Rfid control dart

Abstract

A control dart having an internal power supply includes an RFID reader adapted to read one or more RFID tags positioned within a tool string. In response to reading an RFID tag having a selected identification code, the control dart may extend one or more locking dogs. When extended, the locking dogs allow the control dart to actuate a downhole tool.

1 . An RFID control dart for use with a downhole tool, the RFID control dart comprising:
 an outer cover, the outer cover being generally cylindrical in shape;   at least one locking dog adapted to, when in an extended position, extend in a generally radial direction from the outer cover and, when in a retracted position, remain generally within the outer cover;   an electronic controller, the electronic controller including an RFID reader, the electronic controller adapted to extend or retract the locking dog in response to reading a preselected identification code from an RFID tag with the RFID reader; and   a power source adapted to provide electric power to the electronic controller and the at least one locking dog.   
     
     
         2 . The RFID control dart of  claim 1 , wherein the outer cover further comprises a generally rounded nose. 
     
     
         3 . The RFID control dart of  claim 1 , wherein the outer cover further comprises at least one seal adapted to seal between the RFID control dart and a surrounding tubular. 
     
     
         4 . The RFID control dart of  claim 1 , wherein the RFID control dart is adapted to be pumped through a tool string and the electronic controller is adapted to read RFID tags positioned generally on or near components of the tool string. 
     
     
         5 . The RFID control dart of  claim 4 , wherein the RFID tags positioned generally on or near components of the tool string comprise unpowered, passive type RFID tags. 
     
     
         6 . The RFID control dart of  claim 1 , wherein the power source is a battery. 
     
     
         7 . A method for reconfiguring a downhole tool comprising:
 providing an RFID control dart, the RFID control dart including:
 an outer cover, the outer cover being generally cylindrical in shape; 
 at least one locking dog adapted to, when in an extended position, extend in a generally radial direction from the outer cover and, when in a retracted position, remain generally within the outer cover; 
 an electronic controller, the electronic controller including an RFID reader, the electronic controller adapted to extend or retract the locking dog in response to reading a preselected identification code from an RFID tag with the RFID reader; and 
 a power source adapted to provide electric power to the electronic controller and the at least one locking dog; 
   providing a downhole tool, the downhole tool coupled to a tool string, the downhole tool adapted to be actuated by the control dart when the locking dogs are in the extended position;   positioning at least one RFID tag at a position generally closer to the surface than the downhole tool, the RFID tag readable by the RFID reader and having a unique identification code, the RFID tag being an unpowered, passive type RFID tag;   configuring the RFID control dart with an identification code corresponding to the identification code of the RFID reader;   pumping the RFID control dart through the tool string;   reading the identification code with the RFID reader;   matching the identification code read by the RFID reader with the preprogrammed code;   extending the locking dogs;   actuating the downhole tool.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the tool string includes at least one other downhole tool and at least one other RFID tag having an identification code different from the identification code programmed into the RFID control dart; and the method further comprises:
 reading the other RFID tag;   comparing the programmed identification code with the identification code of the other RFID tag.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the downhole tool further comprises a dart catcher, the dart catcher adapted to catch the RFID control dart when the locking dogs are extended and allow the RFID control dart to pass therethrough when the locking dogs are refracted. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the downhole tool is a sliding sleeve, the tool string is a hydraulic fracturing string, and the control dart, when locking dogs are extended, actuates an inner sleeve of the sliding sleeve to open one or more apertures in the sliding sleeve. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the power source is a battery. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the downhole tool comprises one of a sliding sleeve for production or injection control, primary or secondary cementing tool, production testing chamber or device, actuation mechanism for setting a packer, liner hanger or similar device, choke for production or injection control, or a tool for selectively setting a tubing or casing plug in a particular location to control production or injection 
     
     
         13 . A system comprising:
 an RFID control dart for use with a downhole tool, the RFID control dart including:
 an outer cover, the outer cover being generally cylindrical in shape; 
 at least one locking dog adapted to, when in an extended position, extend in a generally radial direction from the outer cover and, when in a retracted position, remain generally within the outer cover; 
 an electronic controller, the electronic controller including an RFID reader, the electronic controller adapted to extend or retract the locking dog in response to reading a preselected identification code from an RFID tag with the RFID reader; and 
 a power source adapted to provide electric power to the electronic controller and the at least one locking dog; and 
   a downhole tool, the downhole tool coupled to a tool string, the downhole tool adapted to be actuated by the control dart when the locking dogs are in the extended position;   an RFID tag coupled to the tool string positioned generally closer to the surface than the downhole tool, the RFID tag readable by the RFID reader and having a unique identification code, the RFID tag being an unpowered, passive type RFID tag.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the preselected identification code matches the unique identification code of the RFID tag. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the outer cover further comprises a generally rounded nose. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the outer cover further comprises at least one seal adapted to seal between the RFID control dart and a surrounding tubular. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the RFID control dart is adapted to be pumped through the tool string. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the power source comprises a battery. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the downhole tool further comprises a dart catcher, the dart catcher adapted to catch the RFID control dart when the locking dogs are extended and allow the RFID control dart to pass therethrough when the locking dogs are refracted. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the downhole tool is a sliding sleeve, the tool string is a hydraulic fracturing string, and the control dart, when locking dogs are extended, actuates an inner sleeve of the sliding sleeve to open one or more apertures in the sliding sleeve. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the RFID tag is encapsulated from the downhole environment. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the downhole tool comprises one of a sliding sleeve for production or injection control, primary or secondary cementing tool, production testing chamber or device, actuation mechanism for setting a packer, liner hanger or similar device, choke for production or injection control, or a tool for selectively setting a tubing or casing plug in a particular location to control production or injection.