MX2013002447A - Systems and methods for monitoring a parameter of a subterranean formation using swellable materials. - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for monitoring a parameter of a subterranean formation using swellable materials is disclosed. The system may include a sensor device configured to detect a parameter of a subterranean formation. The system may also include a swellable material configured to position the sensor device toward a surface of the subterranean formation by swelling of the swellable material. The system may further include a telescoping section coupled to the sensor device and emplaced in the swellable material. The telescoping section may be configured to extend with the positioning of the sensor device.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO MONITOR A PARAMETER OF ONE UNDERGROUND TRAINING USING INFLATAMATERIALS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the monitoring of underground formations and, more particularly, to systems and methods for monitoring a parameter of an underground formation using inflatamaterials.

The monitoring of the behavior of a deposit due to the processes of injection and production is an important element in the optimization of the performance and economy of the operations of completion and production. i Examples of these processes may include hydraulic fracturing / water flooding, steam flooding, i misciflooding, drilling well conditioning operations, remediation treatments and many other hydrocarbon production activities, such as injection of cuts by drilling, sequestration of ¡C02, waste water produced, and various activities associated with the injection of hazardous waste. Because changes to the reservoir can be difficult to resolve with surface monitoring technology, it may be desirato place sensor instruments in the bottom of the well or near the depth of the reservoir in any special monitoring well or within the wells. injection and production wells.

Challenges with downhole measurements can include, securely coupling sensor packages to the rock mass, isolating the packages as much as possispa against noise in the borehole, and providing cabling paths (if necessary) to transmit data to the surface. The sensors can be displayed permanently or can be recovered. The sensor packets that can be recovered frequently are displayed in wired lines, but also in piping in I serpentine or production pipeline. The arrays 1 displayed blocked in the borehole through stress by bending and friction. However, these types of deployment may be susceptito coupling pros if the fixing arms do not fully extend, if the I magnets are placed over slag or other irregularities in the borehole, or if the coiled tubing is not wedged against the jacketed wall. . : i Permanent sensors can be cemented in place, but this can be a difficult and expensive process for adjustasensor arrays. Successful deployments of large sensor arrays may have inserts attached to the tubing inside the cladding tube I cemented with the pipe after cemented inside the cladding tube. Attempts to directly place sensor arrays on the outside of the cladding tube have often been unsuccessful due to damage to the array during placement. A successful deployment of cemented sensors may still be susceptito transferred noise either up or down the tubulars i due to the fixation to the casing pipe or tube. i SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to monitoring underground formations and, more particularly, to systems and methods for monitoring a parameter of an underground formation using inflatamaterials.

In one aspect ,. A system for monitoring a parameter of an underground formation using inflatamaterials is disclosed. The system may include a sensor device configured to detect a parameter of an underground formation. The system may also include an inflatamaterial configured to place the sensor device towards a surface of the underground formation by means of the lining of the inflatamaterial.

The system may further include a collapsisection coupled to the sensor device and located in the inflatamaterial. The folding section can be configured Ipara '· I extend with the positioning of the sensor device.

In one embodiment, the sensor device is located at least partially in the inflatable material.

In one embodiment, the inflatable material is further configured to place the sensor device against the surface of the underground formation by means of casting.

In one embodiment, the opera sensor device for communicating a signal related to the parameter of the underground formation. j In one embodiment, the folding section is configured to allow positioning of the sensor device while the sensor device is operating to communicate a signal related to the parameter of the sensor. 'i underground formation. | In one embodiment, the inflatable material is on an outer surface of a tubular body and is configured to position the sensor device away from the I i pipe by swelling. In one embodiment, the inflatable material is also configured to reduce an effect í using inflatable materials. The system may include a detection tool configured to detect a parameter of an underground formation. The detection tool may include a generally tubular body. The system can also inc exterior surface of inflatable material also detection tool a surface of the underground formation through the ! i swelling of the inflatable material. i In one embodiment, the inflatable material comprises a plurality of inflatable elements placed at the shoulder of the generally tubular body.

In one embodiment, the inflatable material: surrounds at least substantially a generally tubular body length. In one embodiment, the inflatable material is configured to anchor the detection tool against the surface of the underground formation. ! In one embodiment, the inflatable material comprises a plurality of inflatable elements positioned along the generally tubular body, wherein each inflatable member partially surrounds a corresponding length of the generally tubular body.

In one embodiment, the inflatable material extends longitudinally along a generally tubular body length. i I In still another aspect, a method is disclosed! to monitor a parameter of an underground formation. The method may include, introduce a detection tool I to a well of sounding. The detection tool can '.' i include a generally tubular body and is configured to detect a parameter of an underground formation. The method may also include placing the detection tool in a position corresponding to a surface of the borehole by swelling an inflatable material. The inflatable material can be placed on an outer surface of the generally tubular body! The method may also include detecting a parameter of an underground formation with the detection device. In one modality, the comprises substantially center between at least two opposing points on the surface of the borehole.

In one modality, the inflatable material a plurality of inflatable elements placed, along the length of the generally tubular body. j In one embodiment, the swollen material surrounds at least substantially one body length generally , i tubular.

In one embodiment, the positioning step comprises anchoring the detection tool against the , | I surface of the borehole. | I In one embodiment, the swelling material extends longitudinally along a length of the body | 'I generally tubular. j In one modality, the detection tool p (may '' 'i be a part of the system described above. j Some embodiments of the disclosed invention allow for a retractable sensor device j and / or tool that can re-enter a state! retracted Some modalities allow inflation controls! which can be adapted for inflating and / or discharging inflatable materials. | I í The features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Although many changes can be made by those skilled in the art, such changes are within the scope of the invention.; I BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Some specific exemplary embodiments of the disclosure may be understood by reference, in part, to the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1A and IB are partial schematic cross sectional views of a monitoring system using inflatable materials according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. i Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a monitoring system using hinchable materials according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. ' Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a monitoring system using inflatable materials according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.; Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are schematic cross-sectional views of a monitoring system i will infer a limitation of that type. Subject matter disclosed has the capacity for modification, alteration and considerable equivalents in form and function, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION '| The systems, devices and methods of the; This disclosure may allow the deployment of sensors in ', i; Permanent, semi-permanent, and / or recoverable applications with minimal effect on the borehole, superior coupling to the rock mass, minimum vibratory degrees of freedom, and significant isolation against the sound of the borehole for those cases where the tank monitoring is desirable. In certain modalities, sensors can | 'I must be located at least partially inside the lining fillers for direct coupling to tubulars with maximum insulation against the rock mass for: cases where . I wish to monitor the deformation of the pipe! and / or noise / flow activity within the pipeline. said swelling fillers can be. built from i! elastomers that swell when exposed to hydrocarbons . I or water, depending on the application, in order to seal and isolate areas within the borehole. Swelling fillers can provide mediantje coupling j swelling and forced of a sensor packet ya1 be : · Against a formation, a borehole, or any rigid point of contact. In some embodiments, inflatable materials may be implemented to centralize or decentralize sensor and / or sensor tools within a sounding well, depending on the desire to place the sensors and / or sensor tools in a position; central or decentralized. · Illustrative embodiments of the present: invention are described here in detail. For clarity, not all! the characteristics of a real implementation can be described in this specification. Of course it will be appreciated that in the development of any real modality of this type, numerous specific decisions of the implementation must be taken to achieve the objectives of the specific implementation, which will vary from one implementation to another. i In addition, it will be appreciated that such a development effort could be complex and time-consuming, but would nonetheless be > a routine for those skilled in the art who enjoy the i benefit of the present disclosure.; To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, the following examples of some embodiments are provided. In no way should the following examples be read to limit, or define, the scope of the invention. Modalities of the present disclosure may apply to horizontal, vertical, deviated, or otherwise non-linear sounding wells in any type of underground formation. Modalities can be applied to injection wells as well as production wells, including hydrocarbon wells. In addition to implementations of well jacketing and well bore pipe, modalities can be applied to securely plant surface instruments in a soft, wavy soil. i Figure 1A illustrates a system 100 where a body I tubular 105 having an axis 105A is shown, placed in a borehole 140 and adjacent to the wall 120. As shown, the tubular body 105 can be non-jacketed section of borehole 140 tubular 105 may be placed in a jacketed section or in a floor near the surface in other embodiments. The tubular body 105 can provide a conduit for The formation fluids move through it. The system 100 may include a pack of sensors 110 completely or partially jacketed in an inflatable element 115. The I sensor pack 110 may be placed in or; near | an outer limit of the inflatable element 115.

Clearly, it should be understood that the principles of This disclosure is not limited to use with a sensor, sensor pack, detection device or particular tool. Rather, the principles of this disclosure apply to a wide variety of devices, tools and methods. Two common sensors for monitoring the 1st dew point are seismic and strain sensors. 110 may include, for example, a Accelerometer, a hydrophone, or other device that detects the movement of the ground either due to source firing (by ; Example: vertical seismic profiling or cross-section recognition) or passive behavior such as micro-seismicity : and / or noise in the borehole and deposit. Also, for example, the sensor pack 110 may include a sensor j to measure the deformation in the well bottom environment, i such as an inclinometer that measures the displacement gradient, or any instrument that 1 j measures differential displacement in the reservoir.

A line 135 can be coupled to the sensor pack 110. Line 135 can be any,? a combination of a multi-conductor cable, a single conductor cable, a fiber optic cable, a fiber optic bundle, and a conduit or umbilical containing wires, optical fibers, and control lines to provide a connection I hydraulic at the bottom of the well. In some embodiments, line 135 may be a wired line. In some embodiments, line 135 may be a means for placing sensor pack 110 in borehole 140. In the alternative, the sensor pack 110 and the inflatable material can be coupled to the tubular body 05 and introduced into the borehole 140 together. The line 135 can also be a means for communicating electrical signals, such as indications of a parameter associated with the underground formation, between the sensor pack 110 and a data collection system and / or control system at a remote location, such as the surface of the earth or an underwater location. In some modalities, the line! 135 may be a means for communicating with another well tool at another location in the borehole 140 or other borehole. As shown, a portion of the line 135 can be jacketed into the swellable element 115. In alternative embodiments, the sensor pack 1! Be able to communicate through any type of telemetry; such jcomo 1 1 acoustics, pulse pressure, electromagnetic telemetry or any wireless medium.; 1 Referring now to Figure IB, there is shown system 100 of Figure 1A. with the inflatable element 115 in an expanded configuration. When the inflatable element 115 comes into contact with the activation agent, the inflatable element 115 expands radially outwards. As illustrated in FIG. IB, the inflatable member 115 may come into contact with the wall of the borehole 120 due to swelling. The package of; sensors 110 may include a collapsible section 130 configured to extend outward toward the wall 120 together with ;; I the expansion of the inflatable element 115 so that the inflatable element 115 actually pulls the sensor pack 110 towards the wall 120. In some embodiments, the inflatable element 115 may force the sensor pack 110 to come in contact with the wall. 120 and / or pair projecting partially or completely into the wall 120. The folding section 130 may include any means through which the sensor pack 110 can be displaced while maintains the connection with the portion of line 135 jacketed on the inflatable element 115. For example, the The folding element 130 can include an expandable arm or an expandable cavity within the inflatable element 115 that houses a length of line 135 with sufficient clearance corresponding to the displacement of the sensor pack 110. i Some modalities can use a single element I inflatable 115 as shown in Figures 1A and IB. Other modalities can use multiple ': inflatable elements. Although not shown in Figures 1AI and IB, one or more additional inflatable elements may be; placed around the pipe 105. i I It is recognized that the inflatable element can be made of different materials, shapes, and sizes. For example, the inflatable element 115 can be deployed on the pipe with a symmetrical ring configuration. The inflatable member 115 may assume an annular shape surrounding or partially surrounding the pipe 105, and may be any elastomeric sleeve, ring, or convenient band! for ; : j expand within a space between the pipe 105 and a : i outer pipe, jacket tube, or drill hole. ! The term "inflate" and similar terms (such as "inflatable") are used herein to indicate an increase in the volume of a material. Typically, this increase in I the volume is due to the incorporation of molecular components of a fluid in the inflatable material itself, but other mechanisms or techniques of swelling can be used, if desired. The inflatable element 115 can include one or more inflatable materials that swell I when they are contacted by an activation agent, such as i an inorganic or organic fluid. In one modality; An inflatable material can be a material that swells upon contact with and / or absorption of a hydrocarbon, i such as oil. In another modality, an inflatable material i can be a material that swells upon contact with and / or absorption of an aqueous fluid. The hydrocarbon is absorbed into the inflatable material so that the volume of the inflatable material increases the creation of a radial expansion of the inflatable material when it is placed around a base pipe that creates a radially outwardly directed force that can operate to radially extend elements. foldable as it was: described above. The inflatable material can be expanded until its outer surface contacts the forming face in an open hole completion or the jacketing wall in a jacketed borehole. Accordingly, the inflatable material can provide the force to extend the foldable element 130 of the sensor pack! 110 ja the surface of the formation such as the wall of the well 1 I poll 120. < \ j Suitable inflatable elements include, but are not limited to, inflatable fillers disclosed in United States Patent Nos. 3,385,367; 7,059,415; and 7,143,832; whose disclosures are incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the inflatable element 115 1 | i can be individually designed for the anticipated conditions for a particular case expected temperatures and pressures exemplary inflatable materials elastic, such as EPDM rubber, ; 'I natural, monomer rubber. of ethylene-propylene, 1 'ethylene-propylene copolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate rubber, hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile rubber i butadiene, isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, chloropropyl rubber and polinorbo materiale through material The inflatable materials may also have other materials dissolved in, or may be in mechanical admixture therewith, such as cell fibers isa.

Additional options may be rubber in mechanical mixing with polyvinyl chloride, methyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, ethylacetate or other polymers that expand in contact with petroleum. Other inflatable impeties that behave in a similar manner with respect to hydrocarbon fluids or aqueous fluids may also be desirable.

; ·; Those skilled in the art, who enjoy the benefit i j! of this disclosure, may select a suitable swellable material for use in the present invention with a a variety of factors, including the desired characteristics and inflatables of the inflatable material and the conditions '; i. I environment in which it will be deployed. i In some modalities, the swelling materials The inflatable material can have a pore size that is For example, the inflatable material may have ün; pore size less than 1 mm. '' J As discussed above, the fluid / agent Activation may comprise a hydrocarbon fluid or an aqueous fluid. In addition, an activation fluid may comprise additional additives such as weighting agents, acids, acid generation compounds, and the like, or any other additive that does not affect: adversely the activation fluid or inflatable material with the which can come into contact. For example,; It can be I desirable to include an acid and / or a generation compound :! ':. 1 acid to degrade at least partially any cake of · | '|| · I filter that may be present inside a borehole.

One skilled in the art, with the benefit ^ of this '' '' disclosure, you will recognize that the compatibility of any : The particular additive should be tested to ensure that it does not adversely affect the performance of the '|': I activation or the inflatable material. 1 The activation agent can be introduced to the I inflatable material in a variety of ways. He; Activating agent can be injected into the borehole or jacketed tube from a source on the surface.; In other embodiments, the activation agent can be colored in the borehole or jacketed tube and released on demand. In still other embodiments, swelling of the inflatable material can be delayed, if desired. a 'membrane or coating can be in all surfaces of the material so : i swelling of the material. The membrane or coating could I have a slower swelling speed, a :: slower fluid diffusion rate through the I membrane or coating, in order to delay the swelling of the material. The membrane or coating could have a reduced permeability or it could break in response to ; | Exposure to certain amounts of time and / or certain 1 i temperatures. Suitable techniques and arrangements for delaying the swelling of an inflatable material are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,143,832 and 7,562) 704, i whose disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

Inflatable materials of certain modalities i can have the ability to shrink or they can || ': i disintegrate. A fluid / deactivating agent, for example, may comprise a salt compound which would cause the swollen materials to contract by means of osmosis; A fluid / disintegrating agent, for example, may comprise some chemical adapted to chemically destroy the inflatable material. In any case, the shrinking or disintegration of the inflatable material allows the de-anchoring of the sensor or tool device. In alternative embodiments, the system 100 may comprise a sampling packet (not shown) in place of or in addition to the sensor pack 110. The sampling pack may comprise an extendable straw or functional equivalent. When the inflatable element 115 comes into contact with an activating agent, the inflatable element 115 expands radially outwardly and can be sealed around an area of the borehole wall 120. The sampling package, which comes in contact With the formation, it can facilitate the flow of fluid from the formation so that the fluid can be monitored by the sensors. Alternatively or additionally, the formation fluid at that point can be used as a source of fluid energy. Alternatively or additionally, the sampling packet, which comes into contact with the training, can obtain a sample from the location. Then, by means of the de-swelling processes disclosed herein, the system 100 can be retracted from the borehole 120 and the sample can be recovered from the sampling package.

I i Figure 2 illustrates a system 200 where an inflatable element 215 allows a symmetrical instrument tool to be held within a hole or | Jacketed tube. A tool 205 can be or include a device. of sensor, a microseismic, or any other the vibrations degrade their fidelity. As shown, the tool 205 may comprise a tubular body: r and p 1: i I be placed in a non-jacketed section of the probing well 240. Alternatively, the tool 205 may be placed in a jacketed borehole. Some models may include umbilical lines, wired lines, or surface pipes that could be incorporated to allow the positioning and / or monitoring of tool 205 and downhole sensors, for electrically activated controls of sub-surface equipment. surface, to: inject chemicals, or any combination thereof. In alternative modalities, communication with the '' tool 205 can be achieved through any type of ',' it will be, such as acoustics, pulse pressure or electromagnetic telemetry. ' One or more inflatable elements 215 may be coupled to the tool 205 and may be configured to expand in order to anchor symmetrically, or substantially symmetrically, the tool 205 against; a wall 220 of the borehole or jacketed tube. For example, the inflatable elements 215 may be configured to swell, due to contact with an agent I of activation, to a position 210. As illustrated by the position 210, the inflatable elements 215 may come into contact with the wall 220 at the time of expansion.

The inflatable elements 215 can be any elastomeric sleeve, band, ring, or other annular shape surrounding or partially surrounding the pipe 205 and convenient to expand between the tool 205 and the wall 220, provided the inflatable elements 215 anchor; the tool 205 in a symmetrical or substantially symmetric manner. For example, when a configuration of; the inflatable elements 215 completely surrounds the tool 205, the tool 205 can be well centered in the borehole or jacketed tube so that microseismic energy can reach the tool 205 substantially evenly from all sides. In some embodiments, a symmetrical, or substantially symmetric system similar to system 200 may surround a geophone planted in a shallow-surface borehole to suppress the uncoupled oscillations of the instrument.

Contact of the area of inflatable elements 215 with the tool 205 provides rigidity and allows the displacement of modal vibrations to higher frequencies above the range of the micro-organisms or other sources that are being monitored. Because they expand in the available space, the swelling elements themselves are very convenient for use in irregular holes since the tool contact is necessarily knock-or-fail along the length of the tool in said scenarios.

Similar swelling applied to sensors Surface-based (eg, geophones or shallow bore inclinometers) allow the firm location which, in contrast to permanent cementation,: enables subsequent recovery and reuse. In some embodiments, the inflatable elements 215 may form seals in the borehole 240 by swelling. The inflatable elements 215 can therefore prevent the fluid from flowing out of an interval along: from the body of the tool 205. In some embodiments, the inflatable elements 215 can be configured to effectively isolate all, or almost all , the body of the hermitette, 205, as desired. j Figure 3 illustrates a system 300: where an inflatable element 315 allows an asymmetric instrument tool to be held within a well of Jondeo 340. One or more inflatable elements 315 can be to tool 305 in an asymmetric way; way that ;; ! the inflatable elements 315 anchor the tool 305 in an asymmetric manner. In said configuration, the tool 305 can be pushed up against a side 3.20 of the well j of sounding or jacketed tube, where the tool 305 can receive microseismic energy through: direct contact. The inflatable elements 315 can push the tool against the hole wall more evenly and steadily along its length, compared to conventional approaches.

It should be understood, by virtue of this disclosure, that a number of combinations of piping and / or wired line running with a jacketed, annular or partial ring deployment may have advantages that may be exploited j for a given monitoring situation, such as for example | ; I protection against noise, temperature or chemistry; of the borehole and to fit appropriately with what is really being monitored. 'i Figures 4A-4D illustrate a system 400; . | · I on a wired line using an eccentric swell adapter to hold a tool 405¡. An inflatable member 415 may run along a length of the tool 405 to allow the asymmetric instrument tool to be held in a borehole or jacketed tube. The inflatable element 415 can be adjusted along a fastener 410; Figures 4A and 4B show the inflatable element 415 before activation. Figures 4C and 4D show the inflatable member 415 in an expanded position after contact with an activating agent. The expansion may cause the inflatable member 415 and the tool 405 to contact the wall 420 of the borehole or casing tube.

Figures 5A-5H illustrate a system 500 where a tubular body 505 is shown placed in a borehole or jacketed tube 540 and adjacent wall 575. Figures 5A and 5B respectively illustrate partial and perspective side views of the system 500 in a retracted state. Figures 5C and 5D respectively illustrate partial and perspective side views of the system 500 in an expanded state. The tubular body 505 may be surrounded by an inner array 510 and an outer array 515. The tubular body 505 may be provided; with flute 555 or other means configured to prevent rotation of the inner arrangement 510 around the tubular body 505. The tubular body 505 may be provided with an o; more flanges 545 near the interior arrangement 510 and configured to anchor the interior arrangement 510 in order to prevent axial movement with respect to the tubular body 505. i The inner array 510 and the array 515 may respectively include 5 15A components, placed in a generally circular arrangement: annular and / or cylindrical. For example, as shown in the cross-section representations in the figures | 5B and 5D, one or more components 510A, 515A generally form sectors or partial arcs. The components 510A, 515A may be solid or hollow pieces and may be made of metal, 1 '|| i'; i composite material or other suitable material, j One or more sensor packages 550 'are available I coupling to outer array 515. Each pack of sensorejs 550 i may have at least one portion extending to a component 515A. In some embodiments, one or more sensor packs may be coupled to the interior array 505. In some embodiments, one or more sensor packs may be coupled to the interior array 505 and the outer array 1 | i 515. In the later mode, the sensor packages can be configured to cancel the noise at the end of the noise induced by the tubular.; As shown, the interior arrangement 510 and the exterior arrangement 515 can be attached by means of one p plus struts 520. The struts 520 can be configured to I have a degree of freedom and, for example, can be linked in an oscillating manner to one or both of the inner arrangement 5~10 and the outer arrangement 515. It may be preferable that an oscillating joint be associated with either one or the other ' of the interior arrangement 510 and the exterior arrangement 515, so that both can maintain a stable configuration during insertion into or recovery of the hole. In an exemplary embodiment, the oscillating joint may be of a hinge type and may have a vertical length around a rotation arm. In some embodiments, the oscillating joint may include paths for electrical signal lines. ' 1 Adjacent components 510A, 515A may be coupled together. For example, without limitation, each component 510A, 515A may be coupled to a component i adjacent 510A, 515A through a mandrel and / or a sleeve of ; i expansion. As shown, adjacent components 510A of inner array 510 are coupled through; the expansion sleeves 525. Adjacent components 515A > of the outer array 515 are coupled through expansion sleeves 530. The expansion sleeves 525 and 530 can partially enclose, surround or otherwise wrap portions of adjacent circular components 510A and 515A, thereby assisting the generally circular alignment of the components 510A and 515A. The expansion sleeves 525 and! 530 They can be made of metal, composite material or other suitable type of material. j I Figures 5E-5J illustrate an example of an expansion sleeve 530 around adjacent circular components 515A. Figure 5E illustrates a state not expanded, while Figure 5F illustrates an expanded state! The adjacent components 510A can be configured to allow a region 535 therebetween when! They are not level. Inflatable elements may be placed in region 535. In one example, elastomer 530A may be placed in region 535 with swelling controls 560.

Although not shown, an expansion sleeve 5 and adjacent circular components 510A may be configured in a similar manner. The elements; inflatables can be configured to expand generally from : . tangentially to the interior arrangement 510 so that the interior arrangement 510 expands generally; tangentially, as opposed to the radial way. the inflatable elements, in conjunction with others system 500, they provide a mechanism for (that | the system 500 separates from the tubular body. i > : i As shown in Figure 5G, the swelling controls 560 may include fluid lines! I i |:: | I electric 565 that can be configured for; transmit activating agent and / or activate valves 570. Valve 570 may include one or more reservoirs and may operate to disperse the activating agent to the inflatable materials 515A. Through this means or through a similar means, ; 'i I Swelling controls 560 can be adapted to inflate the inflatable materials 515A so that the I System 500 can be separated from the tubular body. 'j In addition to the separation, the inflatable elements can similarly provide a mechanism for reattachment. For example, it may be preferable that the inflatable elements are inflatable in water. A deflating agent may include salt to extract water from a water-swellable material by osmosis. The electrical lines can then be used to expose the inflatable elements to a deflating agent! in order to shrink the inflatable material, thus changing the tool to a retracted state that would allow the retrieval of the tool. Therefore, the inflation controls 560 1 i can be adapted for the deflation of materials I inflatable 515A. i Figures 5H and 51 show diagrams of I an exemplary embodiment of a valve 570. By way of example without limitation, valve 570 may include a reservoir of deflating agent 572 and / or a reservoir of: I swelling 574. A 576 slider may include ports that i can be selectively aligned with a deposit of deflating agent 572 and / or a swelling agent reservoir 574. For example, Figure 51 shows a view of the slide where ports 578A are shown in an open state and aligned with a reservoir port .: Ports 578B they are shown in a closed state and not aligned with a depot port. The 570 valve can be configured i with the slide 576 to allow controlled feeding i from an agent to the inflatable material. The slide 576 can be activated by hydraulic mechanisms or a device I electrical such as an electromagnet at either end. In alternative embodiments, one or both of the valve 570 and the slide 576 may be adapted so that the ports of the slide may be selectively aligned with the ports of a reservoir by rotation, instead of lateral movement of the slide 576. indicated in figure 5H. For example, the slide 576 may have a disk shape with ports that can be rotated about a center.

Figure 5J illustrates a mandrel 525A that can be used in the alternative or in addition to the expansion sleeves to couple two or more adjacent circular components 510A and 515A. The mandrel 525A can be used as a single or double ended piston to avoid or minimize the lateral expansion so that the expansion is directed along a mandrel axis. In some embodiments, secondary mandrels can be preferred in the exterior array 515 to change the center point | of the inner arrangement 510 since the tubular body 505 'not always' can be centered in the well in the hole 540. i The inflatable elements can be included j with the mandrels 525A. As shown in Figure 5J, a mandrel 525A may include an outer body 525B that at least partially surrounds an elastomer material; 525C.j The elastomer material 525C is shown in a partially expanded state. The outer body 525B may comprise metal, a composite material, or any other suitable material. Although the mandrel 525A is shown as : i having a particular form, it should be understood that the shape and implementation of the mandrel 525A can be subject to considerable modification, as would be understood by one skilled in the art who enjoys the benefit of this ' ' 1 ! divulgation.; |:, II Therefore, in the expanded state, the system 500 allows sensor packets to be deployed in a j been without direct physical contact or; intermediate structural contact with the tubular body. By having the tool placed against the side of the hole without contact direct solid-to-solid with tubular body, packages of sensors are supporting a degree of acoustic insulation against acoustics that can otherwise be transferred to through the tubular body. In addition, the system 500 provides a margin of safety so that the tool can be free of sharp movements, high strength, or uncontrolled that could endanger the pipe, the wiring, the hole wall, or the tool. The arrangement Generally circular exterior 515 provides a perimeter i that can allow positioning while maintaining a tolerance for irregularities that can be find on the surface of the hole. Although the system 500 It is shown with four circular components and four I sensor packs in exterior arrangement 515, and four circular components in the inner arrangement 510.1 should understand that other modalities may include a number different and combination of circular components and packages of sensors.; In another embodiment, the interior arrangement 510 may be coupled to spring-loaded extensions released to point towards the tubular body 505 in order to "measure" the radial distance between inner arrangement 510 and tubular body 505 at three or more points. As the spring energized extensions expand more and more, they can restrict the flow of swelling agent in their respective components 510A, allowing; so those closest to the tubular inflatable sections growable out faster than those that are farther way, thus centering the inner array 510 at a uniform distance from the tubular body 505. Una1 Once deployed, extensions can be folded in the interior arrangement 510.! Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a simpler, cheaper and easier means for coupling sensors to a formation or casing pipe / tube that are likely to provide a much safer coupling. Most previous sensor deployments have used cement coupling '· I (usually for permanent deployments), coupling?; ! mechanical such as fixing arms and arc springs (for permanent and recoverable applications), magnetic coupling (recoverable applications), or even; Uncoupled displays (for example, sensors attached to tubing 1, which runs inside the jacketed tube) that I know! based on stresses by bending and friction. Methods and systems of the present disclosure can eliminate the need for mechanical fixing brjazos (which may have leakage problems with seals and high temperature), j-arc springs (which may have a poor response high). resonances), magnets (which may have limited and resonances), or cementation. Methods the present disclosure can also improve the omnidirectional arrangement's fidelity, even for recoverable operations and configurations where the swelling elements can be subsequently deflated, ; Separated or detached to facilitate the recovery or repositioning of tools. ! I Some embodiments of the present disclosure may allow a long-term siting in difficult open-hole environments without permanently cementing an instrument in place. This can s operations and can allow devices ,; recoverable if difficulties occur during! the site. This can avoid the situation in open hole environments where mechanical arms or springs; In bow they can be submerged in soft materials inside the 1;; hole and cause poor coupling of the tool. Bliss i: · I situation can occur in schist and many little barrénos I deep where the sensors would otherwise have to be cemented permanently to obtain a good coupling. I Some modalities can allow one! Improved signal fidelity for microseismic fracture monitoring I hydraulics ensuring a better coupling in comparison I with clamping arms, arc spring, magnets, or: other positioning methods, thus attenuating or eliminating vibrations of the longitudinal tool that degrade the fidelity register of the wave movement of the elastic body parallel to a tool axis. In some embodiments, swelling elements can effectively dampen the acoustic noise generated by the flow in the tubulars of production as well as the noise received through the tubulars. The swelling elements i can even produce the insulation of the sensor against the tubulars even when the inflatable elements are in contact with both. Additionally, some modalities may allow the safe planting of surface instruments in soft, wavy soil.

Some modalities can remove the directional deviation of signals recorded by the location of sensors in the center of a hole with equal response from all directions, as opposed to a probably higher fidelity on the side of the hole in which it is deployed when clamped or cements. Some modalities can eliminate the need for a near vertical observation well by allowing the installation of tools in the injection / production well with good coupling and a degree of noise suppression of the tubing activities.

I Some modalities can be used for seismic monitoring of elapsed time and / or monitoring of deformation of time elapsed during the life [of the deposit for more permanent installations. The application |: · Seismic time elapsed requires a source 'in i I any of the surface or in a nearby well, j the deformation of time elapsed only i requires I continuous tilt measurements or other parameters of , ||, deformation. For placement of inclinometers, geophones, or other sensors in shallow boreholes, some |I ·! modalities provide a quick, easy method for deploying sensors, potentially allowing them | ! I stabilize much faster, which translates into a shorter production time for monitoring. j Even when the figures show modalities of the present disclosure in a horizontal section, from a pozp of In the survey, those skilled in the art should understand that embodiments of the present disclosure are very convenient for use in deflected or vertical boreholes or jacketed tubes. Accordingly, those skilled in the art should understand that the use of address terms such as up, down, top, bottom, up, down and the like are used in relation to the illustrative modes as shown in the figures, ^ the upward direction is towards the upper part of the corresponding figure and the downward direction is toward the bottom of the corresponding figure. Additionally, as discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in jacketed or non-jacketed boreholes, even though only non-jacketed wells are shown in the figures: Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to achieve the purposes and advantages mentioned < as well as those that are inherent in it. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, since the present invention can be modified and practiced in different apparent equivalent ways to those skilled in the art who enjoy the benefit of the present teachings. Furthermore, it is not intended that there be limitations to the details of construction or design shown here, other than those described in the following claims. Therefore, it is evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present invention. Also, the terms in the claims; they have their ordinary, full meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by whoever, applies for the patent. The indefinite articles "a" or "an," such as ! i used in the claims, are defined: here | for i mean one or more than one of the element that you enter.

Claims (20)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION j Having described the present invention, it is: conslidera as a novelty and, therefore, is claimed as a priority what is contained in the following:, '. CLAIMS | - ~ ~ "- ~" - ~ - ~ ~ ~~ - ~~ ~ - I

1. - A system to monitor a parameter of a underground training using materials, inflatables, the system comprises: a sensor device configured1, to detect a parameter of an underground formation !; an inflatable material configured for sensor towards a surface of ; 1 ! by swelling of the inflatable material; and a collapsible section i coupled to the sensor device and located on the inflatable material, where the folding section is i configured to extend with the j position of the ! I sensor device. j

2. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device is placed at least partially in the inflatable material. 1

3. - The system according to j the claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the material ; In addition, the inflatable is configured to place the. sensor device against the surface of the underground formation by swelling. !

4. - The system in accordance with the claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the sensor device 'operates to communicate a signal related to the parameter of the underground formation.

5. - The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the folding section is configured to allow the positioning of the sensor device while the sensor device operates to communicate a signal related to the parameter of the underground formation.

6. - The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable material is on an outer surface of a tubular body and is configured to place the sensor device away from the pipeline by swelling. (

7. - The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable material is further configured to reduce an effect on the acoustic noise sensor device that travels along the tubular body.

8. - A system for monitoring a parameter of an underground formation using inflatable materials, the system comprises: a detection tool configured to detect a parameter of an underground formation), wherein the detection tool comprises a generally tubular body; and an inflatable material. on an outer surface of the generally tubular body, wherein the inflatable material is configured to anchor the detection tool in a position corresponding to i! a surface of the subterranean formation médiantej the I hmchamiento of the inflatable material. ,

9. - The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the inflatable material is further configured to substantially center the detection tool between at least two opposite points i on the surface of the underground formation.

10. - The compliance system with claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the inflatable material comprises a plurality of inflatable elements 1 placed along the generally tubular body., J

11. - The compliance system, with j claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the inflatable material surrounds at least substantially one length of the generally tubular body. j

12. - The system according to any of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the inflatable material is configured to anchor the detection tool against the surface of the underground formation.

13. - The system according to claim 12, characterized in that the inflatable material comprises a plurality of inflatable elements placed along the generally tubular body, wherein each inflatable element partially surrounds a corresponding length of the generally tubular body.

14. - The system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the inflatable material extends longitudinally along a length of the generally tubular body. 1

15. - A method to monitor a parameter of an underground formation, the method includes: enter '; a detection tool to a borehole, wherein the detection tool comprises a generally tubular body and is configured to detect a parameter of an underground formation; placing the detection tool in a position corresponding to a surface of the borehole by swelling an inflatable material :, wherein the inflatable material is placed on? an outer surface of the generally tubular body; Y detect a parameter of an underground formation with the detection device. i

16. - The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the positioning step comprises substantially centering the detection tool between at least two opposite points on the surface of the borehole.; J

17. - The method of compliance with the claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the inflatable material comprises a plurality of inflatable elements placed at the? . : · I of the generally tubular body. '! ' 1

18. - The method according to claim 15, 16 or 17, characterized in that the inflatable material surrounds at least substantially a generally tubular body length. 1 I

19. - The method according to any of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the positioning passage comprises anchoring the detection tool against the surface of the borehole. 1|:, |

20. - The method according to any of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that it material The inflatable extends longitudinally along a length of the generally tubular body. \ \