Patent ID: 6915848

Claim:
A method for controlling operation of a downhole apparatus in a well responsive to identification codes conveyed from the surface, comprising: providing a tubing string in the well having a conveyance passage therein; providing downhole a detector in communication with said conveyance passage for receiving telemetry element identification codes, and a processor for receiving and processing telemetry element identification codes and having at least one control signal output for controlling operation of said downhole apparatus; moving a telemetry element having at least one identification code through said conveyance passage from the surface into communication proximity with said detector, wherein the telemetry element is a fluid having a specified property representing an identification code; processing said at least one identification code of said telemetry element by said processor and providing at least one control signal output based on a preprogrammed response corresponding to said at least one identification code; and selectively controlling at least one downhole well operation with said at least one control signal output, wherein said detector has the capability of sensing said specified property and generating signal responsive thereto.