Method for collecting geological data from a well bore using casing mounted sensor

Abstract

A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

1 .- 37 . (canceled)  
   
   
       38 . A method for collecting geological data from a well bore hole comprising: 
 sensing one or more geological parameters during production of a first well bore using at least one sensor attached to a surface of a well casing disposed in the well bore;    collecting data from at least one of said sensors; and    transmitting the data to the surface.    
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 38  further comprising: 
 providing an acoustic energy generator on the surface of said casing; and    generating an acoustic signal to be received by the at least one sensor attached to the well casing.    
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 38  further comprising: 
 providing an acoustic energy generator in a second well bore located proximal to said well bore hole;    generating an acoustic signal in said acoustic generator of said second well bore; and    receiving said acoustic signal with the at least one sensor attached to the well casing of the first well bore.    
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the second well bore is a production well.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 38  further comprising: 
 providing an acoustic energy generator in a MWD tool disposed on a drill string inserted into a second well bore being drilled;    generating an acoustic signal with the acoustic generator of said second well bore; and    receiving said signal with the at least one sensor attached to the well casing of the first well bore.    
   
   
       43 . A method for collecting geological data from a well bore hole comprising: 
 sensing one or more geological parameters during shut in of a first production well bore using at least one sensor attached to a surface of a well casing disposed in the well bore;    collecting data from at least one of said sensors; and    transmitting the data to the surface.    
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 43  further comprising: 
 providing an acoustic energy generator on the surface of said casing; and    generating an acoustic signal to be received by the at least one sensor attached to the well casing.    
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 43  further comprising: 
 providing an acoustic energy generator in a second well bore; and    generating an acoustic signal in said acoustic generator of said second well bore;    receiving said acoustic signal with the at least one sensor attached to the well casing of the first well bore.    
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 45  wherein the second well bore is a production well.  
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 43  further comprising: 
 providing an acoustic energy generator in a MWD tool disposed on a drill string inserted into a second well bore being drilled;    generating an acoustic signal with the acoustic generator of said second well bore; and    receiving said signal with the at least one sensor attached to the well casing of the first well bore.    
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 43  further comprising: 
 providing a surface generator for an acoustic signal; and    generating an acoustic signal to be received by the at least one sensor attached to the well casing.    
   
   
       49 . The method of  claim 43  further comprising: 
 providing an acoustic energy generator attached to the exterior surface of a casing in a second well bore;    generating an acoustic signal in said acoustic generator of said second well bore; and    receiving said signal with the at least one sensor attached to the well casing of said first well bore.