Downhole sensor system

Abstract

A method includes sensing a parameter in a well using a sensor disposed on a drillstring, determining a position of the sensor in a wellbore based on a position of the sensor in the drillstring and a position of the drillstring in the wellbore.

1 . A system for use in a well, comprising:
 a drillstring;   a plurality of sensors deployed along the drillstring to provide data from multiple locations along the drillstring during a drilling operation; and   a surface processor operatively coupled with the plurality of sensors and adapted to determine the position of the plurality of sensors based on the position of each sensor in the drillstring and a position of the drillstring in the well.   
     
     
         2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprises at least one pressure sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprises at least one temperature sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprises sensors located external to the drillstring. 
     
     
         5 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprises sensors located internal to the drillstring. 
     
     
         6 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors output data to the control system in real-time. 
     
     
         7 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprises at least one sensor disposed in a drill bit of the drillstring. 
     
     
         8 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a wired drill pipe connecting the plurality of sensors with the control system. 
     
     
         9 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the drillstring comprises wired drill pipe. 
     
     
         10 . The system in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a clock operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to provide a time stamp to measured data.   
     
     
         11 . A method, comprising:
 sensing a parameter in a well using a sensor disposed on a drillstring;   determining a position of the sensor in a wellbore based on a position of the sensor in the drillstring and a position of the drillstring in the wellbore.   
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising transmitting data related to the sensed parameter to a surface processor. 
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein transmitting data related to the sensed parameter to the surface processor is done substantially in real-time. 
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising applying a time stamp to data related to the sensed parameter, and wherein determining the position of the sensor is based on the position of the drillstring in the wellbore at the time the data was collected. 
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein applying the time stamp is performed downhole, using a clock operatively coupled to the sensor. 
     
     
         16 . The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein applying the time stamp is performed by the surface processor, using a clock operatively coupled to the surface processor. 
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising determining a well condition selected from a cuttings bed, a swab or surge pressure, and a thief zone. 
     
     
         18 . A method, comprising:
 step for measuring a parameter with a sensor deploying a drillstring;   step for outputting data from the sensor; and   step for determining a sensor position and a value of the sensed parameter.   
     
     
         19 . The method as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising a step for determining a well condition.