be indexed; a electronic controller for controlling the rotary actuator; and a power source for powering the controller. The method can comprise configuring the electronic controller to cause the electro-mechanical drive to automatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence; operatively coupling the electro-mechanical drive to the wellbore device for rotating the wellbore device; inserting the indexing device downhole; automatically rotating the wellbore device in the wellbore downhole, utilizing the indexing device, through successive rotational steps according to the predetermined indexing sequence.
According to yet another aspect, there is provided a wellbore system for indexing a wellbore device. The system can comprise a wellbore device for inserting downhole in a wellbore: a rotational indexing device for rotational indexing the wellbore device downhole; wherein the rotational indexing device comprises: a body configured for inserting downhole in the wellbore; a rotary actuator configured for operably coupling the wellbore device to rotate the wellbore device; a electronic controller for controlling the rotary actuator; wherein the electronic controller is electronically configured to cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence; and a power source for powering the controller; wherein the rotary actuator, the controller and the power source are operatively carried on the body for inserting downhole in the wellbore; and wherein, when the indexing device and wellbore device are disposed downhole and the rotary actuator is operatively coupled to the wellbore device to be rotated, the indexing device automatically rotates the wellbore string device or device thereof through successive rotational steps according to the predetermined indexing sequence.
According to yet another aspect, a method is provided for jetting a wellbore with an automated jetting system, the automated jetting system comprising: a lateral jetting string system for inserting into a wellbore, the lateral jetting string system including a directional guide for enabling a jetting hose to be radially deflected towards the wellbore formation; and an indexing device comprising a body configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore, a rotary actuator for operably coupling to the directional guide of the lateral jetting system; an electronic controller for controlling the rotary actuator; and a power source for powering the controller. The method can comprise configuring the electronic controller to cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate the directional guide according to a predetermined indexing sequence; operatively coupling the rotary actuator to the directional guide of the lateral jetting system for rotating the directional guide downhole; inserting the indexing device downhole; inserting the lateral jetting system downhole; automatically rotating the directional guide in the wellbore downhole, utilizing the indexing device, through successive rotational steps according to the predetermined indexing sequence.
According to yet another aspect, there is provided a system for jetting a wellbore with an automated jetting system. The automated jetting system can comprise: a lateral jetting string system for inserting into a wellbore, the lateral jetting string system including a directional guide for enabling a jetting hose to be radially deflected towards the wellbore formation; and an indexing device comprising a body configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore, a rotary actuator for operably coupling to the directional guide of the lateral jetting system; an electronic controller for controlling the rotary actuator; and a power source for powering the controller; wherein the electronic controller is configured to cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate the directional guide according to a predetermined indexing sequence.
Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.
In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.
The indexing devices and methods of the embodiments described herein are for rotating a wellbore device within a wellbore. The term wellbore device is defined herein to mean any type or wellbore tool, string device and/or component thereof which is to be rotated within a wellbore. Non-limiting examples of such a wellbore device are a wellbore lateral jetting tool component and a whipstock and milling assembly. The wellbore in which wellbore device is to be rotated may be orientated in vertical trajectory but may be oriented any other trajectory, such as but not limited to a horizontal trajectory.
Technical features described in this application can be used to construct various wellbore downhole indexing devices, systems and methods. In one approach, an autonomous programmable downhole rotational indexing device is provided, for substantially precisely and programmatically imparting rotational motion to a wellbore device, such as a string or internal tool device, under the mechanical control of the indexing device. It will be appreciated that the indexing device of one or more embodiments may be configured to provide less than precise or substantially precise indexing.
In another approach, a wellbore system has a wellbore device and the aforementioned indexing device. In one example, the wellbore device comprises a directional guide for radially guiding a jetting hose and/or fluid therethrough to an opening to the wellbore formation to which the directional guide is aligned. The indexing device is programmed for sequentially indexing the directional guide of the wellbore device in alignment with respective corresponding ports or openings circumferentially distributed around the wellbore so as to enable jetting of the formation to be sequentially performed through the respective openings.
Reference will now be made to the accompany drawings in which
The automated indexing sequence is predetermined by the electronic controller hardware and/or software configuration and depends on the particular wellbore application. The automated indexing sequence is predetermined such that indexing device is capable of indexing the wellbore device through successive steps at predefined time intervals that are selected to permit cutting, jetting or other wellbore tool functions to be performed by the wellbore device between successive rotational steps.
By carrying an electronic controller and power source on the indexing body and configuring the controller to cause the rotary actuator to rotational index the wellbore device according to a pre-determined indexing sequence, continuity of the wellbore device action and performance is maintained without any surface intervention. This reduces and eliminates additional withdrawals and insertions of the drilling or tubing string and devices from the wellbore that were otherwise necessary for resetting or check on the status of various devices and tools downhole.
In the example of the indexing device of
Controller 3 initiates the indexing sequence in response to an internal trigger signal, such as from an internal pre-determined timer signal. Alternatively, controller 3 initiates the indexing sequence in response to a manual trigger, such as an electro-mechanical switched activated by a user, or in response to a sensor or transducer signal, such as a signal from a transducer or sensor carried on the indexing body 2 or carried on an external device.
In one example of the indexing device of
In the example of the indexing device shown in
User interface 10 may be a software based user interface such as a graphical user interface comprising a display 11, one or more user input devices 12 and interface software. Alternatively or additionally, user interface may be a physical based user interface comprising function specific buttons, touch sensitive keys and other physical user input devices for programming purposes.
Power source 5 is any type of battery or other portable power source carried on indexing device body 2 for powering the electronic controller, electrical mechanical drive and any other components that require electrical power so that the indexing device is capable of running in an autonomous mode downhole in the wellbore. In one example of
Reference will now be made
In
A transducer sub assembly 421 along with transducers strategically placed provides pressure data and stall data to the electronics 407 for further processing. A temperature sensor, pressure sensor and/or flow sensor 443 are also shown supported by the housing 403. At least one power source 405 is used to power the electronics 407 and mechanical drive train to impart rotational repositioning of the drill string.
The high pressure static and rotary seals 433 and 435 are redressable, allowing for the removal and replacement of the seals 435. Pressure transducers, not shown, are included in the electronics and some may actually be placed near a cutter device, not shown. In one example, the indexing device controller retains an accurate log of all pertinent wellbore conditions and events transpiring downhole, that are relevant to the overall operation.
A general block diagram showing one example of the electronics 407 of
The autonomous wellbore indexing of
The windows may for example be evenly or unevenly circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The first window is assigned zero degrees with the remaining windows being spaced from that datum. The 1st delay 205 input represents the initial delay in accepted units of time, from the arming time until the device shaft begins to rotate for the first time from initialization. The 2nd delay 207 input represents the period, in acceptable time units, between the rotations. A minimum time may optionally limit this period to allow for motion and for small errors in timing, so that rotations do not occur without system readiness. In some embodiments, the window spacing is not evenly distributed around the casing circumference. A next pre-set input represents the next rotation movement and a pre-programmed sequence can direct uneven rotation angles at other than evenly spaced windows.
A row of button commands 211 include a Home, Reset, Diagnostics, Screen Refresh and reports. The Home button selection returns the actuator to its home, zero degree, position. The Screen refresh button refreshes the screen. The Reset button clears non-volatile memory and sets Stalls 221, Moves 223, and Maximum Temp 215 sensed and recorded 213 to zero. Sensed and measured parameters are stored and some output read-only variables 213 are displayed. These include Maximum Temperature 215, Temperature 217 in the hole, Battery voltage 219, Stalls 221, Movements 223, and pressure transducer data 225 227.
Computer system 100 includes at least one processor unit 103, which obtains instructions and data via a system bus 104 from a main memory 107. Illustratively, the processor is a microprocessor. The main memory 107 could be one or a combination of memory devices, including Random Access Memory 122, dynamic, nonvolatile or backup memory, (e.g., programmable or Flash memories, read-only memories, etc.) and the like. In addition, memory 107 may be considered to include memory physically located elsewhere in a computer system 100, for example, any storage capacity used as virtual memory or stored on a mass storage device 113 or on another computer coupled to the computer system 100 via system bus 104. Illustratively, the main memory 107 contains executable programs, which manage the hardware and control the software programs 105. The ROM 120, BIOS 121, and Operating System 125 are a system of programs, which manage the hardware and software resources for the use and running of application programs. The memory 107 may further contain diagnostic programs 126. In one embodiment, the application is a mechanical component initialization controller.
Program modules 126 and Program data 128 would typically also be resident in main memory 107 along with other programs 125 which can be paged or swapped in from other memory sources, local 108 or networked 117. Software components and objects are but parts of programs, which reside together in various regions of addressable memory and are executed to produce the necessary application functions. Software components and objects themselves can be broken down into data structures and programming logic which use the data structures. Generally, application program modules 126 include processes, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks to manage sensor data, interpret and autonomously execute remedial actions in the form of pre-programmed instructions.
The computer system 100 includes a number of subsystems. Illustratively, these include a mass storage interface 108 in communication with storage device 113, which can be such devices as hard disk drives, optical disk drives, CD/DVD, portable memory, memory sticks/cards, optical storage, at least one input/output (I/O) interface 109 coupled to I/O devices 115 such as modems, wireless broadcaster devices, audio, communication via serial protocol bus 114 such as IEEE 802.xx, Firewire, USB, RS232 etc, and a network interface 111 coupled to a plurality of networked devices 117 which can be mass storage, other computers, wireless devices and other networked devices. The I/O devices 114 may include any combination of externally coupled devices such as displays, keyboards, track point devices, mouse devices, sensor and sensor data output devices and the like. In some embodiments, the I/O devices are integrated, such as in the case of a touch screen or display panel. The networked devices 117 could be displays, desktop, laptop or tablet computers, or network terminals, wireless handheld or other networked computer systems. As such, aspects of the invention can be practiced on a single computer system as well as over a network of computer devices.
A number of program modules may be stored on the mass storage device 113, ROM 120 or RAM 122, including an operating system 125, one or more application programs 126 and program data 128. A user may enter commands and information into the workstation 100 through input serial devices 115 such as a keyboard or pointing device. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 103 through a serial port interface 115 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 132 or other type of display device, not used in the downhole operations, can be connected to the system bus 104 via an interface, such as a video adapter 108. In addition to the monitor, computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers, not used in the downhole operational state, can be used in data retrieval and post-processing. Furthermore, the I/O interface 134 is reads input data 136 from transducers, temperature sensors, flow sensors, stress gages and other sensors which allow for the logic to compensate and adjust automatically to the conditions below. The I/O interface 134 also communicates with the servo(s) 136, for commanding rotation movement of the shaft through servos 137 to very precise angles with timed intervals.
In one example, the computer system 100 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 117. The remote computer 117 may be another computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, cell-PDA, smartphone and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 100. The logical connections depicted in
When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 100 is connected to the local network 117 through a network interface or adapter 111. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 100 can connect via modem 115 or other means for establishing communications over the wide area network 117, such as the Internet. The modem 115, which may be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 114 via the serial port interface 109. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 100, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used. Computing devices with wireless communications such as cell phones, smartphones, text message devices or other handheld devices running electronic applications or apps in hardware may be used.
As indicated hereinbefore, the system, as described in relation to
The sensors are continuously monitoring 307 and storing data from sensor signals such as, temperature signals, transducer signals, flow signals, pressure, stress, position, proximity, optical, acoustic, vibration, magnetic, force sensor, raising any found threshold exceptions, and raising pre-set action trigger interrupts for real-time autonomous response from the device in the downhole.
Otherwise, the logic threads to the interface program mode 309 which provides for entering a pre-set sequence of rotation and delay commands, and alternatively manages a case statement 311 which waits on user inputs for screen refresh 313, device rotation to home position 315, diagnostics 317 routines, reset of non-volatile memory 319, reporting stored data 325 post processing, and ending the program 323 loop which returns 321 the program execution or loops back to main program 309 mode.
The diagnostics 317 data will record the maximum temperature and pressure encountered, the number of attempts to move and the number of stall conditions encountered. These are stored in non-volatile memory to preserver them after power is turned off. After each sequence, the program may be re-armed by disconnecting and reconnecting power.
Reference will now be made to the method for indexing a wellbore device utilizing the wellbore downhole rotational indexing device according to one embodiment. A general outline of the method 600 for indexing a wellbore device according to an embodiment is illustrated in the flow chart of
Following pre-configuration process 601, the indexing device is placed in the run mode whereby the program timer begins and the device prepared to be deployed in to a downhole state (602). The autonomous rotational indexing device is operatively coupled to the wellbore device that is to be rotated downhole (603). More than wellbore device can be operatively coupled to the autonomous indexing device. In one example, this operatively coupling can be achieved by coupling the free drive shaft end of the autonomous indexing device (see
The wellbore device to be rotated is then sequentially rotated automatically by the indexing device through respective predefined and programmed rotational angles at respective predefined time intervals. In the example of the indexing device of
A person of ordinary skill would understand that method 600 is not limited to the sequence of process shown in
In one example, the autonomous rotational indexing device imparts substantially precise torque to an attached wellbore downhole device and is delivers vital wellbore and tool performance data from its sensors. If the transducers signal a stall, no movement to a set threshold shaft torque, the control program will stop and retry in several strategies of wait and retract. In one embodiment, indexing device can send alerts to upground. All performance and sensor data will be stored and logged, for retrieval later.
A method for manufacturing an autonomous wellbore downhole rotational indexing device according to one embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Reference will now be made to a wellbore system for indexing a directional tool according to an embodiment. The wellbore system has a wellbore string device, comprising or including a rotatable directional guide, and a rotational indexing device for rotational indexing the directional guide downhole in the wellbore.
In another example, the directional guide may be fixed in the jetting system 902 and the entire lateral jetting system 902 may be rotatable within the wellbore.
Rotational indexing device 950 has electro-mechanical components and assembly thereof according to any one of the examples of the indexing device embodiments described hereinbefore but has a housing/casing and coupling adapted for engagement with the lateral jetting system.
Indexing device 950 is fixedly supported within the wellbore in a manner that enables the indexing device to rotateably index the lateral jetting system directional guide in response to instructions from the indexing device controller. In the particular example of
In other embodiments, the indexing device may be supported in other ways independent from the lateral jetting system but with the indexing device rotary actuator operatively coupled thereto. For example, the indexing device may be arranged in an operating position coupled to the lateral system but supported by a wellbore sidewall structure separate from the lateral jetting system, or supported by a another wellbore string device that is either interposing the lateral jet system and indexing device or disposed on a side of the indexing device opposite the side on which the lateral jetting system is disposed.
Coupling 955 includes a rotational spline 953 operatively connected to the rotary actuator which in this example comprises a stepper motor (not shown in
Lateral jetting system casing 905 has a plurality of access ports or jetting orifices 907 distributed circumferentially about the casing. In the example of
The indexing device indexing sequence is programmed via the user interface by setting the index windows to correspond to angular positions of the respective circumferentially spaced casing hole or ports 907 with which the directional guide 906 is to be aligned by indexing device 950 and through which a jetting hose and nozzle (not shown) of the lateral jetting tool will access the formation for the purpose of lateral jetting and extended reach stimulation. The delays are set to so that there is sufficient time between rotations for lateral jetting to be performed by the lateral jetting system. When indexing device 950 and lateral jetting system 902 are disposed downhole with the indexing device operatively coupled to the directional guide 906 to be rotated, indexing device 950 automatically rotates the lateral jetting system directional guide through successive rotational steps according to the predetermined indexing sequence.
A method for jetting a wellbore with an automated jetting system will now be described with reference to the system of
Once pre-programmed, the indexing device 950 is attached to the lateral jetting system for rotating the wellbore device. Indexing device 950 alternatively be attached to the lateral jetting system 902 prior to pre-programming. The indexing device program sequence is initiated and the lateral jetting system with the indexing device attached thereto inserted in the wellbore to an operating position downhole. An example of the indexing and jetting operations is as follows. The indexing device rotary actuator rotates the directional guide to a first jetting position in which the directional guide 906 is aligned with a first one of the lateral jetting holes/orifices 907. A jetting hose, nozzle and assembly is laterally inserted through the directional guide 906 and into the wellbore formation via the particular casing hole or opening 907 to which the directional guide has been aligned by the indexing device. Lateral jetting and extended reach stimulation operation, is then performed. The lateral jetting hose, nozzle and assembly are retracted from the particular casing hole or opening 907 prior to the next index rotation of the lateral jetting system directional guide 906 to a second jetting position in which the directional guide is aligned with a second one of the jetting orifices. Jetting is then performed via the second jetting orifice or opening. The indexing and jetting continues as necessary.
As illustrated by the aforementioned embodiments, the indexing device of one or more embodiments provides a more precise and smarter rotational function, accounting for such external downhole parameters such as rotation device stall, device stall recovery sequences and wellbore recovery of pressures and temperatures, before, during and after the operation.
Therefore, while the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this invention, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.
Claims
1. A rotational indexing device for indexing a wellbore device downhole; the rotational indexing device comprising:
- a body configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore;
- a rotary actuator configured for rotationally indexing a wellbore device;
- a electronic controller for controlling said rotary actuator; wherein
- said electronic controller is electronically configured to cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence; and
- a power source for powering said controller;
- wherein said rotary actuator, said controller and said power source are operatively carried on said body for inserting downhole in said wellbore; and
- wherein, when the indexing device is disposed downhole and the rotary actuator is operatively coupled to the wellbore device to be rotated, the indexing device automatically rotates the wellbore device through successive rotational steps according to said predetermined indexing sequence.
2. The indexing device of claim 1, wherein said electronic controller is electronically configured to cause the rotary actuator to index the wellbore device through successive rotational steps at time intervals predetermined to permit cutting, jetting or other wellbore tool functions to be performed by the wellbore device between successive rotational steps.
3. The indexing device of claim 2, wherein said wellbore device comprises a directional guide of a lateral jetting system; said directional guide being configured for substantially radially deflecting towards the wellbore formation a jetting hose and/or fluid disposed in the directional guide.
4. The indexing device of claim 3, wherein said rotary actuator comprises an electro-mechanical rotary drive.
5. The indexing device of claim 4, wherein said indexing body comprises a housing substantially enclosing said electro-mechanical drive, said controller and said power source.
6. The indexing device of claim 2, wherein said indexing device is further configured for attaching to said wellbore device, or a string device connected thereto, such that said indexing device is supported downhole by said wellbore device or string device.
7. The indexing device of claim 1, wherein said electronic controller is configured to initiate the indexing sequence in response to an internal timer signal.
8. The indexing device of claim 1, wherein said electronic controller comprises a digital controller.
9. The indexing device of claim 8, wherein said electronic digital controller comprises, one or more processors and memory, said memory containing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate in the predetermined indexing sequence.
10. The indexing device of claim 9, wherein said electronic digital controller is further configured for monitoring signals from one or more formation sensors, wellbore sensors and/or wellbore equipment sensors.
11. The indexing device of claim 8, wherein said digital controller comprises a pre-programmable digital controller for pre-programming a particular index sequence to be executed by said indexing device downhole.
12. The indexing device of claim 11, further comprising a programmable user interface carried on said indexing body for pre-programming said digital controller.
13. The indexing device of claim 11, wherein said digital controller is further configured to be connectable to an auxiliary programmable user interface for pre-programming said digital controller.
14. The indexing device of claim 13, wherein said digital controller is configured to be connectable to a computer comprising said auxiliary programmable user interface for pre-programming said digital controller.
15. The indexing device of claim 8, wherein said digital controller is further configured to be connectable to an auxiliary electronic device and to receive from said auxiliary electronic device a predetermined indexing sequence program for causing said indexing device to automatically rotate said electro-mechanical drive according to the predetermined indexing sequence.
16. An apparatus for indexing a wellbore device downhole, the apparatus comprising a memory storing instructions which, when processed by one or more processors, cause:
- initiating timer;
- in response to an output of said timer, rotating an electrical mechanical drive carried on the indexing device downhole through successive rotational steps according to a predetermined indexing sequence.
16. A computer readable storage medium for indexing a wellbore device downhole, the computer readable storage medium carrying instructions which, when processed by one or more processors cause:
- initiating timer;
- in response to an output of said timer, rotating an electrical mechanical drive carried on the indexing device downhole through successive rotational steps according to a predetermined indexing sequence.
17. A method for rotational indexing a wellbore device by an indexing device, the indexing device comprising a body configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore; a rotary electromechanical drive configured for operably coupling a wellbore device to be indexed; a electronic controller for controlling said rotary actuator; and a power source for powering said controller; the method comprising
- configuring said electronic controller to cause the electro-mechanical drive to automatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence;
- operatively coupling said electro-mechanical drive to the wellbore device for rotating said wellbore device;
- inserting said indexing device downhole;
- automatically rotating the wellbore device in the wellbore downhole, utilizing the indexing device, through successive rotational steps according to said predetermined indexing sequence.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein automatically rotating the wellbore device in the wellbore downhole further comprises rotating said wellbore device through successive rotational steps at time intervals predetermined to permit cutting, jetting or other wellbore tool functions to be performed by the wellbore device between successive rotational steps.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein operatively coupling said electro-mechanical drive to the wellbore device for rotating said wellbore device comprises operatively coupling a shaft associated with an electrical motor of said drive to said wellbore device.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein inserting said indexing device downhole comprises attaching said indexing device to said wellbore device uphole and inserting said indexing device attached to said wellbore device downhole in said wellbore.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising, preparatory to inserting said indexing device and said wellbore device downhole, setting a timer for initiating the indexing sequence; and initiating said indexing sequence with said indexing device downhole in response to said timer.
22. The method of claim 17 further comprising processing signals from a pressure transducer and/or temperature sensor located on or in the vicinity of said indexing device.
23. The method of claim 17 further comprising pre-programming said electronic controller for causing said indexing device to execute a particular index sequence downhole.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising operatively connecting said electronic controller to an auxiliary programmable user interface for pre-programming said controller.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising operatively connecting said electronic controller to an auxiliary electronic device; and receiving from said electronic device in said electronic controller a predetermined indexing sequence program for causing said indexing device to automatically rotate said rotary actuator according to the predetermined indexing sequence.
26. The method of claim 17, wherein operatively coupling said electro-mechanical drive to the wellbore device for rotating said wellbore device;
- comprises operatively coupling said electro-mechanical drive to a directional guide of a lateral jetting system; and
- wherein automatically rotating the wellbore device in the wellbore downhole through successive rotational steps includes rotating said directional guide from a first position in which said directional guide is aligned with a first port or opening for accessing the formation to a second port or opening after a time interval predetermined to permit jetting to be performed via said first port or opening.
27. A wellbore system for indexing a wellbore device, the system comprising:
- a wellbore device for inserting downhole in a wellbore:
- a rotational indexing device for rotational indexing said wellbore device downhole; wherein said rotational indexing device comprises: a body configured for inserting downhole in said wellbore; a rotary actuator configured for operably coupling said wellbore device to rotate said wellbore device; a electronic controller for controlling said rotary actuator; wherein said electronic controller is electronically configured to cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence; and a power source for powering said controller; wherein said rotary actuator, said controller and said power source are operatively carried on said body for inserting downhole in said wellbore; and wherein, when the indexing device and wellbore device are disposed downhole and the rotary actuator is operatively coupled to the wellbore device to be rotated, the indexing device automatically rotates the wellbore string device or device thereof through successive rotational steps according to said predetermined indexing sequence.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein said wellbore device comprises a directional guide of a lateral jetting string system for enabling a jetting hose to be radially deflected towards or into a formation;
- wherein said rotary actuator is operably coupled to said directional guide for rotating said directional guide between a first jetting position in which the directional guide is aligned with a first opening for accessing the formation and a second jetting position in which the directional guide is aligned with a second opening for accessing the formation, circumferentially spaced from the first opening, for accessing the formation; and wherein said electronic controller is electronically configured to cause the rotary actuator to automatically index said directional guide from said first jetting position to second jetting position at time interval predetermined to permit said lateral jetting system to sequentially perform jetting through said first opening and said second opening.
29. The system of claim 27, wherein said jetting trough is rotateably mounted within a casing of said lateral jetting system for enabling said jetting hose to be radially deflected from the casing;
- wherein said casing has a plurality of jetting orifices circumferentially distributed about the casing; and
- wherein said rotary actuator comprises an electromechanical drive operably coupled to said jetting trough for rotating said jetting trough between a first jetting position in which the jetting trough is aligned with a first one of said jetting orifices and a second jetting position in which the jetting trough is aligned with a second one of said jetting orifices; and
- wherein said electronic controller is electronically configured to cause the electro-mechanical drive to sequentially index said jetting trough from said first jetting position to said second jetting position at a time interval predetermined to permit said lateral jetting system for sequentially performing jetting at said first jetting position and said second jetting position.
30. The system of claim 29, further comprising a jetting hose adapted for advancing in the lateral jetting system such that the jet hose seats within the jetting trough and is radially deflected along the jetting trough to said jetting orifice.
31. The system of claim 29, wherein said indexing device comprises a housing substantially enclosing said electro-mechanical drive, said controller and said power source.
32. The system of claim 31 wherein said indexing device is further configured for attaching to said lateral jetting system, such that said indexing device is supported downhole by said lateral jetting system.
33. The system of claim 31, wherein said electronic controller is configured to initiate the indexing sequence in response to an internal timer signal.
34. The system of claim 31, wherein said electronic controller comprises a digital controller.
35. The system of claim 31, wherein said electronic digital controller comprises, one or more processors and memory, said memory containing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the electro-mechanical drive to automatically rotate in the predetermined indexing sequence.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein said electronic digital controller is further configured for monitoring signals from one or more formation sensors, wellbore sensors and/or wellbore equipment sensors.
37. The system of claim 36, wherein said digital controller comprises a pre-programmable digital controller for pre-programming a particular index sequence to be executed by said indexing device downhole.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein said digital controller is further configured to be connectable to an auxiliary electronic device and to receive from said electronic device a predetermined indexing sequence program for causing said indexing device to automatically rotate said electro-mechanical drive according to the predetermined indexing sequence.
39. A method for jetting a wellbore with an automated jetting system, the automated jetting system comprising:
- a lateral jetting string system for inserting into a wellbore, said lateral jetting string system including a directional guide for enabling a jetting hose to be radially deflected towards the wellbore formation; and
- an indexing device comprising a body configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore, a rotary actuator for operably coupling to said directional guide of said lateral jetting system; an electronic controller for controlling said rotary actuator; and a power source f or powering said controller; the method comprising
- configuring said electronic controller to cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate said directional guide according to a predetermined indexing sequence;
- operatively coupling said rotary actuator to the directional guide of said lateral jetting system for rotating said directional guide downhole;
- inserting said indexing device downhole;
- inserting said lateral jetting system downhole;
- automatically rotating the directional guide in the wellbore downhole, utilizing the indexing device, through successive rotational steps according to said predetermined indexing sequence.
40. The method of claim 39 wherein
- configuring said electronic controller to cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate said directional guide according to a predetermined indexing sequence; comprises configuring said electronic controller to cause a electro-mechanical drive of said indexing device to automatically rotate said directional guide according to said predetermined indexing sequence.
41. The method of claim 38, further comprising
- rotating said directional guide into a first jetting position in which said directional guide is aligned with a first opening to the wellbore formation;
- laterally deflecting a jetting hose through the directional guide into the formation via said first opening;
- performing lateral jetting utilizing said jetting hose inserted into the formation via said first opening;
- retracting the lateral jetting hose from the formation via said first opening; and
- automatically rotating said directional guide from said first jetting position to a second jetting position in which said directional guide is aligned with a second opening to the formation;
- laterally inserting a jetting hose through the directional guide into the formation via said second opening;
- performing lateral jetting utilizing said jetting hose inserted into the formation via said second opening; and
- retracting the lateral jetting hose from the formation via said second opening.
42. The method of claim 41,
- wherein inserting said indexing device downhole and inserting said lateral jetting system downhole comprises attaching said indexing device to said lateral jetting system uphole and inserting said indexing device attached to said lateral jetting system downhole in said wellbore.
43. The method of claim 41, further comprising, preparatory to inserting said indexing device downhole, setting a timer for initiating the indexing sequence; and initiating said indexing sequence with said indexing device downhole in response to said timer.
44. A system for jetting a wellbore with an automated jetting system, the automated jetting system comprising:
- a lateral jetting string system for inserting into a wellbore, said lateral jetting string system including a directional guide for enabling a jetting hose to be radially deflected towards the wellbore formation; and
- an indexing device comprising a body configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore, a rotary actuator for operably coupling to said directional guide of said lateral jetting system; an electronic controller for controlling said rotary actuator; and a power source f or powering said controller; wherein said electronic controller is configured to cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate said directional guide according to a predetermined indexing sequence.
45. The system of claim 44 wherein
- wherein said rotary actuator comprises an electro-mechanical drive
46. The system of claim 45, wherein said electronic controller is configured to
- rotate said directional guide into a first jetting position in which said directional guide is aligned with a first opening to the wellbore formation;
- wherein said lateral jetting system is configured to: laterally deflect a jetting hose through the directional guide into the formation via said first opening; perform lateral jetting utilizing said jetting hose deflected into the formation via said first opening; retract the lateral jetting hose from the formation via said first opening; and wherein said indexing device is further configured to automatically rotate said directional guide from said first jetting position to a second jetting position in which said directional guide is aligned with a second opening to the formation.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 31, 2012
Publication Date: Feb 6, 2014
Applicant: SEMJET WELL TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Houston, TX)
Inventors: Albert Dale JOSEPH (HUMBLE, TX), Thomas JENKINS (Gorleston)
Application Number: 13/563,442
International Classification: E21B 44/00 (20060101);