Systems and methods for monitoring a parameter of a subterranean formation using swellable materials

Abstract

A system for monitoring a parameter of a subterranean formation using swellable materials is disclosed. The system may include a sensor device configured to detect a parameter of a subterranean formation. The system may also include a swellable material configured to position the sensor device toward a surface of the subterranean formation by swelling of the swellable material. The system may further include a telescoping section coupled to the sensor device and emplaced in the swellable material. The telescoping section may be configured to extend with the positioning of the sensor device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for monitoring a parameter of a subterranean formation using swellable materials, the system comprising:
 a sensor device configured to detect a parameter of a subterranean formation;   a swellable material configured to position the sensor device toward a surface of the subterranean formation by swelling of the swellable material; and   a telescoping section coupled to the sensor device and emplaced in the swellable material, wherein the telescoping section is configured to extend with the positioning of the sensor device.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor device is emplaced at least partially in the swellable material. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the swellable material is further configured to position the sensor device against the surface of the subterranean formation by swelling. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor device is operative to communicate a signal related to the parameter of the subterranean formation. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the telescoping section is configured to allow the positioning of the sensor device while the sensor device is operative to communicate a signal related to the parameter of the subterranean formation. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the swellable material is on an exterior surface of a tubular body and is configured to position the sensor device away from the pipe by swelling. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the swellable material is further configured to reduce an effect on the sensor device of acoustic noise traveling along the tubular body. 
     
     
         8 . A system for monitoring a parameter of a subterranean formation using swellable materials, the system comprising:
 a sensing tool configured to detect a parameter of a subterranean formation, wherein the sensing tool comprises a generally tubular body; and   a swellable material on an exterior surface of the generally tubular body, wherein the swellable material is configured to anchor the sensing tool in a position corresponding to a surface of the subterranean formation by swelling of the swellable material.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the swellable material is further configured to substantially center the sensing tool between at least two opposing points on the surface of the subterranean formation. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the swellable material comprises a plurality of swellable members disposed along the generally tubular body. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the swellable material at least substantially surrounds a length the generally tubular body. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the swellable material is configured to anchor the sensing tool against the surface of the subterranean formation. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , the swellable material comprises a plurality of swellable members disposed along the generally tubular body, wherein each swellable member partially surrounds a corresponding length of the generally tubular body. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the swellable material longitudinally extends along a length of the generally tubular body. 
     
     
         15 . A method for monitoring a parameter of a subterranean formation, the method comprising:
 introducing a sensing tool to a wellbore, wherein the sensing tool comprises a generally tubular body and is configured to detect a parameter of a subterranean formation;   positioning the sensing tool in a position corresponding to a surface of the wellbore by swelling a swellable material, wherein the swellable material is disposed on an exterior surface of the generally tubular body; and   detecting a parameter of a subterranean formation with the sensing device.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the positioning step comprises substantially centering the sensing tool between at least two opposing points on the surface of the wellbore. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the swellable material comprises a plurality of swellable members disposed along the generally tubular body. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the swellable material at least substantially surrounds a length the generally tubular body. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the positioning step comprises anchoring the sensing tool against the surface of the wellbore. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the swellable material longitudinally extends along a length of the generally tubular body.