Patent Publication Number: US-11643926-B2

Title: Well barrier sensor data storage and retrieval

Description:
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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a representative partially cross-sectional view of an example of a system and associated method which can embody principles of this disclosure, in which a well barrier is being conveyed into a well. 
         FIG.  2    is a representative partially cross-sectional view of the system and method, in which the well barrier is set in the well. 
         FIG.  3    is a representative cross-sectional view of an example of a junk catcher that may be used with the system and method. 
         FIG.  4    is a representative cross-sectional view of the junk catcher, taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a representative partially cross-sectional view of the system and method, in which a junk catcher is being retrieved from the well. 
         FIG.  6    is a representative partially cross-sectional view of another example of the system and method, in which a sensor data retrieval tool is being used to retrieve sensor data. 
         FIG.  7    is a representative partially cross-sectional view of another example of the system and method, in which a receiver retrieval tool is being used to retrieve a sensor data receiver. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representatively illustrated in  FIG.  1    is a system  10  and associated method which can embody principles of this disclosure. However, it should be clearly understood that the system  10  and 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 system  10  and method described herein and/or depicted in the drawings. 
     In the  FIG.  1    example, a well tool assembly  12  is conveyed into a wellbore  14  by a conveyance  16 . The conveyance  16  could 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 wellbore  14  is lined with casing  38  and cement  40 , and the wellbore is generally vertical as depicted in  FIG.  1   . However, in other examples the well tool assembly  12  could 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 wellbore  14  or any other features of the well as depicted in  FIG.  1   . 
     The well tool assembly  12  in this example includes one or more sensors  18 , a sensor data transmitter  20 , a well barrier  22 , a detachable sub  24  and a setting tool  26 . The detachable sub  24  depicted in  FIG.  1    is of the type known to those skilled in the art as a junk catcher, but other types of subs detachable from the well barrier  22  may 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 sensors  18  in 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 sensors  18  are connected to the sensor data transmitter  20 . The sensor data transmitter  20  is capable of transmitting sensor data from the sensors  18  to a sensor data receiver  28  of the detachable sub  24 . The sensor data transmitter  20  may include memory to store or buffer the sensor data prior to transmitting the sensor data to the sensor data receiver  28 . 
     Note that the sensors  18  and the sensor data transmitter  20  are connected on a downhole side of the well barrier  22 , and the sensor data receiver  28  is connected on an uphole side of the well barrier  22 . In this example, the sensor data transmitter  20  communicates with the sensor data receiver  28  wirelessly, for example, using acoustic, radio wave, electromagnetic, inductive, Bluetooth™ or other wireless communication technique. 
     Although the sensors  18  and the sensor data transmitter  20  are depicted in  FIG.  1    as extending downward from the well barrier  22 , in other examples the sensors and the sensor data transmitter could be enclosed in a housing connected to the well barrier. Alternatively, the sensors  18  and the sensor data transmitter  20  could be integrated into the well barrier or a housing thereof. 
     The well barrier  22  in the  FIG.  1    example comprises a bridge plug which, when set, completely isolates a downhole section of the wellbore  14  from an uphole section of the wellbore. In other examples, the well barrier  22  could 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 sub  24  in the  FIG.  1    example is used to prevent accumulation of debris on the well barrier  22 , which might otherwise prevent or hinder subsequent unsetting and retrieval of the well barrier from the wellbore  14 . For this purpose, the detachable sub  24  comprises a closure  30  that selectively opens and blocks a passage  32  that extends longitudinally through a generally tubular outer housing  34  of the detachable sub. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  1   , the closure  30  is in the form of a flapper that is biased toward a closed position. When the setting tool  26  is positioned in the passage  32 , the closure  30  is maintained in an open position (as shown in  FIG.  1   ). When the setting tool  26  is retrieved from the passage  32  after setting the well barrier  22 , the closure  30  is allowed to pivot to the closed position to block the passage. In other examples, the closure  30  could be in the form of a ball valve, a plug valve, a sliding panel, or any other type of closure. 
     In the  FIG.  1    example, the detachable sub  24  also optionally includes one or more sensors  36  connected to the sensor data receiver  28 . The sensors  36  may be similar to, or different from, the sensors  18 . Sensor data may be transmitted from the sensors  36  to the sensor data receiver  28  using wired or wireless techniques. 
     The sensor data receiver  28  may include memory to store the sensor data received from the sensors  18  and/or the sensors  36 . In some examples, the sensor data receiver  28  may also comprise a transmitter for transmitting the sensor data to another sensor data receiver positioned downhole, as described more fully below. 
     The setting tool  26  is used to set the well barrier  22  in the casing  38  in the  FIG.  1    example. In other examples, the well barrier  22  could be set in an uncased section of the wellbore  14 . Any type of setting tool may be used for setting the well barrier  22 , including but not limited to conventional hydraulic, electric and pyrotechnic setting tools. 
     Referring additionally now to  FIG.  2   , the system  10  is representatively illustrated after the setting tool  26  (see  FIG.  1   ) has been actuated to set the well barrier  22  in the well. The setting tool  26  has subsequently been released and retrieved from the well. When the setting tool  26  is withdrawn from the passage  32 , the closure  30  pivots downward and thereby blocks the passage above the well barrier  22 . 
     Setting the well barrier  22  causes it to grip and seal against the casing  38  in this example. If the well barrier  22  is instead set in an uncased section of the wellbore  14 , the well barrier would grip and seal against an inner wall of the wellbore. In some examples, the well barrier  22  may 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 tool  26  may not be used). 
     Referring additionally now to  FIG.  3   , a more detailed cross-sectional view of an example of the detachable sub  24  is representatively illustrated. An upper fishing neck  42  of the well barrier  22  is also depicted in  FIG.  3   . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  3   , the setting tool  26  is not received in the passage  32 , but the closure  30  is shown in its open position. In actual practice, when the setting tool  26  is withdrawn from the passage  32 , the closure  30  will displace to its closed position blocking the passage. 
     In the  FIG.  3    example, the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36  are received in an external slot or recess  44  formed in the outer housing  34 . Thus, the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36  are not accessible via the passage  32 . As described more fully below, in other examples the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36  may be accessible and exposed to the passage  32 . 
     The outer housing  34  in the  FIG.  3    example includes multiple threaded together components. In other examples, any or all of these components may be combined, so that the outer housing  34  includes fewer components. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular construction or configuration of the outer housing  34  or any other elements of the detachable sub  24 . 
     Referring additionally now to  FIG.  4   , a cross-sectional view of the detachable sub  24 , taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG.  3   , is representatively illustrated. In this view, a manner in which the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36  can be retained in the external recess  44  is visible. 
     In this example, the external recess  44  is in the form of a U-shaped slot or groove formed in an exterior surface of the outer housing  34 . Curved retainer plates  46  are shaped to conform to an outer diameter of the outer housing  34  and an outer diameter of the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36 . The retainer plates  46  may be secured to the outer housing  34  using conventional fasteners. 
     Referring additionally now to  FIG.  5   , an example of a method of retrieving the sensor data from the well is representatively illustrated. In this example, a junk catcher retrieval tool  48  is conveyed into the well and is engaged with the junk catcher outer housing  34  (for example, by latch members  50  of the retrieval tool engaging an internal profile  52  formed in the outer housing). 
     The retrieval tool  48  may be conveyed into the well using a variety of different techniques. As depicted in  FIG.  5   , a wireline  54  serves as a conveyance to convey the retrieval tool  48  into the well and into engagement with the detachable sub  24 . The wireline  54  may also be used to apply tension to the detachable sub  24 , in order to release the detachable sub from the well barrier  22  (which remains set in the well). In other examples, slickline, tubing or other types of conveyances may be used, and the detachable sub  24  may be released from the well barrier  22  using 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 sub  24  is released from the well barrier  22 , the detachable sub (with the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36 ) can be retrieved to the surface. At the surface, the sensor data can be obtained from the sensor data receiver  28 , 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 receiver  28 . 
     If desired, the detachable sub  24  (optionally including the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36 ) may be re-installed in the well after the sensor data has been obtained from the sensor data receiver at the surface. The retrieval tool  48  may be used for this purpose, or another installation tool may be used. 
     Referring additionally now to  FIG.  6   , another example method of obtaining the sensor data from the well is representatively illustrated. In this example, a sensor data retrieval tool  56  is conveyed at least partially into the passage  32  (such as, using the wireline  54  or another conveyance  16 , etc.) and engaged with the detachable sub  24 . 
     The sensor data retrieval tool  56  in this example includes a sensor data receiver  58 . The sensor data receiver  58  may be similar to, or different from, the sensor data receiver  28 . In the  FIG.  6    example, the sensor data receiver  28  can also include a transmitter (e.g., similar to the sensor data transmitter  20  of  FIG.  1    to transmit the sensor data to the sensor data receiver  58 ). 
     Preferably, the sensor data receivers  28 ,  58  are 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 tool  56  is appropriately positioned in the passage  32 . Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular technique for transmitting the sensor data from the sensor data receiver  28  to the sensor data receiver  58 . 
     After the sensor data has been received by the sensor data receiver  58 , the retrieval tool  56  can be disengaged from the detachable sub  24  and retrieved to the surface. The sensor data can then be obtained from the sensor data receiver  58  at the surface, such as, using the techniques described above for obtaining the sensor data from the sensor data receiver  28  in the  FIG.  5    example. 
     Referring additionally now to  FIG.  7   , another example method of obtaining the sensor data from the well is representatively illustrated. In this example, the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36  are received in an internal slot or recess  60  formed in the outer housing  34 . Thus, the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36  are exposed to and accessible via the passage  32 . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  7   , a receiver retrieval tool  62  is conveyed into the well (for example, using the wireline  54  or other conveyance  16 , etc.) and engaged with the detachable sub  24 . The receiver retrieval tool  62  is at least partially received in the passage  32  in this example. 
     A retrieval arm  64  of the receiver retrieval tool  62  is configured to engage the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36 , in order to remove these components from the internal recess  60 . For example, the retrieval arm  64  could 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 arm  64  could latch onto a fishing neck  66  at an upper end of the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36 . 
     Note that it is not necessary in this example for the sensors  36  to be retrieved from the detachable sub  24  with the sensor data receiver  28 . It may be desirable for the sensors  36  to remain in the detachable sub  24  when the sensor data receiver  28  is retrieved to the surface (or in some examples the sensors  36  may not be used at all). 
     After the sensor data receiver  28  and the sensors  36  have been secured to the retrieval arm  64 , the retrieval tool  62  (with the sensor data receiver  28  and optionally the sensors  36 ) can be retrieved to the surface. At the surface, the sensor data can be obtained from the sensor data receiver  28  using wired or wireless techniques as described above. 
     If desired, the sensor data receiver  28  and optionally the sensors  36  may be re-installed in the well after the sensor data has been obtained from the sensor data receiver at the surface. The retrieval tool  62  may 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 sensors  18  can be obtained, even though the sensors  18  are positioned on a downhole side of a well barrier  22  set in the well. 
     Examples of a well tool assembly  12  for use in a subterranean well are described above. The well tool assembly  12  can comprise a well barrier  22 , and a detachable sub  24  connected to the well barrier  22 . The detachable sub  24  can comprise a sensor data receiver  28 . 
     The sensor data receiver  28  may be configured to receive sensor data transmitted from a first sensor  18  positioned on a first side of the well barrier  22 . The detachable sub  24  may be positioned on a second side of the well barrier  22  opposite the first side. 
     The sensor data receiver  28  may be configured to receive sensor data from a second sensor  36  positioned on the second side of the well barrier  22 . 
     The detachable sub  24  may comprise a passage  32  extending longitudinally through the detachable sub  24 . A closure  30  may be configured to selectively open and block the passage  32 . 
     The well tool assembly  12  may include a sensor data retrieval tool  56  releasably positioned in the passage  32 . The sensor data retrieval tool  56  may be configured to receive sensor data from the sensor data receiver  28 . 
     The well tool assembly  12  may include a receiver retrieval tool  62  releasably positioned in the passage  32 . The receiver retrieval tool  62  may be configured to retrieve the sensor data receiver  28  from the detachable sub  24 . 
     The detachable sub  24  and the sensor data receiver  28  may be releasable from the well barrier  22  in 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 sensor  18  on a first side of a well barrier  22 ; connecting a detachable sub  24  on a second side of the well barrier  22  opposite the first side, the detachable sub  24  comprising a sensor data receiver  28  configured to receive sensor data from the first sensor  18 ; and conveying the well barrier  22 , the first sensor  18  and the detachable sub  24  together into the subterranean well (i.e., in a single trip into the well). 
     The method may include setting the well barrier  22 , and then closing a closure  30  of the detachable sub  24 , thereby blocking a passage  32  extending longitudinally through the detachable sub  24 . 
     The method may include positioning the sensor data receiver  28  in an internal recess  60  of the detachable sub  24 , so that the sensor data receiver  28  is thereby accessible from the passage  32 . 
     The method may include conveying a receiver retrieval tool  62  at least partially into the passage  32 , and retrieving the sensor data receiver  28  from the detachable sub  24  in the well. 
     The method may include conveying a sensor data retrieval tool  56  at least partially into the passage  32 , and transmitting the sensor data from the sensor data receiver  28  to the sensor data retrieval tool  56 . 
     The method may include setting the well barrier  22  in the well, transmitting the sensor data from the first sensor  18  to the sensor data receiver  28 , releasing the detachable sub  24  from the well barrier  22 , and then retrieving the detachable sub  24  from the well. 
     The method may include positioning the sensor data receiver  28  in an external recess  44  of the detachable sub  24 . 
     The detachable sub  24  may include a second sensor  36 , and the sensor data receiver  28  may be configured to receive sensor data from the second sensor  36 . 
     Examples of a system  10  for use with a subterranean well are also described above. The system  10  can comprise: a first sensor  18 ; a detachable sub  24  comprising a sensor data receiver  28 , a passage  32  extending longitudinally through the detachable sub  24 , and a closure  30  that selectively opens and blocks the passage  32 ; and a well barrier  22  positioned between the first sensor  18  and the detachable sub  24 . 
     The sensor data receiver  28  may be configured to receive sensor data from the first sensor  18 . The sensor data receiver  28  may be configured to receive sensor data from a second sensor  36  of the detachable sub  24 . 
     The system  10  may include a sensor data retrieval tool  56  releasably positioned in the passage  32 . The sensor data retrieval tool  56  may be configured to receive sensor data from the sensor data receiver  28 . 
     The system  10  may include a receiver retrieval tool  62  releasably positioned in the passage  32 . The receiver retrieval tool  62  may be configured to retrieve the sensor data receiver  28  from the detachable sub  24 . 
     The detachable sub  24  and sensor data receiver  28  may be releasable from the well barrier  22  in the well. 
     The sensor data receiver  28  may be positioned in an internal recess  60  of the detachable sub  24 . The sensor data receiver  28  may be positioned in an external recess  44  of the detachable sub  24 . 
     Although various examples have been described above, with each example having certain features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for a particular feature of one example to be used exclusively with that example. Instead, any of the features described above and/or depicted in the drawings can be combined with any of the examples, in addition to or in substitution for any of the other features of those examples. One example&#39;s features are not mutually exclusive to another example&#39;s features. Instead, the scope of this disclosure encompasses any combination of any of the features. 
     Although each example described above includes a certain combination of features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for all features of an example to be used. Instead, any of the features described above can be used, without any other particular feature or features also being used. 
     It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various configurations, without departing from the principles of this disclosure. The embodiments are described merely as examples of useful applications of the principles of the disclosure, which is not limited to any specific details of these embodiments. 
     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. 
     The terms “including,” “includes,” “comprising,” “comprises,” and similar terms are used in a non-limiting sense in this specification. For example, if a system, method, apparatus, device, etc., is described as “including” a certain feature or element, the system, method, apparatus, device, etc., can include that feature or element, and can also include other features or elements. Similarly, the term “comprises” is considered to mean “comprises, but is not limited to.” 
     Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful consideration of the above description of representative embodiments of the disclosure, readily appreciate that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be made to the specific embodiments, and such changes are contemplated by the principles of this disclosure. For example, structures disclosed as being separately formed can, in other examples, be integrally formed and vice versa. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.