Temporary protective cover for operative devices

Abstract

A system for providing temporary protection, including an operative device located at an external surface of a member. A cover is externally disposed with respect to the operative device for initially protecting the operative device. The cover is chemically reactive to a downhole fluid for removal of the protective cover. A method of temporarily protecting an operative device is also included.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for providing temporary protection, comprising:
 an operative device located at an external surface of a member; and   a cover externally disposed with respect to the operative device for initially protecting the operative device, the cover chemically reactive to a downhole fluid for removal of the protective cover.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is formed as a layer, coating, film, sleeve, plate, sheet, wound strip, or combinations including at least one of the foregoing. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the operative device is arranged for sensing or monitoring at least one downhole condition or parameter. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the operative device is radially recessed into the member at the external surface. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the operative device is radially protruding from the external surface. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the operative device is part of the member and forms the external surface. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the operative device is a fiber, wire, cable, conduit, or combinations including at least one of the foregoing. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is disposed within at least one opening in communication with the external surface and the operative device. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the cover comprises a powder positioned in the at least one opening. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the operative device is at least one sensor and the at least one opening is open space formed between the at least one sensor and the member at the external surface. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the operative device is a screen and the opening is provided therein for enabling the passage of fluids therethrough. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the screen is a foam filter and the at least one opening is at least one pore in the foam filter, the powder pre-clogging the at least one pore at the external surface. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises controlled electrolytic metallic material. 
     
     
         14 . A method of temporarily protecting an operative device comprising:
 causing relative movement between a first member and a second member radially disposed therewith, the first member including an operative device located at an external surface thereof, the operative device arranged with a protective cover;   exposing the protective cover to a downhole fluid; and   removing the protective cover as the result of a chemical reaction between the downhole fluid and the protective cover.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the operative device is arranged for sensing or monitoring a condition or parameter. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the protective cover is formed as a powder located in at least one opening in communication with the external surface and the operative device. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the first member is part of a tubular string. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein causing relative movement includes running the tubular string. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the protective cover comprises controlled electrolytic metallic material.