Patent ID: 6450258
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A method of performing at least one of (1) a completion operation, and (2) a drill stem test operation, in a wellbore, comprising:(a) providing a wellbore tubular string; (b) providing a plurality of discrete and individually actuable wellbore tools, including at least one of the following: (1) at least one perforating gun; (2) at least one packer; (3) at least one flow control device; (4) at least one safety joint; (5) at least one gun release; (6) at least one circulating valve; and (7) at least one filler valve; (c) wherein each of said plurality of discrete and individually actuable wellbore tools have: (1) a force responsive member which comprises a mechanical component which is moved in position in response to force being applied to one end thereof, (2) a gas generating member comprising a secondary charge which upon ignition generates a gas which applies a force to said force responsive member, and (3) a trigger member comprising an electrically energized component which causes ignition of said gas generating member, and which are switchable between modes of operation in response to application of force to said force responsive member; (d) providing at least one receiver communicatively coupled to said plurality of discrete and individually actuable wellbore tools for selectively activating a particular trigger member upon receipt of a particular command signal; (e) securing said plurality of discrete and individually actuable wellbore tools in particular and predetermined locations within said wellbore tubular string; (f) lowering said wellbore tubular string into said wellbore; (g) transmitting at least one command signal into said wellbore; (h) utilizing said at least one receiver to detect said at least one command signal, and to individually activate said trigger member of at least one particular one of said plurality of discrete and individually actuable wellbore tools which is associated with said at least one command signal in order to cause application of force from said gas generating member and actuation of said at least one particular one of said plurality of discrete and individually actuable wellbore tools; (i) wherein said method further includes providing at least one transmitter at a surface location for generating said at least one command signal; and (j) wherein said at least one transmitter and said at least one receiver are synchronized in operation.