US20200182012A1

US20200182012A1 - Downhole Trigger Tool

Info

Publication number: US20200182012A1
Application number: US16/216,297
Authority: US
Inventors: Fabio Cecconi; Vincent Chatelet
Original assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp
Current assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp
Priority date: 2018-12-11
Filing date: 2018-12-11
Publication date: 2020-06-11

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for triggering a downhole tool. The tool string may have an electrical power source and a trigger tool that may be configured for receiving electrical power from the electrical power source and outputting different forms of electrical power each being different from the form of electrical power received from the electrical power source. Each form of electrical power output by the trigger tool may initiate operation of a corresponding one of different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string. A trigger command is transmitted from the surface equipment to the trigger tool to cause the trigger tool to output electrical power having a form corresponding to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string to thereby initiate operation of such electro-mechanical tool.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Wells are generally drilled into land surface or ocean bed to recover deposits of oil, gas, and other natural resources that are trapped in subterranean geological formations in the Earth's crust. A wellbore may be drilled along a trajectory to reach one or more subterranean formations containing such natural resources.
Various well deployment lines (e.g., cables, slicklines, wirelines, multilines, etc.) may be utilized to convey downhole tools within the wellbore to reach the oil and gas deposits and to perform various formation and fluid measurements and sampling. Information about the subterranean formations and the natural resources they contain may be utilized to predict economic value, production capacity, and production lifetime of the subterranean formation. Deployment lines may also convey downhole tools for performing well treatment and/or well intervention operations within the wellbore, such as to increase well production. Deployment lines have the ability to pass through completion or other downhole tubulars and to deploy a wide array of downhole tools and technologies, such as may be utilized for opening and closing valves, placing packings or other elements, and perforating walls of the downhole tubulars. Deployment lines may also transmit electrical energy and information between a wellsite surface and the downhole tools. A typical downhole deployment system includes a deployment line, a reel for storing the line, an apparatus (e.g., a winch) for conveying the line into and out of the wellbore, and surface well control apparatus at a wellhead. A wireline deployment line has the ability to convey downhole power directly from the surface, but a slickline deployment line, while more compact and easier to deploy, does not have the ability to convey power from the surface.
As wellbores are drilled deeper and become more complex, downhole tools become increasingly specialized in operations they perform. Electro-mechanical downhole tools, such as sampling and well intervention tools, each consume electrical power having a unique or different combination of voltage, current, and/or time of duration operable to drive or otherwise energize its specific internal components. Each such electro-mechanical tool may be powered from the surface via a wireline cable or utilize a unique electrical power source (e.g., a battery or ultra-capacitor) that is included in the tool string when the tool string is conveyed via a slickline cable. Such arrangement increases the quantity of electrical power sources that have to be transported to a wellsite and mandates that a different electrical power source be included within a tool string each time a different electro-mechanical tool is deployed downhole.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify indispensable features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present disclosure introduces a method including positioning a tool string at a target depth within a wellbore via a cable connected with surface equipment disposed at a wellsite surface beneath which the wellbore extends. The tool string includes an electrical power source, as well as a trigger tool that receives electrical power from the electrical power source and outputs different forms of electrical power each being different from the form of electrical power received from the electrical power source. Each form of electrical power output by the trigger tool is operable to initiate operation of a corresponding one of different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string. The method also includes transmitting a trigger command from the surface equipment to the trigger tool via the cable to cause the trigger tool to output electrical power having a form corresponding to one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the tool string to thereby initiate operation of the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string.
The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus including a trigger tool connectable within a tool string and deployable within a wellbore. The trigger tool includes electrical power converter sets each comprising one or more power converters. Each electrical power converter set is electrically connectable with an electrical power source. Each electrical power converter set is operable to receive electrical power from the electrical power source and output a corresponding electrical power operable to initiate operation of a corresponding one of different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string. The electrical power output by each electrical power converter set has a form that is different from the form of the electrical power received by such electrical power converter set from the electrical power source. The form of electrical power output by each electrical power converter set is different from the form of electrical power output by another of the electrical power converter sets. The trigger tool is operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string by outputting electrical power by one of the electrical power converter sets corresponding to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string. Each of the different electro-mechanical tools is connectable within the tool string one at a time.
These and additional aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the description that follows, and/or may be learned by a person having ordinary skill in the art by reading the material herein and/or practicing the principles described herein. At least some aspects of the present disclosure may be achieved via means recited in the attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of apparatus according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flow-chart diagram of at least a portion of an example implementation of a method according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for simplicity and clarity, and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a wellsite system 100 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The wellsite system 100 represents an example environment in which one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented. It is also noted that although the wellsite system 100 is depicted as an onshore implementation, it is understood that the aspects described below are also generally applicable to offshore implementations. The wellsite system 100 is depicted in relation to a wellbore 102 (i.e., a cavity) formed by rotary and/or directional drilling and extending from a wellsite surface 104 into a subterranean formation 106. The wellsite system 100 may be utilized to facilitate recovery of oil, gas, and/or other materials that are trapped in the subterranean formation 106 via the wellbore 102.
The wellbore 102 may be a cased-hole implementation comprising an outer tubular pipe, referred to as casing 108, secured by cement 109. However, one or more aspects of the present disclosure are also applicable to and/or readily adaptable for utilizing in open-hole implementations lacking the casing 108 and cement 109. The wellbore 102 may also contain one or more inner tubular pipes, such as production tubing (not shown) having a smaller diameter and mounted within the casing 108. The production tubing may be wedged inside the casing 108 by packings.
The wellsite system 100 includes surface equipment 130 located at the wellsite surface 104 and a downhole intervention and sensor assembly, referred to as a tool string 110, suspended within the casing 108 via a line 120 operably coupled with one or more pieces of the surface equipment 130. The wellbore 102 may be capped by a plurality (e.g., a stack) of fluid control valves, spools, and fittings 140 (e.g., a Christmas tree) collectively operable to control the flow of formation fluids from the wellbore 102. The fluid control devices 140 may be mounted on top of a wellhead 132, which may include a plurality of selective access valves operable to close selected tubulars or pipes, such as the production tubing and/or casing 108, extending within the wellbore 102.
The tool string 110 may be deployed into or retrieved from the wellbore 102 through a sealing and alignment assembly 134 mounted on the fluid control devices 140 and operable to seal the line 120 during deployment, conveyance, intervention, and other wellsite operations. The sealing and alignment assembly 134 may comprise a lock chamber 136 (e.g., a lubricator, an airlock, a riser) mounted on the fluid control devices 140, a stuffing box 138 operable to seal around the line 120 at top of the lock chamber 136, and return pulleys 142 operable to guide the line 120 between the stuffing box 138 and the surface equipment 130 connected with the line 120. The stuffing box 138 may be operable to seal around an outer surface of the line 120, for example via annular packings applied around the surface of the line 120 and/or by injecting a fluid between the outer surface of the line 120 and an inner wall of the stuffing box 138.
The surface equipment 130 further comprises a winch conveyance system 150 (i.e., a winch unit) operably connected with the line 120. The winch conveyance system 150 may be operable to selectively wind and unwind the line 120 to apply an adjustable tensile force to the tool string 110 to selectively convey the tool string 110 along the wellbore 102. The winch conveyance system 150 may comprise a line reel or drum 152 configured to store thereon a wound length of the line 120. The drum 152 may be rotatably connected with a stationary base or frame 154 of the winch conveyance system 150, such that the drum 152 may be rotated to wind and unwind the line 120. The winch conveyance system 150 may include a line tension sensor (e.g., a load cell) (not shown) to facilitate determination of weight of the tool string and/or a rotary sensor (e.g., an encoder) (not shown) in association with the drum 152 to facilitate determination of depth of the tool string 110 within the wellbore 102. The drum 152 may be selectively rotated by an electrical or hydraulic motor (not shown).
The line 120 may be or comprise a wire, a cable, a wireline, a slickline, a multiline, an e-line, and/or other conveyance means. The line 120 may comprise one or more metal support wires or cables configured to support the weight of the downhole tool string 110. The line 120 may also comprise one or more insulated electrical and/or optical conductors operable to transmit electrical energy (i.e., electrical power) and electrical and/or optical signals (e.g., information, data), such as may permit transmission of electrical energy, data, and/or control signals between the tool string 110 and one or more of the surface equipment 130.
The wellsite system 100 may also comprise a control center 160 from which various portions of the wellsite system 100 may be monitored and controlled by a human wellsite operator. The control center 160 may be located at the wellsite surface 104 or on a structure located at the wellsite surface 104, however, the control center 160 may instead be located remotely from the wellsite 104. The control center 160 may contain or comprise a surface controller 162 (e.g., a processing device, a computer) operable to monitor operations of one or more portions of the wellsite system 100 and/or to provide control of one or more portions of the wellsite system 100, including the winch conveyance system 150 and tool string 110. The surface controller 162 may include input devices for receiving commands from the wellsite operator and output devices for displaying information to the wellsite operator. The surface controller 162 may store executable programs and/or instructions, including for implementing one or more aspects of methods, processes, and operations described herein. The surface controller 162 may be communicatively connected with various equipment of the wellsite system 100 described herein, such as may permit the surface controller 162 to receive signals from and transmit signals to such equipment to perform various wellsite operations described herein. The surface controller 162 may be communicatively and/or electrically connected with the tool string 110 via the line 120 and a conductor 122 connected with the line 120 via a rotatable joint or coupling 124 (e.g., a collector) carried by the drum 152. However, the tool string 110 may also or instead be communicatively connected with the surface controller 162 by other means, such as capacitive or inductive coupling.
The tool string 110 may comprise a plurality of downhole tools 111-117 mechanically, electrically, and/or communicatively coupled together via corresponding mechanical, electrical, and/or optical couplings and corresponding electrical and/or optical conductors extending through one or more of the tools 111-117. Such electrical and/or optical couplings and conductors may permit one or more of the tools 111-117 to be communicatively connected with the surface controller 162 via the electrical and/or optical conductors of the line 120 and conductor 122. For example, the line 120 and conductor 122 may conduct electrical energy, data, and/or control signals between the surface controller 162 and one or more of the tools 111-117. The downhole tools 111-117 may each be or comprise at least a portion of one or more downhole apparatus, subs, modules, and/or other tools operable in slickline, wireline, completion, production, and/or other implementations.
In an example implementation of the tool string 110, the downhole tool 111 may be or comprise a cable head operable to mechanically and communicatively connect the line 120 with the tool string 110. The downhole tool 112 may be a control tool comprising a downhole controller operable to receive and/or store control signals from the surface controller 162 for controlling one or more tools 111-117 of the tool string 110. The control tool may be further operable to store and/or communicate with the surface controller 162 signals or information generated by one or more sensors or instruments of the tools 111-117. The control tool may include a downhole transmitter/receiver (i.e., a telemetry device), such as may be operable to receive electrical and/or optical control signals transmitted from the surface controller 162 via the line 120 and conductor 122, and to transmit tool status, sensor signals, and other information to the surface controller 162 via the line 120 and conductor 122.
The downhole tool 113 may be or comprise a wellbore positioning tool. For example, the wellbore positioning tool may comprise inclination sensors and/or other orientation sensors, such as one or more accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopic sensors (e.g., micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)), and/or other sensors for utilization in determining the orientation of the tool string 110 relative to the wellbore 102. The wellbore positioning tool may further comprise a depth correlation tool, such as a casing collar locator (CCL) for detecting ends of casing collars by sensing a magnetic irregularity caused by the relatively high mass of an end of a collar of the casing 108. The correlation tool may also or instead be or comprise a gamma ray (GR) tool that may be utilized for depth correlation. The CCL and/or GR tools may transmit signals in real-time to the surface controller 162 via the line 120 and conductor 122. The CCL and/or GR signals may be utilized to determine the position of the tool string 110 or portions thereof, such as with respect to known casing collar numbers and/or positions within the wellbore 102. Therefore, the CCL and/or GR tools may be utilized to detect and/or log the location of the tool string 110 within the wellbore 102, such as during deployment within the wellbore 102 or other downhole operations. The downhole tool 114 may be or comprise a power source, such as an electrical energy storage (e.g., a battery, an ultra-capacitor) operable to store electrical energy and provide electrical energy for operation of one or more of the downhole tools 111-117.
The downhole tools 115 may be or comprise logging or other measuring tools for measuring downhole properties and/or detecting downhole physical parameters, such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and depth, among other examples. The downhole tools 115 may be or comprise one or more of an acoustic tool, a density tool, an electromagnetic (EM) tool, a formation evaluation or logging tool, a magnetic resonance tool, a neutron tool, a nuclear tool, a photoelectric factor tool, a porosity tool, a reservoir characterization tool, a resistivity tool, a seismic tool, a surveying tool, and a tension measuring tool, among other examples.
The tool string 110 may further comprise one of a plurality of different electro-mechanical downhole tools 117, each operable to perform a corresponding mechanical process, operation, work, or another action caused by electrical power received from the electrical energy storage 114, an integrated electrical energy storage, or from the surface equipment 130 via the line 120. The downhole tools 117 may each be or comprise, for example, an actuator, a dump bailer, a fluid sampling tool, a plug, a plug setting tool, a tubular cutter tool, a perforating tool, a release tool, and/or a valve shifting tool. Each of the electro-mechanical downhole tools 117 can be connected within the tool string 110 and deployed downhole one at a time.
The tool string 110 may further comprise a downhole trigger tool 116 operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro-mechanical tools 117 that is connected within the tool string 110. The downhole trigger tool 116 may be operable to receive electrical power from the electrical power storage 114, convert the received electrical power to a different form (e.g., a different voltage, current, and/or duration of time), and output the converted electrical power to the electro-mechanical tool 117 connected within the tool string 110 to initiate operation of such electro-mechanical tool 117.
Although the tool string 110 is described as comprising the downhole tools 111-117, it is to be understood that the tool string 110 may comprise different types and/or different quantity of downhole tools than as shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the tools 111-117 may be included in the tool string 110 in a different order than as shown in FIG. 1. Also, one or more of the tools 111-117 may be included in the tool string 110 as separate and distinct units. However, it is to be understood that one or more of the tools 111-117 may also or instead be combined or integrated into a single unit.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a tool string 200 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The tool string 200 comprises one or more features of the tool string 110 described above and shown in FIG. 1, including where indicated by like reference numerals, except as described below. The following description refers to FIGS. 1 and 2, collectively.
The tool string 200 may be conveyed within a wellbore and communicatively connected with surface equipment via a line 120. The tool string 200 may comprise a cable head 111 mechanically and communicatively connecting the tool string 200 with the line 120. The tool string 200 may further comprise a control and/or telemetry tool 112, which may comprise, for example, a digital measurement cartridge (DMC) operable to provide telemetry interface between the surface equipment and the tool string 200. The tool string 200 may further comprise a wellbore positioning tool 113 and an electrical energy storage 114 (e.g., a battery) operable store electrical energy and provide electrical energy for operation of one or more of the downhole tools of the tool string 200. The tool string 200 may further comprise one or more logging or other measuring tools 115, such as for measuring downhole properties and/or detecting downhole physical parameters.
The tool string 200 may further comprise one of a plurality of different electro-mechanical downhole tools 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, each operable to perform a corresponding mechanical process, operation, work, or another action caused by the electrical power received from the electrical energy storage 114. The downhole tools 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 may each be or comprise, for example, an actuator, a dump bailer, a fluid sampling tool, a plug, a plug setting tool, a tubular cutter tool, a perforating tool, a release tool, and/or a valve shifting tool.
The tool string 200 may further comprise a downhole trigger tool 212 operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro- mechanical tools 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 that is connected within the tool string 200. The trigger tool 212 may comprise a power conversion module 220 comprising a plurality of electrical power converters 216, each operable to receive electrical power from the electrical power storage 114, convert the received electrical power to a different form (e.g., different voltage, current, and/or pulse time), and output the converted electrical power to the electro- mechanical tool 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 connected within the tool string 200 to initiate operation of such electro- mechanical tool 202, 204, 206, 208, 210. The trigger tool 212 may further comprise a control module 218 comprising a controller 214 operable to receive control commands from the surface controller, such as to control operation of the electrical power converters 216.
The various tools and/or portions of the tool string 200 may be mechanically and electrically (e.g., communicatively) coupled together to form the tool string 200 via corresponding mechanical couplers (e.g., interfaces, connectors, subs), electrical couplers (e.g., interfaces, connectors), and electrical conductors extending through corresponding portions of the tool string and electrical couplers. For example, each of the downhole tools 111-115, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 may be mechanically coupled with an adjacent one of such downhole tools via one or more of pin and box couplings, threaded connectors, and fasteners (none shown), among other examples. Furthermore, each of the downhole tools 111-115, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 may be electrically coupled with an adjacent one of such downhole tools via one or more plugs, terminals, conduit boxes, and pin and socket connectors, among other examples.
An electrical conductor 232 may be connected with an electrical conductor of the line 120 (at the cable head 111) and the controller 214, such as may facilitate communication between the controller 214 and the surface controller. A plurality of electrical conductors 234 may extend between the controller 214 and each of the electrical power converters 216, such as may facilitate monitoring and control of the electrical power converters 216 by the controller 214. An electrical conductor 236 may extend between the electrical energy storage 114 and each of the electrical power converters 216, thereby supplying electrical power to each of the electrical power converters 216. Electrical power may be output from each of the electrical power converters 216 via a corresponding electrical conductor 237, permitting electrical power from each of the electrical power converters 216 to be transmitted to a corresponding one of the electro- mechanical tools 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 connected within the tool string 200.
The downhole tools 112, 113, 114, 115, 212 may be electrically connected together via corresponding (i.e., mating) multi-conductor pin and socket connectors 240 (e.g., triaxial connectors), each electrically connecting corresponding portions of the electrical conductors 232, 236 extending through the downhole tools 112, 113, 114, 115. The control module 218 and the power conversion module 220 may be electrically connected together via corresponding multi-pin and socket connectors 242 electrically connecting corresponding portions of the electrical conductors 234, 236 extending between the control module 218 and the power conversion module 220. The electrical conductors 236 extending from the electrical power converters 216 may terminate with a multi-conductor connector 244 (e.g., a multi-socket connector).
Each electro- mechanical tool 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 may be mechanically and electrically coupled within the tool string 200 via a corresponding crossover 222, 224, 226, 228, 230. Each crossover 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 may be configured to mechanically and electrically couple a corresponding electro- mechanical tool 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 directly with the power conversion module 220 of the trigger tool 212. Each crossover 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 may comprise opposing electrical connectors 246, 248. The electrical connector 246 may be or comprise a multi-conductor connector (e.g., a multi-pin connector) operable to electrically connect (i.e., mate) with the multi-conductor connector 244 of the trigger tool 212. The electrical connectors 248 may be or comprise single-conductor connectors (e.g., single-pin and socket connectors) operable to electrically connect each crossover 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 with a corresponding electro- mechanical tool 202, 204, 206, 208, 210. One or more conductors 238 may extend between the opposing electrical connectors 246, 248 of each crossover 222, 224, 226, 228, 230. The conductor 238 of each different crossover 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 may be electrically connected with a different conductor (e.g., pin or socket) of the electrical connector 246, such as may facilitate transfer of electrical power from a different one of the electrical power converters 216 to a corresponding electro- mechanical tool 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 when connected within the tool string 200 via a corresponding crossover 222, 224, 226, 228, 230. Accordingly, each electrical conductor 238 electrically connects the electro- mechanical tool 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 connected within the downhole tool string 200 with a corresponding one of the power converters 216, but does not electrically connect the electro- mechanical tool 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 connected within the downhole tool string 200 with another of the power converters 216. Each of the electrical connectors 248 may be electrically connected with a different electro- mechanical device 252, 254, 246, 258, 260 (e.g., an electrical motor, a solenoid valve, a thermal generator, etc.) of a corresponding electro- mechanical tool 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 via an electrical conductor 239.
The trigger tool 212 may further comprise a communication line 235 (i.e., an electrical conductor) extending between the controller 214 and the connector 244, and one or more of the crossovers 230 may comprise a communication line 247 extending between the connectors 246, 248. Accordingly, when the trigger tool 212 is coupled with the crossover 230, the communication lines 235, 247 may be connected via the connectors 244, 246 to communicatively connect the controller 214 with the electro-mechanical tool 210 thereby facilitating bidirectional communication between the electro-mechanical tool 210 and the trigger tool 212 and between the electro-mechanical tool 210 and the surface controller.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a trigger tool 302 coupled with a crossover 304 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The trigger tool 302 and the crossover 304, each comprise one or more features of the trigger tools 116, 212 and crossovers 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, respectively, described above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The following description refers to FIGS. 1-3, collectively.
The trigger tool 302 may be operable to initiate operation of one of a plurality of different electro-mechanical tools that is connected within a tool string. The trigger tool 302 may comprise a power conversion module 306 comprising a plurality of electrical power converters 312 (EPCs) each operable to receive electrical power from an electrical power source, convert the received electrical power to a different form (e.g., different voltage, current, and/or pulse time), and output the converted electrical power to an electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string to initiate operation of such electro-mechanical tool. Each electrical power converter 312 may be electrically connected with the electrical power source, such as the electrical energy storage 114 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, via an electrical conductor 314 extending between the electrical power source and each electrical power converter 312. An electrical conductor 315 may extend from each of the electrical power converters 312 into the crossover 304, such as may permit each of the electrical power converters 312 to be electrically connected with and, thus, provide electrical power to a corresponding one of the electro-mechanical tools when connected within the tool string. Each electrical power converter 312 may be installed or otherwise disposed within a corresponding electrical slot 316 of an electronics board 318. Each electrical power converter 312 may be configured to output electrical power operable to initiate operation of a corresponding one of the electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string, such as the electro- mechanical tools 117, 202, 204, 206, 208 210 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the trigger tool 302 may be operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string by outputting electrical power by one of the electrical power converters 312 corresponding to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string. After activation, the electro-mechanical tool may operate on its own through a mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and/or chemical sequence.
Each electro-mechanical tool may be initiated, activated, or otherwise operated by applying a different electrical pulse having a different sequence of voltage and/or current over a different time duration by a corresponding one of the electrical power converters 312. The electrical power output by each of the electrical power converters 312 may comprise a single electrical pulse output over a predetermined time duration or a plurality of electrical pulses output at each predetermined time interval over a predetermined time duration. The electrical power output by one or more of the electrical power converters 312 may output a positive or negative voltage if one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string does not comprise its own (e.g., integral) electrical power source, but receives electrical power from a common source, such as the electrical power storage 114.
Two, three, or more of the electrical power converter 312 may be selectively connectable or connected in series forming an electrical power converter set collectively operable to receive electrical power from the electrical power source, convert the received electrical power to a different form (e.g., different voltage, current, and/or pulse time), and output the converted electrical power to an electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string to initiate operation of such electro-mechanical tool. However, an electrical power converter set may comprise a single electrical power converter 312. Two or more of the electrical power converters 312 may be selectively electrically connected via corresponding electrical conductors 313 and/or other electrical conductors (not shown) to form an electrical power converter set. Each electrical power converter set may be operable to output electrical power having a form that is different from the form of electrical power output by each individual electrical power converter 312. Furthermore, each power converter 312 may be a part of or form a different electrical power converter set. A power converter 312 may also be part of two or more sets of power converters. Accordingly, connecting two or more of the electrical power converters 312 facilitates output of a plurality of different forms of electrical power exceeding the quantity of electrical power converter 312 included within the power conversion module 306.
Each electrical power converter 312 may be a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) electrical power converter operable to change DC voltage and/or current to a different DC voltage and/or current. One or more of the electrical power converters 312 may also or instead be an alternating current to direct current (AC-DC) electrical power converter operable to change AC voltage and/or current to a predetermined DC voltage and/or current. One or more of the electrical power converters 312 may also or instead be a DC-AC electrical power converter operable to change DC voltage and/or current to a predetermined AC voltage and/or current. One or more of the electrical power converters 312 may also or instead be an AC-AC electrical power converter operable to change AC voltage and/or current to a different AC voltage and/or current. For example, if the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string is or comprises a single-phase reservoir sampling tool having an electrically driven pump, a corresponding one of the electrical power converters 312 may output electrical power having a voltage of 3.9 volts, a current of 0.2 amps, and a pulse length of five seconds to drive an electric motor of the pump. If the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string is or comprises a sampling tool having an electrically driven pump, a corresponding one of the electrical power converters 312 may output electrical power having a voltage of −14 volts, a current of 0.1 amps, and a pulse length of four to six seconds to drive an electric motor of the pump. If the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string is or comprises a dump bailer having an electrically controller fluid valve, a corresponding one of the electrical power converters 312 may output electrical power having a voltage of 100 volts, a current of 0.2 amps, and a pulse length of one second to power an electric coil of the valve. If the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string is or comprises a tubular cutter tool having a perforating charge, a corresponding one of the electrical power converters 312 may output electrical power having a voltage of 50 volts, a current of one amp, and a pulse length of 30 seconds to power a thermal generator to detonate the perforating charge.
When an electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string mandates or otherwise utilizes electrical power that is, for example, greater during a smaller duration of time or otherwise different from what the electrical power source can provide, one or more capacitors may be utilized to store an electrical charge, which when released via a switch, can operate such electro-mechanical tool. Accordingly, the trigger tool 302 or a crossover 304 corresponding to such electro-mechanical tool may comprise a capacitor bank 340 configured to store an electrical charge for operating a corresponding electro-mechanical tool. The capacitor bank 340 may be electrically connected with a corresponding electrical power converter 312, which may charge the capacitor bank 340 when operated to output a predetermined electrical power. The electrical charge stored in the capacitor bank 340 may be selectively released via an electrical switch 342 and transmitted to a corresponding electro-mechanical tool via an electrical conductor 343 extending through the crossover 304. Although the electrical conductor 343 is shown connected with the switch 342, such configuration is associated with a crossover 304 utilized with a corresponding electro-mechanical tool. Other crossovers utilized with other electro-mechanical tools may each include a different one of the electrical conductors 315 extending through the crossover 304 (as indicated by phantom lines 345) to facilitate transmission of electrical power between a different one of the electrical power converters 312 and a corresponding electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string.
The switch 342 may be located within the power conversion module 306 or within the crossover 304. Although the trigger tool 302 and the crossover 304 are shown comprising a single capacitor bank 340 electrically connected with a corresponding one of the electrical power converters 312 and a single switch 342, the trigger tool 302 and/or the crossover 304 may collectively comprise additional one or more capacitor banks and switches electrically connected with one of the other electrical power converters 312, such as when other electro-mechanical tools mandate or otherwise utilize electrical power that is different from what the electrical power source can provide. An example electro-mechanical tool that mandates or otherwise utilizes electrical power that is different from what the electrical power source can provide may be a downhole plug powered by a thermite chemical reaction heater. Accordingly, a corresponding one of the electrical power converters 312 may output electrical power having a voltage of 200 volts, a current of five milliamps, and a pulse length of ten seconds to charge the capacitor bank 340, which may then be discharged at appreciably higher current rates (e.g., up to about 200 amps) by the switch 342 to activate an ignitor to initiate the thermite chemical reaction heater. However, pulses of other voltages, currents, and lengths are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
When a new electro-mechanical tool utilizing a different electrical power for operation is intended to be utilized downhole, the power conversion module 306 may be modified to accommodate a new electrical power converter operable to output the electrical power utilized by the new electro-mechanical tool. For example, the electronics board 318 of the power conversion module 306 may be provided with additional (excess) one or more electrical slots 317 that are not initially occupied by corresponding electrical power converters 312. One of such empty electrical slots 317 may receive the new electrical power converter and, thus, facilitate use of the new electro-mechanical tool. If empty slots 317 are not available, then a new empty slot 317 may be installed on the electronics board 318 or otherwise within the power conversion module 306 and a new electrical power converter may be installed therein. Alternatively, a new electrical power converter may be installed by removing (e.g., uninstalling, pulling out) one of the existing electrical power converters 312 from its electrical slot 316 and installing the new electrical power converter in its place.
When a new electro-mechanical tool utilizing a different electrical power for operation is intended to be utilized downhole, the power conversion module 306 may also or instead be replaced with a different power conversion module comprising one or more different electrical power converters 312 operable to output electrical power utilized by the new electro-mechanical tool. Each of the different electrical power converters 312 (or different electrical power converters sets) of the different power conversion module may permit the control module 308 to control a different new electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string via a corresponding crossover 304.
The trigger tool 302 may further comprise a control module 308 comprising a control system 320 (i.e., controller) operable to receive control commands from a surface controller, such as the surface controller 162 shown in FIG. 1, and control operation of the electrical power converters 312 to initiate operation of the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string. The control system 320 may comprise a processor 322 comprising one or more processors operable to receive electrical signals or information, process such information based on computer program code, and output control signals or information to control one or more portions of the trigger tool 302 and, thus, the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string. The control system 320 may further comprise a command drivers module 324 communicatively connected with the processor 322 and with each of the electrical power converters 312 via a plurality of corresponding electrical conductors 326. The command drivers module 324 may store drivers (e.g., as firmware) for operating each of the electrical power converters 312 and, thereby, may be operable to translate or otherwise facilitate transmission of control commands from the processor 322 to each of the electrical power converters 312. The processor 322 may be communicatively connected with each of the electrical power converters 312 via a plurality of corresponding electrical conductors 332, thereby permitting the processor 322 to monitor operations (e.g., output voltage, current, etc.) of each electrical power converter 312.
The control system 320 may further comprise a communication interface 328 communicatively connected with the processor 322 and with a control and/or telemetry tool, such as the tool 112 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, via an electrical conductor 330. The communication interface 328 may be operable to translate or otherwise facilitate communications between the control and/or telemetry tool and the processor 322, thereby facilitating control of the electrical power converters 312 from the surface controller. The electrical switch 342 may be electrically connected with the command drivers module 324 via a corresponding one of the electrical conductors 326, permitting the electrical switch 342 to be operated automatically by the processor 322 or manually from the wellsite surface when a predetermined charge is stored in the capacitor bank 340. For example, a human wellsite operator may operate the trigger tool 302 from the wellsite surface to select and operate one of the electrical power converters 312 based on which of the electro-mechanical tools are connected within the tool string. The control system 320 may also comprise a memory storage device 334 communicatively connected with the processor 322 and operable to store (i.e., record) signals and information processed by the processor 322.
One or more components 322, 324, 328, 334 of the control system 320 and portions of the conductors 314, 326, 330, 332 may be installed on or otherwise supported by an electronics board 336. The control module 308 may be compatible with a range of voltage inputs, such as ranging between about three and 100 volts. The control module 308 may embed several communication protocol capabilities (e.g., CAN bus, RS485, etc.), such as may facilitate communication with new or different applications. For example, the trigger tool 302 may be configured to operate an electro-mechanical tool comprising its own electrical power source (e.g., battery), whereby such trigger tool 302 may be utilized to active the electro-mechanical tool and receive status and other information from the electro-mechanical tool via the embedded communication protocol capabilities. In such implementations, the power conversion module 306 may be omitted and the control module 308 of the trigger tool 302 may comprise one or more communication lines (e.g., conductors 326, 332) connected directly with one of the connectors 372, 382 to facilitate activation of the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string when a trigger command is received from the surface.
The trigger tool 302 may be mechanically and electrically coupled with one of the electro-mechanical tools connectable within the tool string via a crossover 304 corresponding to such electro-mechanical tool. The trigger tool 302 and/or the crossover 304 may comprise safety features that can prevent the trigger tool 302 from activating an electro-mechanical tool (e.g., tubular cutter, perforating tool, etc.) while the tool string is at the wellsite surface or otherwise not deployed within the wellbore. A safety device 346 may be installed in a crossover dedicated to a particular electro-mechanical tool. The safety device 346 may be communicatively connected with the processor 322 and/or the command drivers module 324 via corresponding one or more electrical conductors 344, such as may permit the processor 322 and/or the command drivers module 324 to prevent activation of the electro-mechanical tool base on the information from the safety device 346. Alternatively, the safety device 346 may be or comprise, for example, a pressure safety switch, a temperature safety switch, and/or other means activated as a function of the conditions in the wellbore independently from the processor 322. The switches may be in the OFF position when exposed to a pressure or temperature below predetermined pressure or temperature set-points. The switches may turn ON when exposed to a pressure or temperature exceeding the predetermined pressure or temperature set-points, such as when the tool string is deployed downhole.
Hardware coding may be implemented within the trigger tool 302 and/or the crossover 304 as safety features to verify that matching crossover 304 and electro-mechanical tool are coupled with the trigger tool within the tool string. The hardware coding may be utilized to verify that a control command transmitted from the wellsite surface operates an electrical power converter 312 corresponding to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string. The control module 308 may be operable to read or detect the hardware coding via corresponding electrical conductors 348 and transmit information indicative of the hardware coding to the surface controller. At the surface, programming may permit the surface controller to transmit control commands for operating a power converter 312 corresponding to the crossover 304 and, thus, the electro-mechanical tool coupled with the crossover and prevent downhole transmission of control commands for operating other power converters 312 and electro-mechanical tools.
Hardware coding may comprise electrically connecting and/or isolating each of the conductors 348 in a different predetermined manner (i.e., combination) when each crossover 304 is mechanically and electrically coupled with the trigger tool 302. As shown in FIG. 3, an example hardware coding combination may include shorting 350 two of the electrical conductors 348 and grounding 352 one of the conductors 348 by the crossover 304 when the crossover 304 is coupled with the trigger tool 302. Another example hardware coding combination (not shown) may include shorting 350 different two of the electrical conductors 348 and grounding 352 a different one of the conductors 348 by the crossover 304 when the crossover 304 is coupled with the trigger tool 302. Another example hardware coding combination (not shown) may include grounding 352 each of the conductors 348 by the crossover 304 when the crossover 304 is coupled with the trigger tool 302. A k quantity of hardware coding conductors (bits) may facilitate 2^kquantity of different hardware coding combinations. Each different hardware coding combination may be implemented in or otherwise associated with a different crossover 304 and a corresponding electro-mechanical tool connectable within the downhole tool string. The control system 320 and/or the surface controller may be operable to identify the corresponding one of the different electro-mechanical tools based on the hardware coding (i.e., combination of the grounded and shorted conductors 348), permit operation of one of the electrical power converters 312 corresponding to the identified one of the different electro-mechanical tools, and prevent operation of another of the electrical power converters 312 that do not correspond to the identified one of the different electro-mechanical tools. The crossover 304 may also or instead comprise a memory device (e.g., a memory chip) (not shown) containing information indicative of the type of electro-mechanical tool corresponding to the crossover 304 or otherwise that can be connected to the crossover 304. The control system 320 of the trigger tool 302 may be communicatively connected to the memory device when the crossover 304 is connected with the trigger tool 302, such as may permit the control system 320 (e.g., the processor 320) to read the information from the memory device to verify if the crossover 304 matches the electro-mechanical tool connected with the crossover 304. The electro-mechanical tool may instead (or also) be operable to transmit an identifier to the control system 320 and/or the surface controller to facilitate identification and/or verification of the type of electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string. The identifier may be transmitted to the control system 320 and/or the surface controller via a communication line (e.g., conductors 235, 326, 330, 332) connected with the electro-mechanical tool.
Real time data may be transmitted to the surface controller to monitor the job execution. Some data, such as voltage, current, and time duration of electrical power applied to the electro-mechanical tool may be measured by the control system 320 and transmitted to the wellsite surface, permitting the wellsite operator to monitor qualitative and quantitative parameters of the power conversion module 306. Other information (e.g., downhole measurements) generated by other tools and/or sensors of the tool string may be utilized as a positive indicator that the electro-mechanical tool was successfully triggered. For example, weight, shock, acceleration, pressure, and/or temperature measurements may be utilized as an indicator that the electro-mechanical tool was successfully triggered. For example, if a weight sensor indicates that the weight of the tool string has increased by one pound and/or a position sensor indicates that 0.5 liters of fluid was captured by a sampling tool after a triggering signal (i.e., control signal) was sent, such measurement(s) may be indicative that the sampling tool was successfully operated by the triggering signal.
The power conversion module 306 and the control module 308 may each comprise a separate and distinct device communicatively connectable together via corresponding electrical couplers or connectors 360, 362, respectively. The connectors 360, 362 may each be or comprise one of corresponding (i.e., mating) multi-pin and socket connectors, each comprising a plurality of pins and sockets (conductors) to electrically connect opposing portions of the electrical conductors 314, 326, 332, 344, 348 extending between the control module 308 and the power conversion module 306. Each connector 360, 362 may be disposed on or carried by a corresponding electronics board 318, 336 of the power conversion module 306 and the control module 308, respectively. The tripping tool 302 may comprise a single housing 364 containing both the power conversion module 306 and the control module 308. Accordingly, when a different power conversion module comprising different electrical power converters for operating different electro-mechanical tools is intended to be utilized, the power conversion module 306 (or the electronics board 318) may be disconnected from the control module 308 (or the electronics board 336) by disconnecting the electrical connectors 360, 362 and removed from the housing 364. The different power conversion module may then be inserted into the housing 364 and electrically connected with the control module 308.
The tripping tool 302 may further comprise opposing upper and lower mechanical connectors 366, 368 (e.g., interfaces, couplers, subs) and opposing upper and lower electrical connectors 370, 372 for mechanically and electrically connecting the tripping tool 302 within the tool string. The crossover 304 may further comprise a housing 374 and opposing upper and lower mechanical connectors 376, 378 (e.g., interfaces, couplers, subs) and opposing upper and lower electrical connectors 380, 382 for mechanically and electrically connecting the crossover 304 within the tool string.
The upper mechanical connector 366 may be operable to mechanically couple the trigger tool 302 with a corresponding mechanical connector (not shown) of an upper portion of the tool string and the lower mechanical connector 368 may be operable to mechanically couple the trigger tool 302 with the corresponding upper mechanical connector 376 of the crossover 304. The upper electrical connector 370 may be operable to electrically connect the trigger tool 302 with a corresponding electrical connector (not shown) of the upper portion of the tool string and the lower electrical connector 372 may be operable to electrically connect the trigger tool 302 with the corresponding upper electrical connector 380 of the crossover 304. The electrical conductors 315 extending from the electrical power converters 312 may terminate at the electrical connector 372. The upper and lower mechanical connectors 366, 368, 376, 378 may each be or comprise one or more of pin and box couplings, threaded connectors, and fasteners, among other examples. The upper electrical connector 370 may be or comprise a multi-conductor pin and socket connector (e.g., a triaxial connector) comprising a plurality of electrical conductors for electrically connecting opposing portions of the electrical conductors 314, 330 and/or a ground conductor 384 extending between the trigger tool 302 and the upper portion of the tool string. The electrical connectors 372, 380 may each be or comprise one of a corresponding (i.e., mating) multi-pin and socket connectors, each comprising a plurality of pins and sockets (conductors) for electrically connecting opposing portions of the electrical conductors 315, 343, 344, 348 extending between the trigger tool 302 and the crossover 304. The lower electrical connector 382 may be or comprise a single-conductor pin or socket connector (e.g., a coaxial connector) or a multi-conductor pin and socket connector (e.g., a triaxial connector) for electrically connecting opposing portions of one of the electrical conductors 343, 345 extending between the crossover 304 and the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string.
Although the trigger tools 212, 302 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, are each described as comprising a plurality of electrical power converters 216, 312, each operable to output electrical power having a set, fixed, or otherwise predetermined form, it is to be understood that a trigger tool according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure may also or instead comprise one or more adjustable electrical power converters, each operable to output electrical power having variable or otherwise different forms. For example, each adjustable electrical power converter may be operable to output electrical power having different voltages, different current, and/or different durations of time the electrical power is output, wherein each different form of electrical power may be operable to trigger or otherwise operate a different one of the electrical- mechanical tools 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 connectable within the tool string. Operation (electrical power output) of an adjustable electrical power converter may be controlled (e.g., adjusted, changed) by the downhole controller 214, 320, and/or by a wellsite operator at the wellsite surface via the surface controller 162, to cause the adjustable electrical power converter to output an electrical power having a form configured to operate (or otherwise corresponding to) the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string. Accordingly, each adjustable electrical power converter may be utilized to trigger or otherwise operate two or more of the electro-mechanical tools connectable within the tool string.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of at least a portion of a capacitor system 400 for storing and selectively releasing electrical power for operating a corresponding electro-mechanical tool connected within a tool string. The capacitor system 400 may comprise one or more features of the trigger tool 302 and crossover 304, described above and shown in FIG. 3. The following description refers to FIGS. 3 and 4, collectively.
When an electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string mandates or otherwise utilizes electrical power that is, for example, greater or otherwise different from what the electrical power source can provide, a plurality of capacitors 402 may be utilized to store electrical power, which when released via a switch 404, can operate such electro-mechanical tool. The capacitors 402 may be arranged in a capacitor bank 406, with the positive pole electrically connected with a corresponding electrical power converter 408 of a power converter module, which may charge the capacitor bank 406 when operated to output electrical power, and the negative pole connected with ground 410. An electrical diode 412 may be electrically connected between the electrical power converter 408 and the capacitor bank 406, such as may prevent discharge of the capacitor bank 406 into or via the electrical power converter 408. In order to equalize the voltage of each capacitor 402, resistors 413 may be added in parrallel between each parallel capacitor branch. Additionally, each resistor 413 may slowly discharge the capacitors 402 in case the energy release in not commanded. The electrical charge (i.e., voltage) stored in the capacitor bank 340 may be monitored by the control system 320 and/or by a wellsite operator at the wellsite surface via an electrical conductor 414 connected with the control system 320. When the capacitor bank 406 holds the intended electrical charge, the electrical charge may be selectively released by operating the electrical switch 404 by the control system 320 and/or by the wellsite operator at the wellsite surface via an electrical conductor 316 connected with the control system 320. The released electrical power may be transmitted to a corresponding electro-mechanical tool 418 via an electrical conductor 420 extending through a corresponding crossover.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a tool string 500 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The tool string 500 comprises one or more features of the tool string 200 described above and shown in FIG. 2, including where indicated by like reference numerals, except as described below. The following description refers to FIGS. 2 and 5, collectively.
Certain electro- mechanical tools 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 connectable within the tool string 500 may each be coupled with or comprise a corresponding source of electrical power. For example each electro- mechanical tool 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 may be mechanically and electrically coupled with a corresponding electrical power module 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, each containing an electrical power storage device 522, 524, 526, 528, 530 (e.g., a battery) configured to activate or otherwise operate a corresponding electro- mechanical device 252, 254, 246, 258, 260 (e.g., electrical motor, solenoid valve, thermal generator, etc.) of a corresponding electro- mechanical tool 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 when connected within the tool string 500. Accordingly, a trigger tool 540 coupled within the tool string 500 may be operable to control transfer of electrical power from an electrical power storage device 522, 524, 526, 528, 530 to a corresponding electro- mechanical device 252, 254, 246, 258, 260 via a low power electrical signal (e.g., pulse) to activate or otherwise operate the corresponding electro- mechanical device 252, 254, 246, 258, 260.
The trigger tool 540 may comprise a control module 542, having one or more features of the control modules 218, 308 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, but may not include a power conversion module, such as the power conversion modules 220, 306 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. A controller 544, having one or more features of the controllers 214, 320 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, may be electrically connected with an electrical connector 546, having one or more features of the electrical connectors 242, 372 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. The tool string 500 may also not include a crossover. Accordingly, each electrical power module 512, 514, 516, 518, 520 and electro- mechanical tool 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 may be mechanically and electrically coupled with the trigger tool 540 of the tool string 500 via corresponding mechanical connectors (not shown) and corresponding electrical connectors 546, 548. After an electrical power module 512, 514, 516, 518, 520 and a corresponding electro- mechanical tool 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 are mechanically and electrically coupled with the trigger tool 540 and the tool string 500 is deployed to an intended position within a wellbore, a low power electrical control signal, such as ranging between zero and 20 volts, may be transmitted from the controller 544 to the electrical power module 512, 514, 516, 518, 520 to cause the electrical power storage device 522, 524, 526, 528, 530 to transmit its electrical power to the electro- mechanical tool 502, 504, 506, 508, 510. The control signal may be initiated automatically by the controller 544 or a surface controller, or the control signal may be initiated manually by a wellsite operator at the wellsite surface. Although the electrical power modules 512, 514, 516, 518, 520 and electro- mechanical tools 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 are shown as separate and distinct devices, it is to be understood that each electrical power module 512, 514, 516, 518, 520 and corresponding electro- mechanical tool 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 may be integrated into a single device or unit.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a processing system 600 (or device) according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The processing system 600 may be or form at least a portion of one or more controllers and/or other electronic devices shown in one or more of the FIGS. 1-5. Accordingly, the following description refers to FIGS. 1-6, collectively.
The processing system 600 may be or comprise, for example, one or more processors, controllers, special-purpose computing devices, PCs (e.g., desktop, laptop, and/or tablet computers), personal digital assistants, smartphones, IPCs, PLCs, servers, internet appliances, and/or other types of computing devices. The processing system 600 may be or form at least a portion of the controllers 162, 214, 320, 544. The processing system 600 may be or form at least a portion of the electrical power converters 216, 312, 408. Although it is possible that the entirety of the processing system 600 is implemented within one device, it is also contemplated that one or more components or functions of the processing system 600 may be implemented across multiple devices, some or an entirety of which may be at the wellsite and/or remote from the wellsite.
The processing system 600 may comprise a processor 612, such as a general-purpose programmable processor. The processor 612 may comprise a local memory 614, and may execute machine-readable and executable program code instructions 632 (i.e., computer program code) present in the local memory 614 and/or another memory device. The processor 612 may execute, among other things, the program code instructions 632 and/or other instructions and/or programs to implement the example methods and/or operations described herein. For example, the program code instructions 632, when executed by the processor 612 of the processing system 600, may cause the processor 612 to receive and process (e.g., compare) sensor data (e.g., sensor measurements) and output information indicative of accuracy the sensor data and, thus, the corresponding sensors according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The program code instructions 632, when executed by the processor 612 of the processing system 600, may also or instead cause one or more portions or pieces of equipment of a wellsite system to perform the example methods and/or operations described herein. The processor 612 may be, comprise, or be implemented by one or more processors of various types suitable to the local application environment, and may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Examples of the processor 612 include one or more INTEL microprocessors, microcontrollers from the ARM and/or PICO families of microcontrollers, embedded soft/hard processors in one or more FPGAs.
The processor 612 may be in communication with a main memory 616, such as may include a volatile memory 618 and a non-volatile memory 620, perhaps via a bus 622 and/or other communication means. The volatile memory 618 may be, comprise, or be implemented by random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), RAIVIBUS dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), and/or other types of random access memory devices. The non-volatile memory 620 may be, comprise, or be implemented by read-only memory, flash memory, and/or other types of memory devices. One or more memory controllers (not shown) may control access to the volatile memory 618 and/or non-volatile memory 620.
The processing system 600 may also comprise an interface circuit 624, which is in communication with the processor 612, such as via the bus 622. The interface circuit 624 may be, comprise, or be implemented by various types of standard interfaces, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), a third generation input/output (3GIO) interface, a wireless interface, a cellular interface, and/or a satellite interface, among others. The interface circuit 624 may comprise a graphics driver card. The interface circuit 624 may comprise a communication device, such as a modem or network interface card to facilitate exchange of data with external computing devices via a network (e.g., Ethernet connection, digital subscriber line (DSL), telephone line, coaxial cable, cellular telephone system, satellite, etc.).
The processing system 600 may be in communication with various sensors, video cameras, actuators, processing devices, equipment controllers, and other devices of the wellsite system via the interface circuit 624. The interface circuit 624 can facilitate communications between the processing system 600 and one or more devices by utilizing one or more communication protocols, such as an Ethernet-based network protocol (such as ProfiNET, OPC, OPC/UA, Modbus TCP/IP, EtherCAT, UDP multicast, Siemens S7 communication, or the like), a proprietary communication protocol, and/or another communication protocol.
One or more input devices 626 may also be connected to the interface circuit 624. The input devices 626 may permit human wellsite operators to enter the program code instructions 632, which may be or comprise control commands, operational parameters, and/or operational set-points. The program code instructions 632 may further comprise modeling or predictive routines, equations, algorithms, processes, applications, and/or other programs operable to perform example methods and/or operations described herein. The input devices 626 may be, comprise, or be implemented by a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, an isopoint, and/or a voice recognition system, among other examples. One or more output devices 628 may also be connected to the interface circuit 624. The output devices 628 may permit for visualization or other sensory perception of various data, such as sensor data, status data, and/or other example data. The output devices 628 may be, comprise, or be implemented by video output devices (e.g., an LCD, an LED display, a CRT display, a touchscreen, etc.), printers, and/or speakers, among other examples. The one or more input devices 626 and the one or more output devices 628 connected to the interface circuit 624 may, at least in part, facilitate the HMIs described herein.
The processing system 600 may comprise a mass storage device 630 for storing data and program code instructions 632. The mass storage device 630 may be connected to the processor 612, such as via the bus 622. The mass storage device 630 may be or comprise a tangible, non-transitory storage medium, such as a floppy disk drive, a hard disk drive, a compact disk (CD) drive, and/or digital versatile disk (DVD) drive, among other examples. The processing system 600 may be communicatively connected with an external storage medium 634 via the interface circuit 624. The external storage medium 634 may be or comprise a removable storage medium (e.g., a CD or DVD), such as may be operable to store data and program code instructions 632.
As described above, the program code instructions 632 may be stored in the mass storage device 630, the main memory 616, the local memory 614, and/or the removable storage medium 634. Thus, the processing system 600 may be implemented in accordance with hardware (perhaps implemented in one or more chips including an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC), or may be implemented as software or firmware for execution by the processor 612. In the case of firmware or software, the implementation may be provided as a computer program product including a non-transitory, computer-readable medium or storage structure embodying computer program code instructions 632 (i.e., software or firmware) thereon for execution by the processor 612. The program code instructions 632 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 612, may perform and/or cause performance of example methods, processes, and/or operations described herein.
FIG. 7 is a flow-chart diagram of at least a portion of an example implementation of a process or method (700) according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The method (700) may be performed utilizing or otherwise in conjunction with at least a portion of one or more implementations of one or more instances of the apparatus shown in one or more of FIGS. 1-6, and/or otherwise within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the method (700) may be performed and/or caused, at least partially, by a processing system (e.g., processing system 600 shown in FIG. 6) executing program code instructions according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The method (700) may also or instead be performed and/or caused, at least partially, by a human wellsite operator utilizing one or more instances of the apparatus shown in one or more of FIGS. 1-6, and/or otherwise within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description of the method (700) also refers to apparatus shown in one or more of FIGS. 1-6. However, the method (700) may also be performed in conjunction with implementations of apparatus other than those depicted in FIGS. 1-6 that are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
The method (700) may comprise starting (705) or initiating execution of a downhole job, which may include assembling (710) a tool string or assembly 110 at a wellsite surface 104 from which a wellbore 102 extends. The tool assembly 110 may be ran in hole (RIH) (715) to a target depth. Status of a trigger tool 116 (TT) may then be acquired (720), such as by determining power status (e.g., voltage) of an electrical power source 114 and/or by determining status of an electro-mechanical tool 117 connected within the tool string 110.
A hardware coding combination 350, 352 may then be acquired (725) from a crossover 304 connecting the electro-mechanical tool 117 via a control module 218 and communicated to the wellsite surface 104. The hardware coding combination 350, 352 may then be determined (730) at the wellsite surface 104. If the hardware coding combination 350, 352 is not as expected, such as when the crossover 304 does not match the electro-mechanical tool 117 coupled thereto, a surface controller 162 or other surface equipment may be configured (735) to disable the surface controller 162 from permitting a wellsite operator to transmit a trigger command to the trigger tool 116. The tool assembly 110 may then be pulled out of hole (POOH) (740), reconfigured or otherwise changed (745), and again ran in hole (715) to the target depth. However, if the hardware coding combination 350, 352 is as expected, thereby confirming that the crossover 304 matches the electro-mechanical tool 117 coupled thereto, the surface controller 162 or other equipment may be configured (750) to permit the wellsite operator to transmit a trigger command to the trigger tool 116.
Thereafter, the wellsite operator may cause the surface controller 162 or other equipment to transmit (755) the trigger command to the trigger tool 116 via the line 120 to cause the trigger tool 116 to output electrical power having a form corresponding to one of the different electro-mechanical tools 117 connected within the tool string 110 to thereby initiate operation (757) of the electro-mechanical tool 117 connected within the tool string 110. Real time data indicative of various downhole parameters and conditions that was generated by various downhole tools 111-117 and/or sensors 346 may then be acquired and transmitted (760) to the surface controller 162 or other surface equipment. Successful triggering of the electro-mechanical tool 117 may then be determined (765) at the wellsite surface 104. If the triggering (755) of the electro-mechanical tool 117 was successful, then the tool assembly 110 may be pulled out of hole (780). However, if the triggering (755) of the electro-mechanical tool 117 was not successful, then the trigger command may be retransmitted (775) N quantity of times or until the triggering (755) is successful. If the triggering (755) of the electro-mechanical tool 117 was not successful after N triggering attempts (770), then the tool assembly 110 may be pulled out of hole (780). After the tool assembly 110 is pulled out of hole (780), the tool assembly 110 may be disassembled (785) at the wellsite surface 104 to end (790) the execution of the downhole job.
In view of the entirety of the present disclosure, including the figures and the claims, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure introduces a method comprising positioning a tool string at a target depth within a wellbore via a cable connected with surface equipment disposed at a wellsite surface beneath which the wellbore extends, wherein the tool string comprises an electrical power source and a trigger tool configured for: receiving electrical power from the electrical power source; and outputting different forms of electrical power each being different from the form of electrical power received from the electrical power source, wherein each form of electrical power output by the trigger tool is operable to initiate operation of a corresponding one of a plurality of different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string. The method also comprises transmitting a trigger command from the surface equipment to the trigger tool via the cable to cause the trigger tool to output electrical power having a form corresponding to one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the tool string to thereby initiate operation of the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string.
One of a plurality of different crossovers may be connected within the tool string to connect the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string with the trigger tool, the different crossovers may each comprise a corresponding hardware coding corresponding to one of the different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the tool string, and the method may comprise determining whether the hardware coding of the crossover connected within the tool string corresponds to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string. The method may comprise: if the hardware coding of the crossover connected within the tool string is determined to correspond to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string, configuring the surface equipment to permit the transmission of the trigger command to the trigger tool; and if the hardware coding of the crossover connected within the tool string is determined not to correspond to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string, configuring the surface equipment to prevent the transmission of the trigger command to the trigger tool.
The method may comprise determining whether the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string was triggered in response to the trigger command transmission. The method may comprise acquiring real-time, downhole data and transmitting the data to the surface equipment via the cable. Determining whether the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string was triggered may utilize the data. Acquiring the data may be via operation of the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string. The method may comprise: if the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string was determined to be triggered, removing the tool string from the wellbore; and if the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string was determined to not be triggered, repeating the trigger command transmission up to a predetermined number of times.
The electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string may be a first electro-mechanical tool, the form of the electrical power output by the trigger tool may be a first form of electrical power output by the trigger tool, and the method may comprise: disconnecting the first electro-mechanical tool from the tool string; connecting within the tool string a second one of the plurality of different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string; and transmitting a trigger command from the surface equipment to the trigger tool via the cable to cause the trigger tool to output electrical power having a second form corresponding to the second one of the electro-mechanical tools connected within the tool string to thereby initiate operation of the second electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string, wherein the first and second electro-mechanical tools are different, and wherein the first and second forms of electrical power are different.
The form of the electrical power may be defined by one or more of electrical voltage, electrical current, and duration of time the electrical power is applied.
The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus comprising a trigger tool connectable within a tool string and deployable within a wellbore, wherein the trigger tool comprises a plurality of electrical power converter sets each comprising one or more power converters, wherein each electrical power converter set is electrically connectable with an electrical power source, and wherein each electrical power converter set is operable to: receive electrical power from the electrical power source; and output a corresponding electrical power operable to initiate operation of a corresponding one of a plurality of different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string, wherein the electrical power output by each electrical power converter set has a form that is different from the form of the electrical power received by such electrical power converter set from the electrical power source, and wherein the form of electrical power output by each electrical power converter set is different from the form of electrical power output by another of the electrical power converter sets. The trigger tool is operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string by outputting electrical power by one of the electrical power converter sets corresponding to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string, and wherein each of the different electro-mechanical tools is connectable within the tool string one at a time.
The trigger tool may be communicatively connected with a surface controller located at a wellsite surface from which the wellbore extends via a telemetry device of the tool string, and the trigger tool may be operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string based on a control command received from the surface controller via the telemetry device. Based on the control command from the surface controller, the trigger tool may be operable to cause one of the electrical power converter sets corresponding to one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string to output electrical power to such electro-mechanical tool and thereby initiate operation of such electro-mechanical tool.
The different electro-mechanical tools may comprise one or more of a fluid sampling tool, a dump bailer, a plug setting tool, a plug, a tubular cutter tool, and a perforating tool.
The electrical power source may be or comprise an electrical battery disposed within the tool string.
The form of electrical power may be defined by at least one of electrical voltage, electrical current, and duration of time the electrical power is applied.
The electrical power output by the electrical power converter sets may comprise: a single electrical pulse; and/or a plurality of electrical pulses.
The tool string may comprise: a logging tool; a depth correlation tool; a telemetry device operable to communicatively connect the trigger tool, the logging tool, and the depth correlation tool with a surface controller located at a wellsite surface from which the wellbore extends; one of the different electro-mechanical tools; one of a plurality of different crossovers each operable to mechanically and electrically couple together the trigger tool and a corresponding one of the different electro-mechanical tools, wherein the one crossover mechanically and electrically couples together the trigger tool and the one electro-mechanical tool; and the electrical power source.
The apparatus may comprise a crossover mechanically and electrically coupling together the trigger tool and one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string, the crossover may comprise an electrical conductor extending between opposing electrical couplers of the crossover, the electrical conductor may electrically connect the electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string with a corresponding one of the electrical power converter sets, and the electrical conductor may be configured to not electrically connect the electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string with another of the electrical power converter sets.
The apparatus may comprise a capacitor operable to store the electrical power output by a corresponding one of the electrical power converter sets, and the trigger tool may be operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string by causing the capacitor to discharge the stored electrical power to such electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string. The apparatus may comprise a crossover mechanically and electrically coupling together the trigger tool and one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string. The crossover may comprise the capacitor. One of the trigger tool and crossover may comprise an electrical switch selectively operable to electrically connect together the capacitor and the corresponding one of the different electro-mechanical tools when connected within the downhole tool string.
The apparatus may comprise a crossover operable to mechanically and electrically couple together the trigger tool and one of the different electro-mechanical tools, wherein: the crossover comprises a plurality of conductors each electrically connectable with the trigger tool when the crossover is mechanically and electrically coupled with the trigger tool; at least one of the conductors is connected to an electrical ground; at least two of the conductors are shorted; and a combination of the grounded and shorted conductors corresponds to one of the different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string. The trigger tool may be operable to: identify the corresponding one of the different electro-mechanical tools based on the combination of the grounded and shorted conductors; permit operation of one of the electrical power converter sets corresponding to the identified one of the different electro-mechanical tools; and prevent operation of another of the electrical power converter sets that do not correspond to the identified one of the different electro-mechanical tools.
The trigger tool may comprise: a control module comprising a controller and an electrical coupler; and one or more power conversion modules each comprising the electrical power converter sets and an electrical coupler configured to interface with the electrical coupler of the control module to electrically connect together the controller and the electrical power converter sets. The apparatus may comprise a crossover operable to mechanically and electrically couple together the trigger tool and one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string, the trigger tool may comprise a housing containing the control module and the power conversion module, and the housing may be configured to mechanically couple with the crossover. The power conversion module may be configured to receive an additional electrical power converter set operable to output a corresponding electrical power operable to initiate operation of an additional different electro-mechanical tool connectable within the downhole tool string. At least one of the electrical power converter sets may be interchangeable with a different electrical power converter set operable to output a corresponding electrical power operable to initiate operation of an additional different electro-mechanical tool connectable within the downhole tool string.
The present disclosure also introduces a method comprising positioning a tool string at a target depth within a wellbore via a cable connected with surface equipment disposed at a wellsite surface beneath which the wellbore extends, wherein the tool string comprises: one of a plurality of different electro-mechanical tools; a trigger tool configured for initiating operation of each of the different electro-mechanical tools; and one of a plurality of different crossovers connecting the trigger tool with the one electro-mechanical tool. The method also comprises determining whether hardware coding associated with the one electro-mechanical tool is correct and transmitting a trigger command from the surface equipment to the trigger tool via the cable.
The method may comprise: if the hardware coding is determined to be correct, configuring the surface equipment to permit the trigger command transmission; and if the hardware coding is determined to be incorrect, configuring the surface equipment to prevent the trigger command transmission. The method may comprise, if the hardware coding is determined to be incorrect, iterating the following until the hardware coding is determined to be correct: removing the tool string from the wellbore; replacing the one electro-mechanical tool in the tool string within another one of the electro-mechanical tools or replacing the one crossover in the tool string within another one of the crossovers; and repositioning the tool string to the target depth.
The method may comprise determining whether the one electro-mechanical tool was triggered in response to the trigger command transmission. The method may comprise acquiring real-time, downhole data and transmitting the data to the surface equipment via the cable. Determining whether the one electro-mechanical tool was triggered may utilize the data. Acquiring the data may be via operation of the one electro-mechanical tool. The tool string may comprise an additional tool, and acquiring the data may be via operation of the additional tool. The method may comprise: if the one electro-mechanical tool was determined to be triggered, removing the tool string from the wellbore; and if the one electro-mechanical tool was determined to not be triggered, repeating the trigger command transmission up to a predetermined number of times.
The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus comprising a trigger tool connectable within a tool string and deployable within a wellbore, wherein the trigger tool comprises a plurality of electrical power converters each electrically connected with an electrical power source, wherein each electrical power converter is operable to: receive electrical power from the electrical power source; and output a corresponding electrical power operable to initiate operation of a corresponding one of a plurality of different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string. The trigger tool is operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string by outputting electrical power by one of the electrical power converters corresponding to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string. Each of the different electro-mechanical tools is connectable within the tool string one at a time.
The different electro-mechanical tools may comprise one or more of a fluid sampling tool, a dump bailer, a plug setting tool, a plug, a tubular cutter tool, and a perforating tool.
The electrical power source may be or comprise an electrical battery disposed within the tool string.
The apparatus may comprise a crossover mechanically and electrically coupling together the trigger tool and one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string, the crossover may comprise an electrical conductor extending between opposing electrical couplers of the crossover, the electrical conductor may electrically connect the electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string with a corresponding one of the power converters, and the electrical conductor may be configured to not electrically connect the electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string with another of the power converters.
The apparatus may comprise a crossover mechanically and electrically coupling together the trigger tool and one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string, the crossover may comprise a capacitor operable to store the electrical power output by a corresponding one of the electrical power converters, and the trigger tool may be operable to initiate operation of a corresponding one of the different electro-mechanical tools when connected within the downhole tool string by causing the capacitor to discharge the stored electrical power to such electro-mechanical tool when connected within the downhole tool string. One of the trigger tool and crossover may comprise an electrical switch selectively operable to electrically connect together the capacitor and the corresponding one of the different electro-mechanical tools when connected within the downhole tool string.
The apparatus may comprise a crossover operable to mechanically and electrically couple together the trigger tool and one of the different electro-mechanical tools, wherein: the crossover comprises a plurality of conductors each electrically connectable with the trigger tool when the crossover is mechanically and electrically coupled with the trigger tool; at least one of the conductors is connected to an electrical ground; at least two of the conductors are shorted; and a combination of the grounded and shorted conductors corresponds to one of the different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string. The trigger tool may be operable to: identify the corresponding one of the different electro-mechanical tools based on the combination of the grounded and shorted conductors; permit operation of one of the electrical power converters corresponding to the identified one of the different electro-mechanical tools; and prevent operation of another of the electrical power converters that do not correspond to the identified one of the different electro-mechanical tools.
The trigger tool may comprise: a control module comprising a controller and an electrical coupler; and a power conversion module comprising the electrical power converters and an electrical coupler configured to interface with the electrical coupler of the control module to electrically connect together the controller and the electrical power converters. One of the electrical couplers may comprise an electrical pin connector, and the other of the electrical couplers may comprise an electrical socket connector. The apparatus may comprise a crossover operable to mechanically and electrically couple together the trigger tool and one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string, the trigger tool may comprise a housing containing the control module and the power conversion module, and the housing may be configured to mechanically couple with the crossover. The power conversion module may be configured to receive an additional electrical power converter operable to output a corresponding electrical power operable to initiate operation of an additional different electro-mechanical tool connectable within the downhole tool string. At least one of the electrical power converters may be interchangeable with a different electrical power converter operable to output a corresponding electrical power operable to initiate operation of an additional different electro-mechanical tool connectable within the downhole tool string.
The electrical power output by each of the electrical power converters may comprise at least one of: a different voltage; a different current; and a different duration.
The electrical power output by each of the electrical power converters may comprise a different voltage, a different current, and a different duration.
The electrical power output by the electrical power converters may comprise: a single electrical pulse; and/or a plurality of electrical pulses.
If one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string comprises the electrical power source, the electrical power output by the electrical power converter may have a positive voltage in the range of 0-20 volts.
If one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string does not comprise the electrical power source, the electrical power output by the electrical power converter may have a positive or negative voltage greater than 20 volts.
The trigger tool may be communicatively connected with a surface controller located at a wellsite surface from which the wellbore extends via a telemetry device of the tool string, and the trigger tool may be operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string based on a control command received from the surface controller via the telemetry device. Based on the control command from the surface controller, the trigger tool may be operable to cause one of the power converters corresponding to one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string to output electrical power to such electro-mechanical tool and thereby initiate operation of such electro-mechanical tool.
The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that a person having ordinary skill in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. A person having ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same functions and/or achieving the same benefits of the implementations introduced herein. A person having ordinary skill in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
The Abstract at the end of this disclosure is provided to permit the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising:

positioning a tool string at a target depth within a wellbore via a cable connected with surface equipment disposed at a wellsite surface beneath which the wellbore extends, wherein the tool string comprises:

an electrical power source; and

a trigger tool configured for:

receiving electrical power from the electrical power source; and

outputting different forms of electrical power each being different from the form of electrical power received from the electrical power source, wherein each form of electrical power output by the trigger tool is operable to initiate operation of a corresponding one of a plurality of different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string; and

transmitting a trigger command from the surface equipment to the trigger tool via the cable to cause the trigger tool to output electrical power having a form corresponding to one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the tool string to thereby initiate operation of the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein:

one of a plurality of different crossovers is connected within the tool string to connect the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string with the trigger tool;

the different crossovers each comprise a corresponding hardware coding corresponding to one of the different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the tool string; and

the method further comprises determining whether the hardware coding of the crossover connected within the tool string corresponds to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising:

if the hardware coding of the crossover connected within the tool string is determined to correspond to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string, configuring the surface equipment to permit the transmission of the trigger command to the trigger tool; and

if the hardware coding of the crossover connected within the tool string is determined not to correspond to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string, configuring the surface equipment to prevent the transmission of the trigger command to the trigger tool.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining whether the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string was triggered in response to the trigger command transmission.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising acquiring real-time, downhole data and transmitting the data to the surface equipment via the cable, wherein determining whether the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string was triggered utilizes the data.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein acquiring the data is via operation of the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string.

7. The method of claim 4 further comprising:

if the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string was determined to be triggered, removing the tool string from the wellbore; and

if the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string was determined to not be triggered, repeating the trigger command transmission up to a predetermined number of times.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string is a first electro-mechanical tool, wherein the form of the electrical power output by the trigger tool is a first form of electrical power output by the trigger tool, and wherein the method further comprises:

disconnecting the first electro-mechanical tool from the tool string;

connecting within the tool string a second one of the plurality of different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string; and

transmitting a trigger command from the surface equipment to the trigger tool via the cable to cause the trigger tool to output electrical power having a second form corresponding to the second one of the electro-mechanical tools connected within the tool string to thereby initiate operation of the second electro-mechanical tool connected within the tool string, wherein the first and second electro-mechanical tools are different, and wherein the first and second forms of electrical power are different.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the form of the electrical power is defined by one or more of electrical voltage, electrical current, and duration of time the electrical power is applied.

10. An apparatus comprising:

a trigger tool connectable within a tool string and deployable within a wellbore, wherein the trigger tool comprises a plurality of electrical power converter sets each comprising one or more power converters, wherein each electrical power converter set is electrically connectable with an electrical power source, and wherein each electrical power converter set is operable to:

receive electrical power from the electrical power source; and

output a corresponding electrical power operable to initiate operation of a corresponding one of a plurality of different electro-mechanical tools connectable within the downhole tool string, wherein the electrical power output by each electrical power converter set has a form that is different from the form of the electrical power received by such electrical power converter set from the electrical power source, and wherein the form of electrical power output by each electrical power converter set is different from the form of electrical power output by another of the electrical power converter sets;

wherein the trigger tool is operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string by outputting electrical power by one of the electrical power converter sets corresponding to the electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string, and wherein each of the different electro-mechanical tools is connectable within the tool string one at a time.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the trigger tool is communicatively connected with a surface controller located at a wellsite surface from which the wellbore extends via a telemetry device of the tool string, and wherein the trigger tool is operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string based on a control command received from the surface controller via the telemetry device.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein, based on the control command from the surface controller, the trigger tool is operable to cause one of the electrical power converter sets corresponding to one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string to output electrical power to such electro-mechanical tool and thereby initiate operation of such electro-mechanical tool.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the different electro-mechanical tools comprise one or more of a fluid sampling tool, a dump bailer, a plug setting tool, a plug, a tubular cutter tool, and a perforating tool.

14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the electrical power source is or comprises an electrical battery disposed within the tool string.

15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the form of electrical power is defined by at least one of electrical voltage, electrical current, and duration of time the electrical power is applied.

16. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the tool string comprises:

a telemetry device operable to communicatively connect the trigger tool with a surface controller located at a wellsite surface from which the wellbore extends;

one of the different electro-mechanical tools;

one of a plurality of different crossovers each operable to mechanically and electrically couple together the trigger tool and a corresponding one of the different electro-mechanical tools, wherein the one crossover mechanically and electrically couples together the trigger tool and the one electro-mechanical tool; and

the electrical power source.

17. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a crossover mechanically and electrically coupling together the trigger tool and one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string, wherein the crossover comprises an electrical conductor extending between opposing electrical couplers of the crossover, wherein the electrical conductor electrically connects the electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string with a corresponding one of the electrical power converter sets, and wherein the electrical conductor is configured to not electrically connect the electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string with another of the electrical power converter sets.

18. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprises a capacitor operable to store the electrical power output by a corresponding one of the electrical power converter sets, and wherein the trigger tool is operable to initiate operation of one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string by causing the capacitor to discharge the stored electrical power to such electro-mechanical tool connected within the downhole tool string.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a crossover mechanically and electrically coupling together the trigger tool and one of the different electro-mechanical tools connected within the downhole tool string, wherein the crossover comprises the capacitor.

20. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the trigger tool comprises:

a control module comprising:

a controller; and

an electrical coupler; and

one or more power conversion modules each comprising:

the electrical power converter sets; and

an electrical coupler configured to interface with the electrical coupler of the control module to electrically connect together the controller and the electrical power converter sets.