Using radio isotopes as a triggering element in downhole applications
Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to control of a downhole tool via at least one radio isotope. The radio isotope(s) is pumped from the surface to contact an isotopic analyzer of the tool. The isotopic analyzer reads the isotope and directs the tool to perform a specific action(s) in the wellbore based on the type of isotope read by the analyzer.
1 . A method comprising:
pumping at least one type of radio isotope into a wellbore;
contacting a tool with the at least one type of radio isotope at a downhole isotopic analyzer;
reading the at least one type of radio isotope with a downhole isotopic analyzer of the tool to determine a specific type of the at least one type of radio isotope; and
triggering operation of the tool in response to identification of the specific type of the at least one radio isotope.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the triggering actuates the tool to set a packer.
3 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising powering the isotopic analyzer with a battery.
4 . The method of claim 3 , further comprising pumping a different type of radio isotope into the wellbore.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the triggering includes moving a sleeve.
6 . The method of claim 4 , further comprising triggering a different operation of the tool in response to identification of the different type of radio isotope.
7 . The method of claim 1 wherein the specific type of the at least one radio isotope directs the tool to rupture a disc.
8 . The method of claim 1 wherein the specific type of the at least one radio isotope directs the tool to open a sleeve within a specific zone.
9 . A system comprising:
a first type of radio isotope;
a second type of radio isotope;
a packer;
a tool including:
an isotopic analyzer; and
a battery to power the tool,
the tool operable to set the packer based on a reading of the first type of radio isotope and close a valve based on a reading of the second type of radio isotope.
10 . The system of claim 9 , further comprising
a third type of radio isotope
wherein the tool is further operable to rupture a disc on a reading of the third type of radio isotope.
11 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the tool further includes a sleeve operable to move based on the reading of the at least one radio isotope.
12 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the tool is operable to move a rod located outside the tool to expand the packer based on the reading of the at least one radio isotope.
13 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the tool further includes a component, the component operable to move based on the reading of the at least one radio isotope.
14 . The system of claim 9 , further including a pump at a surface of a wellbore, the pump operable to circulate the at least one radio isotope into the wellbore, wherein the tool is positioned in the wellbore.