Abstract
Most well controllers require a pumping unit installation and difficult data analysis to determine and regulate for optimum well productivity.Wells with ESP's, PCP's or no pump (such as flowing wells, gas wells, etc.) require complicated and expensive equipment to accomplish the same goal.However, a wellhead-mounted, remote-operated, high-sensitivity acoustic fluid level "gun" has been developed which propels a "pressure wave" into the casing up to 100 times per day and sends the information (including casing pressure and other essential data) to any location (if desired).
Based on the information gathered (and automatically or manually analyzed), the units can be set to: regulate pumping speed; shut a well on and off ("time-clock" a well); trigger pump-off or other alarms; shut in safety valves; regulate chokes.In addition, the instrument's advanced "wave form" generation combined with an ultra-sensitive microphone can accurately detect the fluid level, perforations, holes in casing and tubing, paraffin/scale buildup, as well as down-hole equipment location within 5-10 feet in wells up to 20,000 feet depth.
Unlike most fluid level data, the information can be presented digitally on any computer, and adjusted to any sensitivity to maximize the accuracy of as well as the amount of data that can be gathered and utilized.Third-party analysis and monitoring can be arranged for companies that have minimal or no technical support.Important to note is that this technology is available for approximately the same cost as the well controllers offered by the industry today.Now one truly CAN "stick your head down there" and see just what's going on, as often as desired.
The advantages are obvious:minimize expensive electrical use; maximize life of well equipment; produce everything that enters the well; true determination of well productivity; prevent or quickly identify downhole problems; control wells safely onshore and offshore; identify gas well loading; minimize labor costs and human error.
