Fiber optic slickline and tools

Abstract

A fiber optic slickline. The slickline includes fiber optic communication means without full downhole power transmitting capability. Nevertheless, the slickline is configured to accommodate an axial load up to, and in excess of 2,000 lbs. Downhole tools and tool assemblies are configured with opto-electronic interfacing features so as to remain electronically compatible while also taking advantage of fiber optic communications afforded over the slickline. The slickline and tools may be employed in logging and other downhole operations in a manner that provides real time communication with substantially reduced surface equipment expense in terms of footprint and power requirements.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A fiber optic slickline comprising:
 an internal fiber optic line; and   an outer protective jacket disposed about said line, said jacket and said line of a unitary configuration for supporting a downhole tool assembly coupled thereto.   
     
     
         2 . The fiber optic slickline of  claim 1  configured to support an axial load of at least about 2,000 lbs. 
     
     
         3 . The fiber optic slickline of  claim 1  having a diameter of between about 0.1 inches and about 0.25 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The fiber optic slickline of  claim 1  wherein said protective jacket is comprised of a corrosion-resistant metal. 
     
     
         5 . The fiber optic slickline of  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic line comprises a single optical fiber for two way communications over multiple wavelengths. 
     
     
         6 . The fiber optic slickline of  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic line comprises:
 a dedicated uphole transmission fiber; and 
 a dedicated downhole transmission fiber. 
 
     
     
         7 . The fiber optic slickline of  claim 6  wherein said fiber optic line further comprises a temperature sensor fiber, said uphole transmission, downhole transmission, and temperature sensor fibers are adjacently packed together. 
     
     
         8 . The fiber optic slickline of  claim 7  wherein said temperature sensor fiber is configured to acquire temperature profile data of the well with the slickline in a stationary mode and said transmission fibers are configured to transmit logging information with the slickline in a dynamic mode. 
     
     
         9 . An assembly for downhole use in a well at an oilfield, the assembly comprising:
 a non-electrical slickline; and   an application tool coupled to said slickline for disposal in the well and configured for communicating with equipment at a surface of the oilfield over said slickline.   
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 9  wherein said application tool is a logging tool. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 9  wherein said slickline comprises at least one optical fiber for the communicating. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 11  wherein said application tool is electronically compatible, said slickline coupled thereto via a downhole opto-electric interface to support the communicating. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 12  wherein said downhole opto-electric interface comprises:
 an opto-electronic board to obtain electronic data from said application tool; and 
 a light source coupled to said board and said fiber to transmit optical data thereover. 
 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 12  wherein said downhole opto-electric interface comprises an optical receiver coupled to said fiber to convert optical data therefrom to electronic data for directing said application tool. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 12  wherein said downhole opto-electric interface comprises an internal seal to protect said application tool from fluid contamination. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 15  wherein said internal seal is rated to withstand one of a temperature of at least about 175° C. and a differential pressure of at least about 15,000 psi.