Method and apparatus for determining position in a pipe

Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining position in a pipe provides for the precise determination of location and associated characteristics of each pipe joint of a well, cross country pipeline or other fluid transmission line. The system includes a passive or active radio identification device at each joint in the pipe or casing string. The devices are preferably sealed within the resilient seal positioned between each pipe or casing joint. A pipeline tool includes a radio transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter transmitting on a frequency selected for resonating the identification devices. The resonant response of each device is detected by a receiver in the pipeline tool, with the response transmitted to the surface via the wireline to which the tool is connected. Alternatively, the tool may include storage information means until the tool can be recovered from the well or pipe. An information storage and retrieval system includes information on the location of each of the identification devices in the well or pipe, e.g., length or depth, pipe or casing diameter, previously logged geological characteristics and stratum at each identification device location, etc. The system may count each device as the tool passes through the pipe in order to determine the location of the tool at any point. Alternatively, each identification device may provide a distinct signal, with the tool transmitting the signal to the surface (or storing the signal for later retrieval) where the system correlates the signal with previously logged information for that specific location.

1 . A pipeline comprising:
 a pipe; and   at least one radio frequency identification device installed within said pipe and configured to receive a radio frequency signal transmitted from within said pipe and to provide a distinct response signal.   
   
   
       2 . The pipeline of  claim 1  wherein said at least one radio frequency identification device is installed at an intermediate point within said pipe. 
   
   
       3 . The pipeline of  claim 1  wherein said pipe has a plurality of sections with adjoining sections defining a joint therebetween and wherein each of said at least one radio frequency identification device is installed in one of said plurality of joints. 
   
   
       4 . The pipeline of  claim 3  further comprising:
 a seal positioned in said joint.   
   
   
       5 . The pipeline of  claim 3  wherein each of said at least one radio frequency identification devices is installed at an intermediate point along one of said plurality of sections. 
   
   
       6 . The pipeline of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of radio frequency identification devices are installed within said pipe. 
   
   
       7 . The pipeline of  claim 6  wherein said pipe has a plurality of joints and wherein each of said plurality of radio frequency identification devices is installed in a different joint of said plurality of joints. 
   
   
       8 . The pipeline of  claim 1  wherein said at least one radio frequency identification device has an antenna. 
   
   
       9 . The pipeline of  claim 8  wherein said antenna is configured as a loop. 
   
   
       10 . The pipeline of  claim 1  wherein the distinct response signal of one of said at least one radio frequency identification device is identical to the distinct response signal of another of said at least one radio frequency identification device. 
   
   
       11 . A method of assembling casing for use in a well comprising:
 installing at least one radio frequency identification device within casing, each of said at least one radio frequency identification device remaining within said casing as positioned in a well and configured to receive a radio frequency signal transmitted from within said casing and to provide a distinct response signal.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said at least one radio frequency identification device is installed at an intermediate point within said casing. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said casing has a plurality of sections with adjoining sections defining a joint therebetween and wherein each of said at least one radio frequency identification device is installed in one of said plurality of joints. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein each of said at least one radio frequency identification devices is installed at an intermediate point along one of said plurality of sections. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11  wherein a plurality of radio frequency identification devices are installed within said casing. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said casing has a plurality of joints and wherein each of said plurality of radio frequency identification devices is installed in a different joint of said plurality of joints. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said at least one radio frequency identification device is an active radio frequency identification device. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said at least one radio frequency identification device has an antenna. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said at least one radio frequency identification device is secured within said pipe by means of a sleeve. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the distinct response signal of one of said at least one radio frequency identification device is identical to the distinct response signal of another of said at least one radio frequency identification device.