Detecting a Reamer Position through a Magnet Field Sensor

Abstract

In one aspect of the present invention, a tool string component comprises at least one end that attaches to an adjacent component in a through bore. The invention also comprises a laterally extending member disposed along a length of the tool string component. A magnetic mechanism is configured to sense an extension depth of the laterally extending member.

1 . A tool string component, comprising;
 at least one end comprising an attachment to an adjacent tool string component and a through bore;   a laterally extending member disposed along a length of the tool string component; and   a magnetic mechanism configured to sense an extension depth of the laterally extending member.   
     
     
         2 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic mechanism comprises a magnet and at least one sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The component of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one sensor is configured to be stationary with respect to the magnet. 
     
     
         4 . The component of  claim 2 , wherein the magnet is configured to move as the laterally extending member changes its depth of extension. 
     
     
         5 . The component of  claim 4 , wherein the magnet is configured to move along a length of the component. 
     
     
         6 . The component of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one sensor is located within the through bore. 
     
     
         7 . The component of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a magnetometer. 
     
     
         8 . The component of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one sensor is communication with processing element that is configured to transmit data about the movement of the magnet to surface equipment or downhole tools. 
     
     
         9 . The component of  claim 8 , wherein the processing element is configured to process the data and send commands based off the data to adjust a depth of the extendable member. 
     
     
         10 . The component of  claim 2 , wherein the magnet or the at least one sensor is located in the through bore. 
     
     
         11 . The component of  claim 10 , wherein the magnet or at least one sensor is isolated from drilling fluid flow in the through bore. 
     
     
         12 . The component of  claim 2 , wherein a member groove on the laterally extending member interfaces a sleeve groove on a slidable sleeve of the component, wherein the magnet is located on the member and/or sleeve groove. 
     
     
         13 . The component of  claim 12 , wherein at least one sensor is located in the member and/or sleeve groove. 
     
     
         14 . The component of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of magnetometers distributed within and along a length of the through bore, the magnet is configured to move in a direction that follows the distribution of magnetometers as the laterally extending member moves, and magnetometers are configured to determine the location of the magnet, which corresponds with the extension depth of the laterally extending member. 
     
     
         15 . The component of  claim 2 , wherein the magnet is disposed annularly about a linear distribution of sensors disposed along a length of the through bore. 
     
     
         16 . The component of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one sensor is axially fixed within the through bore. 
     
     
         17 . The component of  claim 2 , wherein the laterally extending member is supported within a slot formed in an outer surface of the component, the slot comprising a slot wall, and the magnet and/or senor is disposed proximate a surface of the slot wall. 
     
     
         18 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein the laterally expandable member is configured to ream a diameter of a well bore. 
     
     
         19 . The component of  claim 1 , wherein the laterally expendable member is configured to centralize component within a well bore.