US4173718A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for monitoring fluid movement behind casing in oil and gas wells
Assignee: Western Atlas International Inc
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Filing: 1977-09-02
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Granted: 1979-11-06
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Expires: 1997-09-02
Abstract
Abstract Well is first logged with gamma ray detection system to provide a base log. Fluid containing salt of potassium, uranium or thorium is then injected into the well opposite the interval of interest. When the well head pressure is increased, some of the injected fluid will move into the channel which is allowing fluid to move between different zones in the formations around the well. The gamma ray detection system is then again run through the well to provide a log which is compared with the base log. The channel between zones is detected by localized drastically higher readings observed on the repeat run of the gamma ray detection logging system.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter H. Fertl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 08:56
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B47/00; E21B47/02; E21B47/10; E21B47/11; E21B47/111; G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/704; G01F1/7042; G01V; G01V5/00; G01V5/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for locating fluid movement between the casing and the earth formations in a cased earth borehole, comprising: traversing a cased earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing a salt from the group consisting of potassium, thorium and uranium salts into the formation of interest adjacent the casing; and thereafter traversing the said cased earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of the movement of said injected fluid.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for locating fluid movement between the casing and the earth formations in a cased earth borehole, comprising: traversing a cased earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing a salt from the group consisting of potassium, thorium and uranium salts into the formation of interest adjacent the casing; and thereafter traversing the said cased earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of the movement of said injected fluid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said fluid contains KCl.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for locating fluid movement between the casing and the earth formations in a cased earth borehole, comprising: traversing a cased earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system sensitive to potassium, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing potassium chloride into the formation of interest adjacent the casing; and thereafter traversing the said cased earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of the movement of said injected fluid.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for locating fluid movement between the casing and the earth formations in a cased earth borehole, comprising: traversing a cased earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system sensitive to potassium, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing potassium chloride into the formation of interest adjacent the casing; and thereafter traversing the said cased earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of the movement of said injected fluid.
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) | 1982-11-05 | 1983-05-07 | 1983-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-11-05 | 1987-05-07 | 1987-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-11-05 | 1991-05-07 | 1991-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |