System and method for control of tools in a subterranean completion application

Abstract

A technique utilizes a completion system deployed for use in select groundwater applications. The completion system comprises a plurality of sensors, e.g. pressure probes, and a plurality of multi-function tools which are positioned to control the opening and closing of corresponding pumping ports and/or other devices. The multi-function tools can be controlled individually via communication signals, thus avoiding the need to retrieve and/or reconfigure portions of the completion to make operational changes to the pumping ports and/or other devices.

1 . A completion system for use in a groundwater application, comprising:
 a modular completion deployed in a wellbore, the modular completion comprising:
 a plurality of pressure probes located at corresponding measurement ports; 
 a plurality of tools positioned to selectively open corresponding pumping ports; and 
 a common control cable coupled to the plurality of pressure probes and the plurality of tools; wherein each pressure probe of the plurality of pressure probes and each tool of the plurality of tools is controlled independently via signals transmitted along the common control cable. 
   
     
     
         2 . The completion system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each pressure probe and each tool is controlled independently via internal addressable electronics. 
     
     
         3 . The completion system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the common control cable is a common electrical cable. 
     
     
         4 . The completion system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a hydraulic control line coupled to the plurality of tools. 
     
     
         5 . The completion system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of downhole pumps coupled with the plurality of tools to selectively actuate individual tools. 
     
     
         6 . The completion system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the common control cable establishes electrical connections with the plurality of pressure probes and the plurality of tools for both power and communication signals. 
     
     
         7 . The completion system as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the communication signals are in binary coded decimal format. 
     
     
         8 . The completion system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each tool is operationally coupled with a sliding sleeve valve to enable selective opening and closing of its corresponding pumping port. 
     
     
         9 . A method, comprising:
 deploying a modular completion having a plurality of pressure probes and a plurality of tools;   positioning the plurality of tools to control the opening and closing of corresponding pumping ports; and   individually controlling the plurality of pressure probes and the plurality of tools via signals sent from a surface location.   
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein deploying comprises deploying a modular casing system in a wellbore. 
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein positioning comprises positioning each tool of the plurality of tools in cooperation with a sliding sleeve that can be actuated to enable or to stop flow through its corresponding pumping port. 
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising using a common electrical cable to connect a plurality of tools and a plurality of pressure probes for providing power and control signals to the plurality of tools and the plurality of pressure probes. 
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising coupling the plurality of tools with a common hydraulic line. 
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising coupling the plurality of tools with a plurality of downhole pumps to actuate selected tools of the plurality of tools. 
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein individually controlling comprises communicating with individual tools via addressable electronics internal to each tool. 
     
     
         16 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein individually controlling comprises sending control signals via a computer-based controller positioned at a surface location. 
     
     
         17 . A method, comprising:
 preparing a modular, multi-level well completion;   selecting the number of pressure probes and the number of multi-function tools desired for specific groundwater control application;   deploying the modular, multi-level well completion in a subterranean environment; and   individually controlling the pressure probes and the multi-function tools solely via signals sent downhole.   
     
     
         18 . The method as recited in  claim 17 , wherein individually controlling comprises sending electric signals downhole. 
     
     
         19 . The method as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising connecting the pressure probes and the multi-function tools with a common electric cable for carrying power and communication signals. 
     
     
         20 . A system for use in groundwater control applications, comprising:
 a modular completion having a plurality of sensors located to sense desired groundwater parameters, the modular completion further comprising a plurality of multi-function tools connected to a surface control, the multi-function tools being individually actuatable without retrieving or reconfiguring portions of the modular completion.   
     
     
         21 . The system as recited in  claim 20 , wherein each multi-function tool comprises internal addressable electronics. 
     
     
         22 . The system as recited in  claim 20 , wherein each multi-function tool is operably coupled with a sliding sleeve. 
     
     
         23 . The system as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a plurality of pressure probes.