Multiple wellbore tool apparatus including a plurality of microprocessor implemented wellbore tools for operating a corresponding plurality of included wellbore tools and acoustic transducers in response to stimulus signals and acoustic signals

摘要

A multiple wellbore tool apparatus consisting of a plurality of microprocessor implemented wellbore tools is disposed in a fluid filled wellbore, and an input stimulus having a predetermined signature propagates down the wellbore fluid to all of the wellbore tools. The plurality of wellbore tools each include a microprocessor implemented controller board as well as an included wellbore tool and an acoustic receiver transmitter transducer connected to an output of the controller board. In addition, each of the microprocessors of each controller board include a memory which stores its own unique microcode programming. In response to the input stimulus, the controller board of a first wellbore tool determines that a correspondence exists between the signature of the stimulus and information stored therein and generates an output signal. The output signal may operate an included wellbore tool, or, in response to the output signal, the acoustic transmitter may transmit a first acoustic signal either through an outer housing of the multiple wellbore tool apparatus, or through the wellbore fluid, to all of the other wellbore tools. In response to the first acoustic signal, the controller board of a second wellbore tool will operate its included wellbore tool. When its operation is complete, that included wellbore tool will transmit a signature confirmation signal back to its controller board indicative of completion of its operation. That controller board will respond By instructing its acoustic transmitter to propagate a second acoustic signal through the outer housing or the wellbore fluid. A controller board of a third wellbore tool will respond to the second acoustic signal by operating its included wellbore tool. The above operational sequence is repeated until all of the included wellbore tools of the plurality of wellbore tools of the multiple wellbore tool apparatus are automatically operated in a pre-programmed manner as defined by the microcode programming encoded in the plurality of microprocessors.