Method and system for deploying sensors in a well bore using a latch and mating element

Abstract

A method for deploying a sensor array into a wellbore, including inserting the sensor array into a secondary tubular coupled to a body at a surface of the wellbore, coupling the sensory array to the body, running the secondary tubular into a primary tubular fixed to the wellbore, engaging a latch mechanism located on the body with a mating element fixed to the primary tubular of the wellbore, and decoupling the secondary tubular from the body and retrieving the secondary tubular from the wellbore while the sensor array is held fixed by the latch.

1 . A method for deploying a sensor array into a wellbore, comprising:
 inserting the sensor array into a secondary tubular coupled to a body at a surface of the wellbore;   coupling the sensory array to the body;   running the secondary tubular into a primary tubular fixed to the wellbore;   engaging a latch mechanism located on the body with a mating element fixed to the primary tubular of the wellbore; and   decoupling the secondary tubular from the body and retrieving the secondary tubular from the wellbore while the sensor array is held fixed by the latch.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 retrieving the sensor array from the primary tubular by applying tension to a sensor array cable, wherein the tension applied is sufficient to overcome an engaging mechanism of the latch; and   releasing the latch and withdrawing the sensor array from the primary tubular of the wellbore.   
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary tubular is a coiled tubing string. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the latch mechanism comprises an extension portion extending radially outward from the body. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein engaging the latch mechanism comprises friction fitting the latch mechanism to the mating element. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the latch mechanism is spring-loaded and wherein the mating element is a retaining lip. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein engaging the latch mechanism comprises compressing at least one spring in the spring-loaded latch mechanism. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the spring-loaded latch mechanism comprises one selected from a group consisting of coil springs, a spring loaded shear pin, bow springs, and leaf springs. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mating element is welded to the primary tubular of the wellbore. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mating element is affixed to a sleeve coupled to the primary tubular in the wellbore. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 performing seismic monitoring in the wellbore using the deployed sensory array.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wellbore is one of a group consisting of a horizontal wellbore and a steeply deviated wellbore. 
   
   
       13 . An apparatus for deploying a sensor array into a wellbore comprising a primary tubular, the apparatus comprising:
 a body into which an end of a cable is fixed, wherein the body comprises a seating lip configured to engage a secondary tubular housing the cable and the sensor array; and   a latch mechanism operatively connected to the body, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to engage with a mating element fixed to the primary tubular;   wherein the engagement of the latch mechanism and the mating element secure the sensor array in a down hole position while the secondary tubular is withdrawn from the wellbore.   
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the latch mechanism is spring loaded, and wherein the spring-loaded latch mechanism comprises at least one of a group consisting of coil springs, a spring-loaded shear pin, bow springs, and leaf springs. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the mating element is welded to the primary tubular of the wellbore. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the secondary tubular is a coiled tubing string. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the mating element is affixed to at least one sleeve coupled to the primary tubular in the wellbore. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the mating element is friction fitted into the primary tubular. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the wellbore is one of a horizontal wellbore and a steeply deviated wellbore. 
   
   
       20 . A system for deploying a sensor array into a primary tubular of a wellbore, the system comprising:
 a primary tubular comprising a latch mating element; and   a sensor array deployment apparatus comprising:
 a body; 
 a secondary tubular configured to house the sensor array; 
 a cable extending through the secondary tubular and coupled to the body; and 
 a latch mechanism disposed on the body and configured to engage the latch mating element of the primary tubular.