Tubing RFID Systems and Methods

Abstract

A system and method of embedding a radio frequency identification RFID tag on tubular strings, pipes, or casings by machining a groove or indention towards the end of the fadeaway of the upset. Because the RFID tag is permanently affixed to the coupling, the pipe is capable of being monitored or tracked at various points in its storage, travel, or use.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a plain view of one embodiment of the invention demonstrating a metallic tubular with an embedded RFID as described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the invention as described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternative view of one embodiment of the as described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a top-down view of one embodiment of the RFID tag that may be used with the invention.

FIG. 5A depicts an alternative view of one embodiment of the invention demonstrating the depth and placement of the circumferential groove on the surface of the metallic tubular for embedding of the RFID tag and epoxy material as described herein.

FIG. 5B depicts an alternative cutaway side view of one embodiment of the invention demonstrating the depth and placement of the circumferential groove on the surface of the metallic tubular for embedding of the RFID tag and epoxy material as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the invention wherein metallic tubular 101 has a groove 102 formed on a surface of the metallic tubular wherein an epoxy material 103 fills in the groove 102 and further wherein an RFID wire tag 104 is embedded within the groove 102 and encapsulated by the epoxy material 103. The groove made be formed at the time the metallic tubular is made by including the groove. Alternatively, the groove may be formed after the metallic tubular is created by cutting, etching, routing, or other known act for removing material from a surface of a metallic tubular.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the invention wherein tubular 201 having a groove 202 formed on a surface of the tubular wherein an epoxy material 203 fills in the groove 202 and further wherein a RFID wire tag is embedded within the groove 202 and encapsulated by the epoxy material 203.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the invention wherein metallic tubular 301 having a groove 302 formed on a surface of the metallic tubular wherein an epoxy material 303 fills in the groove 302 and further wherein an RFID wire tag 304 is embedded within the groove 302 and encapsulated by the epoxy material 303.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the invention wherein RFID wire tag 404 that is not installed within a groove formed on a surface of a tubular and not encapsulated by an epoxy material. This embodiment depicts an RFID chip 405 and two antenna 406. It should be appreciated that alternative arrangements of the RFID wire tag can be made to achieve the same result as described herein. Such alternative arrangements can include placement of an RFID chip at a distal end of an RFID wire tag with a single antenna extending therefrom. Other arrangements may include a plurality of antenna and various configurations and placement of one or more RFID chips. The use of a plurality of RFID chips could be used for different types of information collection or even different vendors or servicers.

FIG. 5A shows one embodiment of the invention in which a side profile of the metallic tubular 501A has a groove 502A formed on an exterior surface of the metallic tubular wherein RFID tag 504A is placed within the groove 502A. FIG. 5B depicts a side cutaway view of metallic tubular 501B having a groove 502B formed on a surface of the tubular wherein an epoxy material would typically fill in the groove and further wherein an RFID wire tag 504B is embedded within the groove and is intended to be encapsulated by an epoxy material.

Claims

1. An RFID device for monitoring use of a tubular comprising: a tubular comprising a circumference having a first exterior surface having formed there on a groove;an RFID tag comprising a wire disposed within the groove traversing a length of the circumference; andan epoxy material disposed within the groove and encapsulating the RFID tag.