US 4,616,702 AGrant

Tool and Combined Tool Support and Casing Section for Use in Transmitting Data Up a Well

Issue Date:1986-10-14

•78 Claims

•11 Drawing Sheets

Abstract

A tool changes the electrical conductance across a nonconductive separation in a string of electrically conductive casing in a well located in the earth. The tool is for transmission of data up the well. The casing has at least one inwardly extending landing shoulder for the tool. The tool has a housing elongated between first and second ends. The housing has a first contact for electrical connection to the casing on one side of the nonconductive separation. The housing has a second contact spaced from the first contact for electrical connection to the casing on the other side of the nonconductive separation from the one side. The housing also has a nonconductive housing portion, substantially circular in cross-section, between the first and second contacts. An outwardly extending landing shoulder is provided on the housing for landing and for supporting the tool on the casing landing shoulder. A controllable switch is contained in the housing for electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second contacts to thereby change the electrical conductance in the casing across the nonconductive separation representative of data. A combined tool support and casing section with a nonconductive ring is also disclosed.

Metadata

Assignee

Comdisco Resources, Inc.

Inventors

Merle E. Hanson
Paul F. Titchener
Clifford W. Hamberlin

Application Information

Application Number:US 6064728

Filing Date:1984-05-01

Priority Date:1984-05-01

Art Unit:356

Classifications

IPC:

E21B 47022E21B 4706E21B 4712

Field of Search:

1662857332434036765 R;64;65 M;66;53;153;156;382;381;383;250;65.1;248;60DIG. 8151;155;40.5 R347;351;355;357;368853;856;85735;81;85

Patent Drawings (11 sheets)

Description

Cross-References to Related Applications

This application is copending with U.S. patent applications which disclose common subject matter, as follows:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 606,473 entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS USING A WELL CASING FOR TRANSMITTING DATA UP A WELL in the names of Paul F. Titchener, Merle E. Hanson, and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 605,832 entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS USING CASING AND TUBING FOR TRANSMITTING DATA UP A WELL in the names of Paul F. Titchener, Merle E. Hanson, and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 605,834 entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS USING CASING FOR COMBINED TRANSMISSION OF DATA UP A WELL AND FLUID FLOW IN A GEOLOGICAL FORMATION IN THE WELL in the names of Paul F. Titchener, Merle E. Hanson, all of which were filed on even date herewith.

Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to borehole telemetry systems and more specifically a tool and casing section for use with the tool for transmitting data up an oil or gas well.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Various techniques have been used for sensing parameters, such as pressure, temperature, inclination, etc., downhole in oil and gas wells and for obtaining data about the parameters uphole.

Parameters have been sensed and recorded on strip chart recorders downhole. A problem with this technique is that the recording device must be brought back uphole to be read and, therefore, the parameter being sensed cannot be monitored uphole on a real-time basis.

Techniques have been developed for measuring parameters and transmitting data about the parameters uphole on a real-time basis. One technique is referred to as the soda straw technique in which a small tube extends down in the well casing from the top of the well to the bottom zone where pressure is sensed. An instrument is used to sense the pressure at the top of the tube which gives a measure of bottom hole pressure. Disadvantages of this technique are the high cost and time required to run in and remove the tube from the well, the danger that the tube will create problems with fracturing fluid, increased pressure required to force fluids down the casing due to the introduction of the tube, and high fluid pressure at the top of the well, creating the likelihood of a blowout. These problems are likely to occur when fracturing fluids are pumped between the casing and tubing.

Another technique is one where mud pulses are used to create data pulses in the mud being pumped downhole and the data pulses are sensed uphole. The bits of information per unit time is quite low with this technique and the devices are generally costly and mechanically complex.

Wire line techniques are used where electrical signals are transmitted uphole on a wire or electrical conductor. However, this requires a special wire extending from the surface to the bottom of the hole. Examples of such methods are described in Leonardon, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,242,612, Cowles, 4,035,763, Wilson et al., 3,434,046, Planche et al., 4,286,217, and Jakosky, U.S. Pat. No. Re. 21,102.

Other techniques are known for transmitting electrical signals to the top of the well which do not require a wire line. Examples of these techniques will now be discussed.

In an article in the IEEE, "Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing", Vol. GE-20, No. 2, April 1982, J. Bhagwan and F. N. Trofimenkoff, report an electric drill stem telemetry method. Bhagwan et al. describe the use of a main drill stem and a downhole electrode electrically isolated from the main drill stem for transmitting data from downhole to the surface. The main drill stem and the downhole electrode comprise a portion of an electrical circuit, the balance of which includes a distant electrode placed in the earth, a conductor connecting the main drill stem to the distant electrode, and a current path through the earth between the distant electrode and the main drill stem and isolated electrode.

Two methods of telemetry are discussed. The first is a resistance change method wherein the main drill stem and the isolated downhole electrode are alternately connected and disconnected while the resultant resistance change due to the connection or disconnection is monitored at the earth's surface. In the second method, a signal from a downhole signal source is applied between the downhole electrode and the main drill stem, and received by a receiving electrode, placed between the main drill stem and the earth at the surface.

The Bhagwan article is largely theoretical in nature and is deficient in technical details. Several difficulties arise with the first or resistance method. For example, a separate drill stem is required in the cased well. Also, a bottomhole electrode, electrically separated from the drill stem, must somehow be positioned downhole but Bhagwan does not say how this would be done. Also if resistance is measured at the top of the hole using an ohm meter, ohm meters typically employ D.C. signals which would cause polarization along the drill stem. Also Bhagwan teaches that this approach would be difficult to do under field conditions that are normally encountered in drilling or testing situations.

With Bhagwan's downhole signal method, provision must be made downhole for a source of power adequate to transmit signals uphole for substantial periods of time and is not desirable for downhole equipment which must remain downhole for substantial periods of time.

Silverman, U.S. Pat. No. 2,400,170, shows a drill pipe containing an insulated section separating the main drill pipe from the drill collar and drill bit. Electrical waves are transmitted through make-and-break contacts from the insulated section through the surrounding earth to sensor electrodes located uphole on the surface.

Other methods of telemetry are known for producing an electrical signal downhole and radiating the signal through the earth to sensors located uphole at the surface. Such are the patents to Clark et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,991,658 and to Subkow et al., 2,225,668.

Johnston, U.S. Pat. No. 3,437,992, discloses a self-contained downhole parameter signaling system of the type which generates signals downhole for transmission and detection uphole. Johnston discloses a complicated power generating system which uses the movement of a sucker rod connected to a pump and a transformer for generating electrical power downhole for the instrument package. Using the generated power, a circuit applies electrical impulses, representative of downhole parameters such as pressure or temperature, to the primary of a transformer, the secondary of which is connected between the tubing and casing. The connection to the casing is made through a sleeve, which is insulated from the tubing, and outwardly movable leaf spring contacts which engage and electrically connect to the inside of the casing. The impulses which are transferred from the primary to the secondary of the downhole transformer create electrical signals which travel up the tubing and casing to an uphole transformer. The uphole transformer amplifies the signals for conversion to usable form at the top of the well. As a result, Johnston is quite complicated.

Drilling strings are also known with nonconductive sections for electrically separating the drill string into upper and lower electrically conductive drill strings to allow the radiation of signals to the top of the well such as disclosed in Oil & Gas Journal, Feb. 21, 1983, pp. 84-90.

A large source of power is required to maintain both the last two mentioned downhole equipment.

Summary of the Invention

Briefly, a tool is disclosed for changing the electrical conductance across a nonconductive separation in a string of electrically conductive casing in a well located in the earth. The tool is for transmission of information or data up the well. The casing has at least one inwardly extending landing shoulder for the tool. The tool has a housing elongated between first and second ends. The housing has a first conductive housing portion, substantially circular in cross-section, for electrical connection to the casing string on one side of the conductive separation. The housing has a second conductive housing portion, substantially circular in cross-section, spaced from the first conductive housing portion, for electrical connection to the tubing string on the other side of the nonconductive separation from the one side. The housing also has a nonconductive housing portion, substantially circular in cross-section, electrically separating the first and second housing portions. An outwardly extending landing shoulder is provided on the housing for landing and for supporting the tool on the casing landing shoulder. A controllable switch is contained in the housing for electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second housing portions to thereby cause changes in the electrical conductance in the casing across the nonconductive separation.

Another embodiment of the invention is a casing section for a string of casing in a well for mechanically supporting a tool of the type discussed above and for electrically contacting spaced apart electrical contacts on such a tool. The tool is movable into the interior of the section. The section further electrically separates the string of casing into upper and lower conductive casing. The section has a first elongated tubular casing section having threads adjacent a first end for interconnecting with the lower end of the upper casing. A second elongated tubular casing section has threads adjacent a first end for interconnecting with an upper end of the lower casing. A third elongated tubular casing section is adapted to provide a substantially nonconductive path to the flow of electrical current between the ends thereof. Threads on a second end of the first casing section and threads on a first end of the third casing section mechanically interconnect the first and third casing sections. Threads on a second end of the second casing section and a second end of the third casing section mechanically interconnect the second and third casing sections. A first electrically conductive ring is adapted to be coaxial with and exposed in the interior of the first casing section for electrical continuity with the lower end of the upper casing and retained longitudinally along the axis of the first casing section so that it will be in electrical continuity with and support of the tool when the upper casing is interconnected with the first casing section. A second electrically conductive ring is adapted to be coaxial with and exposed in the interior of the second casing section for electrical continuity with the upper end of the lower casing and retained longitudinally along the axis of the second casing section for electrical contact with the tool when the lower casing is interconnected with the second casing section.

Another embodiment of the invention is a combination of the tool and the last described embodiment.

The embodiments of the invention described above are used to implement an overall system and method for changing the conductance downhole, using a minimum of electrical components, tools and electrical power downhole. The requirement for a wireline connected to the tool is eliminated. There is no need for a downhole source of power to apply electrical power signals to a conductor going uphole. A relatively small power source is required to operate the switch downhole and change the resistance or conductance across the separation. A separate drill stem or tubing is not required for operation of the apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic and side elevation view of a section of earth and a well casing cemented in a borehole in the earth showing an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic and side elevation view similar to of FIG. 1 with the perforation and fracture area removed and depicting a constant voltage AC source and a current sensor;

FIG. 3 is a schematic and side elevation view similar to that of FIG. 2 and depicting a constant current AC source and a voltage sensor;

FIG. 4 is a schematic and side elevation view similar to that of FIG. 2 and depicting a preferred bridge type sensing circuit along with signal processing and display circuits;

FIG. 5 is a schematic and side elevation view of a section of the well casing from the oil or gas well of FIG. 1 showing one embodiment of the tool containing the switch and one embodiment of the casing section for landing the tool, for separating the casing string into upper and lower casings about a nonconductive ring, and for contacting the tool;

FIG. 5A is a schematic and side elevation view similar to FIG. 5 depicting an alternate embodiment of the tool and casing section;

FIG. 6 is a schematic and block diagram of a pressure sensor and of the control and switch electronics;

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of one type of switch for use in the switch electronics of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a second type of switch for use in the switch electronics of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of a third type of switch means for use in the switch electronics of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a tool for use in the casing section of FIG. 8;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred casing section for landing the tool of FIG. 7, for separating the casing string into upper and lower casings across a nonconductive ring, and for contacting the tool of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the casing section 301 preassembled;

FIG. 10 is a schematic and side elevation view of the well with a casing and a switch similar to FIG. 1 and an example of one receiving electrode for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a schematic and aerial view of a well with casing depicting another example of the receiving electrode for use in the system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic and side elevational view of a section of the earth and a well casing cemented in a borehole in the earth for use in fracturing a formation and embodying the present invention.

Detailed Description

Refer now to the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 depicts a digital data communication system 10 for an oil or gas well. Electrically conductive and tubular (or annular) casing 14 is cemented by cement 16 into an opening in the earth 26 as is well known in the art to form a structural wall of the well. It will be appreciated that the casing 14 is actually a string of casing with internal female threads at the upper end and male threads at the lower end of each casing section for interconnecting with the casing sections above and below.

Significantly, the casing 14 has a ring-shaped high electrical impedance separation 18 which separates the casing 14 into an upper casing portion 20 and a lower casing portion 22, called casings 20 and 22.

Signal source and sensor 24 is electrically connected between an electrode 70, sometimes referred to as a receiving electrode, and an upper end 14a of the upper casing 20 at the top of the well. The signal source and sensor applies an alternating current (AC) signal between the upper end 14a of the upper casing 20 and the surrounding earth, causing a flow of electrical current along the casing, returning through the earth to electrode 70.

To be explained in more detail, a tool (not shown in FIG. 1) is insertable inside of and movable down along the inside passage of the casing 14 to the nonconductive separation 18. The tool has a switch 28 which sequentially changes the electrical conductance across the nonconductive separation 18 between the upper and lower casings 20 and 22 and therefore causes changes in the applied signal. The pattern of opening and closing of the switch 28 is coded so as to represent digital data. The data to be represented is a parameter in the well and preferably is pressure data, although temperature or other types of data may also be represented.

The signal source and sensor 24 is also responsive to the changes in signals resulting from the applied AC signal for determining the electrical conductance across the separation 18 and for forming representations or a display of the digital data for use by operators at the top of the well. The use of AC signals as opposed to direct current signals is important since it prevents polarization.

Power sources for the AC signals are easily provided in the signal source and sensor 24. These components are located at the top of the well. The tool, including the switching means 28, can be a very low power consumption device which operates the switch 28 and other associated electronics for electrically connecting and disconnecting the upper and lower casings and hence changing resistance or conductance therebetween. This is to be contrasted with systems where AC signals are applied downhole for transmitting signals uphole which require relatively large sources of power downhole.

FIG. 1 also depicts perforations 21 through the casing 14 and cement 16. Fracturing fluid, such as fluids with chemicals and/or sand, may be applied down the interior of the casing 14 and forced out into the fracture formation 15 surrounding the perforations so as to provide a path for secondary recovery fluid, as is conventional in the oil and gas well art. During fracturing operations, it is important to monitor and get an immediate real-time indication of downhole pressure. This is easily accomplished by use of the digital data communication system depicted in FIG. 1.

The signal source and sensor 24 may be designed in a number of configurations, examples of which are depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts an embodiment of the invention in which the signal source and sensor unit is a constant voltage source 24a for applying a constant amplitude voltage signal to the upper casing 20 and a current sensor 24b which senses the changes in current flowing into the upper casing portion due to the changes in the conductance created by the opening and closing of the switch 28. FIG. 2 is essentially the same as FIG. 1 except for the voltage source 24a and the current sensor 24b and except for the perforations and fracture which are not shown, for simplicity. Identical parts in FIGS. 1 and 2 are identified by the same reference numerals and a description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention in which the constant current source 24e applies a constant current between ground, via electrode 70, and the upper end 14a of the upper casing 20. A voltage sensor 24d senses the change in voltage between the upper end 14a of the upper casing 20 and ground, created by the opening and closing of switch 28. FIG. 3 is essentially the same as FIG. 2 except for the current source 24e and the voltage sensor 24d. Identical parts in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are identified by the same reference numbers.

The path of current employed in the system of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 is of importance and should be considered. Because of the large interface area between the upper casing 20 and the surrounding ground and between the lower casing 22 and the surrounding ground, a sufficiently low impedance path is presented, even through the cement, to allow current to flow from upper casing 20 back to the electrode 70 and from the lower casing 22 back to ground. Resistance created by the path between the upper casing 20 and electrode 70 will be of a first value when the switch 28 is open. When the switch 28 is closed, an additional, essentially parallel conductance path is provided between the lower casing 22 and the electrode 70 through ground and therefore reduces the impedance to the flow of current applied to the upper end 14a of the upper casing 20. Thus when constant magnitude AC voltage is applied to the upper end 14a of the casing 20 as in FIG. 2, different amounts of current flow through the current sensor 24b, depending on the conductance across the nonconductive separation 18 created by the open or closed switch 28. Similarly, when a constant amplitude AC signal is applied to the upper end 14a of the upper casing 20 as in FIG. 3, different magnitudes in voltage signals will appear between ground and the upper end 14a of casing 20, depending on the conductive condition across the nonconductive separation 18 created by the open or closed switch 28.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention employing a constant voltage AC signal source and a bridge type sensor. Although source 106 is preferably a constant voltage source it may be replaced with a constant current source with appropriate changes in the bridge sensing circuit as is evident to those skilled in the art.

A voltage sensor 108 has a bridge circuit 107 coupled between the electrode 70 and the upper end 14a of the upper casing 20. The bridge has a first resistor R1 coupled to the electrode 70 and to the noninverting input of a differential amplifier 110.

The other lead of the first resistor R1 is coupled to one side of the output from the AC signal source 106 and to a first lead of a second resistor R2. The first lead of second resistor R2 is also coupled to the first electrode of the AC signal source, and the second lead of second resistor R2 is coupled to the first lead of a third resistor R3, to the inverting input of the differential amplifier 110 through a resistor 114, to a first variable resistor 116 through a resistor 118, and to a second variable resistor 120 through a capacitor 122. The first lead of the third resistor R3 is also coupled to the inverting input of the differential amplifier 110 through resistor 114, to the variable resistor 116 through resistor 118 and to variable resistor 120 through capacitor 122. The second lead of the third resistor R3 is coupled to the upper end of the upper casing 20. A bridge is formed thereby wherein second and third resistors R2 and R3 are of the same resistive value and first resistor R1 has a different value. The casing-earth circuit in effect constitutes a fourth resistor between terminals 107a and 107b in the bridge. The second side of the output from AC signal source 106 is coupled to ground. The first lead of variable resistor 116 is coupled to the first side of the output of the AC signal source 106 and the second lead of resistor 116 is coupled to ground. The variable resistor 120 is coupled in parallel to variable resistor 116, the first lead being coupled to the first electrode 112 of the AC signal source 106, the second lead of variable resistor 120 being coupled to ground.

Variable resistor 116 is a coarse null for balancing the circuit depending on the various bulk resistances and on the particular well location. The noninverting input to the differential amplifier 110 is grounded through resistor 124. Feedback for the differential amplifier 110 to the inverting input of the differential amplifier is made through resistor 126. The output of differential amplifier 110 is coupled to a filter 128 for enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio for the detected signal. Filter 128 is preferably a bandpass filter. The bandpass is very narrow and only passes frequencies very close to the frequency of the AC signal source 106. As a result unwanted noise is filtered out.

The output of filter 128 is coupled to an analog-to-digital converter 130, the output of which is coupled to a microcomputer 132. The microcomputer 132 then provides output to a display 134, which may be a chart recorder, a digital display, a graphics display or other known display device.

The variable resistor 120 forms a phase null that nulls the phase differences in the amplitude of the voltage. Nulling can be done manually or by computer.

The AC signal source 106 is preferably a narrow band signal source, operating at a frequency of between 1 and 10 hertz and possibly as high as 100 hertz. The differential amplifier 110 raises the low voltage output from bridge 107 (across terminals 107a and 107b) which is in the range of microvolts, up to voltage in the order of 0.1 volts.

The analog-to-digital converter 130 is preferably a 16 bit converter and converts the serial analog coded information represented by the changes in voltage between terminals 107a and 107b to a parallel digital code capable of being decoded by the microcomputer 132 for outputting or storing the data. Preferably, the data communicated from downhole includes redundant bits of information to enhance the reliability of the data received. The microcomputer 132 converts the redundant coded information to an intelligible format. By manipulating the circuit, the change in conductance in the casing, as a result of the opening and closing of switch 28, of approximately 0.3% can be amplified to approximately a 10% change.

The AC signal source preferably has a frequency in the range of 1 to 10 hertz. Although frequencies as high as 100 hertz might be employed, as frequency is increased above 10 hertz, energy is dissipated into the earth in increasing amounts depending on characteristics of the earth and surrounding formations. As a result, the depth to which communication is made is reduced.

Preferably the source of power for the switching circuit of FIG. 6C, the microprocessor, the analog-to-digital converter, and the sensor, is supplied by one or possibly two lithium battery cells, each with an output of about 1 watt of power and 3 volts. Appropriate direct current inverters and regulators are used to step up the voltage to the required levels. It is anticipated that such a battery or batteries would have about a 1-week life with the circuits disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 6C.

Refer now to FIG. 5 and consider an example of the way in which the nonconductive ring, separating the upper casing and the lower casing, is formed and one example of the tool with the switch.

FIG. 5 depicts a tool 36 with a switch that is insertable down the casing for changing the conductance across the nonconductive ring in the casing. The tool 36 has a pressure sensor 76 mounted on a mast 75 which in turn is connected to control and switch electronics unit 71. Although preferably mounted on a mast, the sensor may be mounted flush on the top of the tool, depending on the application. The control and switch electronics unit 71 is mounted on the inside of the tool 36. Tool 36 includes a generally bullet-shaped housing 81 which is elongated between upper and lower substantially closed ends 84a and 88a, respectively. The ends are substantially closed to allow the tool to move easily down through fluid on the inside of the casing to the area where the nonconductive ring is located.

The housing 81 includes an upper or first conductive housing portion 84, a lower or second conductive housing portion 88, and a nonconductive annular-shaped housing portion 86 electrically separating the conductive housing portions 84 and 88 from each other. The end 84a of the housing is substantially flat which allows fluid forced down the casing string to force the tool downhole. The end 88a of the housing is substantially semicircular to allow the tool to easily sink down through the fluid and pass through the center of two rings (discussed below).

The control and switch electronics unit 71 includes a switch (not shown) which is adapted for alternately electrically connecting and disconnecting the upper and lower conductive housing portions 84 and 88, which are in turn respectively connected to the upper and lower casings 20a and 22a of casing 14b through the rings.

A tool support and casing section is provided including an electrically conductive upper ring 34 and an electrically conductive lower ring 44. The upper ring 34 is preferably made of an electrically conductive cast iron metal material and is mechanically and electrically connected to the upper casing 20a. The lower ring 44 is formed of the same material as and has the same characteristics as the upper ring 34 and is mechanically and electrically connected to the interior of the lower casing 22a. To be explained, however, the inside of the upper ring has a larger diameter than that of the lower ring. The nonconductive ring is formed in the casing by a nonconductive section of casing 18a which may be made from FIBERGLAS or KEVLAR (registered trademarks) or other materials which will provide the rigidity and strength required for the casing and provide good electrical isolation between the rings.

Thus the nonconductive separation may either be a physical section of casing, such as the nonconductive section of casing 18a or it may be a ring-shaped gap or void separating the casing into upper and lower casing sections, such as depicted in FIGS. 1-4. If the nonconductive ring is a gap, it may be formed by conventional techniques used in the well art for cutting out sections of casing.

With the arrangement depicted in FIG. 5, the nonconductive section of casing 18a may be used to structurally and mechanically connect the upper casing to the lower casing as described in more detail in connection with FIG. 8.

The upper ring 34 has two functions. The first function is to provide an upwardly facing shoulder 41a against which an outwardly extending support ring 90 on the tool 36 lands, and supports the tool with the tool extending down through the central openings of both rings 34 and 44. The second function of the ring 34 is to make good electrical contact with the upper conductive housing portion 84 and thus provide an electrical path between the upper housing portion 84 and the upper casing 20a. Preferably the tool seated on the upper ring acts like a plug, isolates the upper casing from the lower casing and prevents fluid flow past the upper ring and the tool down the casing. Preferably the upper ring 34 has an inclined surface 42 which faces upwardly towards the upper casing 20a towards a central longitudinal axis 38 of the tool and casing and engages the tapered portion of housing portion 84. With this arrangement the ring surface 42 will form a reliable electrical contact with the outer surface of the conductive housing portion 84.

The lower ring 44 preferably has a smaller diameter opening than upper ring 34 so that the tool will pass freely through the inner opening of upper ring 34 and when the tool comes to rest on the upper ring 34, the lower conductive housing portion 88 will be in mechanical and good electrical contact with the inner tapered surface 43 of the lower ring 44. Preferably the inner surface 43 of lower ring 44 also faces at an angle to the longitudinal axis 38 and towards the upper casing. As a result the somewhat sharpened lower edge of the surface 43 will actually gouge into and thereby form better electrical contact with the lower conductive housing portion 88.

The tool 36 has an upper outer perimeter, indicated by dimension lines 92, generally defined by the outer extension of support ring 90 which is of smaller diameter than the inside diameter of the passage in the casing 14b, thus allowing the tool to be dropped and to freely sink down through fluid in casing 14b to the upper ring 34. The housing 81 below the curved transistion 41 from the ring 90 has a diameter 94 which is smaller than the inside diameter of ring 34 but slightly larger than the inside diameter of ring 44. As a result the tapered lower end of tool 36, below ring 90, moves smoothly past inclined surface 42 into engagement with the inclined surface 43 of ring 44. To ensure good, tight electrical contact, pressure may be applied to fluid in the casing, forcing the tool so that the curved or tapered surface 41 engages ring 34 and the curved portion of lower housing 88 engages ring 44, forming good mechanical and electrical contact with the upper and lower rings 34 and 44.

It should be noted that the nonconductive housing portion 86 is elongated and extends at least the length of the nonconductive ring or section of casing 18a. This minimizes any flow of current that might otherwise pass between the outer surface of the upper conductive housing portion 84 and the lower casing 22a or between the lower conductive housing portion 88 and the upper casing 20a.

Referring to FIG. 6, the output of the pressure sensor is an analog signal representative of pressure and is coupled to the input of analog-to-digital converter 80 in electronics unit 71. The analog-to-digital converter 80 converts the analog signal to a digital form which is readable by a microprocessor 82. Microprocessor 82 processes the digital signals and provides control signals to the switch 83 which causes the switch 83 to open and close in a sequence, representative of the pressure signals from pressure sensor 76. The input/output circuit of switch 83 is connected between the upper conductive housing portion 84 and the lower housing portion 88. When the microprocessor 82 opens switch 83, a high impedance or open circuit is presented both between conductive housing portions 84 and 88 and the upper and lower casings. When the microprocessor 82 closes switch 83, the conductive housing portions 84 and 88 and the upper and lower casings are electrically connected together by essentially a short circuit.

The microprocessor is programmed to form control signals for the switch in a redundant code such as Gray code so that, should errors develop in the signal sensed at the top of the well, the true pressure data can be recovered.

FIG. 5A is an embodiment of the present invention which is essentially the same as FIG. 5. The same reference numerals are used in FIGS. 5 and 5A to note the same parts. The difference in the figures is at the lower conductive housing portion 88 which has a plurality of leaf springs 98 electriclly and mechanically connected thereto at equally spaced intervals around the perimeter thereof. The leaf springs 98 are cantilevered from the housing portion 88 and extend outward, upward and along the side of the housing of the tool 36 towards the upper end 84a. Also the lower conductive ring 44a has its inside opening made slightly larger than ring 44 of FIG. 5 to accommodate the springs. In this manner, the electrical contact is improved between the lower conductive housing portion 88 and the inside surface 43a of lower ring 44a through the leaf spring contacts 98.

FIG. 6A depicts a specific embodiment of the switch 28 of FIG. 6. Specifically, a relay switch 28a has its solenoid coil 28b connected across the output of the microprocessor 82 (FIG. 6). Its open and closed contacts 28c and 28d are connected respectively to the upper housing portion 84 and the lower housing portion 88 and short and disconnect the housing portions.

FIG. 6B depicts a further embodiment of the switch 28 of FIG. 6 in the form of a semiconductor circuit. Specifically, the switch includes a MOSFET transistor 28e whose control electrode is connected to the output of microprocessor 82. The one input/output electrode of transistor 28e is connected to the lower housing portion 88 and the other electrode is connected to the upper housing portion 84.

FIG. 6C depicts a preferred semiconductor circuit for the switch 28. The output of the microprocessor 82 is coupled to a resistor 136 which in turn is grounded to upper housing portion 84 through resistor 138 and also is coupled to the base of NPN transistor 140. The emitter 142 of transistor 140 is grounded to the upper housing portion 84 and its collector 144 is coupled through resistor 146 to the base 148 of transistor 150. PNP transistor 150 has its emitter 152 coupled to a source of positive potential +V and its collector 154 connected through resistor 156 to a -V source of potential. The emitter 152 is also coupled through resistor 158 to the gate 160 of junction field effect transistor (JFET) 162. The JFET 162, by way of example, is a symmetric N-channel JFET having a low "on" resistance between electrodes 164 and 166 and a high "off" resistance therebetween. The electrode 164 is coupled to the lower housing portion 88 and the electrode 166 is coupled to the upper housing portion 84.

FIG. 7 depicts a further tool with a switch for switching across the nonconductive ring and embodies the present invention. The tool of FIG. 7 has an elongated and substantially bullet-shaped outer housing 202, elongated between substantially closed ends 200a and 200b. A support ring 212 is formed on the housing for landing and supporting the tool on the upper conductive ring in the casing. The ring 212 is formed in an electrically conductive upper housing portion 204 between a larger diameter cylindrical-shaped portion 204a and a smaller diameter cylindrical-shaped portion 204b. The upper housing portion 204 forms an electrically conductive contact as well as a support shoulder for landing and supporting the tool on the ring. The end 200a is made substantially flat for the same purpose as flat end 84a of tool 36 in FIG. 5.

The housing 202 also includes a lower housing portion 208 located substantially at the opposite end of the housing from the upper housing portion 204. The lower housing portion 208 is a tapered electrically conductive member having cantilevered conductive spring contacts 214, similar to the cantilevered contacts 98 of FIGS. 5A and 5, which extend upward along the side of and away from the housing of the tool.

A mast 220 supports a pressure sensor 218 on the upper end 200a of the housing, although as discussed above, the pressure sensor might be mounted flush on the top of the tool. Analog signals provided by pressure sensor 218 are applied to an analog-to-digital converter, a microprocessor unit 224 mounted in the housing and which is essentially the same as that indicated in 71 of FIG. 6. The output of the unit 224 is used to control the opening and closing of a switch shown schematically at 226 which corresponds to switch 28 of FIG. 1. The switch 226 has opposite sides of its open and closed contacts electrically connected to the insides of the upper housing portion 204 and the lower housing portion 208. The unit 224 and switch 226 may be configured similar to that discussed hereinabove in connection with FIG. 6. It will be appreciated that either or both the leaf spring contacts 214 and the lower housing portion 208 form an electrical contact.

An elongated tubular-shaped nonconductive housing portion 210 connects the upper and lower housing portions 204 and 208 and electrically isolates the upper and lower conductive housing portions.

As discussed above, the upper housing portion 204 and the lower housing portion 208 are each connected to upper and lower rings to the upper and lower casings, respectively.

The tool and rings on which it seats may be left in the well for the life of the well or they may be broken away and forced to the bottom of the well for future use where the cost of retrieving does not justify retrieval. If it is desired to retrieve the tool, a fishing neck or other mechanical means known in the well art may be mounted on the tool for retrieval purposes.

FIG. 8 depicts a preferred embodiment of a tool support and casing section 301 for introducing the nonconductive separation between upper and lower casings 304 and 312. An elongated tubular casing section or coupling 300 has internal threads 302 extending along its length. The threads 302 are adapted for coupling or interconnecting with external threads 306 of the upper casing 304. A second or lower elongated tubular casing section or coupling 308 has internal threads 310 extending along the length of its interior wall. The threads 310 are adapted for coupling or interconnecting with the external threads 313 of a lower string of casing 312. A third elongated tubular casing section 314 is adapted to provide a substantially nonconductive path to the flow of electrical current between its ends 314a and 314b. Exterior threads 316 adjacent the upper end 314a on casing section 314 are adapted for threading into the internal threads 302 on the casing section 306 and thereby provide a rigid mechanical and coaxial interconnection between the two. Threads 318 are provided on the casing section 314 adjacent the lower end 314b and are adapted for threading into the internal threads 310 of casing section 308 to thereby provide a rigid mechanical and coaxial interconnection between the sections 314 and 308.

An electrically conductive ring 320 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of casing section 300 so that it can be passed down inside of section 300 and rest on the upper end 314a of casing section 314 when casing sections 300 and 314 have been threaded together. As a result, when the lower end 304a of the upper casing 304 is threaded into casing section 300, the lower end 304a will be tightened into good electrical and mechanical engagement with the upper surface 322 of ring 320.

A second electrically conductive ring 324 has an outside diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of casing section 308 so that it can also be inserted into casing section 308. When casing section 308 and lower casing 312 are connected together, the ring 324 will rest on the upper end 312a of the lower casing. As a result when the lower end 314b of casing section 314 is threaded into casing 308, the lower end 314b will force the ring 324 into good mechanical and electrical connection with the upper end 312a of the lower casing section 312.

Preferably, casing section 314 is formed of two tubular-shaped electrically conductive metal tubes 330 and 332 which are rigidly and coaxially held together by tubular-shaped nonconductive member 334. The nonconductive member 334 connects the tubular members 330 and 332 together so that their oppositely facing ends 330a and 332a are spaced apart sufficiently so as to form the desired nonconductive separation and so that minimal electrical current will flow therebetween for most normal fluids used in the casing. Preferably the member 334 is made of FIBERGLAS or KEVLAR or other material which will provide the rigidity and strength required for the casing and provide good electrical isolation between the rings. An advantage of the embodiment of FIG. 8 is that the rings 320 and 324 and the casing sections or couplings 300 and 308 are standard items available commercially from oil equipment suppliers.

In the assembly, the casing sections of 301 in FIG. 8 are made up at the top of the well before the casing string is run in. Initially the lower casing section 308 is threaded onto the upper end of the lower casing 312. The conductive ring 324 is then dropped into the casing section 308 into engagement with the upper end 312a of the lower casing section 312. The casing section 314 is then threaded into the casing section 308 until the lower end 314b is in tight engagement with the ring 324, forcing the ring into good electrical contact with the end 312a. Next the casing section 300 is threaded onto the upper end of the casing section 314. The conductive ring 320 is then dropped into the casing section 300 against the upper end 314a of the casing section 314. The lower end 304a of the upper casing 304 is then threaded into casing section 300 until the lower end 304a is in good electrical and mechanical contact with the ring 322. The casing string made up as described above is then run into the well hole and is cemented in place, as is well known in the oil and gas art.

Although the lower end 306a of the upper casing and the upper end 312a of the lower casing have been described as being tightened into mechanical engagement with rings 320 and 324, respectively, one must not overtighten the ends against the rings, as the rings are preferably cast iron and may break. Therefore, in a preferred arrangement, the ends 306a and 312a are threaded into sections 300 and 308, respectively, without mechanical engagement with the rings, and electrical continuity between the ring 320 and upper casing and between the ring 324 and the lower casing is made through conductive sections 300 and 308. With such an arrangement the rings would be threaded or otherwise mechanically and electrically connected in sections 300 and 308, respectively.

When it is desired to measure the downhole pressure, a fluid will normally be in the interior passage of the casing string including the casing sections 300, 314 and 308. The fluid may be a fluid used during the fracturing of a geological formation. The tool 200 will typically be placed in a tube (not shown) that has a smaller outside diameter than the upper casing 304 with a large gate valve and the tube and the gate valve will be inserted into the upper end of the upper casing 304. The valve will then be opened to allow the tool 200 to go out of the end of the valve and sink down through the liquid until the lower end 200b passes through the rings 322 and 324. Where necessary the fluid pressure is increased at the top of the hole so as to force the fluid and hence the tool 200 down until the tool is wedged in good electrical contact with both of rings 322 and 324.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rings 212 on the upper housing portion 204 and on the lower housing portion 208 are preferably dimensioned so that lower portion 204b of the upper housing portion 204 is located inside of the ring 320 while the lower housing portion 208 is positioned in the ring 324. Also the nonconductive housing portion 202 is positioned and is of sufficient length to span at least the distance between the opposing ends 330a and 332a of members 330 and 322.

Although the parts of the casing section 301 of FIG. 8 may be provided separately and assembled at the well site during makeup, these parts are preferably preassembled and supplied as a unitary structure as depicted in FIG. 9 with the rings held in place in the structure. Also the rings can be threaded or otherwise fixed in the casing sections 300 and 308. Alternatively, the rings could be supplied separately to the structure of FIG. 9. The advantage of the preassembled structure is that the workmen at the well site only need to attach the preassembled parts into the drill string.

FIGS. 10 and 11 depict alternate ways in which the receiving electrode 70 of FIGS. 1-4 can be formed. In FIG. 10 the receiving electrode is the casing 350 supported in cement 352 of a well adjacent to the well in which the casing with the nonconductive ring is located. This embodiment is preferred as it provides an adequate electrical return path for electrode 70. The casing string, cement, and nonconductive ring shown on the right in FIG. 10 are essentially identical to that depicted in FIG. 1 and identical reference numerals are used to identify the corresponding parts.

FIG. 11 depicts an alternate way of forming the receiving electrode 70 and includes a plurality of long metal stakes 74, preferably made of copper, which are of sufficient length and outer surface area to provide the required electrical return path for proper sensing of the change in conductance. Preferably the stakes are separated from each other and extend at least 10 feet into the earth.

Although other techniques may be devised within the broad concept of the appended claims for running the tool downhole, locating the tool at the high impedance separation and connecting contacts on the tool to the upper and lower casings without using upper and lower rings, these techniques would generally be inferior to the technique disclosed, by way of example, herein. Such other techniques may include attaching the tool to a wireline or tubing, using such wireline or tubing to physically run the tool down the hole, to electrically determine when the tool is located at the high impedance separation, and to actuate a mechanism to fix the tool in place in the casing. However, these other techniques often require more time and cost to carry out and are less reliable than the technique disclosed by way of example herein.

FIG. 12 discloses a system and method for using a tubular-shaped and electrically conductive well casing 400, which extends down through geological formation 404 in an oil or gas well for both flowing fracture fluid down to the formation from the casing at the top of the well and for communicating data representative of a parameter such as pressure in the well to the casing at the top 408 of the well. Thus the casing provides the dual function of passing the fluid from the top of the well to the formation and for communicating data pertaining to the well, uphole. The casing is cemented by cement 406 in a hole to form the structural wall of the well similar to that of FIG. 1.

A tool 410, which is essentially the same as any one of the tools disclosed in FIGS. 5, 6 or 7, which carries a switch and spaced apart electrical contacts (not shown), is inserted in the casing and is passed down through fluid to a pair of rings 412 and 414. The rings 412 and 414 are spaced apart and fixed in the casing similar to that disclosed in FIGS. 5, 5A or 8, and the shoulder on the tool 410 lands the tool on the upper ring 412. The rings 412 and 414 are connected both to the spaced apart electrical contacts of tool 410 and to an upper casing 416 and a lower casing 418 which are electrically separated by a nonconductive separation 420 similar to that described in connection with FIGS. 5, 5A and 8. The tool 410 also forms a seal with the upper ring 412 so that fluid being passed down from the upper casing is inhibited from flowing below the tool and ring 412.

A pump 422 pumps conventional fracturing fluid 424 from container 426 down through a plug 428 in the end of the casing 400. The fluid 424 is forced by pump 422 to flow through the plug, down through the passage in the casing 400 and out through perforations 436 located immediately above the tool 410 in the casing. In this manner the fracturing fluid is forced to flow into the formation 404 and either create or further expand the formation for production of hydrocarbons.

A pressure sensor 410a on the top of the tool senses the pressure adjacent the formation 404. A signal source and sensor 432 connected between the return electrode 434 and the casing at the top 408 of the well is similar to that described in connection with FIGS. 1-4. The signal source and sensor 432 preferably applies a substantially constant amplitude voltage AC signal to the casing and senses any changes in the current between the casing at the top 408 of the well and the earth.

The tool 410 operates a switch (not shown) in the tool for sequentially coupling and uncoupling the contacts (not shown) connected between the rings 412 and 414, causing changes in the applied signal in the casing at the top of the well representative of the pressure sensed by pressure sensor 410a. The signal source and sensor 432 senses the changes in applied voltage and forms a representation of the pressure data for use by an operator in controlling the pump 422 and hence the pressure or flow rate of the fracture fluid 424 being applied down the casing.

A conventional pump control unit 446 is used for controlling the pump and hence the pressure and flow of the fracture fluid into the casing.

It will be understood that the disclosed system does not transmit energy from the tool up the hole as in some prior art devices disclosed above. By way of contrast, the energy, in the form of the AC signals, is applied at the top of the well to the casing. The switch in the tool connected across the nonconductive separation changes the conductance between the upper and lower casings. The AC signal source is used to interrogate the changes in conductance and to retrieve the data represented by the changes in conductance at the top of the well.

Viewing it differently, changes in conductance across the nonconductive separation cause changes in the applied signal which are sensed and used to retrieve the data at the top of the well.

It will be understood that other types of control can be exercised over the fracture fluid. For example, propping agents may be increased, decreased or changed, chemicals may be added, decreased or changed, viscosity of the fluid may be changed, all depending on the pressure that is being displayed for the user at the top of the well. The techniques for controlling the fracture fluid are known in the art and will not be discussed in detail.

Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be incorporated into such embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appearing hereinafter.

Claims

We claim:

1. A tool for changing the electrical conductance across a nonconductive separation in a string of electrically conductive well casing in a well located in the earth, for transmission of data up the well, the casing having at least one inwardly extending landing shoulder for the tool, the tool comprising: a housing elongated between first and second ends and comprising: a first externally conductive housing portion, substantially circular in cross-section, for electrical connection to the casing on one side of the nonconductive separation, a second conductive housing portion; substantially circular in cross-section, spaced from the first conductive housing portion for electrical connection to the casing on another side of the nonconductive separation from said one side, and a nonconductive housing portion, substantially circular in cross-section, electrically separating the first and second housing portions; an outwardly extending landing shoulder on the housing for landing and for supporting the tool on the casing landing shoulder; and controllable switch means contained in the housing for electrically connecting together and disconnecting the first and second housing portions to thereby cause changes in the electrical conductance in the casing across the nonconductive separation for flow of an electrical signal applied between earth and the casing.

2. The tool of claim 1 wherein the ends are substantially closed.

3. The tool of claim 1 wherein said conductive housing portion is tapered toward said second end.

4. The tool of claim 3 wherein the second end is substantially heavier than said first end.

5. The tool of claim 3 wherein said first end is substantially flat.

6. The tool of claim 1 comprising at least one electrical contact for electrically contacting the inside of the casing and electrically connected to said second housing portion.

7. The tool of claim 1 comprising a plurality of spring contacts each electrically connected to said second housing portion, the plurality of spring contacts extending from the first housing portion outward from and along the side of the housing in the direction of the first end.

8. The tool of claim 1 wherein the landing shoulder on the housing comprises an electrically conductive ring electrically connected to the first housing portion.

9. The tool of claim 8 wherein the ring is mounted on the other side of the nonconductive housing portion from the second end so that, when the tool ring is supported by the casing shoulder, the second end of the tool hangs down therefrom.

10. The tool of claim 1 wherein the switch means comprises a semiconductor switch.

11. The tool of claim 1 wherein the switch means has an input/output with one side electrically connected to the first housing portion and a second side connected to the second housing portion.

12. The tool of claim 1 wherein the nonconductive housing portion is substantially longer than either of said first or second externally conductive housing portions.

13. The tool of claim 1 wherein the first housing portion has an outwardly flared portion facing away from the first end.

14. The tool of claim 1 wherein the housing portions each comprise a substantially cylindrical shaped outer portion.

15. The tool of claim 1 wherein the weight of the tool in the second electrically conductive housing portion is substantially heavier than the weight in the first electrically conductive housing portion, so that as the tool sinks through liquid down the casing string, the second end is drawn down first under the pull of gravity.

16. The tool of claim 1 comprising means for sensing a parameter in the well and means for controlling the opening and closing of the controllable switch means in a pattern representative of such parameter.

17. The tool of claim 16 wherein said second housing portion is tapered toward said second end.

18. The tool of claim 17 wherein the second end is substantially heavier than said first end.

19. The tool of claim 17 wherein said first end is substantially flat.

20. The tool of claim 16 comprising at least one electrical contact for electrically contacting the inside of the casing and electrically connected to said second housing portion.

21. The tool of claim 16 comprising a plurality of spring contacts each electrically connected to said second housing portion, the plurality of spring contacts extending from the first housing portion outward from and along the side of the housing in the direction of the first end.

22. The tool of claim 16 wherein the landing shoulder on the housing comprises an electrically conductive ring electrically connected to the first housing portion.

23. The tool of claim 22 wherein the ring is mounted on the other side of the nonconductive housing portion from the sencond end so that, when the ring is supported by the casing, the second end of the tool hangs down therefrom.

24. The tool of claim 16 wherein the switch means comprises a semiconductor switch.

25. The tool of claim 16 wherein the switch means has an input/output circuit with one side electrically connected to the first housing portion and a second side electrically connected to the second housing portion.

26. The tool of claim 16 wherein the nonconductive housing portion is substantially longer than either of said first or second externally conductive housing portions.

27. The tool of claim 16 wherein the first housing portion has an outwardly flared portion facing away from the first end.

28. The tool of claim 16 wherein the housing portions each comprise a substantially cylindrical shaped outer portion.

29. The tool of claim 16 wherein the weight of the tool in the second electrically conductive housing portion is substantially heavier than the weight in the first electrically conductive housing portion, so that as the tool sinks through liquid down the casing string, the second end is drawn down first under the pull of gravity.

30. The tool of claim 16 wherein the means for sensing a parameter comprises a pressure sensor.

31. The tool of claim 30 wherein the pressure sensing means is carried by the first housing portion.

32. The tool of claim 30 wherein the pressure sensor provides an analog output signal representative of sensed pressure, the tool comprising: analog-to-digital signal converting means; and means responsive to the digital signal for controlling the opening and closing of the switch means in a pattern representative of the pressure.

33. The tool of claim 31 comprising a mast mounted on the first housing portion for mounting the pressure sensor.

34. The tool of claim 16 comprising a microprocessor for controlling the switch means in accordance with the parameter that is sensed.

35. The tool of claim 1 wherein the switch means is contained in the housing.

36. The tool of claim 35 comprising control means for sequencing the operation of the switch means, the control means being contained in the housing.

37. The tool of claim 35 wherein the control means comprises a microprocessor.

38. The tool of claim 37 wherein the control means comprises an analog-to-digital signal converter for providing digital signals to the processor.

39. The tool of claim 35 wherein the switch means comprises a semiconductor switch.

40. The tool of claim 35 wherein the switch means has an input/output circuit having one side electrically connected to the inside of the first housing portion and a second side electrically connected to the inside of the second housing portion.

41. The tool of claim 1 wherein at least one of the housing portions is substantially annular in cross-section.

42. The tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the nonconductive housing portion comprises a glass fibrous material.

43. The tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the nonconductive housing portion comprises substantially rigid and strong material.

44. The tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the nonconductive housing portion comprises a resin polymer material.

45. A tool for changing the electrical conductivity across a nonconductive separation in a string of electrically conductive well casing in a well in the earth, for transmission of information up the well, the casing having at least one inwardly extending landing shoulder for the tool, the tool comprising: a housing elongated between first and second ends and substantially circular in cross-section; a first electrically conductive contact adjacent the first end for electrical connection to the casing string, exterior to the housing, on one side of the nonconductive separation; a second electrically conductive contact adjacent the second end spaced from the first contact for electrical connection, exterior to the housing, to the casing string on the other side of the nonconductive separation from said one side; the housing comprising a nonconductive housing portion positioned between the first and second contacts; an outwardly extending landing shoulder on the housing for landing and for supporting the tool on the casing landing shoulder; and controllable switch means for electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second contacts for causing changes in the electrical conductivity across the nonconductive separation to the flow of an electrical signal applied between earth and the casing.

46. The tool of claim 45 wherein the ends are substantially closed.

47. The tool of claim 45 wherein the first contact comprises the outwardly extending landing shoulder.

48. The tool of claim 45 wherein the outwardly extending shoulder is ring-shaped.

49. The tool of claim 48 wherein the ring is mounted on the housing spaced away from the second end so that, when the ring is supported by the tubing shoulder, the second end of the housing hangs down therefrom.

50. The tool of claim 45 wherein there are a plurality of said second contacts each of which comprises a spring contact extending from the housing outward from and along the side of the housing in the direction of the first end.

51. The tool of claim 45 wherein the landing shoulder on the housing comprises an electrically conductive ring and the first housing portion comprises an electrically conductive material connected to said conductive ring.

52. The tool of claim 45 wherein the housing comprises a substantially cylindrical outer perimeter between the tool landing shoulder and the second end of the housing.

53. The tool of claim 52 wherein the second contact comprises a cone-shaped conductive surface.

54. The tool of claim 53 wherein the first contact has a surface that is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

55. A tool for changing the electrical conductivity across a nonconductive ring in a string of electrically conductive well casing in a well, for transmission of data up the well, the casing having at least one inwardly extending landing shoulder for the tool, the tool comprising: an elongated substantially bullet-shaped housing, a support ring extending radially out from the housing for landing and supporting the tool on the tubing shoulder, the housing comprising: first and second electrically conductive housing portions spaced apart from each other for separate electrical connection with the electrically conductive tubing string, and an elongated nonconductive housing portion physically and electrically separating the first and second housing portions; and switch means in the housing for electrically connecting together and disconnecting the first and second housing portions.

56. A tool for changing the electrical conductivity across a nonconductive separation in a string of electrically conductive well casing in a well, for transmission of data up the well, the casing having at least one inwardly extending landing shoulder for the tool, the tool comprising: an elongated substantially bullet-shaped housing, a support shoulder extending radially out from the housing for landing and supporting the tool on the casing shoulder, first and second electrically conductive contacts electrically separated and spaced apart along the housing for separate electrical connection on opposite sides of the nonconductive separation to the electrically conductive casing string, the housing comprising an elongated nonconductive housing portion positioned between the first and second contacts, and switch means in the housing for electrically connecting together and disconnecting the first and second contacts.

57. The tool of claim 56 comprising means for receiving a signal representative of a parameter in the well and for controlling the connecting and disconnecting of the switch means representative of such signal.

58. The tool of claim 57 comprising a microprocessor for controlling the switch means in accordance with the signal.

59. The tool of claim 56 comprising means for sensing a parameter in the well and means for controlling the opening and closing of the controllable switch means in a pattern representative of such parameter.

60. The tool of claim 59 wherein the switch means comprises a semiconductor switch.

61. The tool of claim 59 wherein the switch means has an input/output circuit with one side electrically connected to the first contact and a second side electrically connected to the second contact.

62. The tool of claim 59 wherein the means for sensing a parameter comprises a pressure sensor.

63. The tool of claim 62 wherein the pressure sensing means is carried by the housing portion.

64. The tool of claim 62 wherein the pressure sensor provides an analog output signal representative of sensed pressure, the tool comprising: analog-to-digital signal converting means; and means responsive to the digital signal for controlling the opening and closing of the switch means in a pattern representative of the pressure.

65. The tool of claim 56 wherein the switch means is contained in the housing.

66. The tool of claim 56 comprising control means for sequencing the operation of the switch means, the control means being contained in the housing.

67. The tool of claim 66 wherein the control means comprises a microprocessor.

68. The tool of claim 67 wherein the control means comprises an analog-to-digital signal converter for providing digital signals to the microprocessor.

69. A section for a string of tubular casing in a well for mechanically supporting a tool, for electrically contacting spaced apart electrical contacts on such a tool which is movable into the interior of the section and for electrically separating the string of casing into upper and lower conductive casings, the section comprising: a first elongated tubular casing section having threads adjacent a first end for interconnecting with a lower end of the upper casing; a second elongated tubular casing section having threads adjacent a first end for interconnecting with an upper end of the lower casing; a third elongated tubular casing section adapted to provide a substantially nonconductive path to the flow of electrical current between the ends thereof; threads on a second end of the first casing section and threads on a first end of the third casing section for mechanically interconnecting the first and third casing sections; threads on a second end of the second casing section and a second end of the third casing section for mechanically interconnecting the second and third casing sections; a first electrically conductive ring adapted to be coaxial with and exposed in the interior of the first casing section and adapted for electrical continuity with the lower end of the upper casing and to be retained longitudinally along the axis of the first casing section for electrical contact with and support of the tool when the upper casing is interconnected with the first casing section; and a second electrically conductive ring adapted to be coaxial with and exposed in the interior of the second casing section and adapted for electrical continuity with the upper end of the lower casing and to be retained longitudinally along the axis of the second casing section for electrical contact with the tool when the lower casing is interconnected with the second casing section.

70. The section of claim 69 wherein the threads on said first and second casing sections are positioned on the inside of the casing sections and the threads on said third casing section are positioned on the outside of the casing section.

71. The section of claim 69 wherein the third casing section comprises first and second spaced apart electrically conductive and coaxial tubular members and a third tubular shaped elongated nonconductive member for rigidly connecting the first and second members together coaxial with the third member.

72. The section of claim 69 wherein the first and second casing sections comprise a metallic electrically conductive material.

73. The section of claim 69 wherein the section is adapted so that: the first ring is clamped by and between the first end of the third casing section and the lower end of the upper casing; and the second ring is clamped by and between the second end of the third casing section and the upper end of the lower casing.

74. In combination, a casing section for electrically separating a string of tubular well casing in a well into upper and lower conductive casings and a tool for using the section for transmitting data up the well, the casing section comprising: a first elongated tubular casing section having threads adjacent a first end for interconnecting with a lower end of the upper casing; a second elongated tubular casing section having threads adjacent a first end for interconnecting with an upper end of the lower casing; a third elongated tubular casing section adapted to provide a substantially nonconductive path to the flow of electrical current between the ends thereof; threads on a second end of the first casing section and threads on a first end of the third casing section for mechanically interconnecting the first and third casing sections; threads on a second end of the second casing section and a second end of the third casing section for mechanically interconnecting the second and third casing sections; a first electrically conductive ring coaxial with and exposed in the interior of the first casing section and adapted for electrical contact with the lower end of the upper casing and to be retained longitudinally along the axis of the first casing section for electrical contact with and support of the tool when the upper casing is interconnected with the first casing section; a second electrically conductive ring coaxial with and exposed in the interior of the second casing section and adapted for electrical continuity with the upper end of the lower casing and to be retained longitudinally along the axis of the second casing section for electrical contact with the tool when the lower casing is interconnected with the third casing section; and the tool comprising: an outer housing elongated along an axis between opposite ends and adapted for moving substantially parallel with such axis along the interior of the string of casing and into the casing section; a support shoulder extending radially outward from the housing and away from the axis for landing and supporting the tool on the first ring with the housing extending through the first and second rings; a first electrical contact for electrically contacting the first ring when the tool is landed; a second electrical contact for electrically contacting the second ring when the tool is landed; and switch means for electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second contacts for changing the electrical continuity between the upper and lower casing.

75. The combination of claim 74 wherein the first ring has a tapered surface facing towards the upper casing.

76. The combination of claim 74 wherein the inner diameter of the first ring is larger than the inner diameter of the second ring.

77. A tool for changing the electrical conductance across a nonconductive separation in a string of electrically conductive well casing in a well located in the earth, for transmission of data up the well, the casing having at least one inwardly extending landing shoulder for the tool the tool comprising: a housing elongated between first and second ends and comprising: a first externally conductive housing portion, substantially circular in cross-section, for electrical connection to the tubing string on one side of the nonconductive ring, a second conductive housing portion, substantially circular in cross-section, spaced from the first conductive housing portion for electrical connection to the tubing string on the other side of the nonconductive ring from said one side, and a nonconductive housing portion, substantially circular in cross-section, electrically separating the first and second housing portions; at least one outwardly extending landing means on the housing for landing and for supporting the tool on the casing landing shoulder; and controllable switch means contained in the housing for electrically connecting together and disconnecting the first and second housing portions to thereby cause changes in the electrical conductance in the casing string across the nonconductive separation for the flow of an electrical signal applied between the earth and the casing string.

78. A tool for changing the electrical conductivity across a nonconductive separation in a string of electrically conductive well casing in a well in the earth, for transmission of information up the well, the caisng having at least one inwardly extending landing shoulder for the tool, the tool comprising: a housing elongated between first and and second ends and substantially circular in cross-section; a first electrically conductive contact adjacent the first end for electrical connection to the casing string, exterior to the housing, on one side or the nonconductive separation; a second electrically conductive contact adjacent the second end spaced from the first contact for electrical connection, exterior to the housing, to the casing string on the other side of the nonconductive separation from said one side; the housing comprising a nonconductive housing portion positioned between the first and second contacts; at least one outwardly extending landing means on the housing for landing and for supporting the tool on the casing landing shoulder; and controllable switch means for electrically connecting and disconnecting the first and second contacts for causing changes in the electrical conductivity across the nonconductive separation to the flow of an electrical signal applied between earth and the casing.

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Abstract

Description