CA2751079C - A method for handling a component in the construction, maintenance and repair of wells - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for handling a component in the construction, maintenance and repair of wells, the method comprising the steps of producing information about said component, the component for a specific well task, the information including design information about the component and intended use information about the component, producing a component identification spe-cific to the component, associating the information with the component identification producing thereby an information package for the component, installing the information package in at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and applying the at least one wave-energizable apparatus to the component.

Description

' A METHOD FOR HANDLING A COMPONENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF WELLS
The present invention relates to a method for handling a component in the construction, maintenance and repair of wells.
In the construction of oil and gas wells, a borehole is drilled in a formation. A drill bit is arranged on the end of a drill string, casing or liner string and is rotated to bore the borehole. The drill string comprises a string of tubulars known as drill pipe sections having a Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) at the lower end thereof. A
drill pipe section comprises an upper and lower end. The upper end is provided with an enlarged section having a female thread, known as the box end; and the lower end is provided with an upstand and a male end, known as the pin end. Sections of drill pipe are connected into stands of two or three sections. This may be carried out away from well centre using a mouse hole located in a floor of a drilling rig platform. The stand is then moved from the mouse hole to well centre and connected to a string of drill pipe in the well with the BHA at the lower end thereof with the drilling bit the lowermost component in the BHA. Similarly, strings of casing comprise sections of casing and strings of liner comprise sections of liner, which each may have a bottom hole assembly comprising a drill bit.
The prior art discloses a variety of systems and methods for using surface acoustic wave tags or radio frequency identification tags in identifying items, including components used in the oil and gas industry such as drill pipe.
(See e.g. U.S. Patents 4,698,631;
5,142,128; 5,202,680; 5,360,967; 6,333,699; 6,333,700;
6,347,292; 6,480,811; and WO 2005/100733.) In many of these systems a radio frequency identification tag or "RFIDT" is used on pipe at such a location either interiorly or exteriorly of a pipe, that the RFIDT is exposed to extreme temperatures and conditions downhole in a wellbore. Often an RFIDT so positioned fails and is of

2 no further use. Also, in many instances, an RFIDT so positioned is subjected to damage above ground due to the rigors of handling and manipulation.
PCT Publication Number WO 2005/100733 discloses a component for use in the drilling, construction, maintenance and repair of a well bore, the component comprising a body having wave energizable identification apparatus on the exterior of the body characterized in that the wave energizable identification apparatus is encased in an encasement, the encasement comprising at least one layer of heat resistant material.
The present inventors have realized that, that substantial usefulness for a tubular identification system can be achieved by divorcing the desire for effective above-ground identification and operation from the goal of downhole accessibility. Thus the present invention proposes a long lasting identification system which can store information on a tool, particularly but not exclusively, a drill bit and such information be retrieved before and after use, particularly, but not exclusively, so that information can be stored and accessed at anytime to ensure the correct tool is used in a subsequent operation and is best matched for the subsequent operation.
The present invention relates to a method for handling a component in the construction, maintenance and repair of wells, the method comprising the steps of producing information about said component, the component for a specific well task, the information including design information about the component and intended use information about the component, producing a component identification specific to the component, associating the information with the component identification producing thereby an information package for the component, installing the information package in at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and applying the at least one wave-energizable apparatus to the component.
Preferably, the method further comprises the step of

3 delivering the component to a well operations rig, reading the information package from the at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and using the information to facilitate the specific well task. The reader may be fixed near to wellcentre or the reader may be a hand held device.
Advantageously, after the component is used in the specific well task, a run information package is created and associated with the component identification. The run information package could be included in the intended use information or used by the user selecting the component to alter the intended use information to facilitate future use of the component. The driller or the method may comprise an automated step of notifying a relevant user, such as the component manufacturer, component selector engineer or service company and allowing the relevant user to access the run information package.
Preferably, the run information package comprises information specifically requested by a user, preferably by the driller. This information may include photographs, video footage and real time information collected during use of the component, such as logged information during drilling. Advantageously, the run information package comprises real time monitored information during use of the component in the specific well task. Preferably, the run information package comprises information obtained about the component noted after use of the component in the specific well task, preferably a photograph or video bite.
Preferably, the component includes a body, the body having an exterior surface and two spaced-apart ends, the at least one wave-energizable apparatus on the exterior surface of the body, the at least one wave-energizable apparatus wrapped in fabric material, the fabric material comprising heat-resistant non-conducting material, and the at least one wave-energizable apparatus wrapped and positioned on the body so that the at least one wave-energizable apparatus does not contact the body.

4 Advantageously, the component is associated with a memory device having information about the component, which could be a physical memory storage device in the wave-energizable apparatus.
Preferably, the at least one wave-energizable apparatus comprises a first apparatus and a second apparatus, the method further comprising applying the first apparatus to the component, and applying the second apparatus to a container for the component. This facilitates accuracy with checking the component is in the correct box for storage and helps with redundancy problems if a wave-energizable apparatus fails. The reader may also automatically indicate if the wave-energizable devices do not contain the same information upon a reader being brought into close proximity of the component in the box.
Preferably, the component is a drill bit, the specific well task a drilling task and the information including design information for the bit and intended use information for the drill bit.
Advantageously, the information package is installed in a wave-energizable apparatus applied additionally or alternatively to a container for the drill bit.
Preferably, the design information includes metallurgy about the bit, type of the bit, size of the bit, weight of the bit, testing of the bit, test results, manufacturing history of the bit, and quality control documentation for the bit.
Advantageously, the intended use information includes information about a bottom hole assembly to be used with the bit, goals for use of the bit, and limits on use of the bit.
Preferably, the run information package comprises real time information from monitoring the drill bit during the drilling task. Advantageously, after the drilling task, the run information package is provided with at least one of: photographs or video bites from photographing or videoing the bit or cleaning the bit, photographing or videoing the bit following cleaning; and a description produced from visually observing the bit.
Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of ensuring that the bit is a correct bit for the specific drilling task, by scanning the at least one wave-

5 energizable apparatus.
Preferably, the method comprises the steps of returning the drill bit to an entity following use of the drill bit in the specific drilling task, and identifying the returned drill bit as the drill bit that was used in the specific drilling task.
Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of in real time providing use information about use of the bit, and comparing the use information to information in the information package producing a comparison.
Preferably, changing an operational parameter, ceasing the drilling task or changing the bit based on the comparison.
Preferably, the use information is added to the information package following use of the bit.
Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of providing information from the information package and actual use information about the use of the bit in doing the specific drilling task to personnel at the drilling rig and to off-site personnel. Preferably, the providing is done in real time.
Preferably, the bit information package contains information about multiple possible applications of the bit, the method further comprising the step of selecting and implementing one application from the multiple possible applications.
The present invention, in certain aspects, provides a drill bit with a radio frequency identification tag either affixed exteriorly to the component, apparatus or tubular or in a recess in an end thereof so that the RFIDT is protected from shocks (pressure, impacts, thermal) that may be encountered in a wellbore or during drilling operations. In one particular aspect one or more RFIDT's are covered with heat and/or impact resistant materials on the exterior of a component. In one particular aspect,

6 the present invention discloses systems and methods in which a piece of drill pipe with threaded pin and box ends has one or more circumferential recesses formed in the pin end into which is emplaced one or more radio frequency identification tags each with an integrated circuit and with an antenna encircling the pin end within A recess.
The RFIDT (OR RFIDT'S) in a recess is protected by a layer of filler, glue or adhesive, e.g. epoxy material, and/or by a cap ring corresponding to and closing off the recess.
Such a cap ring may be made of metal (magnetic; or nonmagnetic, e.g. aluminum, stainless steel, silver, gold, platinum and titanium), plastic, composite, polytetrafluoroethylene, fiberglass, ceramic, and/or cermet. The RFIDT can be, in certain aspects, any known commercially-available read-only or read-write radio frequency identification tag and any suitable known reader system, manual, fixed, and/or automatic may be used to read the RFIDT.
The present invention, in certain aspects, provides an component, apparatus, or tubular, e.g. a piece of drill pipe, with one or more radio frequency identification tags wrapped in heat and impact resistant materials; in one aspect, located in an area 2 - 3" in length beginning from the 18 degree taper of the pin and drill pipe tool joint so that the RFIDT (or RFIDT's) is protected from shocks (pressure, impacts, thermal) that may be encountered on a rig, in a wellbore, or during wellbore (e.g. drilling or casing) operations. In one particular aspect, the present invention discloses systems and methods in which a piece of drill pie with threaded pin and box ends has one or more radio frequency identification tags each with an integrated circuit and with an antenna encircling the pin end upset area located exteriorly on the pipe, e.g. in an area ;1" - 2;t" from a pin end 18 degree taper. The RFIDT
(or RFIDT's) is protected by wrapping the entire RFIDT and antenna in a heat resistant material wrapped around the circumference of the tube body and held in place by heat resistant glue

7 or adhesive, e.g. epoxy material which encases the RFIDT.
This material is covered with a layer of impact resistant material and wrapped with multiple layers of wrapping material such as epoxy bonded wrap material. Preferably this wrapping does not exceed the tool joint OD. The RFIDT can be (as can be any disclosed herein), in certain aspects, any known commercially-available read-only or read-write radio frequency identification tag and any suitable know reader system, manual, fixed, and/or automatic may be used to read the RFIDT. Such installation of RFIDT's can be carried out in the field, in a factory, on a rig, with no machining necessary.
Optionally, a metal tag designating a unique serial number of each component, apparatus, or length of drill pipe located under the wrap with the RFIDT(s) insures "Traceability" is never lost due to failure of the RFIDT(s).
Replacement of failed RFIDT's can be carried out without leaving a location, eliminating expensive transportation or trucking costs. Optionally the wrap is applied in a distinctive and/or a bright colour for easy identification.
Determining whether a component, apparatus, or a tubular or a length of drill pipe or a drill pipe string is RFID-tagged or not is visibly noticeable, e.g. from a distance once the RFIDT's are in place.
In certain particular aspects an RFIDT is encased in a ring of protective material whose shape and configuration corresponds to the shape of the pin end's recess and the ring is either permanently or removably positioned in the recess. Such a ring may be used without or in conjunction with an amount of protective material covering the ring or with a cap ring that protectively covers the RFIDT. Two or more RFIDT's may be used in one recess and/or there may be multiple recesses at different levels. In other aspects a ring is provided which is emplaceable around a member, either a generally cylindrical circular member or a member with some other shape.

8 With an RFIDT located in a pipe's pin end or in the pin end of a drill bit, upon makeup of a joint including two such pieces of pipe, an RFIDT in one pipe's pin end is completely surrounded by pipe material - including that of a corresponding pipe's box end - and the RFIDT is sealingly protected from access by materials flowing through the pipe and from materials exterior to the pipe.
The mass of pipe material surrounding the enclosed RFIDT
also protects it from the temperature extremes of materials within and outside of the pipe.
In other aspects [with or without an RFIDT in a recess] sensible material and/or indicia are located within a recess and, in one aspect, transparent material is placed above the material and/or indicia for visual inspection or monitoring; and, in one aspect, such sensible material and/or indicia are in or on a cap ring.
A pipe with a pin end recess as described herein can be a piece of typical pipe in which the recess is formed, e.g. by machining or with laser apparatus or by drilling;
or the pipe can be manufactured with the recess formed integrally thereof. In certain particular aspects, in cross-section a recess has a shape that is square, rectangular, triangular, semi-triangular, circular, semi-circular, trapezoid, dovetail, or rhomboid.
It has also been discovered that the location of an RFIDT or RFIDT's in accordance with the present invention can be accomplished in other components, apparatuses, tubulars and generally tubular apparatuses in addition to drill pipe, or in a member, device, or apparatus that has a cross-section area that permits exterior wrapping of RFIDT(s) or circumferential installation of antenna apparatus including, but not limited to, in or on casing, drill collars, (magnetic or nonmagnetic) pipe, thread protectors, centralizers, stabilizers, control line protectors, mills, plugs (including but not limited to cementing plugs), and risers; and in or on other apparatuses, including, but not limited to, whipstocks, tubular handlers, tubular manipulators, tubular rotators,

9 top drives, tongs, spinners, downhole motors, elevators, spiders, powered mouse holes, and pipe handlers, sucker rods, and drill bits (all which can be made of or have portions of magnetizable metal or nonmagnetizable metal).
In certain aspects the present invention discloses a rig with a rig floor having thereon or embedded therein or positioned therebelow a tag reader system which reads RFIDT's in pipe or other apparatus placed on the rig floor above the tag reader system. All of such rig-floor-based reader systems, manually-operated reader systems, and other fixed reader systems useful in methods and systems in accordance with the present invention may be, in certain aspects, in communication with one or more control systems, e.g. computers, computerized systems, consoles, and/or control system located on the rig, on site, and/or remotely from the rig, either via lines and/or cables or wirelessly. Such system can provide identification, inventory, and quality control functions and, in one aspect, are useful to insure that desired tubulars, and only desired tubulars, go downhole and/or that desired apparatus, and only desired apparatus, is used on the rig.
In certain aspects one or more RFIDT's is affixed exteriorly of or positioned in a recess a component, apparatus, or tubular, e.g., in one aspect, in a box end of a tubular. In certain aspects antennas of RFIDT's in accordance with the present invention have a diameter between one quarter inch to ten inches and in particular aspects this range is between two inches and four inches.
Such systems can also be used with certain RFIDT's to record on a read-write apparatus therein historical information related to current use of a component, apparatus or of a tubular member; e.g., but not limited to, that this particular component, apparatus, or tubular member is being used at this time in this particular location or string, and/or with particular torque applied thereto by this particular apparatus.
In other aspects, a pipe with a pin end recess described therein has emplaced therein or thereon a member or ring with or without an RFIDT and with sensible indicia, e.g., one or a series of signature cuts, etchings, holes, notches, indentations, alpha and/or numeric characters, raised portion(s) and/or voids, filled 5 in or not with filler material (e.g. but not limited to, epoxy material and/or nonmagnetic or magnetic metal, composite, fiberglass, plastic, ceramic and/or cermet), which indicia are visually identifiable and/or can be sensed by sensing systems (including, but not limited to,

10 systems using ultrasonic sensing, eddy current sensing, optical/laser sensing, and/or microwave sensing).
Similarly it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a cap ring (or a ring to be emplaced in a recess) as described herein (either for closing off a recess or for attachment to a pin end which has no such recess) with such indicia which can be sensed visually or with sensing equipment.
It is within the scope of this invention to provide a component, apparatus, or tubular member as described herein exteriorly affixed (RFIDT(s) and/or with a circular recess as described above with energizable identification apparatus other than or in addition to one or more RFIDT's; including, for example one or more surface acoustic wave tags ("SAW tags") with its antenna apparatus in the circular apparatus.
New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious devices, components and drill bits with apparatus for identification and/or for tracking, inventory and control and, in certain aspects, such things employing identification device(s), e.g. wave energizable devices, e.g., one or more radio frequency identification tags and/or one or more SAW tags and/or one or more memory devices;
New, useful, unique, efficient, nonobvious devices, components, drill bits, systems and methods for apparatus identification, tracking, inventory and control and, in certain aspects, such systems and methods employing identification device(s), e.g. one or more RFIDT and/or

11 one or more SAW tags;
Such things with at least one wave-energizable apparatus and/or at least one memory device with information and/or data related to the component, bit, etc.; the data and/or information, in certain aspects, including manufacturing information, testing information, quality control information, intended use information, actual use information, and/or post-use observation and/or testing;
Such systems and methods in which a member is provided with one or more exteriorly affixed RFIDT's and/or one or more recesses into which one or more identification devices are placed; and/or such systems and methods in which the member is a cylindrical or tubular member and the recess (or recesses) is a circumferential recess around either or both ends thereof, made or integrally formed therein;
Such systems and methods in which filler material and/or a cap ring is installed permanently or releasably over a recess to close it off and protect identification device(s);
Such systems and methods in which aspects of the present invention are combined in a nonobvious and new manner with existing apparatuses to provide dual redundancy identification;
Such systems and methods in which a sensing-containing member (flexible or rigid) is placed within or on an item; and Such systems and methods which include a system on, in, or under a rig floor, and/or on equipment, for sensing identification device apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

12 For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a bit in accordance with the present invention in a container in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic view of a system and of a method in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a schematic view of a system and of a method in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic view of a system and of a method in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 5 is a schematic view of a component in accordance with the present invention in a container in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 6 is a schematic view of a system and of a method in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 7 is a schematic view of a system and of a method in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 1 shows a bit 437 in a container 437b. The bit has a wave-energizable apparatus 437d attached thereto and the container has a wave-energizable apparatus 437c attached thereto (e.g., as may be the case with any such apparatus disclosed herein, i.e., any wave-energizable apparatus or device disclosed herein may be in a container, the container having its own wave-energizable apparatus; the attaching done with adhesive, tape, and/or attachment material and/or wrap material, and/or in any way disclosed herein for attaching an apparatus to a component). The apparatuses 437c, 437d may be any suitable wave-energizable apparatus including, but not limited to, any tag disclosed or referred to herein and they may be connected to and/or applied to a bit in any way disclosed herein. In one aspect, the apparatuses 437c, 437d have identical information. In other aspects, their information differs, for example, and without limitation, apparatus 437d may contain data on the materials used and the manufacturing process of the bit

13 and manufacturing process history of the bit, while apparatus 437c may contain data on inventory, shipping and handling instructions and quality control documentation for the bit.
Optionally, one or the other of the apparatuses 437c, 437d is deleted.
It is within the scope of the present invention to provide multiple wave-energizable apparatuses on any item, e.g., but not limited to, any component disclosed herein.
At a delivery location and/or site of use, one apparatus (or tag) can remain on the component (e.g., but not limited to, a bit) and the other apparatus (e.g. a tag) can be removed, used, and/or stored for future use and/or, e.g., in the event of damage to or destruction of the other apparatus (e.g. tag), the stored apparatus (or tag) can be applied to the component. A second or removed apparatus (or tag) can also be used to confirm that a component (e.g. a bit) that is retrieved and/or returned is the actual one that was sent originally.
Optionally, the bit 437 has associated therewith and/or connected thereto a memory device 437m, e.g. a memory stick, portable computer drive, flash drive, or other media for holding data in computerized or digital form and the container 437b has a memory device 437p associated therewith and/or connected thereto. Any data and/or information on apparatus 437d and/or 437c (and on any tag disclosed herein) may be on the device 437m and/or the device 437 (and any component herein in accordance with the present invention may have a device 437m and/or a device 437p). In certain aspects, a device 437m or 437p is shipped with a bit 437 (or a component with such a device) so that is and its data and/or information is available to an end user of the bit (or item) and is available at a place of use of the bit (or item).
Figure 2 shows a system 400 according to the present invention which has a rig 410 that includes a vertical derrick or mast 412 having a crown block 414 at its upper end and a horizontal rig floor 416 at its lower end.
Drill line 418 is fixed to deadline anchor 420, which is

14 commonly provided with hook load sensor 421, and extends upwardly to crown block 414 having a plurality of sheaves (not shown). From block 414, drill line 418 extends downwardly to traveling block 422 that similarly includes a plurality of sheaves (not shown). Drill line extends back and forth between the sheaves of crown block 414 and the sheaves of traveling block 422, then extends downwardly from crown block 414 to drawworks 424 having rotating drum 426 upon which drill line 418 is wrapped in layers. The rotation of drum 426 causes drill line 418 to be taken in or out, which raises or lowers traveling block 422 as required. Drawworks 424 may be provided with a sensor 427 which monitors the rotation of drum 426.
Alternatively, sensor 427 may be located in crown block 414 to monitor the rotation of one or more of the sheaves therein. Hook 428 and any elevator 430 is attached to traveling block 422. Hook 428 is used to attach kelly 432 to traveling block 422 during drilling operations, and elevators 430 are used to attach drill string 434 to traveling block 422 during tripping operations. Shown schematically the elevator 430 has an RFIDT reader 431 (which may be any reader disclosed or referred to herein and which is interconnected with and in communication with suitable control apparatus, e.g. as any disclosed herein, as is the case for reader 439 and a reader 444. Drill string 434 is made up of a plurality of individual drill pipe pieces, a grouping of which are typically stored within mast 412 as joints 435 (singles, doubles, or triples) in a pipe rack. Drill string 434 extends down into wellbore 436 and terminates at its lower end with bottom hole assembly (BHA) 437 that typically includes a drill bit, several heavy drilling collars, and instrumentation devices commonly referred to as measurement-while-drilling (MWD) and/or logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools. A mouse hole 438, which may have a spring at the bottom thereof, extends through and below rig floor 416 and serves the purpose of storing next pipe 440 to be attached to the drill string 434. With drill pipe having an RFIDT 448 in a pin end 442, an RFIDT reader apparatus 439 at the bottom of the mouse hole 438 can energize an antenna of the RFIDT 448 and identify the drill pipe 440. Optionally, if the drill pipe 440 has an 5 RFIDT in a box end 443, an RFIDT reader apparatus can energize an antenna in the RFIDT 446 and identify the drill pipe 440. The drill bit 437 has at least one RFIDT
437a (shown schematically). Optionally, or in addition to the RFIDT 448, the drill pipe 440 has one or more RFIDT's 10 448a affixed exteriorly to the drill pipe 440 under wrap layers 448b.
During a drilling operation, power rotating means (not shown) rotates a rotary table (not shown) having rotary bushing 442 releasably attached thereto located on

15 rig floor 416. Kelly 432, which passes through rotary bushing 442 and is free to move vertically therein, is rotated by the rotary table and rotates drill string 434 and BHA 437 attached thereto. During the drilling operation, after kelly 432 has reached its lowest point commonly referred to as the "kelly down" position, the new drill pipe 440 in the mouse hole 438 is added to the drill string 434 by reeling in drill line 418 onto rotating drum 426 until travelling block 422 raises kelly 432 and the top portion of drill string 434 above rig floor 416.
Slips 445, which may be manual or hydraulic, are placed around the top portion of drill string 434 and into the rotary table such that a slight lowering of travelling block 422 causes slips 444 to be firmly wedged between drill string 434 and the rotary table. At this time, drill string 434 is "in-slips" since its weight is supported thereby as opposed to when the weight is supported by travelling block 422, or "out-of-slips".
Once drill string 434 is in-slips, kelly 432 is disconnected from string 434 and moved over to and secured to new pipe 440 in mouse hole 438. New pipe 440 is then hoisted out of mouse hole 438 by raising travelling block 422, and attached to drill string 434. Travelling block 422 is then slightly raised which allows slips 445 to be

16 removed from the rotary table. Travelling block 422 is then lowered and drilling resumed. "Tripping-out" is the process where some or all of drill string 434 is removed from wellbore 436. In a trip-out, kelly 432 is disconnected from drill string 434, set aside, and detached from hook 428. Elevators 430 are then lowered and used to grasp the uppermost pipe of drill string 434 extending above rig floor 416.
Drawworks 424 reel in drill line 418 which hoists drill string 434 until the section of drill string 434 (usually a "triple") to be removed is suspended above rig floor 416. String 434 is then placed in-slips, and the section removed and stored in the pipe rack. "Tripping-in" is the process where some or all of drill string 434 is replaced in wellbore 436 and is basically the opposite of tripping out. In some drilling rigs, rotating the drill string is accomplished by a device commonly referred to as a "top drive" (not shown). This device is fixed to hook 428 and replaces kelly 432, rotary bushing 442, and the rotary table. Pipe added to drill string 434 is connected to the bottom of the top drive. As with rotary table drives, additional pipe may either come from mouse hole 438 in singles, or from the pipe racks as singles, doubles, or triples.
Optionally, drilling is accomplished with a downhole motor system 434a which has at least one RFIDT 434b (shown schematically).
The system 400 further comprises a remote system RS;
a transmission system TS; a driller system DS with a driller (not shown); and, optionally, a bit designer and/or manufacturer BM. The remote system RS can be any known remote monitoring and/or control system for any drilling operation or method. The transmission system TS
can be any known system for transmitting data and/or signals of any kind to and/or from a drilling site to a location on-site and/or remote. The driller system DS can be any known drilling and/or driller monitoring and/or control system.
Figure 3 depicts methods in accordance with the

17 present invention using the system shown in Figure 2.
Initially, a drilling application ("APP. NEED") is presented to a bit designer (e.g. bit manufacturer BM) with information and data about the application (e.g.
location, formation, depth, intervals, performance goals, etc.). The designer analyzes the information and the data using design information, e.g., previous bit designs; type of bit; bit size and weight; previous bit run history in relevant applications; VIBRASCOPE (TRADEMARK) system analysis which provides an understanding of the dynamic behaviour of the drillstring, BHA (bottom hole assembly) and bit; testing of the bit and/or test results;
metallurgy; bottom hole assembly designs; operational options, such as using a mud motor, hole opener, shock sub, reamer(s), etc; downhole and/or surface instrumentation options; control systems of varying capabilities, manual control of varying levels of quality;
rig capabilities; operational cost factors; availability of personnel with appropriate skill levels; bit durability goals (e.g. as drill an interval of a desired length with one bit or get to next casing point with no more than two bits).
The designer arrives at a bit drilling solution for a well task (any job or operation employing the bit) ("SOLUTION") in a drilling information package which specifies one, some, or all of the following:
a bit;
a bottom hole assembly including the specification of BHA components and capabilities;
an operational strategy for an intended use which defines key goals, such as, run bit at maximum efficiency (even though this results in lower ROP (Rate Of Penetration) than maximum possible) to extend bit durability enough to get to next casing point without making a trip;
limits for an intended use such as, a bit weight range of 4,500 Kg to 18,200 Kg (10-40 Klbs), bit rotational speed range of 120-200 rpm, mud motor

18 rotational speed range of 60-140 rpm, and drillstring rotational speed of 0-80 rpm (further, these ranges may be inter related to some manner, such as if bit weight is over a certain weight, e.g. 16,000 Kg (35 Klbs), then bit rotational speed cannot exceed a certain speed, e.g. 140 rpm);
control suggestions for an intended use (e.g. if a mud motor is present in the string, then a drill control system, e.g. an Autodriller (TRADEMARK) controls based on mud motor differential pressure and not control on bit weight);
suggestions for recording data (e.g. if a calculated parameter indicating drillstring vibrations is over a specified threshold value, then change surface data recording rate from 1 second interval to a rate of 10 values per second); and/or any data and/or information and/or information embodying or regarding things used by the designer as mentioned in the previous numbered paragraph, including, but not limited to, any information or data analyzed by the designer.
A specific bit identification is produced and assigned to the bit and to the information about the bit ("BIT ID")(e.g. the bit 437).
Information about the solution is assembled in an information package ("INFO") which is stored and associated with the bit identification (e.g. in a computer and/or in any type or kind of memory storage device or apparatus, memory stick, flash drive, portable drive, etc.; including, but not limited to, in a tag or tags).
A wave-energizable apparatus (e.g. apparatus 437a, like apparatus 437d) is applied to the bit and/or a container for the bit (e.g. the bit 437, Figure 12A or Figure 1) which has the bit identification and the information package j(and/or, optionally, a memory device like the device 437m is applied to or associated with the bit and/or a memory device 4370 is applied to or associated with the container).

19 The bit is then delivered to a drilling rig for use.
At the rig the wave-energizable apparatus (or apparatuses) associated with the bit (and/or memory device or devices) is scanned by a reader apparatus and the information therein is provided to a variety of systems, in one aspect, both on-site and remote ("INFO RIG"; e.g. systems such as the driller system DS and/or the remote system RS). In one aspect, systems and methods in accordance with the present invention are useful to insure that the correct bit is delivered to the correct location and that at the location the correct bit is used for the correct drilling task or job; and, in certain circumstances, that a bit that was delivered and/or used is the bit that is returned for repair or refurbishing. In certain aspects, the apparatuses 437c and/or 437d contain an identification code that links the bit to data and/or information on an associated memory device.
Operators, personnel, controllers, and engineers either at the rig, remote, or both who are monitoring the drilling in real time ("REAL TIME MONITOR") have the information package and they receive real time data about the bit and the drilling operation.
Optionally, the bit designer and/or manufacturer ("BIT MFGER.") is provided access, in real time or otherwise, to some or all of the information and data.
Rig control systems (on-site and/or remote; e.g., the system DS and/or the system RS) receive the information in the information package, enhancing control strategy by making use of previous engineering design work and effective utilization of the capabilities of surface and downhole equipment. This "enhancing" may consist of simply executing an optimum operation plan and instructions. Also it may be interactive, including pre-planned investigative exercises to be executed if a specific problem is detected and then, based on the results of those exercises, selection of a new set of operational instructions.
A rig information system RS, e.g., but not limited ;
to, the RIGSENSE (TRADEMARK) system of National Oilwell Varco, provides key information (e.g. bit weight, drillstring rotational speed, and rate-of-penetration) from the information package to the driller's control 5 system ("DRILLER").
Any and all information generated during design, during manufacture, during testing, and/or prior to and/or during a delivery and/or during an operation can be provided to a driller (or to other personnel and/or apparatuses, remote or on-site) in real-10 time and/or as logged data and/or as history for a certain item, device, apparatus or equipment, etc., or regarding actual uses thereof. Such provision may be, in accordance with the present invention, on request or provided automatically.

In any system or method in accordance with the present invention, specific information (including, but not limited to, any pre-use information and/or manufacturing, manufacturing process information, manufacturing history, and/or quality control

20 documentation and/or design information) about a bit or a component (defined below) is conveyable to all personnel, including, but not limited to, rig operator (s), controller(s) on site and/or off site, and/or driller(s).
Key information from the information package is, in real time, compared (e.g. using the driller system DS and/or the remote system RS) to actual data and information and the comparisons are analyzed to enhance the drilling operation ("REAL TIME ANALYSIS").
For example, the effects of actual drillstring vibrations during drilling (which may be measured and/or derived, at the surface and/or downhole) are recorded and then compared to the drillstring vibrations, e.g. predicted by Vibrascope (TRADEMARK) system runs and analysis, for similar operation parameters by the bit designer/manufacturer.
The Vibrascope (TRADEMARK) system runs referred to here may be done early in a SOLUTION phase and/or in real-time during drilling or post-drilling. This analysis can close the loop between modeling and actual performance,

21 improving insight into the underlying physics affecting drilling performance and producing improvements in the quality of the modeling. Another example is the comparison of actual ROP's versus those predicted in a SOLUTION phase, for the same set of operating conditions.
This can be helpful in predicting the ROP and is of considerable economic value.
After a bit has been used, data and/or information can be added to any and all wave-energizable apparatuses associated with the bit (and/or memory devices) and/or with any related equipment or apparatuses.
As shown in Figure 4, interested personnel(on-site and/or remote) subscribe via an information transfer system (e.g., but not limited to the known WELLDATA
(TRADEMARK) system) to receive data and/or information about the selected bit and its use ("SUBSCRIBE"), including, but not limited to, in real time. This can be done via the driller system DS and/or via the remote system RS, via any suitable known transmission system, via Internet, ethernet, and/or via a transmission system TS.
The wave-energizable apparatus or apparatuses (and/or memory device or devices) on and/or associated with a bit or its container are scanned at the drilling site ("RUN
SCAN") and a monitoring system monitors ("SYSTEM
MONITOR"), among other things, the particular bit (e.g., via the bit identification and/or serial number) and notes if the bit in use has been changed ("BIT ID'D").
If the information package associated with the bit contains information for possible multiple applications, personnel are presented a selection of applications ("SELECT PACKAGE") and one application is chosen. Drilling commences ("DRILL") and subscribed personnel and connected systems are notified of this ("START RUN NOTIFY"), in real time and/or otherwise; this notification can include which application was selected.
When the bit is removed from the wellbore, the wave energizable apparatus is scanned ("BIT PULL SCAN") and subscribed personnel and connected systems are notified of

22 the end of the drilling run ("NOTIFY END RUN"). A control system (e.g. the driller system DS and/or the remote system RS) then automatically requests any required user actions and inputs ("AUTO REQUEST ACTIONS INPUTS") (e.g.
actions: photograph bit, clean bit, photograph bit again, visually observe the bit, produce a description of the observed bit; e.g. inputs: bit dull grading, visual observations of bit, producing a description, written, oral, etc., of the used bit, and/or comments describing key aspects of the bit run).
Actual data and information from the run is recorded automatically (e.g., in the systems DS and/or RS) and assembled into a run information package ("DATA COLLECT
PACKAGE") which is sent to subscribed personnel and connected systems ("DATA PACKAGE SEND"). Any, some, or all such data can be recorded in any wave-energizable apparatus associated with a bit.
The systems and methods described above for Figures 1 - 4 are directed to, among other things, drilling and drill bits. It is within the scope of the present invention to provide systems and methods directed to any well or rig operation that employs tools, devices, tubulars, equipment, apparatuses, replaceable parts or pieces, slips, dies, inserts, control systems, equipment, tongs, whipstocks, mills, reamers, plugs, protectors, centralizers, spinners, iron roughnecks, elevators, spiders, screens, shakers, pumps, motors, fishing tools, tubular exponders, engines, generators, continuous circulation systems, - all collectively referred to by the term "component". Figures 5 - 7 illustrate systems and methods in accordance with the present invention which employ a component in a well or rig operation, e.g., but not limited to, drilling, tripping, running casing, completing a well, producing a well, and cementing.
Figure 5 shows a component 597 in a container 597b.
The component has a wave-energizable apparatus 597d attached thereto and the container has a wave-energizable apparatus 597c attached thereto. The apparatuses 597c,

23 597d may be any suitable wave-energizable apparatus including, but not limited to, any tag disclosed or referred to herein and they may be connected to and/or applied to a component in any way disclosed herein. In one aspect, the apparatuses 597c, 597d have identical information. In other aspects, their information differs, for example, and without limitation, apparatus 597d may contain data on the materials used and the manufacturing process of the component, while apparatus 597c may contain data on inventory, shipping and handling instructions.
Optionally, one or the other of the apparatuses 597c, 597d is deleted. Optionally, a memory device 597m is connected to or associated with the component (like the device 437m described above) and/or a memory device 597p is connected to or associated with the component (like the memory device 437p described above) and the or these memory devices are used as are the devices described above. It is within the scope of the present invention to provide multiple wave-energizable apparatuses on any component.
Figure 6 is the system of Figure 4 (like numerals indicate like parts) directed to a component rather than specifically to a bit.
Figure 7 depicts methods with a system in accordance with the present invention.
Initially, an application ("APP. NEED") is presented to a component designer (e.g. component manufacturer IM) with information and data about the application (e.g.
task, operation, location, formation, depth, intervals, performance goals, etc.). The designer analyzes the information and the data using, e.g. previous component designs; component size, type, and/or weight; testing and/or test results; previous component use or run history in relevant applications; system analysis which provides an understanding of the dynamic behaviour of the component;
metallurgy; bottom hole assembly designs;
operational options; downhole and/or surface instrumentation options; control systems of varying

24 capabilities, manual control of varying levels of quality;
rig capabilities; operational cost factors; availability of personnel with appropriate skill levels; component durability goals.
The designer arrives at a component use solution ("SOLUTION") in an information package which specifies anything mentioned above in describing the information package for a drill bit, including, but not limited to:
a component;
a bottom hole assembly, if needed, including the specification of BHA components and capabilities;
an operational strategy which defines key goals, such as, e.g., run component at maximum efficiency to extend component durability;
limits on component use;
control suggestions;
suggestions for recording data.
A specific component identification is produced and assigned to the component and to the information about the component ("ITEM ID")(e.g. the component 597).
Information about the solution is assembled in an information package ("INFO") which is stored and associated with the component identification (e.g. in a computer and/or in any type or kind of memory storage device or apparatus; including, but not limited to, in a tag or tags).
A wave-energizable apparatus is applied to the component and/or a container for the component which has the component identification and the information package.
The component is then delivered to a rig for use. At the rig the wave-energizable apparatus (or apparatuses) associated with the component is scanned by a reader apparatus and the information therein is provided to a variety of systems, in one aspect, both on-site and remote ("INFO RIG"; e.g. systems such as the driller system DS
and/or the remote system RS). In one aspect, systems and methods in accordance with the present invention are useful to insure that the correct component is delivered to the correct location and that at the location the correct component is used for the correct task or job;
and, in certain circumstances, that a component that was 5 delivered and/or used is the component that is returned for repair or refurbishing.
Operators, personnel, controllers, and engineers either at the rig, remote, or both who are monitoring the operation in real time ("REAL TIME MONITOR") have the 10 information package and they receive real time data about the component and the operation.
Optionally, the bit designer and/or manufacturer ("ITEM MFGER.") is provided access, in real time or otherwise, to some or all of the information and data.
15 Rig control systems (on-site and/or remote; e.g., the system DS and/or the system RS) receive the information in the information package, enhancing control strategy by making use of previous engineering design work and effective utilization of the capabilities of surface and 20 downhole equipment. This "enhancing" may consist of simply executing an optimum operation plan and instructions. Also it may be interactive, including pre-planned investigative exercises to be executed if a specific problem is detected and then, based on the

25 results of those exercises, selection of a new set of operational instructions.
A rig information system RS, e.g., but not limited to, the RIGSENSE (TRADEMARK) system of National Oilwell Verco, provides key information from the information package to the driller's control system ("DRILLER") or to any other control system, on site or off site. Any and all information generated during design, during manufacture, during testing, and/or prior to and/or during a delivery and/or during an operation can be provided to personnel and/or apparatuses, remote or on-site, in real-time and/or as logged data and/or as history for a certain component, device, apparatus or equipment, etc., or regarding actual uses thereof. Such provision may be, in

26 accordance with the present invention, on request or provided automatically.
In any system or method in accordance with the present invention, specific information (including, but not limited to, any pre-use information and/or manufacturing and/or design information) about a component is conveyable to all personnel, including, but not limited to, rig operator(s), controller(s) on site and/or off site, and/or driller(s). Key information from the information package is, in real time, compared (e.g. using the driller system DS and/or the remote system RS) to actual data and information and the comparisons are analyzed to enhance the operation ("REAL TIME ANALYSIS").
After a component has been used, data and/or information can be added to any and all wave-energizable apparatuses associated with the component and/or with any related equipment or apparatuses.
As shown in Figure 7, interested personnel (on-site and/or remote) subscribe via an information transfer system (e.g., but not limited to the known WELLDATA
(TRADEMARK) system) to receive data and/or information about the selected component and its use ("SUBSCRIBE"), including, but not limited to, in real time. This can be done via the driller system DS and/or via the remote system RS, via any suitable known transmission system, via Internet, ethernet, and/or via a transmission system TS.
The wave-energizable apparatus or apparatuses on the component are scanned at the site ("RUN SCAN") and a monitoring system monitors ("SYSTEM MONITOR"), among other things, the particular component (e.g., via the component identification and/or serial number) and notes if the component in use has been changed ("ITEM ID'D").
If the information package associated with the component contains information for possible multiple applications, personnel are presented a selection of applications ("SELECT PACKAGE") and one application is chosen. The operation commences ("DRILL" or any other operation) and subscribed personnel and connected systems

27 are notified of this ("START RUN NOTIFY"), in real time and/or otherwise; this notification can include which application was selected.
When the component has been used, the wave energizable apparatus is scanned ("ITEM PULL SCAN") and subscribed personnel and connected systems are notified of the end of the operation ("NOTIFY END RUN"). A control system (e.g. the driller system DS and/or the remote system RS) then automatically requests any required user actions and inputs ("AUTO REQUEST ACTIONS INPUTS") e.g., but not limited to, like the subsequent actions described above for a bit.
Actual data and information from the run is recorded automatically (e.g., in the systems DS and/or RS) and assembled into a run information package ("DATA COLLECT
PACKAGE") which is sent to subscribed personnel and connected systems ("DATA PACKAGE SEND"). Any, some, or all such data can be recorded in any wave-energizable apparatus associated with a component.

Claims (29)

The embodiments of the present invention for which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A method for handling a component for use in an operation in the construction, maintenance and repair of wells, the method comprising the steps of producing information about said component, the component for a specific well task, the information including design information about the component and intended use information about the component, producing a component identification specific to the component characterised in that the method further comprises the steps of associating the information with the component identification producing thereby an information package for the component, installing the information package in at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and applying the at least one wave-energizable apparatus to the component wherein the component includes a body, the body having an exterior surface and two spaced-apart ends, the at least one wave-energizable apparatus on the exterior surface of the body, the at least one wave-energizable apparatus wrapped in fabric material, the fabric material comprising heat-resistant non-conducting material, and the at least one wave-energizable apparatus wrapped and positioned on the body so that the at least one wave-energizable apparatus does not contact the body.

2. A method for handling a component for use in an operation in the construction, maintenance and repair of wells, the method comprising the steps of producing information about said component, the component for a specific well task, the information including design information about the component and intended use information about the component, producing a component identification specific to the component characterised in that the method further comprises the steps of associating the information with the component identification producing thereby an information package for the component, installing the information package in at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and applying the at least one wave-energizable apparatus to the component wherein the component includes a body, the body having a recess therein, the at least one wave-energizable apparatus affixed in said recess.

3. A method for handling a component for use in an operation in the construction, maintenance and repair of wells, the method comprising the steps of producing information about said component, the component for a specific well task, the information including design information about the component and intended use information about the component, producing a component identification specific to the component characterised in that the method further comprises the steps of associating the information with the component identification producing thereby an information package for the component, installing the information package in at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and applying the at least one wave-energizable apparatus to the component wherein the component includes a body, said at least one wave-energizable apparatus affixed to said body and covered in a heat resistant material.

4. A method for handling a component for use in an operation in the construction, maintenance and repair of wells, the method comprising the steps of producing information about said component, the component for a specific well task, the information including design information about the component and intended use information about the component, producing a component identification specific to the component characterised in that the method further comprises the steps of associating the information with the component identification producing thereby an information package for the component, installing the information package in at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and applying the at least one wave-energizable apparatus to the component wherein the component includes a body, said at least one wave-energizable apparatus affixed to said body and covered in an impact resistant material.

5. The method in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of delivering the component to a well operations rig, reading the information package from the at least one wave-energizable apparatus, and using the information to facilitate the specific well task.

6. The method in accordance with Claim 5, wherein after the component is used in the specific well task, to create a run information package and associate the run information package with the component identification.

7. The method in accordance with Claim 6, further comprising the step of notifying a relevant user and allowing the relevant user to access said run information package.

8. The method in accordance with Claim 6 or 7, wherein said run information package comprises information specifically requested by a user.

9. The method in accordance with any one of Claim 6 to 8, wherein the run information package comprises real time monitored information during use of the component in the specific well task.

10. The method in accordance with any one of Claim 6 to 9, wherein the run information package comprises information about the component noted after use of the component in the specific well task.

11. The method in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 10, further comprising associating with the component a memory device having information about the component.

12. The method in accordance with Claim 11, further comprising using information from the memory device to facilitate the specific well task.

13. The method in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one wave-energizable apparatus comprises a first apparatus and a second apparatus, the method further comprising applying the first apparatus to the component, and applying the second apparatus to a container for the component.

14. The method in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the component is a drill bit, the specific well task a drilling task and the information including design information for the bit and intended use information for the drill bit.

15. The method in accordance with Claim 14, wherein the information package is installed in a wave-energizable apparatus applied to a container for the drill bit.

16. The method in accordance with Claim 14 or 15, wherein the design information includes metallurgy about the bit, type of the bit, size of the bit, weight of the bit, testing of the bit, test results, manufacturing history of the bit, and quality control documentation for the bit.

17. The method in accordance with any one of Claims 14 to 16, wherein the intended use information includes information about a bottom hole assembly to be used with the bit, goals for use of the bit, and limits on use of the bit.

18. The method in accordance with any one of Claims 6 to 10, wherein the component is a drill bit, the specific well task a drilling task and the information including design information for the bit and intended use information for the drill bit, wherein the run information package comprises real time information from monitoring the drill bit during said drilling task.

19. The method in accordance with any one of Claims 6 to 9, wherein the component is a drill bit, the specific well task a drilling task and the information including design information for the bit and intended use information for the drill bit, wherein after said drilling task, the run information package comprises at least one of: photographs or video bites from photographing or videoing the bit or cleaning the bit, photographing or videoing the bit following cleaning; and a description produced from visually observing the bit.

20. The method in accordance with any one of Claims 14 to 19, further comprising the step of ensuring that the bit is a correct bit for the specific drilling task, by scanning the at least one wave-energizable apparatus.

21. The method in accordance with any one of Claims 14 to 19, further comprising the steps of returning the drill bit to an entity following use of the drill bit in the specific drilling task, and identifying the returned drill bit as the drill bit that was used in the specific drilling task.

22. The method in accordance with any one of Claims 14 to 21, further comprising the step of in real time providing use information about use of the bit, and comparing the use information to information in the information package producing a comparison.

23. The method in accordance with Claim 22, further comprising changing an operational parameter, ceasing the drilling task or changing the bit based on the comparison.

24. The method in accordance with Claim 22 or 23, further comprising the step of adding said use information to said information package following use of the bit.

25. The method in accordance with Claim 22, 23 or 24 further comprising the step of providing information from the information package and actual use information about the use of the bit in doing the specific drilling task to personnel at the drilling rig and to off-site personnel.

26. The method in accordance with Claim 25, wherein the providing is done in real time.

27. The method in accordance with any one of Claims 14 to 26, wherein the bit information package contains information about multiple possible applications of the bit, the method further comprising the step of selecting and implementing one application from the multiple possible applications.

28. The method in accordance with Claim 10, wherein said information about the component noted after use of the component in the specific well task is a photograph.

29. The method in accordance with Claim 10, wherein said information about the component noted after use of the component in the specific well task is a video bite.