Smart plug integrated sensor system

Abstract

A technique facilitates collecting data, related to a fracturing, run-in-hole, or pull-out-of hole operation. A frac plug is provided with electronics for obtaining the desired information related to the operation. For example, the frac plug may be constructed with electronic sensors, a digital storage device, and a power supply or other power related equipment. Depending on the application, the frac plug may be a composite frac plug, degradable frac plug, dummy frac plug, or other suitable frac plug. Retrieval of the information obtained may be done via coupling with an associated device, e.g. inductive or physical coupling, by utilizing a broadcast transmitter/receiver, by physical retrieval of the storage device, or by physical retrieval of the dummy frac plug.

1 . A system for obtaining information during a downhole operation, comprising:
 a disposable frac plug having sensors for obtaining data during a fracturing operation; and   a data transfer system by which the data obtained via the sensors may be provided to a surface location.   
     
     
         2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the sensors comprise a temperature sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the sensors comprise a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the data transfer system comprises a memory storage device mounted in the disposable frac plug. 
     
     
         5 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the data transfer system comprises a memory storage device separate from the disposable frac plug. 
     
     
         6 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the data transfer system provides the wireless transfer of data from the sensors. 
     
     
         7 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the data transfer system provides transfer of data along a wireline. 
     
     
         8 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the disposable frac plug comprises a power source for powering the sensors. 
     
     
         9 .- 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A system for obtaining information related to at least one downhole condition, comprising:
 a plug; and   at least one sensor coupled to the plug for collecting data downhole,   wherein the plug is not anchored in a casing when the at least one sensor collects the data.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one sensor collects the data during a run-in-hole operation. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one sensor collects the data during a pull-out-of-hole operation. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the plug is not sealed with respect to the casing. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the plug is retrievable at surface. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one sensor is embedded within the plug. 
     
     
         19 . A method, comprising:
 providing a plug with at least one sensor;   awakening the at least one sensor;   running the plug into a borehole without anchoring the plug to a casing; and   collecting data with the at least one sensor.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising pulling the plug out of the borehole. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the collecting data step occurs during the running step. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the collecting data step occurs during the pulling step.