US3563311A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Investigating a well to determine sand entry
Assignee: Mobil Oil AS
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Filing: 1969-09-02
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Granted: 1971-02-16
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Expires: 1989-09-02
Abstract
Abstract This specification discloses a method of investigating a well penetrating a fluid-bearing formation with a sound detector. The well is produced at a plurality of flow rates under conditions such that fluid flowing from the formation impinges against an interface within the well. The sound produced by the impingement of this fluid is monitored by the sound detector at each flow rate. From the information thus obtained, the flow rate and location at which sand is produced from the formation may be determined.
Inventors
- 👤 Nathan Stein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 11:31
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B47/00; E21B47/10; E21B47/107
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising repeating steps (a) and (b) at a third flow rate different than the first flow rate specified in step (a) and the second flow rate specified in step (c).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
In a method of investigating a well penetrating a subterranean fluid-bearing formation and equipped with a tubing adjacent said formation, the steps comprising: a. flowing fluid from said formation into said well at a first flow rate and under conditions such that said fluid impinges upon the external surface of said tubing; b. generating a signal in response to the sound created by the impingement of said fluid against said tubing surface by means of a sound detector located adjacent said formation and within said tubing; c. repeating steps (a) and (b) at a second flow rate different than the first flow rate specified in step (a); and d. recording said signal produced at said first and said second flow rates.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 3 further comprising repeating steps (a) and (b) at a third flow rate different than the first flow rate specified in step (a) and the second flow rate specified in step (c).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 4 further comprising moving said sound detector through a section of said well while producing said well at said first flow rate during step (a) of claim 3, repeating the movement of said sound detector through said section while producing said well at said second flow rate during step (c) of claim 3, and repeating the movement of said sound detector through said section while producing said well at said third flow rate of claim 4.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 4 wherein at least one of said flow rates is greater than the rate at which a variance occurs in a log-log plot of flow rate versus average signal amplitude of said first, second, and third flow rates.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of producing fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a well logged in accordance with claim 6 wherein the well is thereafter produced at a rate less than the rate at whicH said variance occurs in said log-log plot.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-15 | 1974-08-17 | 1975-02-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-15 | 1978-08-17 | 1979-02-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-15 | 1982-08-17 | 1983-02-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |