Down hole tension/compression device for logging tools

• US 6,557,631 B1
• Filed: 10/26/2000
• Issued: 05/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Reeves Wireline Technologies Limited (Weatherford International PLC)
• Original Assignee: Reeves Wireline Technologies Limited (Weatherford International PLC)
• Inventors: Medlock, Harry, Spencer, Michael Charles
• Primary Examiner(s): Will, Thomas B.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GAY, JENNIFER HAWKINS
• Application Number:
  US09/696,781
• Time in Patent Office: 922 Days
• Field of Search: 166/250.13, 166/255.1, 166/254.2, 166/373, 166/374, 166/381, 166/383, 166/386, 166/66, 166/153, 166/319
• US Class Current: 166/250.13
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 23/08 Introducing or running tools by fluid pressure, e.g. through-the-flow-line tool systems
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 34/125 with time delay systems, e.g. hydraulic impedance mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/017 Protecting measuring instruments

Abstract

A self contained logging tool comprising electronic apparatus for logging a well is disclosed. This tool includes a normally open fluid flow valve structure being activated to operation by differential movement of drill pipe in which the logging tool resides. The valve structure operates to gradually close and thereby restrict the flow of fluid through the valve, which in turn restricts the flow of fluid within the drill pipe. This flow restriction results in increasing the back pressure within drill pipe to provide an indication at the surface that the logging tool is struck.

Claims

1. A self contained well hole logging tool comprising electronic apparatus for logging a well hole, said well hole having a drill pipe therein, wherein said logging tool includes normally open fluid flow valve structure, said valve structure being operable to close upon a differential movement of said drill pipe longitudinally to said logging tool and thereby to restrict flow of fluid through said valve structure to thereby restrict the flow of fluid within said drill pipe, thereby creating a back pressure within said drill pipe to provide an indication at the surface that the fogging tool is stuck in the hole.

2. The self contained logging tool as claimed in claim 1 in which said valve structure includes a piston located inside an outer cylinder and a spring associated therewith, said piston being constrained to be located at a first position relative to said outer cylinder by said spring, said piston having connection means associated therewith for connecting said piston to said drill pipe;

and wherein said outer cylinder is connected to said electronic well logging apparatus.

3. The self contained logging tool as claimed in claim 1 in which said valve structure includes a piston located inside an outer cylinder and a mud pressure responsive structure associated therewith, said piston being constrained to be located at a first position relative to said outer cylinder by said mud pressure responsive structure, said piston having connection means associated therewith for connecting said piston to said drill pipe and wherein said outer cylinder is connected to said electronic well logging apparatus.

4. A down hole compression/tension device, for operation in a fluid containing well hole having a drill pipe therein, including a valve structure having a piston located inside an outer cylinder and being biased to a first position, said piston also having a fluid connection to said drill pipe, and wherein said outer cylinder is connectable to electronic apparatus outside of said well hole;

and further including poppet valve operative to be actuated at an excessive pressure to provide a bypass flow route for said fluid away from said valve structure piston.

5. A method of operating a well hole logging tool comprising the steps of

connecting said logging tool to the end of a drill pipe, lowering said logging tool on the end of said drill pipe into a drill hole, pumping mud down said drill pipe, said mad flowing through said logging tool via a valve structure situated within said logging tool;

said method comprising the further steps of detecting when said logging tool becomes stuck in the drill hole by detecting restriction of mud flow in the drill pipe, caused by operation of said valve means, and on detection of such restriction halting movement of said drill pipe in said drill hole.