US3705532A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods for controlling pumping wells
Assignee: Texaco Inc
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Filing: 1970-05-21
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Granted: 1972-12-12
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Expires: 1990-05-21
Abstract
Abstract A method and system for pumping-well control including determination of a production profile for the well. The profile consists of a function that defines the normal producing conditions when the well fluid is pumped out of the well at a greater rate than it is produced therein. Optimum producing conditions may then be determined and set. In addition, the magnitude of the load on the pump motor is monitored and fed out for remote indication and/or control.
Inventors
- 👤 Laurence M Hubby
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 06:27
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B47/00; E21B47/008; E21B47/009; E21B47/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
In an oil field being produced by pumping, a method of determining the production profile for each well comprising the steps of pumping said well at a rate that is greater than the rate of producing fluid Therein, detecting when said well pumps-off a first time, stopping said pumping for a first predetermined relatively short time period from said first pump-off, again pumping said well at said pumping rate, detecting when said well pumps-off a second time, stopping said pumping for a second predetermined relatively long time period after said second pump-off, again pumping said well at said pumping rate until pump-off occurs a third time, measuring the pumping time intervals that followed said predetermined short and long time periods, and determining a production profile for said well.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
In an oil field being produced by pumping, a method of determining the production profile for each well comprising the steps of pumping said well at a rate that is greater than the rate of producing fluid Therein, detecting when said well pumps-off a first time, stopping said pumping for a first predetermined relatively short time period from said first pump-off, again pumping said well at said pumping rate, detecting when said well pumps-off a second time, stopping said pumping for a second predetermined relatively long time period after said second pump-off, again pumping said well at said pumping rate until pump-off occurs a third time, measuring the pumping time intervals that followed said predetermined short and long time periods, and determining a production profile for said well.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
In an oil field being produced by pumping, a method of maintaining optimum production for one of the wells in said field, comprising the steps of determining a production profile for said well in accordance with the steps of claim 1, and employing said profile to determine a desired pumping-time off-time cycle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 2 wherein said pumping-time off-time cycle is chosen from said production profile so as to equal a sub-multiple of a predetermined total time period.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 3 wherein said total time period is 24 hours.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
106 words
A method for controlling a well that is being produced by pumping at a rate that is greater than the rate of producing fluid therein, wherein said pumping is automatically stopped whenever pump-off occurs and wherein said pumping is recommenced after a predetermined period of time beginning with said pump-off, comprising the steps of determining a normal production profile for said well in accordance with the steps of claim 1, detecting whether said well is pumping or off, measuring the periods of time when said well is pumping and when said well is off, and comparing the measured pumping-time off-time periods with said normal production profile.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 5 further comprising a step of causing an alarm signal for said well whenever said measured pumping-time off-time periods differ from said normal production profile by more than a predetermined percentage thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2818728A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-12-12 | 1976-06-12 | 1976-12-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-12 | 1980-06-12 | 1980-12-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-12 | 1984-06-12 | 1984-12-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |