BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to production logging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system and method of deploying sensors in a hydrocarbon producing wellbore, sensing wellbore conditions with the sensors, and retrieving the sensors.

2. Description of Prior Art

[0002] Various types of devices are disposed downhole for monitoring parameters of fluid flowing within a wellbore, and evaluating subterranean formation adjacent the wellbore. Typically fluid parameters monitored downhole include a flowrate of fluid flowing downhole, fluid properties, and fluid conditions. Fluid properties monitored generally include fluid density, composition, and viscosity, and fluid conditions monitored usually include fluid pressure and fluid temperature. The formation properties typically estimated are resistivity, rugosity, and porosity. Flowmeters are typically used for measuring fluid flow, and sensors are typically used for measuring fluid properties and/or conditions. The flowmeters and sensors are deployed downhole within a producing wellbore, a jumper/caisson used in conjunction with a subsea wellbore, or a production transmission line used in distributing the produced fluids. Formation properties are typically measured with nuclear or electromagnetic tools. Monitoring fluid produced from a wellbore, and the formation properties, is useful in wellbore evaluation and to project production life of a well. Fluid density and viscosity are usually measured to estimate the type of fluid flowing in the monitored portion of the wellbore, i.e. oil, water, gas. A further determination of the fluid downhole can be verified by readings of temperature and/or pressure. [0003] As is known, the downhole in-situ conditions of temperature and pressure can change significantly depending on the location in the borehole. Fluid properties, such as viscosity and density are dependent on fluid temperature and pressure, thus these properties for the same fluid can change depending on where the fluid is in the wellbore. Additionally, dissimilar types of fluids that are connate in the formation can migrate into the wellbore, thereby further altering the properties of the fluid flowing in the wellbore. Currently, downhole sensors for measuring fluid properties and sensors for measuring flow are disposed at different places in the wellbore or are spaced sufficiently far apart from one another that the fluid being monitored has different fluid properties when evaluated by these spaced apart sensors. Accordingly, these readings are susceptible to error if a flow rate calculation is based on an inaccurate value of fluid property. Permanently disposed sensors partially obstruct fluid flow in the wellbore, which can increase pressure drop of fluid being produced. Further, temporary sensors are mounted onto downhole tools, where the presence of the downhole tool affects the measurements obtained by the sensors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Disclosed herein is an example of a logging tool for use in a wellbore and which includes a mother tool, a stinger depending from an end of the mother tool, and a sensor assembly selectively coupled to and decoupled from the stinger with a latch, and that is selectively landed in a designated location in the wellbore when decoupled from the stinger. The sensor assembly can be a sensor element for sensing a fluid; or can be one or more of a flow meter, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, or a density sensor. Optionally, the sensor assembly is a sensor for sensing a formation; which can be one or more of a resistivity sensor, a porosity sensor, and a rugosity sensor. The logging tool can further include proximity sensors on the sensor assembly and the stinger, so that when the mother tool is separated from the landed sensor assembly and being moved towards the sensor assembly in the wellbore, signals from the proximity sensors indicate relative locations of the sensor assembly and the stinger. In one alternative, the sensor assembly is in a retracted configuration and set radially inward from walls of the wellbore when the logging tool is being lowered in the wellbore, and wherein the sensor assembly is in a deployed configuration and in engaging contact with the walls of the wellbore when landed in the wellbore. The logging tool can further optionally include a plurality of additional sensor assemblies, so that the sensor assembly and the plurality of additional sensor assemblies make up a sensor set. In one specific example, the sensor assembly is formed from a hub that circumscribes the stinger when the sensor assembly is coupled with the stinger, arms that have an end connected to the hub and that project axially away from the hub when the sensor assembly is in a retracted configuration, the arms projecting radially away from the hub when the sensor assembly is in a deployed configuration, and sensor elements on the arms. A tool controller can be included and that is for controlling the latch, so that when the tool controller transmits a signal to the latch, the sensor assembly is decoupled from the stinger, and when the tool controller transmits another signal to the latch, the sensor assembly is coupled to the stinger.

[0005] Another example of a logging tool for use in a wellbore is described herein and that includes a mother tool having an upper end connected to a conveyance element, a sensor assembly selectively coupled to and decoupled from the mother tool, and a communication system in communication between the sensor assembly and mother tool. This example of the logging tool can further include an elongated stinger extending from an end of the mother tool distal from the upper end. The communication system can include a transceiver that is coupled with the mother tool and a transceiver that is coupled with the sensor assembly. In this example, the sensor assembly is made up of sensor elements that are in communication with the transceiver that is coupled with the sensor assembly.

[0006] Also described herein is a method of logging in a wellbore and which involves deploying a mother tool with a sensor in the wellbore, decoupling the sensor from the mother tool and anchoring the sensor at a designated depth in the wellbore, moving the mother tool uphole from where the sensor is anchored in the wellbore, and communicating between the mother tool and sensor. The method can further include moving the mother tool downhole and recoupling the sensor to the mother tool. Optionally included with the method is a step of sensing a proximity between the mother tool and the sensor when the sensor decoupled from the mother tool. The sensor can be a plurality of sensors that are spaced apart from one another on the mother tool when the mother tool is deployed in the wellbore, and that are decoupled from the mother tool and anchored in the wellbore at different depths of the wellbore. Optionally, the sensor senses data in the wellbore and communicates the data to the mother tool; where the data in the wellbore can be fluid pressure, fluid temperature, fluid flow, formation porosity, and formation resistivity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Some of the features and benefits of the present invention having been stated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a side partial sectional view of an example of a logging tool having a sensor set of sensor assemblies, and disposed in a wellbore.

[0009] FIG. 2A, which is taken along lines 2A-2A of FIG. 1, is an axial view of an example of a sensor assembly of FIG. 1 in a retracted configuration. [0010] FIG. 2B, which is taken along lines 2B-2B of FIG. 4, is an axial view of an example of a sensor assembly in a deployed configuration.

[0011] FIGS. 3 - 8 are side sectional views of an example of the logging tool deploying and landing the sensor assemblies of FIG. 1 in a deviated portion of the wellbore.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of an example of the sensor assemblies being landed and sensing conditions in the wellbore.

[0013] FIGS. 10 - 15 are side sectional views of the logging tool of FIG. 1 retrieving the sensor set of sensor assemblies.

[0014] While the invention will be described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0015] The method and system of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments are shown. The method and system of the present disclosure may be in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In an embodiment, usage of the term "about" includes +/- 5% of the cited magnitude. In an embodiment, usage of the term "substantially" includes +/- 5% of the cited magnitude. [0016] It is to be further understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials, or embodiments shown and described, as modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed illustrative embodiments and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.

[0017] Depicted in side sectional view in Figure 1 is an example of a downhole tool 10 within a wellbore 12, wherein the wellbore 12 intersects a formation 14. The downhole tool 10 is shown suspended from a wireline 16, which is used to deploy the downhole tool 10, and through which communication to and from the downhole tool 10 is transmitted. Alternate conveyance means may be used for inserting and retrieving the downhole tool 10 from wellbore 12, such as coiled tubing, slick line, cable and the like. An end of wireline 16 opposite from its connection to downhole tool 10 is shown within a service truck 18 provided on the surface 20 and adjacent an opening of wellbore 12. Wireline 16 is threaded through a wellhead assembly 22 which is mounted on surface 20 and over the wellbore 12. In the example of Figure 1, the downhole tool 10 includes a mother tool 24 which has a generally cylindrical outer profile, and an elongated stinger 26 shown depending from an end of the mother tool 24 opposite to where it connects to wireline 16. Sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 are shown mounted on and coupled to stinger 26 and which define a sensor set 30. As will be described in more detail below, coupling and decoupling of sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 from stinger 26 can be controlled by a tool controller 31 which is depicted in dashed outline and disposed within mother tool 24. Tool controller 31 is in selective communication with a surface controller 32 shown disposed within service truck 18. Communication between the controllers 31, 32 can be along communication means (i.e. conductive media or fiber optics) in wireline 16, or wireless along the wellbore 12. [0018] Figure 2A, which is taken along lines 2A-2A on Figure 1, shows in an axial sectional view an upward looking example of the lower end of downhole tool 10 disposed within wellbore 12. In the illustrated example, casing 33 is shown lining the walls of wellbore 12. Here, the sensor assembly 28 ₁ is in a retracted configuration, so that its outer periphery is spaced radially inward from an inner surface of the casing 33. In one example, while in the retracted configuration, the sensor assembly 28 ₁ is coupled to the stinger 26.

[0019] Figure 3 shows in a side sectional view the downhole tool 10 with sensor assemblies 281 _-3 in a deviated section of wellbore 12 and being guided past a series of perforation arrays 34 _1-3 . The perforation arrays 34 _1-3 are made up of a number of perforations P, which are openings in the formation 14 that extend radially outward from the wellbore 12. Connate fluid F in the formation 14 flows into the wellbore 12 through the perforations P.

[0020] Figure 4 illustrates in side sectional view, an example of sensor assembly 28 ₁ having been radially expanded into a deployed configuration and anchored within wellbore 12 between perforation arrays 34 ₁ and perforation array 34 ₂ . In an alternative, the sensor assembly 28 ₁ is deployed when the downhole tool 10 is at a designated depth in the wellbore 12. Figure 2B, which is taken along lines 2B-2B of Figure 4, shows an axial sectional view of an example of sensor assembly 28 ₁ in the deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the outer periphery of sensor assembly 28 ₁ is in contact with and anchored to the walls of wellbore 12, and as shown are in close contact with the inner surface of casing 33. Further, when in the deployed configuration, sensor assembly 28 ₁ is decoupled from stinger 26 so that downhole tool 10 can be moved within wellbore 12 while sensor assembly 28 ₁ remains anchored in a designated depth of wellbore 12. Optionally, production tubing (not shown) is inserted within the casing 33 and provides a flow conduit for conveying the connate fluid F to surface. In this example, the downhole tool 10 is inserted into the production tubing.

[0021] Shown in Figure 5 is an example of operation where the downhole tool 10 is drawn up hole within wellbore 12 after the sensor assembly 28 ₁ is put into the deployed configuration and anchored in the wellbore 12. Referring to Figure 6, sensor assembly 28 ₂ is shown converted into the deployed configuration and anchored within wellbore 12. In the example of Figure 6, sensor assembly 28 ₂ is anchored in a portion of the wellbore 12 that is between perforation arrays 34 ₂ , 34 ₃ . In the example of Figure 7 downhole tool 10 is drawn further up hole within wellbore 12 after sensor assembly 28 ₂ is deployed and anchored in wellbore 12, and decoupled from stinger 26. Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment where sensor assembly 28 ₃ is set in the deployed configuration and in anchoring contact with sidewalls of wellbore 12. In the example of Figure 8, sensor assembly 28 ₃ is disposed in wellbore 12 on a side of perforation array 34 ₃ opposite from perforation array 34 ₂ .

[0022] Figure 9 depicts an alternative where sensor assembly 28 ₃ is decoupled from stinger 26, and the downhole tool 10 drawn further up hole in wellbore 12 and away from sensor assembly 28 ₃ . In the illustrated embodiment, sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 are spaced apart from one another at different depths within wellbore 12 and at designated locations. As shown, the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 are strategically disposed between the perforation arrays 34 _1-3 and can selectively monitor wellbore conditions, formation properties, fluid properties, and fluid flow in sections of the wellbore 12 that are between the perforation arrays 34 _1-3 . In an alternative, the selective monitoring in these discrete locations provides estimated flow measurement and fluid properties from each of these perforation arrays 34 _1-3 individually. Moreover, the anchoring of the sensor arrays 28 _1-3 without the presence of the downhole tool 10, results in more accurate measurements of flow of fluid F through wellbore 12 without interference from the downhole tool 10.

[0023] Referring back to Figure 2B, each of the sensor assemblies, as illustrated by sensor assembly 28 ₁ in the deployed configuration, are shown to have a hub 36 which is selectively coupled to the stinger 26 by a latch mechanism 37i. Multiple examples of a latch 37 ₁ can be understood by those skilled in the art, such as dogs, tabs, collets, and the like. Thus when activated, latch 37 ₁ engages hub 36, which couples sensor assembly 28 ₁ to stinger 26. Control commands can cause latch 37 ₁ to retract thereby allowing stinger 26 to move axially with respect to hub 36 and sensor assembly 28 ₁ thereby allowing downhole tool 10 to move within the wellbore 12 with respect to the sensor assembly 281. Further included with the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 are arms 38 _1-6 which are elongate members whose elongate lengths project radially outward from hub 36 and into contact with the inner walls of wellbore 12 when sensor assembly 28 ₁ is in the deployed configuration. Referring back to Figure 2 A, arms 38 _1-6 project generally oblique to an axis A _x of downhole tool 10 when in the retracted configuration, thereby allowing deployment of downhole tool 10 within wellbore 12. Referring back to Figure 2B, sensor elements 40 are shown coupled on the arms 38 _1-6 at various radial locations on the arms 38 _1-6 . The sensor elements 40 can be one or more of temperature sensors, pressure sensors, flow elements which can sense fluid flow temperature, fluid flow pressure, fluid flow rate, or any other measurable parameter of the fluid F in the wellbore 12. Other examples of sensor elements 40 include sensors for sensing properties of the formation 14 adjacent wellbore 12; where examples of formation properties include porosity, density, resistivity, and rugosity. However, the sensor elements 40 can be used for sensing any downhole condition and whose use is not limited to that provided herein. Other examples of what can be measured by the sensor elements includes fluid type, fluid speed, fluid density, fluid viscosity, fluid acoustic properties, fluid electrical properties, fluid radioactive properties, fluid magnetic resonance properties, fluid optical properties, an amount of fluid flow, formation porosity, and formation resistivity

[0024] In a non-limiting example of operation as shown in Figure 9, signals 44 _1-3 are shown being transmitted within wellbore 12 between the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 and downhole tool 10. Transmission and/or receipt of the signals 44 _1-3 is selectively performed by transceivers 46i _-3 shown disposed respectively on the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 , and transceiver 48 that is provided within the mother tool 10. Thus, data as described above can be sensed or collected by sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 and transmitted to transceiver 48 from transceivers 46 _1-3 and then communicated up hole via wireline 16 for storage and/or processing. Alternatively, less than all of the sensor assemblies28 ₁ _ ₃ can be operating at one time and so that less than the number of signals illustrated in Figure 9 can be transmitted between sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 and downhole tool 10. Optionally, signals or data can be transmitted from transceiver 48 to sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 for adjusting operation of the particular sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 . In another example, data sensed by sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 can be stored in data storage media (not shown) provided with the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 . Yet further optionally, the number of sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 provided for use with the downhole tool 10 can be three as shown, greater than three, or less than three. In another alternate example, the signals 44 _1-3 can be transmitted fully up hole and so that communication is directly between the sensor assemblies 28i _-3 and surface controller 32 of Figure 1. Further, the positioning of the sensor assemblies 28i _-3 is not limited to the locations, spacing, or arrangements as shown. Instead, sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 can be disposed adjacent one of the perforation arrays 34 _1-3 rather than between, and more than one of the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 can be disposed proximate one another rather than spaced apart as shown. [0025] Figure 10 shows in a side sectional view an example of the downhole tool 10 being moved back downhole from its position of Figure 9, and the stinger 26 being reinserted into sensor assembly 28 ₃ . Sensor assembly 28 ₃ recouples to downhole tool 10 after being engaged by stinger 26, in an example latch 37 ₃ is selectively activated to affix sensor assembly 28 ₃ to stinger 26. Further, sensors 281, 28 ₂ can still be sending signals 44i, 44 ₂ during this process and continuing to sense data and conditions within borehole 12. Figure 11 depicts an example where sensor assembly 28 ₃ is in the retracted configuration on stinger 26 so that as shown in Figure 12, further downhole movement of downhole tool brings the stinger 26 into contact with sensor assembly 28 ₂ . Signal 44i is shown in wellbore illustrating that sensor assembly 281 and downhole tool 10 can be in communication with one another. In an example, signals 44i _-3 are wireless, which can be electromagnetic waves as well as mud pulses and the like. Optionally, hard wire examples exist wherein the sensor assemblies 28i _-3 maintain communication via conductive elements throughout the process of deployment and retrieval of the sensor assemblies 28i _-3 . In one example, one or more of the sensor assemblies 28i _-3 operates as a transponder that performs a wireless repeater function to allow communication between one or more of the other sensor assemblies 28i _-3 and the downhole tool 10 should the distance between the downhole tool 10 and the other sensors assemblies 28i _-3 exceeds its operating range. Figure 13 depicts an example where sensor assembly 28 ₂ is configured into its retracted configuration and so that downhole tool 10 can move deeper into the wellbore 12 and retrieve downhole assemblies 28i _-3 as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15.

[0026] Referring back to Figure 2B, optional proximity sensors 50i and 52 are illustrated, which can facilitate the coupling of stinger 26 to the sensor assemblies 281. In an example of operation, proximity sensors 50i, 52 sense their relative proximity to one another and generate signals reflective of the relative proximity of stinger 26 to sensor array 28i, which can be used by operations personnel to guide stinger 26 into hub 36 of sensor array 281. Similarly, proximity sensors (not shown) can also be provided on other sensor arrays 28 _2> 3 (Figure 3) so that downhole tool 10 can be guided to recouple the sensor arrays 28 _2; 3 to the stinger 26 so they can be retrieved to surface 20. Optionally, transceivers 46 _1-3 , 48 (Figure 9) can be in communication with one another in order to provide guiding signals for reattaching sensor arrays 281.3 to downhole tool 10.

[0027] In an alternate embodiment, each of the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 of the sensor set 30 of Figure 1 are equipped with latching systems (not shown) for coupling to one another. Thus in this example, the stinger 26 can optionally be omitted from the tool 10 and one of the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 configured to be coupled directly to the mother tool 24, and the remaining sensor assemblies 281.3 couple to one another, so that the sensor set 30 depends directly from the mother tool 24. Moreover, the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 can also be electrical and signal communication with one another independently or through the latching system. In one embodiment, a downhole setting tool (not shown), such as those currently used for setting and retrieving an inflatable plug, is included with the tool 10. In this example, a driving tool is set in each of the sensor assemblies 281.3, such as within a receptacle, and that rotates to set and release the particular one of the sensor assemblies 281.3. The setting tool can also be used to retrieve the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 where the driving tool inserts into the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 and rotated to retract the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 and then retrieve them from the wellbore 12. In one example, each of the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 includes an electrical motor and gear box, that when selectively energized provides power to the sensor assemblies 28 _1-3 for orienting them into the set and unset configurations. An inductively coupled electrical power receiver/repeater scheme can also be included in this configuration.

[0028] The present invention described herein, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as others inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been given for purposes of disclosure, numerous changes exist in the details of procedures for accomplishing the desired results. These and other similar modifications will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be encompassed within the spirit of the present invention disclosed herein and the scope of the appended claims.