Measurement and Control of Liquid Level in Wells
First Claim
1. An apparatus for measuring data from a well, the apparatus comprises:
- a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors comprising;
a first sensor coupled to the well, the first sensor configured to measure a casing pressure;
a second sensor coupled to the well, the second sensor configured to measure a tubing pressure; and
a third sensor coupled to a motor that is further coupled to the well, the third sensor configured to measure at least one characteristic of the motor;
a processor coupled to the plurality of sensors, wherein the processor calculates a level of liquid in the well based upon measurements of at least two of the plurality of sensors.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for measuring and controlling liquid levels in a well. The apparatus may include a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors comprising: a first sensor coupled to the well, the first sensor configured to measure a casing pressure, a second sensor coupled to the well, the second sensor configured to measure a tubing pressure, and a third sensor coupled to a motor that is further coupled to the well, the third sensor configured to measure at least one characteristic of the motor, and a processor coupled to the plurality of sensors, wherein the processor calculates a level of liquid in the well based upon measurements of at least two of the plurality of sensors.
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Citations
41 Claims
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1. An apparatus for measuring data from a well, the apparatus comprises:
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a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors comprising; a first sensor coupled to the well, the first sensor configured to measure a casing pressure; a second sensor coupled to the well, the second sensor configured to measure a tubing pressure; and a third sensor coupled to a motor that is further coupled to the well, the third sensor configured to measure at least one characteristic of the motor; a processor coupled to the plurality of sensors, wherein the processor calculates a level of liquid in the well based upon measurements of at least two of the plurality of sensors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of calculating liquid levels in a well, the method comprising the acts of:
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reading a plurality of data measurements; calculating an annulus liquid level based upon at least two of the plurality of data measurements; determining if the liquid level is decreasing; and in the event that the liquid level approaches a predetermined location within the well, shutting off a motor coupled to the well. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A system for measuring data in a plurality of wells, the system comprising:
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a processing unit; and a plurality of sensors coupled to the processing unit and coupled to at least one well within the plurality of wells, the plurality of sensors comprising; a first sensor coupled to the at least one well within the plurality of wells, the first sensor configured to measure a casing pressure; a second sensor coupled to the at least one well within the plurality of wells, the second sensor configured to measure a tubing pressure; and a third sensor coupled to a motor that is further coupled to the at least one well within the plurality of wells, the third sensor configured to measure at least one characteristic of the motor, wherein the processing unit calculates a level of liquid in the well based upon measurements of at least two of the plurality of sensors. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. An apparatus for measuring data from a well, the apparatus comprises:
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means for receiving at least one signal pertaining to the well; means for calculating a liquid level based upon the at least one signal; means for determining if the liquid level is decreasing; and in the event that the liquid level approaches a predetermined location within the well, means for shutting off a motor coupled to the well. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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Specification