US3792347A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Oil well tool for measuring percent oil
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-05-17
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Granted: 1974-02-12
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Expires: 1992-05-17
Abstract
Abstract A tool for measuring the percent of oil in an oil/water mixture in an oil well. A plurality of electrodes are arranged in a substantially coextensive array in the flow path of the produced mixture at varying levels. Electrical arrangements are provided whereby a statistical analysis of the number of electrodes immersed in oil at a given moment may be integrated on a go-no go basis, the electrodes being either insulated when in oil or conducting to ground when in water. The number of electrodes so insulated by oil droplets being converted into an analogous electrical signal. Errors due to variations in the resistance and galvanic offset voltage in the water are compensated for.
Inventors
- 👤 J Hawley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:38
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B49/00; E21B49/08; E21B49/087; G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/02; G01N27/04; G01N27/06; E21B47/00; E21B47/10; E21B47/113; G01V; G01V3/00; G01V3/18; G01V3/20; G01V3/22; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A90/00; Y02A90/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A tool for insertion into an oil well for measuring the percentage of oil in an oil and water mixture in the well comprising: a plurality of electrodes arranged in a matrix which is substantially coextensive with the cross-section of the flow of said mixture, said mixture containing a relatively low percentage of oil so that said water is in a continuous phase and said oil forms globules, means providing electrical signals in response to the presence of water at each electrode and no signals at the electrodes which are surrounded by an oil globule; and means for summing all of said electrical signals to provide a statistical analysis of the percentage of oil.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A tool for insertion into an oil well for measuring the percentage of oil in an oil and water mixture in the well comprising: a plurality of electrodes arranged in a matrix which is substantially coextensive with the cross-section of the flow of said mixture, said mixture containing a relatively low percentage of oil so that said water is in a continuous phase and said oil forms globules, means providing electrical signals in response to the presence of water at each electrode and no signals at the electrodes which are surrounded by an oil globule; and means for summing all of said electrical signals to provide a statistical analysis of the percentage of oil.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
A tool as in claim 1 where said summing means includes a plurality of resistors respectively series coupled between each of said electrodes and a summing point, each of said resistors having a resistance value much greater than the nominal resistance of water in said oil and water mixture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
A tool as in claim 1 including means for collecting only water in proximity to said matrix and including reference electrode means immersed in such collected water for providing a reference for the sum of said electrical signals whereby offset voltages in said oil well are compensated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A tool as in claim 2 including means for applying a voltage signal to said summing point which is much greater than offset voltages in said oil well.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A tool as in claim 4 where said voltage signal is positive d.c.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
A tool as in claim 4 where said voltage signal is negative d.c.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A tool as in claim 1 including collector means for directing the line of flow of at least a portion of the oil and water mixture into a flow pattern substantially coextensive with the electrodes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A tool as in claim 1 including means for deploying the electrodes in a pattern substantially coextensive with the undisturbed natural flow in the well.
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) | 1977-02-11 | 1977-08-13 | 1978-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |