Subsurface tagging system with wired tubulars

Abstract

Downhole systems and methods including tags configured to provide distinguishable identifiers are set for selective release to a subsurface location. Sources/sensors in the wellbore are activated to detect the tags at a subsurface location, and signal data associated with the detected tags is conveyed to the surface.

1 . A downhole system comprising:
 at least one tag configured to provide a distinguishable identifier and set for selective release at a subsurface location;   a tag release unit positioned on a drill string adapted for releasing the at least one tag at the subsurface location for travel toward a surface location;   at least one sensor disposed on a the drill string comprising a plurality of interconnected drill pipes, at least a portion of the drill string comprises wired tubulars, the at least one sensor in communication with the wired tubulars and adapted to detect the at least one tag at a subsurface location,   wherein the at least one sensor is configured to transmit a signal associated with the at least one tag to a surface location, and further wherein a surface or subsurface component alters operation based on the signal.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one tag is set for selective release from a subsurface location for transit to the surface location. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one tag is set for selective release from a tool disposed subsurface. 
   
   
       4 . The downhole system of  claim 1  wherein the surface or subsurface component automatically alters a pump rate, a torque, a rate of penetration, or tripping rate based on the signal. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of sensors disposed on the drill string and configured to detect the at least one tag. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a processor configured to activate release of the at least one tag at the subsurface location. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a detection unit to detect the at least one tag at the surface location. 
   
   
       8 . A method comprising:
 providing a plurality of wired drill pipes equipped with a plurality of sensors;   positioning a plurality of tags within cement positioned adjacent to casing of a wellbore;   detecting at least one tag at a subsurface location with the plurality of sensors disposed on a drill string, the tag configured to provide a distinguishable identifier; and   conveying a signal associated with the at least one tag and cement from the sensor to a surface location.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising using the at least one tag to do at least one of monitor cement placement, monitor gravel packing, and convey information. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising activating a plurality of sensors disposed in the borehole to detect the at least one tag. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising altering operation of a surface or subsurface component based on detection of the at least one tag at a surface or subsurface location. 
   
   
       12 . A method, comprising:
 releasing a plurality of tags from a subsurface location within a wellbore for travel to a surface location;   positioning a plurality of sensors on an interconnected wired tubular to detect a location of a tag, wherein the tag has a distinguishable identifier;   detecting the distinguishable identifier of each of the plurality of tags with the plurality of sensors; and   conveying a signal associated with the plurality of tags from the plurality of sensors along the interconnected wired tubular to a processor at a surface location, the signal including information related to a time at which one of the plurality of sensors detects at least one of the plurality of tags.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising using the tag to do at least one of determine a fluid flow property, determine a kick location, determine an event location, determine a depth location, determine a transit time, monitor cement placement, monitor gravel packing, convey information, and determine a cuttings flow. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising altering operation of a surface or subsurface component based on detection of the tag.