Abstract: A double shouldered downhole tool connection comprises box and pin connections having mating threads intermediate mating primary and secondary shoulders. The connection further comprises a secondary shoulder component retained in the box connection intermediate a floating component and the primary shoulders. The secondary shoulder component and the pin connection cooperate to transfer a portion of makeup load to the box connection. The downhole tool may be selected from the group consisting of drill pipe, drill collars, production pipe, and reamers. The floating component may be selected from the group consisting of electronics modules, generators, gyroscopes, power sources, and stators. The secondary shoulder component may comprises an interface to the box connection selected from the group consisting of radial grooves, axial grooves, tapered grooves, radial protrusions, axial protrusions, tapered protrusions, shoulders, and threads.

Abstract: A sequential hydraulic well control system provides actuator selection and operation utilizing pressure applied to hydraulic lines in a sequence. In a disclosed embodiment, an actuation control device of a well control system includes multiple pistons, at least one of which is included in a latch for selectively permitting and preventing displacement of another of the pistons. When one of the pistons displaces in response to pressure applied sequentially to hydraulic inputs of the control device, an associated actuator is placed in fluid communication with the inputs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-speed communication and data link between a downhole tool and a surface computer. The present invention provides a plurality of busses inside of the downhole tool for providing multiple data paths between a down hole tool memory or device and a surface computer. The present invention enables high-speed dumping of memory from the downhole tool to a surface computer. The invention also provides a web server inside of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A method and system for use in synchronizing at least two clocks in a downhole network are disclosed. The method comprises determining a total signal latency between a controlling processing element and at least one downhole processing element in a downhole network and sending a synchronizing time over the downhole network to the at least one downhole processing element adjusted for the signal latency. Electronic time stamps may be used to measure latency between processing elements. A system for electrically synchronizing at least two clocks connected to a downhole network comprises a controlling processing element connected to a synchronizing clock in communication over a downhole network with at least one downhole processing element comprising at least one downhole clock. Preferably, the downhole network is integrated into a downhole tool string.

Abstract: A high-speed downhole network providing real-time data from downhole components of a drilling strings includes a bottom-hole node interfacing to a bottom-hole assembly located proximate the bottom end of a drill string. A top-hole node is connected proximate the top end of the drill string. One or several intermediate nodes are located along the drill string between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node. The intermediate nodes are configured to receive and transmit data packets transmitted between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node. A communications link, integrated into the drill string, is used to operably connect the bottom-hole node, the intermediate nodes, and the top-hole node. In selected embodiments, a personal or other computer may be connected to the top-hole node, to analyze data received from the intermediate and bottom-hole nodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for electromagnetically connecting surface equipment to a rotating downhole tool string comprises a plurality of electrical conductors, first and second differential interfaces, and at least one electromagnetic shield. The plurality of electrical conductors have first ends terminating at the surface equipment and second ends terminating at the downhole tool string. The first differential interface is electrically connected to the first ends and the second differential interface is electrically connected to the second ends the electrical conductors. The first and second differential interfaces are adapted to transmit and receive a reference-independent differential signal. The electromagnetic shield surrounds and shields the electrical conductors and is connected to ground at one end. The apparatus is stationary relative to rotation of the tool string.

Abstract: A method for triggering an action of at least one downhole device on a downhole network integrated into a downhole tool string synchronized to an event comprises determining latency, sending a latency adjusted signal, and performing the action. The latency is determined between a control device and the at least one downhole device. The latency adjusted signal for triggering an action is sent to the downhole device. The action is performed downhole synchronized to the event. A preferred method for determining latency comprises the steps: a control device sends a first signal to the downhole device; after receiving the signal, the downhole device sends a response signal to the control device; and the control device analyzes the time from sending the signal to receiving the response signal.

Abstract: A system, method, and software for optimizing the commingling of well fluids from a plurality of producing subsea wells. The mixing temperature and water content in each header of a collection manifold are calculated for each subsea well and header combinations, responsive to data from sensors at the collection manifold. Combinations with conditions outside operational limits are then discarded. Remaining combinations are ranked based on predetermined optimization criteria. The ranked combinations are provided for the operator for optimizing flow properties and well fluid production. The calculations can restart with new, real-time sensed values from the subsea collection manifold.

Abstract: Methods of subsea communication in which a cathodic protection anode is used as a transmitting antenna. The signals are received at a second location by two electrodes which are spaced apart by different distances from the transmitting antenna.

Abstract: A drill pipe forms an acoustic transmission channel for data to be transmitted from a downhole transceiver to a surface transceiver. By positioning a first low frequency acoustic attenuator between a drill bit and the downhole transceiver, acoustic noise generated by the drill bit is attenuated. Similarly, by positioning the surface transceiver between the top of the drill pipe and a second low frequency acoustic attenuator, acoustic noise generated by surface equipment is attenuated. In this manner, the first and second low frequency acoustic attenuators serve as terminators for the acoustic transmission channel.

Abstract: A downhole telemetry system employing code division multiple access (CDMA) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the downhole telemetry system comprises one or more downhole transmitters and an uphole receiver. Each of the downhole transmitters transmits a corresponding uplink signal which is generated using amplitude modulation of corresponding code word signals. The code word signals are orthogonal to each other, and the transmitters may be configured to adjust the timing to assure synchronous arrival of the various uplink signals at the receiver. Each of the transmitters may be allocated a different number of code words when it is desired to allow for unequal bandwidth requirements. Such allocation is preferably dynamic. Additional modulation techniques may be employed with CDMA, including frequency division multiplexing, time division multiplexing, and frequency re-use.

Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. The normal mud passages or watercourses present in the rotary drill bit are used for the second independent purpose of passing cement into the annulus between the casing and the well while cementing the drill string into place during one single pass into the earth. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambiently hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.

Abstract: A very high data rate telemetry system is provided for use in a wellbore. In a described embodiment, a telemetry system includes multiple nodes positioned in the wellbore and distributed over a substantial length of the wellbore. The nodes simultaneously communicate with a remote location at a very high combined data transmission rate. A method of communicating data in a wellbore is also provided. The method includes the steps of installing multiple modems in the wellbore, installing a remote modem at a location remote from the downhole modems, and simultaneously communicating data from each of the downhole modems to the remote location. Each downhole modem communicates with the remote modem using a unique set of frequency subchannels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for selectively supplying electrical power in a remote environment. The system comprises a plurality of electrical circuits, each designed to operate over a unique frequency passband. Power transmitted within the frequency passband of a circuit is filtered through that circuit to power a corresponding remote device. One or more remote devices can be simultaneously powered by transmitting power within the frequency passbands of the corresponding circuits. It is advantageous to design relatively narrow passbands to accommodate a relatively large number of circuits and corresponding devices for remote operation and a triac, rectifier or other suitable turn-on gate can be incorporated into each circuit to effectively control the width of the frequency passband of each circuit. Alternatively, an operational amplifier could be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating one or more than one physically detectable physical influence changes to control or manipulate a down hole device. The present invention intercepts existing control signals to various controllers on the rig and superimposes an encoded command on these existing control signals. The controllers comprise of motor drives, choke controllers, acoustic pulse generators, tracer injectors and other controllers that are used to generate a physically detectable changes in the rig environment. The encoded command acting on existing or new controllers generates a perceptible change in a physical parameter such as a variation in drilling mud pressure, a variation in drill string rotation speed, a variation is weight on bit, generation of acoustic pulse, or a variation in tracer injection properties.

Abstract: An apparatus controls the operation of a hydrocarbon production well. The apparatus includes a supply means for providing an electric power supply. The apparatus also includes a plurality of electrically operated actuating devices. The actuating devices can be a plurality of electric motors. The apparatus includes drivers responsive to the power supply for providing a drive signal for the actuating devices. The apparatus also includes a control assembly for applying the drive signal to the actuating devices in a multiplexed manner. The power from each driver creates a power input signal. When there are more than one input signals, they are multiplexed so that a single signal is received by the actuating devices.

Abstract: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: In order to control the sonde of an underground object, such as an underground boring tool, a predetermined sequence of rotation steps is applied to the object and that sequence is detected. The detection of the appropriate sequence causes the sonde to change its function, for example by changing the carrier frequency of the signal transmitted by the sonde on to change the data output sequence or transfer rate, or to change output power. While it is possible to use a single rotation step, the use of more than one step, with each step to be carried out within a predetermined time, reduces the risk of error.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for directing data representing well operations (drilling and producing) through the Internet or similar wide area network. The instant invention comprises a system and method of installing sensors at the well to provide technical information to remotely-located Internet users who provide services to the well owner. The service providers may be observers, who may then advise the well owners and operators as to actions to take to increase or optimize well performance. Service providers may also be data storage companies, who clean and store the data from the well. Service providers may then be paid from a portion of the well revenues or a portion of the incrementally-increased revenues.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for transmitting power and communicating signals to the remote sensing unit and for receiving communication signals from the remote sensor, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing an internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit for those embodiments in which a wireline tool is being used to communicate with remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is a standalone sensor that is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit.

Abstract: A reprogrammable data communications system for use in a gas or oil well borehole is disclosed. The borehole includes a casing and a piping structure therein and at least one downhole equipment module located therein. The system provides for data and control signals to be coupled to the casing and piping structure by a surface modem and transmitted to the downhole equipment located in the downhole equipment modules. The downhole equipment modules include a downhole modem that is coupled to the casing and piping structure and receives the transmitted data and command signals and recovers the transmitted data and commands therefrom. A downhole processor is coupled to the downhole modem and receives the data and commands from the downhole modem and stores the data and commands in retentive memory that is coupled to the downhole processor. In this way, the downhole processor can be reprogrammed with new algorithms and communications parameters.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for monitoring and controlling hydrocarbon production wells and/or injection wells from a remote location. The apparatus for monitoring and controlling one or more hydrocarbon production wells or injection wells from a remote location comprises one or more surface control and data acquisition systems; one or more sensors disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems; one or more downhole flow control devices disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems; and one or more remote controllers disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems. Preferably, the remote controller comprises a computer having an internet access disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems through a communication device comprising an internet web site server.

Abstract: A closed-loop system is used to perform a variety of well services. The well services include well completion services, production and maintenance services, and enhanced recovery services. A closed-loop system to complete an oil and gas well is an automated system under computer control that executes a sequence of programmed steps, but those steps depend in part upon information obtained from at least one downhole sensor that is communicated to the surface to optimize and/or change the steps executed by the computer to complete the well. A tractor conveyor with a Retrieval Sub is a tractor deployer that may be used to deploy completion devices and other devices within the wellbore to perform well services. The tractor deployer may be operated from a wireline, or from an umbilical. The umbilical may be made from composite materials and it may be a neutrally buoyant in any well fluids present. The umbilical provides power and data communications downhole.

Abstract: An integrated, single collar measurement while-while-drilling tool is presented that comprises formation sensors, directional sensors, pressure sensors, a mud pulse telemetry device, and a turbine-generator power device configured in a single collar housing that is no longer than a standard drill collar. No electrical connections are made across drill collar tool joints. The tool provides high reliability and ease of transportation.

Abstract: A system for use in a well having completion zones includes a surface node and a plurality of downhole nodes positioned in the completion zones. A communications link extends into the well and is coupled to the surface node and downhole nodes. The communications link includes channels coupling successive nodes, and the surface node and downhole nodes are coupled in a loop by the channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating one or more than one physically detectable physical influence changes to control or manipulate a down hole device. The present invention intercepts existing control signals to various controllers on the rig and superimposes an encoded command on these existing control signals. The controllers comprise of motor drives, choke controllers, acoustic pulse generators, tracer injectors and other controllers that are used to generate a physically detectable changes in the rig environment. The encoded command acting on existing or new controllers generates a perceptible change in a physical parameter such as a variation in drilling mud pressure, a variation in drill string rotation speed, a variation is weight on bit, generation of acoustic pulse, or a variation in tracer injection properties.

Abstract: A downhole telemetry system that transmits a burst-QAM uplink signal to the surface of the well is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a downhole instrument coupled to a pair of conductors in a wireline or composite tubing string transmits a burst-QAM uplink signal to a surface system. The burst-QAM signal preferably comprises a series of data frames carrying telemetry data. Each data frame is preferably preceded by a quiet interval (when no signal is present), a timing synchronization sequence, and a training sequence. The timing synchronization sequence is designed for easy timing recovery at the surface, and the training sequence is designed to aid the adaptation of the equalizer. The data frame itself preferably includes a synchronization field, a data count, and a checksum in addition to the data. Direct digital synthesis is preferably employed to modulate the uplink signal.

Abstract: A sensor head component is configurable as an accessory for performing various functions on other sensor head components interconnected in a sensor head of a monitoring tool assembly. Certain sensor head components may benefit from the performance of such functions as removable of debris from particular surfaces as well as calibration processes. To perform these functions, an accessory is configurable to include a body portion with a motor positioned therein. Connectable to the motor may be an accessory arm which includes at least one element connected thereto for performing the particular function. When activated, the motor manipulates the accessory arm such that the element moves within a target area and performs the particular function upon at least one of the sensor head components.

Abstract: A method for two-way communication for controlling production from a formation having at least one producing well and a plurality of producing zones. In one embodiment, the method comprises installing a flow control device with a controller proximate each of the producing zones, where each controller has a predetermined communication address, and each controller is adapted to act as a repeater on command from a surface controller; connecting each controller to a transmission bus where the transmission bus is connected to the surface controller; transmitting a command message from the surface controller to a predetermined downhole controller, where the command message determines a predetermined path along the transmission bus according to a predetermined protocol; receiving the command message by the predetermined controller; and executing the command message to control the flow control device. Transmitting a response message back along the predetermined path.

Abstract: A downhole string includes a system having an actuator module that is responsive to electrical power and signals communicated down a cable, such as a permanent downhole cable (PDC). In addition, a backup mechanism, such as an inductive coupler mechanism or another type of wireless apparatus, can be used as a backup to restore power and communications with the downhole system. For example, if the cable fails for some reason, power and signals can still be communicated with the inductive coupler mechanism or other wireless mechanism to control operation of the system or to receive signals from the system.

Abstract: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: A gas-lift well having a controllable gas-lift valve is provided. The well uses the tubing and casing to communicate with and power the controllable valve from the surface. Induction chokes at the surface and downhole electrically isolate the tubing from the casing. A high band-width, adaptable communication system is used to communicate between the controllable valve and the surface. Additional sensors, such as pressure, temperature, and acoustic sensors, may be provided downhole to more accurately assess downhole conditions. The controllable valve is varied opened or closed, depending on downhole conditions, oil production, gas usage and availability, to optimize production and assist in unloading. While conventional, bellows-type, gas-lift valves frequently fail and leak—often undetected—the controllable valve hereof permits known precise operation and concomitant control of the gas-lift well.

Abstract: In order to control the sonde of an underground object, such as an underground boring tool, a predetermined sequence of rotation steps is applied to the object and that sequence is detected. The detection of the appropriate sequence causes the sonde to change its function, for example by changing the carrier frequency of the signal transmitted by the sonde on to change the data output sequence or transfer rate, or to change output power. While it is possible to use a single rotation step, the use of more than one step, with each step to be carried out within a predetermined time, reduces the risk of error.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for transmitting power and communicating signals to the remote sensing unit and for receiving communication signals from the remote sensor, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing an internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit for those embodiments in which a wireline tool is being used to communicate with remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is a standalone sensor that is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit. The subsurface formation data values are transmitted to a central location for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool assembly for use in field applications to monitor at least one condition in a well or other hole. The tool assembly may include a computing unit for directing operation of the tool assembly and may be sized to be operable in a hole having a diameter of 1 inch, and in some cases even smaller. In one aspect, the tool assembly is designed to significantly conserve power. Sensor readings may be taken at different schedules to conserve power when frequent readings are not required. Also, internal electronics of the tool assembly can be operated at a low voltage. In one aspect, the tool assembly is assemblable by simple rotatable engagement of the components, with electrical interconnections being made automatically by the rotatable engagement without keying of components. In another aspect, the tool assembly is networkable with other like tool assemblies and monitorable from a central location.

Abstract: A downhole electromagnetic telemetry system with an increased data rate is disclosed. In one embodiment, a PSK data transmission system is used to transmit data in a downhole electromagnetic telemetry system for Measure While Drilling (MWD) applications. MWD applications suffer from data rates that are not well suited for the ever-increasing amount of data that needs to be transmitted. One method of increasing the data rate includes increasing the carrier frequency, but this can cause undesirable signal attenuation and distortion. Conversely, decreasing the carrier frequency provides the reward of a stronger signal at the risk of aliasing, especially with wide bandwidth signals. A derivation is disclosed predicting that the frequency may actually be decreased while increasing the number of phase states to achieve a higher data rate, without affecting the bandwidth. The system and method disclosed may advantageously provide a robust, low-power electromagnetic telemetry system with an increased data rate.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a device in a well, according to which a sensor associated with the device monitors any movement of the device in the well and outputs a corresponding signal. The signal is processed and transmitted to a remote location.

Abstract: An apparatus and accompanying method for monitoring and reporting downhole bit failure. Individual sensors are placed on a sub which is separate from the drill bit itself, and are powered by a vibration driven power system. The sensor readings are used to compute values which represent the ratios of sensor readings on one sensor in relation to the readings of one or more other sensors. This creates a self-calibrating sensor system that accounts for changes in downhole conditions which might cause sensor readings to fluctuate, but which do not indicate failure.

Abstract: Energy dissipating loads are controlled from a location remote from the load. Load control information is transmitted between the remote location and the load by way of electrical energy transmission lines including a neutral conductor, a ground conductor and a line conductor. Load control information representative of the electrical energy applied to the load is determined and the load control information and applied to the energy transmission lines at an impressing end for transmission to a receiving end wherein the load control information is impressed between the neutral conductor and the ground conductor to provide impressed load control information. The impressed load control information is received at the receiving end by obtaining the load control information from between the neutral conductor and the ground conductor to provide received load control information. The energy of the load is controlled in accordance with the received load control information.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed enabling communication from a surface location to a downhole location where instructions communicated are executed. The system employs accelerometers to sense vibrations traveling within the annulus fluid or the tubing string. The accelerators provide signals representative of the vibration generated at the surface of the well to a microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed to energize a nichrome element to actuate the downhole tool in response to a user-defined vibration sequence. The vibration sequence includes a defined number of vibration cycles. Each cycle includes alternating periods of vibration and no vibrations with each period lasting for a defined length of time. The user may program the parameters of the sequence and arm the vibration receiving unit on site through a handheld terminal that interfaces with the microcontroller.

Abstract: In order to control the sonde of an underground object, such as an underground boring tool, a predetermined sequence of rotation steps is applied to the object and that sequence is detected. The detection of the appropriate sequence causes the sonde to change its function, for example by changing the carrier frequency of the signal transmitted by the sonde on to change the data output sequence or transfer rate, or to change output power. While it is possible to use a single rotation step, the use of more than one step, with each step to be carried out within a predetermined time, reduces the risk of error.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump cable having an integral capacitor. The electrical submersible pump cable has a primary conductor with an insulator surrounding the primary conductor. A coaxial conductive layer surrounds the insulator, wherein the insulator serves as a dielectric between the primary conductor and the coaxial conductive layer. An outer insulating sleeve is provided on an outer surface of the coaxial conductive layer. An inner cable armor surrounds the insulating sleeve, wherein the outer insulating sleeve provides electrical isolation between adjacent wires. An outer cable armor surrounds the inner cable armor. The coaxial conductive layer and primary conductor enables the coupling of data information onto or off of the cable.

Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.

Abstract: A borehole telemetry system including a surface telemetry module, a downhole telemetry module, and a multiplexed datalink between the surface and downhole modules capable of transferring data alternately between an uplink in which date is transferred from the downhole module to the surface module and a downlink in which data is transferred from the surface module to the downhole module; wherein the data link can be switched between a first configuration in which a relatively long time is assigned to the uplink and a relatively short time is assigned to the downlink, and a second configuration in which a relatively long time is assigned to the downlink and a relatively short time is assigned to the uplink. The first configuration can be used to transmit data when logging with downhole tools and the second configuration can be used to program logging tools.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well includes a downhole assembly and an apparatus. The downhole assembly is adapted to respond to a command that is encoded in a stimulus that is communicated downhole. The apparatus is adapted to change a pressure of a gas in communication with the well to generate the stimulus.

Abstract: A coal bed anomaly detection and imaging system comprises a synchronous transmitter and receiver that are separated by a geologic structure with embedded and hidden anomalies. The receiver is housed in a shuttle body that can be pumped into a borehole by water or air pressure. The shuttle may itself employ hydraulic inching mechanism to move within the drillhole. Signal measurements are reported out over a fiberoptic pigtail. A separate radio signal path provides synchronization between the transmitter and receiver. The receiver shuttle is tethered by this fiberoptic pigtail, and it can be withdrawn from the borehole by the tether.

Abstract: A system and method of interfacing a drilling machine with one of a number of different walk-over guidance systems involves receiving an ID signal from a particular walk-over guidance system selected for use with the drilling machine. A protocol library associated with the particular walk-over guidance system is accessed in response to the ID signal. The protocol library is used to effect communication between the particular walk-over guidance system and a control system of the drilling machine during cooperative use of the particular walk-over guidance system and drilling machine. Using the protocol library involves converting, as prescribed by the protocol library, locator signals received from the particular walk-over guidance system from a locator protocol to a common protocol used by the control system of the drilling machine. Locator and drilling machine data of various types can be presented to a drilling machine operator via an on-board display.

Abstract: A conventional thru tubing bridge plug is rendered in a more effective and useful downhole tool by incorporating a sensor module complete with preferably a plurality of downhole sensors to monitor downhole parameters such as but not limited to temperature and pressure both within the inflatable tool and in the annulus of the well created thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-contained sensor module for use in a subterranean well that has a well transmitter or a well receiver associated therewith. In one embodiment, the sensor module comprises a housing, a signal receiver, a parameter sensor, an electronic control assembly, and a parameter transmitter; the receiver, sensor, control assembly and transmitter are all contained within the housing. The housing has a size that allows the module to be positioned within a formation about the well or in an annulus between a casing positioned within the well and an outer diameter of the well. The signal receiver is configured to receive a signal from the well transmitter, while the parameter sensor is configured to sense a physical parameter of an environment surrounding the sensor module within the well. The electronic control assembly is coupled to both the signal receiver and the parameter sensor, and is configured to convert the physical parameter to a data signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for sending signals downhole during drilling operations uses a main pump to pump mud from a mud pit at a substantially constant flow rate. The bulk of the pumped mud goes downhole to maintain adequate circulation for the drill bit. A bypass pipe is provided with a shut-off valve that is controlled by an electronic controller. By pulsing the opening and closing of the shut-off valve, the volumetric flow downhole is pulsed. The pulse amplitude and duration can be controlled. These pulses in the flow rate are detected by a suitable downhole device such as a flow rate measurement device, a pressure detector or a turbine. The initial “wake-up” pulse is made long enough so that the detection device downhole is always able to detect it. Subsequent to this wake-up pulse, adjustments are made to the pulse duration, in steps of about 2 seconds, for the smallest pulse period that is detectable downhole.