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Automatic echo meter

  • US 4,934,186 A
  • Filed: 09/29/1987
  • Issued: 06/19/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/29/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for measuring variations of the fluid level depth within a well bore over a time period, the apparatus including means for generating a sonic event in the well bore and means for sensing sonic energy reflected from down hole sonic reflectors, including tubing collars and the fluid surface, comprising:

  • first means for activating said sonic generating means and sonic sensing means for determining the fluid level depth by relating the sonic energy reflected from the fluid surface to sonic energy reflected from other sonic energy reflectors at known depth, and for calculating the sonic velocity in the gas overlying the fluid level;

    second means for activating the sonic generator means and sonic energy sensing means to measure the travel time for the sonic energy to travel from the sonic generating means, reflect off the fluid surface and return to the sonic sensing means for determining the fluid level using the sonic velocity calculated by said first means and muting the sonic energy signals from sonic reflectors other than the fluid level in the well bore to isolate the travel time; and

    said first and second means further for activating said sonic generating means and sonic sensing means automatically at preselected time during the time period without requiring the attention of an operator.

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