Well barrier sensor data storage and retrieval

A well tool assembly can include a well barrier and a detachable sub connected to the well barrier. The detachable sub can include a sensor data receiver. A method of retrieving sensor data can include positioning a sensor on one side of a well barrier, connecting a detachable sub on an opposite side of the well barrier, the detachable sub including a sensor data receiver configured to receive sensor data from the sensor, and conveying the well barrier, the sensor and the detachable sub together into a well. A system can include a sensor, a detachable sub, and a well barrier positioned between the sensor and the detachable sub, the detachable sub including a sensor data receiver, a passage extending longitudinally through the detachable sub, and a closure that selectively opens and blocks the passage.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with a subterranean well and, in examples described below, more particularly provides for storage and retrieval of sensor data proximate a well barrier.

A well barrier may be used in a subterranean well to isolate sections of the well from each other. In such a situation, an uphole section of the well may be accessible from the surface, but a downhole section may not be accessible due to the well barrier set in the well. Thus, it can be difficult to obtain data from a sensor positioned in the downhole section.

It will, therefore, be readily appreciated that improvements are continually needed in the art of designing, constructing and utilizing sensor data collection systems for use in a subterranean well. Such improvements may be useful with a wide variety of different well configurations, sensor positions and sensor types.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representatively illustrated inFIG.1is a system10and associated method which can embody principles of this disclosure. However, it should be clearly understood that the system10and method are merely one example of an application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited at all to the details of the system10and method described herein and/or depicted in the drawings.

In theFIG.1example, a well tool assembly12is conveyed into a wellbore14by a conveyance16. The conveyance16could comprise a tubular string (such as, a continuous or segmented tubing string), a wireline, a slickline, a tractor, or any other form of conveyance.

The wellbore14is lined with casing38and cement40, and the wellbore is generally vertical as depicted inFIG.1. However, in other examples the well tool assembly12could be used in an uncased or open hole portion of an inclined or generally horizontal wellbore. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular details of the wellbore14or any other features of the well as depicted inFIG.1.

The well tool assembly12in this example includes one or more sensors18, a sensor data transmitter20, a well barrier22, a detachable sub24and a setting tool26. The detachable sub24depicted inFIG.1is of the type known to those skilled in the art as a junk catcher, but other types of subs detachable from the well barrier22may be used in other examples. Additional well tools, different well tools, or different combinations of well tools may be used in other examples. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular combination of well tools in a well tool assembly.

The sensors18in this example include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and a force sensor or load cell. Additional sensors, different sensors, or different combinations of sensors may be used in other examples. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular sensor or combination of sensors.

The sensors18are connected to the sensor data transmitter20. The sensor data transmitter20is capable of transmitting sensor data from the sensors18to a sensor data receiver28of the detachable sub24. The sensor data transmitter20may include memory to store or buffer the sensor data prior to transmitting the sensor data to the sensor data receiver28.

Note that the sensors18and the sensor data transmitter20are connected on a downhole side of the well barrier22, and the sensor data receiver28is connected on an uphole side of the well barrier22. In this example, the sensor data transmitter20communicates with the sensor data receiver28wirelessly, for example, using acoustic, radio wave, electromagnetic, inductive, Bluetooth™ or other wireless communication technique.

Although the sensors18and the sensor data transmitter20are depicted inFIG.1as extending downward from the well barrier22, in other examples the sensors and the sensor data transmitter could be enclosed in a housing connected to the well barrier. Alternatively, the sensors18and the sensor data transmitter20could be integrated into the well barrier or a housing thereof.

The well barrier22in theFIG.1example comprises a bridge plug which, when set, completely isolates a downhole section of the wellbore14from an uphole section of the wellbore. In other examples, the well barrier22could be a packer that isolates a downhole annulus from an uphole annulus. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular type of well barrier.

The detachable sub24in theFIG.1example is used to prevent accumulation of debris on the well barrier22, which might otherwise prevent or hinder subsequent unsetting and retrieval of the well barrier from the wellbore14. For this purpose, the detachable sub24comprises a closure30that selectively opens and blocks a passage32that extends longitudinally through a generally tubular outer housing34of the detachable sub.

As depicted inFIG.1, the closure30is in the form of a flapper that is biased toward a closed position. When the setting tool26is positioned in the passage32, the closure30is maintained in an open position (as shown inFIG.1). When the setting tool26is retrieved from the passage32after setting the well barrier22, the closure30is allowed to pivot to the closed position to block the passage. In other examples, the closure30could be in the form of a ball valve, a plug valve, a sliding panel, or any other type of closure.

In theFIG.1example, the detachable sub24also optionally includes one or more sensors36connected to the sensor data receiver28. The sensors36may be similar to, or different from, the sensors18. Sensor data may be transmitted from the sensors36to the sensor data receiver28using wired or wireless techniques.

The sensor data receiver28may include memory to store the sensor data received from the sensors18and/or the sensors36. In some examples, the sensor data receiver28may also comprise a transmitter for transmitting the sensor data to another sensor data receiver positioned downhole, as described more fully below.

The setting tool26is used to set the well barrier22in the casing38in theFIG.1example. In other examples, the well barrier22could be set in an uncased section of the wellbore14. Any type of setting tool may be used for setting the well barrier22, including but not limited to conventional hydraulic, electric and pyrotechnic setting tools.

Referring additionally now toFIG.2, the system10is representatively illustrated after the setting tool26(seeFIG.1) has been actuated to set the well barrier22in the well. The setting tool26has subsequently been released and retrieved from the well. When the setting tool26is withdrawn from the passage32, the closure30pivots downward and thereby blocks the passage above the well barrier22.

Setting the well barrier22causes it to grip and seal against the casing38in this example. If the well barrier22is instead set in an uncased section of the wellbore14, the well barrier would grip and seal against an inner wall of the wellbore. In some examples, the well barrier22may not include separate gripping and sealing elements (for example, the well barrier could be in the form of an inflatable or a swellable packer, in which cases a seal element thereof could both grip and seal against a well surface and the setting tool26may not be used).

Referring additionally now toFIG.3, a more detailed cross-sectional view of an example of the detachable sub24is representatively illustrated. An upper fishing neck42of the well barrier22is also depicted inFIG.3.

As depicted inFIG.3, the setting tool26is not received in the passage32, but the closure30is shown in its open position. In actual practice, when the setting tool26is withdrawn from the passage32, the closure30will displace to its closed position blocking the passage.

In theFIG.3example, the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36are received in an external slot or recess44formed in the outer housing34. Thus, the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36are not accessible via the passage32. As described more fully below, in other examples the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36may be accessible and exposed to the passage32.

The outer housing34in theFIG.3example includes multiple threaded together components. In other examples, any or all of these components may be combined, so that the outer housing34includes fewer components. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular construction or configuration of the outer housing34or any other elements of the detachable sub24.

Referring additionally now toFIG.4, a cross-sectional view of the detachable sub24, taken along line4-4ofFIG.3, is representatively illustrated. In this view, a manner in which the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36can be retained in the external recess44is visible.

In this example, the external recess44is in the form of a U-shaped slot or groove formed in an exterior surface of the outer housing34. Curved retainer plates46are shaped to conform to an outer diameter of the outer housing34and an outer diameter of the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36. The retainer plates46may be secured to the outer housing34using conventional fasteners.

Referring additionally now toFIG.5, an example of a method of retrieving the sensor data from the well is representatively illustrated. In this example, a junk catcher retrieval tool48is conveyed into the well and is engaged with the junk catcher outer housing34(for example, by latch members50of the retrieval tool engaging an internal profile52formed in the outer housing).

The retrieval tool48may be conveyed into the well using a variety of different techniques. As depicted inFIG.5, a wireline54serves as a conveyance to convey the retrieval tool48into the well and into engagement with the detachable sub24. The wireline54may also be used to apply tension to the detachable sub24, in order to release the detachable sub from the well barrier22(which remains set in the well). In other examples, slickline, tubing or other types of conveyances may be used, and the detachable sub24may be released from the well barrier22using any of a variety of different techniques (for example, including manipulation such as rotation of tubing engaged with the detachable sub, etc.).

After the detachable sub24is released from the well barrier22, the detachable sub (with the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36) can be retrieved to the surface. At the surface, the sensor data can be obtained from the sensor data receiver28, for example, by downloading the sensor data from the sensor data receiver, removing the memory from the sensor data receiver, wirelessly transmitting the sensor data from the sensor data receiver, etc. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular technique for obtaining the sensor data from the sensor data receiver28.

If desired, the detachable sub24(optionally including the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36) may be re-installed in the well after the sensor data has been obtained from the sensor data receiver at the surface. The retrieval tool48may be used for this purpose, or another installation tool may be used.

Referring additionally now toFIG.6, another example method of obtaining the sensor data from the well is representatively illustrated. In this example, a sensor data retrieval tool56is conveyed at least partially into the passage32(such as, using the wireline54or another conveyance16, etc.) and engaged with the detachable sub24.

The sensor data retrieval tool56in this example includes a sensor data receiver58. The sensor data receiver58may be similar to, or different from, the sensor data receiver28. In theFIG.6example, the sensor data receiver28can also include a transmitter (e.g., similar to the sensor data transmitter20ofFIG.1to transmit the sensor data to the sensor data receiver58).

Preferably, the sensor data receivers28,58are configured to communicate with each other wirelessly, but in some examples a wired connection could be made between the sensor data receivers when the retrieval tool56is appropriately positioned in the passage32. Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular technique for transmitting the sensor data from the sensor data receiver28to the sensor data receiver58.

After the sensor data has been received by the sensor data receiver58, the retrieval tool56can be disengaged from the detachable sub24and retrieved to the surface. The sensor data can then be obtained from the sensor data receiver58at the surface, such as, using the techniques described above for obtaining the sensor data from the sensor data receiver28in theFIG.5example.

Referring additionally now toFIG.7, another example method of obtaining the sensor data from the well is representatively illustrated. In this example, the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36are received in an internal slot or recess60formed in the outer housing34. Thus, the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36are exposed to and accessible via the passage32.

As depicted inFIG.7, a receiver retrieval tool62is conveyed into the well (for example, using the wireline54or other conveyance16, etc.) and engaged with the detachable sub24. The receiver retrieval tool62is at least partially received in the passage32in this example.

A retrieval arm64of the receiver retrieval tool62is configured to engage the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36, in order to remove these components from the internal recess60. For example, the retrieval arm64could be configured similar to a conventional retrieval tool used with side pocket mandrels of the type well known to those skilled in the art. In such an example, the retrieval arm64could latch onto a fishing neck66at an upper end of the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36.

Note that it is not necessary in this example for the sensors36to be retrieved from the detachable sub24with the sensor data receiver28. It may be desirable for the sensors36to remain in the detachable sub24when the sensor data receiver28is retrieved to the surface (or in some examples the sensors36may not be used at all).

After the sensor data receiver28and the sensors36have been secured to the retrieval arm64, the retrieval tool62(with the sensor data receiver28and optionally the sensors36) can be retrieved to the surface. At the surface, the sensor data can be obtained from the sensor data receiver28using wired or wireless techniques as described above.

If desired, the sensor data receiver28and optionally the sensors36may be re-installed in the well after the sensor data has been obtained from the sensor data receiver at the surface. The retrieval tool62may be used for this purpose, or another installation tool may be used.

It may now be fully appreciated that the above disclosure provides significant advancements to the art of designing, constructing and utilizing sensor data collection systems for use in a subterranean well. In examples described above, sensor data from the sensors18can be obtained, even though the sensors18are positioned on a downhole side of a well barrier22set in the well.

Examples of a well tool assembly12for use in a subterranean well are described above. The well tool assembly12can comprise a well barrier22, and a detachable sub24connected to the well barrier22. The detachable sub24can comprise a sensor data receiver28.

The sensor data receiver28may be configured to receive sensor data transmitted from a first sensor18positioned on a first side of the well barrier22. The detachable sub24may be positioned on a second side of the well barrier22opposite the first side.

The sensor data receiver28may be configured to receive sensor data from a second sensor36positioned on the second side of the well barrier22.

The detachable sub24may comprise a passage32extending longitudinally through the detachable sub24. A closure30may be configured to selectively open and block the passage32.

The well tool assembly12may include a sensor data retrieval tool56releasably positioned in the passage32. The sensor data retrieval tool56may be configured to receive sensor data from the sensor data receiver28.

The well tool assembly12may include a receiver retrieval tool62releasably positioned in the passage32. The receiver retrieval tool62may be configured to retrieve the sensor data receiver28from the detachable sub24.

The detachable sub24and the sensor data receiver28may be releasable from the well barrier22in the well.

Examples of a method of retrieving sensor data from a subterranean well are also described above. The method can comprise: positioning a first sensor18on a first side of a well barrier22; connecting a detachable sub24on a second side of the well barrier22opposite the first side, the detachable sub24comprising a sensor data receiver28configured to receive sensor data from the first sensor18; and conveying the well barrier22, the first sensor18and the detachable sub24together into the subterranean well (i.e., in a single trip into the well).

The method may include setting the well barrier22, and then closing a closure30of the detachable sub24, thereby blocking a passage32extending longitudinally through the detachable sub24.

The method may include positioning the sensor data receiver28in an internal recess60of the detachable sub24, so that the sensor data receiver28is thereby accessible from the passage32.

The method may include conveying a receiver retrieval tool62at least partially into the passage32, and retrieving the sensor data receiver28from the detachable sub24in the well.

The method may include conveying a sensor data retrieval tool56at least partially into the passage32, and transmitting the sensor data from the sensor data receiver28to the sensor data retrieval tool56.

The method may include setting the well barrier22in the well, transmitting the sensor data from the first sensor18to the sensor data receiver28, releasing the detachable sub24from the well barrier22, and then retrieving the detachable sub24from the well.

The method may include positioning the sensor data receiver28in an external recess44of the detachable sub24.

The detachable sub24may include a second sensor36, and the sensor data receiver28may be configured to receive sensor data from the second sensor36.

Examples of a system10for use with a subterranean well are also described above. The system10can comprise: a first sensor18; a detachable sub24comprising a sensor data receiver28, a passage32extending longitudinally through the detachable sub24, and a closure30that selectively opens and blocks the passage32; and a well barrier22positioned between the first sensor18and the detachable sub24.

The sensor data receiver28may be configured to receive sensor data from the first sensor18. The sensor data receiver28may be configured to receive sensor data from a second sensor36of the detachable sub24.

The system10may include a sensor data retrieval tool56releasably positioned in the passage32. The sensor data retrieval tool56may be configured to receive sensor data from the sensor data receiver28.

The system10may include a receiver retrieval tool62releasably positioned in the passage32. The receiver retrieval tool62may be configured to retrieve the sensor data receiver28from the detachable sub24.

The detachable sub24and sensor data receiver28may be releasable from the well barrier22in the well.

The sensor data receiver28may be positioned in an internal recess60of the detachable sub24. The sensor data receiver28may be positioned in an external recess44of the detachable sub24.

In the above description of the representative examples, directional terms (such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “upward,” “downward,” etc.) are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular directions described herein.