US3796883A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for monitoring gravel packed wells
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-03-22
•
Granted: 1974-03-12
•
Expires: 1991-03-22
Abstract
Abstract The effectiveness and competency of a well gravel pack and changes therein are determined by monitoring the location of radioactive pellets within the gravel pack. The size and specific gravity of the radioactive pellets is substantially the same as that of the gravel particles which comprise the gravel pack.
Inventors
- 👤 D Smith
- 👤 A Nelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:58
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/02; E21B43/04; E21B47/00; E21B47/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of detecting any change in the characteristics of a gravel pack in a well cavity, including the steps of: a. sensing the individual locations of discrete, spaced radioactive pellets in the gravel pack; b. again sensing the individual locations of the discrete, spaced radioactive pellets at a later time; and c. determining whether any changes in the individual locations of the discrete, spaced radioactive pellets occurred between the two sensing steps.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of detecting any change in the characteristics of a gravel pack in a well cavity, including the steps of: a. sensing the individual locations of discrete, spaced radioactive pellets in the gravel pack; b. again sensing the individual locations of the discrete, spaced radioactive pellets at a later time; and c. determining whether any changes in the individual locations of the discrete, spaced radioactive pellets occurred between the two sensing steps.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the radioactive pellets have substantially the same size and specific gravity as the gravel particles comprising the gravel pack.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-11 | 1977-09-10 | 1978-03-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-11 | 1981-09-10 | 1982-03-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-11 | 1985-09-10 | 1986-03-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |