US3305825A

US3305825A - Telemetering device and system for pumping wells

Info

Publication number: US3305825A
Application number: US304316A
Authority: US
Inventors: John K Godbey
Original assignee: Mobil Oil Corp
Current assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corp
Priority date: 1963-08-26
Filing date: 1963-08-26
Publication date: 1967-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 1984-02-21

Description

TELEMETERING DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR PUMPING WELLS Filed Aug. 26, 1963 J. K. GODBEY Feb. 21, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG 2 JOHN K. GODBEY INVENTOR.

FIG

BY 61M ATTORNEY Feb. 21, 1967 J. K. GODBEY 3,305,825

TELEMETERING DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR PUMPING WELLS Filed Aug. 26, 1963 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 JOHN K. GODBEY INVENTOR.

BY 3W ATTOR NEY Feb. 21, 1967 J. K. GODBEY TELEMETERING DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR PUMPING WELLS Filed Aug. 26, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 JOHN K. GODBEY INVENTOR.

BY 6 g fly,

ATTORNEY J. K. GODBEY Feb. 21, 1967 TELEMETERING DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR PUMPING WELLS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 26, 1963 FIG /0 JOHN K. GODBEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY J. K. GODBEY Feb. 21, 1967 TELEMETERING DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR PUMPING WELLS 5 Sheets-Sheet '5 Filed Aug. 26, 1963 IGG gwm

JOHN K. GODBEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,305,825 TELEMETERING DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR PUMPING WELLS John K. Godbey, Dallas, Tex., assignor to Mobil Oil Corporation, a corporation of New York Filed Aug. 26, 1963, Ser. No. 304,316 11 Claims. (Cl. 34018) This invention relates to the measurement of a condition in a well. More particularly, it relates to a telemetering device, and a system embodying the same, for measuring a condition in a well.

The measurement of downhole conditions, such as temperature and pressure in a well, has long been a problem, especially during the production of well fluids by either natural flowing or pumping. Various apparatus have been proposed for making such measurements. Some of these apparatus, before installation, have required the removal from the well of various pumping and fluid transferring equipment. Subsequently, these apparatus are installed, via a wire line or the like, at the particular location in the well where the measurement of the condition is desired. Lastly, the apparatus are usually removed before the well is restored to operation by reinstallation of the previously removed equipment. Alternatively, apparatus for measurement of a downhole condition have been proposed to be mounted adjacent the fluid transferring equipment in a well. An electrical conduit connected to the apparatus extends upwardly in the well for operative communication with the earths surface. These and other related apparatus have been found unsatisfactory because of the problems they create in connection with the operation of a well. For example, the installation of apparatus of this character requires considerable time and special arrangements at the well. Further, the normal operation of the well is severely complicated by the presence of the apparatus.

The present invention is directed toward the measurement of a condition in a well without the undesired results of the above-mentioned apparatus and those similar to them. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide for the measurement of a condition in a well without disturbing its normal operation. Another object is to provide a telemetering device for the measurement of a condition in a well that is operable conjunctively with the well. Yet another object is to provide for the calibrated measurement of a condition in a well without the use of electrical conduits or other accessories extending to the earths surface. A further object is to provide a system, including a telemetering device utilizing a downwell pump as a source of power, to provide for the measurement of one or more conditions in a well. Yet another object is to provide a system for measuring a condition in a well producing fluids that uses the energy relating to the flow of such fluids as a source of power for its operation. Another further object is to provide for the measurement of a condition in a well during the period when the well is producing fluids and also for a certain length of time after the production of fluids ceases. Yet another further object is to provide a system and a telemetering device that are equally suitable for use with any pump in a well and also in wells producing fluids without a pump. Another object is to provide a telemetering device, and a system embodying the same, for a well that can measure several like or different conditions in a well with frequent calibration of such measurements.

These and other objects of this invention will be more apparent when read in conjunction with the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the attrating the telemetering device, and system including the same, of this invention applied to a pumping well;

FIGURE 2 is a partial section taken along line 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a section taken along line 33 of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a section taken along line 44 of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a section taken along line 5-5 of FIG URE 3;

FIGURE 6 is a section taken along line 6-6 of FIG- URE 3;

FIGURE 7 is a section taken along line 77 of FIG- URE 3;

FIGURE 8 is a section taken along line 8-8 of FIG- URE 3;

FIGURE 9 is a section taken along line 99 of FIG- URE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a section taken along line Ill-10 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 11 is a section of a modification of that portion of the present invention shown in FIGURE 3; and

FIGURE 12 is a schematic of one illustrative embodiment of the electrical circuit of the telemetering device shown in FIGURE 4.

The objects of the present invention are achieved by a telemetering device positionable in a well. A pump, or the production fluid stream, provides a source of energy for the operation of the device. The device comprises energy storage means and means for conveying energy from the operating pump, or stream of produced fluid, to the energy storage means. Means powered by the energy storage means are used for producing modulated acoustic pulses responsively to the measurement of a condition in the well. In a specific aspect, such lastmentioned means are provided by a sounder for producing acoustic pulses and coupling means connecting the sounder to the energy storage means whereby the sounder produces acoustic pulses from the energy provided by the pump, or stream of produced fluid. The acoustic pulses are modulated, by suitable means, responsive to the condition desired to be measured in the well. Additionally, means may also be provided at the earths surface adjacent the well for receiving the acoustic pulses from the device, converting the pulses into the desired condition measurement, and recording the same. The combined use of the telemetering device, with the well energy source, or the last-mentioned means, or both, at the earths surface is referred to in this description as a system.

Turning now to the drawings, a detailed description of a preferred illustrative embodiment of the present invention will be given. In FIGURE 1 is shown a well 21 in the earth containing a casing 22 secured to a suitable wellhead 23. Depending from the wellhead 23 is a tubing 24 through which well fluids may be produced. Secured to the lower extremity of the tubing 24 is a pump 26 for lifting fluids from the well 21. The pump 26 is driven by a reciprocating sucker-rod (not shown) traversing the tubing 24. The sucker-rod extends from the pump 26 upwardly and is connected with a polished-rod 27. The polished-rod 27 passes through a stufling box 28 on the wellhead 23. Suitable pumping jacks may be connected to the polished-rod 27 for reciprocating the operative parts of the pump 26. Operation of the pump 26 produces well fluids which can be recovered through a production line 29 extending from the wellhead 23.

Any type of pump 26 may be used in the well 21. For example, a tubing pump such as shown on page 1875 of the Composite Catalog of Oil Field Equipment and Service, edition of 1960-1961, may be used to advantage. However, other types of pumps may be used if desired.

The pump 26 is provided with a collar 31 for connection to the tubing 14. The collar 31 may be the same as a collar 32 utilized for interconnecting the various members forming tubing 24.

As seen in FIGURE 1, the telemetering device 36, of this invention, is positioned in the well 21 below the pump 26. A collar 37 may be used for connecting the device 36 with the pump 26. The collar 37 also serves to secure a standing valve assembly 38 in the pump 26. Referring to FIGURE 2, the pump 26 has a plunger (not shown) which reciprocates in a barrel 33 secured to the tubing 24 by the collar 31. The plunger is provided with a tap puller 34 such as generally used for removing the standing valve assembly in a conventional pump. In the pump 26, a valve seat 43 and a valve ball 46 provide the downwardly closing, fluidtight standing valve assembly 38.

The tap puller 34 in the pump 26 is included in a means for conveying energy from the pump 26 to the device 36 positioned in the well 21. A yoke 39 is threadedly connected to the tap puller 34. The yoke 39 has connected thereto one or

more cables

41 and 42 which extend downwardly into the device 36. The

cables

41 and 42 pass through the collar 37 and the valve seat 43 by means of an opening 44. The collar 37 is fluidly sealed by packing means about the

cables

41 and 42. The packing means include a graphited Teflon bushing 47 which is held in fluidtight engagement with the collar 37 and the cable 41 by means of a compression nut 48. The collar 37 is also fluidly sealed to the valve seat 43 about the opening 44 by means of a groove 49 containing an O-ring -1. A similar packing means fluidly seals cable 42.

The telemetering device 36 has a body 52 which is provided with one or more fluid inlet ports 53 below the collar 37. It will be seen that reciprocation of the polished-rod '27 moves the plunger of the pump 26 Within the barrel 33 andwith the operation of the standing valve assembly 38 will draw well fluids through the ports 53 into the body 52 of the device 36. These fluids pass upwardly through the ball 46 and seat 43 in the pump 26 into the tubing 24. The well fluids pass upwardly in the tubing 24 to the wellhead 23 and are recovered from the production line 29. Oonjunctively with the production of fluids from the well 21, the

cables

41 and 42 are reciprocated, and their motion is conveyed to the device 36.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, the

cables

41 and 42 are connected to means adapted to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy in the device 36. More specifically, the device 36 is provided with an annular divider 54 secured to the body 52 below the fluid inlet ports 53. The divider 54 may be secured to the body 52 by any suitable means, such as by welding. The

cables

41 and 42 are passed downwardly through the divider 54 to gear means. The gear means are arranged to produce rotary motion from the reciprocation of the

cables

41 and 42. Preferably, such gear means are protected from invasion by the well fluids. This result may be obtained by packing means which comprises graphited Teflon bushings 56 and 57 carried in the divider 54. The

bushings

56 and 57 are secured by

compression nuts

58 and 59 threaded into the divider 54. The

compression nuts

58 and 59 and the divider 54, of course, are provided with suitable openings to permit free passage of the operating

cables

41 and 42. Preferably, the divider 54 is fluidly sealed to the body 52 of the device 36 by any suitable means such as by an annular groove 63 in which resides an O-ring 64.

The gear means connected to the

cables

41 and 42 comprise a plurality of gears which are interconnected by means including .a spring so that (1) energy is stored within the spring during the upward stroke of the pump 26 to retract the

cables

41 and 42 during the downstroke of the pump 26, and (2) energy is. applied to a differential for producing a unidirectional rotary motion in an output shaft during the upstroke and the downstroke of the pump 26.

More particularly, this gear means comprises a pair of

drums

66 and 67 on which are interwound the

cables

41 and 42, respectively. As can be clearly seen in FIG- URES 3 and 5, the driving

drums

66 and 67 are independently journaled to a pair of

frames

68 and 69 secured at their upper extremities to the divider 54. The

cables

41 and 42 are wound in opposite directions on the

drums

66 and 67, respectively. The

drums

66 and 67 carry

spur gears

71 and 72, respectively, for driving a spring-tensioning gear mechanism. The spur gears 71 and 72 engage a pair of spring-carrying spur gears 73 and 74, respectively, which are independently journaled within the

frames

68 and 69. Each

spur gear

73 or 74 has a drumlike surface to receive the spring. The spring-carrying spur gears 73 and 74 engage a second set of similar spring-carrying spur gears 76 and 77, respectively, which are independently journaled to the

frames

68 and 69.

This is best shown in FIGURE 6. A flat, elongated spring 78 is secured between the springacarrying spur gears 73 and 76 as shown in FIGURE 3. A spring 79 is secured between the spring-carrying spur gears 74 and 77 in a similar manner. The

springs

78 and 79 are flexed transversely to their elongated length as they are wound and unwound between the spur gears 73 and 76, and 74 and 77, respectively. This flexing provides for storing energy in the

springs

78 and 79 during the upstroke of the pump 26. Energy is discharged from the

springs

78 and 79 during the dowst-roke of the pump 26. The spur gears 76 and 77 engage a differential gear assembly including spur gears 81 and 82 which are independently journaled to the

frames

68 and 69. Referring to FIG-

URES

8 and 9 in conjunction with FIGURE 3, spur gears 81 and 82 are interconnected by one-way clutch means 83 and 84, respectively, to '

bevel gears

86 and 87, respectively, that are independently journaled to the

frames

68 and 69. The spur gears 81 and 82 may interconnect with the'bevel gears 86 and 87 by any suitable clutch means that will permit the spur gears 81 and 82 to run free in one direction and to instantaneously engage the bevel gears 86 and 87 when rotated in an opposite direction.

The clutch means 83 shown in FIGURE 9 are deemed suitable for this purpose. The clutch means 84 are similarly arranged. The clutch means 83 are provided by means of a member 88 having

eccentric openings

89, 90, and 91 in which spherical members or

balls

92, 93, and 94 reside, respectively. The

balls

92, 93, and 94 permit the spur gears 81 and 82 to be rotated in one direction without rotating the bevel gears 86 and 87 when the balls reside in the enlarged portion of the

eccentric openings

89, 90, and 91. When the '

balls

92, 93, and 94 are in the narrower portion of the

eccentric openings

89, 90, and 91, a direct connection between the spur gears 81 and 82, and the bevel gears 86 and 87, respectively, is provided. A bevel drive gear 96 is secured to a drive shaft 97 journaled in a divider 98 secured to the lower portion of

frames

68 and 69. The drive gear 96 engages

bevel gears

86 and 87. Preferably, the divider 98 is fluidly sealed to the body 52 of the device 26 by means of an annular groove 99 in which resides an O-ring 101. A similar seal may be provided about the drive shaft 97.

The area between the

dividers

54 and 98 in body 52 may be filled with a fluid, such as lubricating oil, to assist in preventing well fluid invasions, or for other purposes. The operation of the gear means to produce rotary motion from reciprocation of the pump 26 is as fol lows. During the upstroke of the pump 26, the

cables

41 and 42 wind the

springs

78 and 79 on

spur gears

73 and 74, respectively. On the downstroke of the pump 26, the

springs

78 and 79 rewind on the spur gears 76- and 77 and also rewind the

cables

41 and 42 on the drums. 66 and 67, respectively. Simultaneously, there is provided rotation of the bevel drive gear 96 and drive shaft.

97 in one direction by action of the clutch means 83 and 84. The clutch means 83 and 84 disconnect the spur gears 81 and 82 from the-

bevel gears

86 and 87 to prevent counterrotation of the bevel drive gear 96 and the drive shaft 97. From the foregoing it will be apparent that the drive shaft 97 will rotate in only one direction during either the upstroke or the rlownstroke of the pump 26. Thus, a rotary motion from the reciprocation of the pump 26 is obtained. If desired, the gear means may also be arranged to provide power to the drive shaft 97 during the downstro-ke of the pump 26.

Referring to FIGURE 3, the drive shaft 97 extending through the divider 98 is connected by a jaw clutch 103 to an input shaft -2. The jaw clutch 103 has

members

104 and 106 secured to

shafts

97 and 102, respectively, which members are urged into engagement by a suitable spring (not shown). The member 106 of the jaw clutch 103 is adapted for longitudinal movement away from the member 104 upon an excessive torque differential arising between the

shafts

97 and 102. For this purpose, a slida-ble nonrotating connection to the shaft 102 is provided by a 'keyway 107 formed in the input shaft 102 in which is received a set screw 108 carried in the memher 106. If desired, a flywheel 109 may be secured to the input shaft 102 to assist in the rotation of such shaft at a uniform speed.

Referring now to FIGURE 4, a detailed description will be given of the means for converting into electrical energy the mechanical energy present in the rotary motion of input shaft 102. The body 52 of the device 36 is provided with a liner 111. The liner 111 has connected transversely across its upper portion a divider 112 through which the input shaft 102 extends. The input shaft 102 is operatively connected to a D.C. generator 113 secured within the liner 111. The generator 113 may be of any construction that produces electrical energy from the rotary motion of the input shaft 102. A divider 114 is secured to the liner 111 immediately below the generator 113 by any suitable means and may assist in mounting the generator 113 in the device 36. An 'output shaft 116, connected to input shaft 102, extends from the generator 113 int-o a gear reducer 117. The gear reducer 117 may be of any conventional design suitable for converting the speed of the output shaft 116 to a speed suitable for operating a rotary switch 118. The switch 118 is mounted immediately below a divider 119 secured in the liner 111. The switch 118 is operatively connected to the output shaft 116. An electrical storage battery 121 is mounted in the liner 111 and electrically connected to the generator 113. By this means is stored for further use the electrical energy produced by the generator 113 from the mechanical energy provided by pump 26.

A D.C. motor 122, or other electrically driven prime mover, is positioned within the liner 111 immediately below the rotary switch 118 and the divider 120. The D.C. motor 122 has an output shaft 123 extending through a divider 1:24 which may assist in mounting the motor 122 within the liner 111. An integral gear reducer (not shown) may be provided the motor 122 for converting the rotary speed of its output shaft 123. The motor 122 is electrically coupled through circuitry to the battery 121. Thus, the output shaft 123 can be rotated by the motor 122 responsively to power stored in the battery 1 21. The output shaft 123 is connected to a sounder 126 through the divider 124.

The sounder 126 is shown in greater detail in FIGURE 10. The sounder 126 is adapted to produce acoustic pulses responsively to operation of the motor 122. For this purpose, the output shaft 123 of the motor 122 is connected to a rotating hub 127 journaled within the sounder 126. Mounted on a spring 128 within an opening in the hub 127 are one or more plungers 129. The plungers 129 ride at their exterior extremities upon one or more

eccentric steps

131 and 132 secured to the liner 111 within the body 52 of the device 36. It will be apparent that the plungers 129, as the hub 127 is rotated in a clockwise direction, will be moved inwardly toward the center of hub 127 until clearing the

eccentric steps

131 and 132. Thereupon, the plungers 129 will be rapidly accelerated outwardly by the spring 128 until they strike the liner 111 to produce an acoustic pulse. Obviously, the particular arrangement of the plungers 129 and the

eccentric steps

131 and 132 may be altered so that more than one acoustic pulse may be produced for each rotation of the hub 127 by the D.C. motor 122. Thus, coupling means interconnecting the sounder 126 to the energy storage means previously described has been provided.

Means to modulate the acoustic pulses responsively to the measurement desired to be made in the well 21 are provided in the device 36. Such means may include a condition sensing transducer 138 mounted in the lower extremity of the liner 111. The condition sensed may be pressure or temperature, or any other parameter desired to be measured. A fluid inlet port 139 is provided in the lower portion of the body 52 and liner 111 to admit well fluid to the transducer 138. For example, if well fluid pressure is to be measured, the transducer 138 may produce a resistance proportional to the pressure. Other transducers for pressure, and for other conditions, are known and can be used, if desired. Preferably, the transducer 138 is secured by a divider 141 within the liner 111. The divider 141 can be fluidly sealed to the liner 111. Thus, the interior of the device 36 between the

dividers

98 and 141 may be fluidly isolated from well fluids. Preferably, the interior of the device 36 is filled with an inert fluid to assist in preventing an invasion of well fluids, and also to provide a stable atmosphere in which the device 36 may operate.

Referring now to FIGURE 12, a detailed description of the means for modulating the acoustic pulses will be given. Immediately following this description is a statement of the general operation of the device 36. Various electrical components are used for interconnecting the previously described portions of the device 36. The electrical arrangement of the device 36 is shown in FIGURE 12. The generator 113 is connected with the rotary switch 118 through the gear reducer 117. This arrangement is shown by a chain-line 142, representing a mechanical connection. The electrical connections to the generator 113 include a rectifying diode 143 which allows current to flow only to the battery 121. This prevents the battery 121 from being discharged through the generator 113 when it is inoperative. These electrical connections may be considered to form a voltage supply means.

Circuit means are provided interconnecting the voltage supply means, the motor 122, and the transducer 138, whereby acoustic pulses modulated responsively to the desired measurements are produced in the device 36. Such circuit means include a voltage control circuit to provide a relatively constant DC. voltage. The voltage control circuit interconnects the battery 121 to the motor 122 through a current-regulating resistor 144 and a Zener diode 146. By this means, a relatively constant D.C. voltage, as established by the resistor 144 and Zener diode 146, is available to be supplied to the motor 122 even should the voltage vary in the battery 121. The motor 122 is connected to the voltage control circuit through a circuit which includes the transducer 138 represented by a variable resistance and the rotary switch 118. The variable resistance of the transducer 138 provides a means to modulate the acoustic pulses responsively to the desired measurement of pressure by applying a proportional voltage to the motor 122. The rotary switch 118 may be a single-pole six-throw switch. By this means, the acoustic pulses produced by the sounder 126 will be modulated by the transducer 138 during only /6 of the rotational movement of the rotary switch 118. However, it is obvious that the rotary switch 118 may be altered to provide other sequences of operation. Thus, the pressure of the fluids within the well produces a resistance in the transducer 138 which determines the speed at which the motor 122 operates. In turn, the motor 122 drives the sounder 126 to produce acoustic pulses modulated with respect to frequency. However, it is apparent that the acoustic pulses may be phase or amplitude modulated, if desired. Preferably, the device 36 is arranged to produce acoustic pulses in the frequency range of 95 to 110 cycles per second for the condition measurement in the well 21. This result is obtainable by selecting the proper combination of the motor 122, gear reducers, etc., to provide for the sounder 126 to generate acoustic pulses in the desired frequency range. Such frequency range is relatively free of extraneous signals produced by any 60-cycle alternating currents that may be present at the well 21. Also, this frequency range is out of the noise frequencies produced in the well 21 during pumping.

Preferably, there is also provided means for calibrating the device 36 in the circuit interconnecting the motor 122 to the voltage-control circuit. This means allows the device 36 to remain in operation in the well 21 over greatly extended periods of times. Such calibration means can be a resistance 147, preferably temperature compensated. The resistance 147 may be arranged to provide a modulated acoustic pulse representative of such pulse produced by a pressure of a given magnitude applied to the transducer 138. Thus, by rotation of the rotary switch 118 in a clockwise direction beginning with the position shown in FIGURE 12, the first series of modulated acoustic pulses will be those of the pressure monitored in the well 21 by transducer 138. Then the second series of modulated acoustic pulses, after a silent period as the switch 118 scans the unconnected poles, will be produced by applying the constant DC. voltage via the rotary switch 118 through the calibrating resistance 147 in the circuit connecting the DO. motor 122 to the voltage control circuit. This permits the device 36 to be calibrated. Thus, the device 36 is periodically checked for operation and calibration in the measurement of pressure without being removed from the well 21. Obviously, transducer means for measuring other conditions within the well 21 may be utilized in conjunction with rotary switch 118. Similarly, suitable resistances for calibrating the device 36 with respect to such other conditions may also be utilized.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, means are provided at the earths surface for receiving the acoustic pulses, converting the pulses into the desired measurement, and recording the same. Suitable means are well known to the art and only one embodiment of such means is illustrated. There is shown in FIGURE 1 a piezoelectric crystal 148 secured to the wellhead 23. The piezoelectric crystal 148 produces electrical signals responsive to the acoustic pulses from the device 36 transmitted up the tubing 24 to the wellhead 23. The electrical output of the piezoelectric crystal 148 is applied to an amplifier 149. The amplifier 149 may contain a suitable filter for removing extraneous acoustic pulses. The output of the amplifier 149 is applied to a recorder 151. The recorder 151 is adapted to produce a record 152 of electrical signals derived from the demodulator 154 from the electrical signals supplied to it from the amplifier 149. The record 152 is arranged to display directly the electrical signals which correspond to the acoustic pulses from the device 36, as pressure measurements 153, in the well 21. Any suitable recorder may be used. For example, a potentiometric recorder which provides a visual record on a moving chart in cooperation with a signal-actuated inking pen of a given voltage, or current signal, may be used. It will be apparent that the piezoelectric crystal 148, amplifier 149, and recorder 151 may be made portable and moved from well to well as it is desired to take the measurement of the particular condition in each well.

The present invention may be readily adapted to control the intermittent production of fluids from the well 21. For this purpose, control means are interconnected with a structure of this invention to provide a means to de-energize the operation of the pump 36 when the pressure of the fluid in the well 21 decreases to a given value. Also, such means energizes the pump 36 when the pressure of the fluid in the well 21 increases to a given value. The control means may be microswitches operated from the recorder 151. Obviously, other means to control the production of fluids from the well 21 in combination with the device 36, and the system embodying the same, may be used.

In FIGURE 11 there is shown a modification of that portion of the device 36 used as means for conveying mechanical energy from the pump 26 to the generator 113. Such means is shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 and has been previously described. The modification of this means, now to be described, may be utilized with the previously described pump 26, with any fluid-driven or electrically powered pumps, or in natural fluid producing wells. In this particular modification the body 52 of the device 36 is secured to the pump 26 by a coupling 156. If no pump 26 is used, then the coupling 156 may be secured directly to the tubing 24, or by a suitable packer means to whatever conduit is present in the well 21. A fluid-driven turbine 157 is journaled, by any suitable bearing means, to a pair of

dividers

158 and 159 secured to the body 52 of the device 36. The

dividers

158 and 159 contain suitable openings through which well fluid may flow. The body 52 is provided with fluid inlets 161 below the lower extremity of the turbine 157. The turbine 157 has an output shaft 162 which passes through a divider 163 secured in the body 52 below the inlet ports 161. The output shaft 162 is fluidlysealed to the divider 163 by any dynamic sealing means such as an annular groove 164 containing an -O-ring 166. Similar means may be used to fluidly seal the divider 163 to the body 52. The output shaft 162 may then be connected with the input shaft 102 of the generator 113 through a jaw clutch 103 and flywheel 109 as described for the previous embodiment shown in FIGURE 3. The remainder of the device 36 is the same as has been previously described, especially in connection with FIGURE 4. By this means, the fluid flowing upwardly through the tubing 24 will rotate the turbine 157. The rotary motion of the turbine 157 is applied by the output shaft 162 to the input shaft 102 and, thence, to the remainder of the device 36. This particular modification is of advantage in that it requires no operating cables or the like for a direct mechanical connection to the pump 26. Also, this modification may be used in wells producing fluids through tubing 24 under natural reservoir forces or where no pumping equipment is utilized. The fluid-driven turbine 157 is shown as having a helical impeller. However, any fluid turbine means capable of producing a rotary motion from the flow of fluids upwardly through the body 52 of the device 36 may be used.

It is envisioned that the device 36, and the system embodying the same, may be suitably altered to provide the successive measurements of several conditions Within the well 21. For example, suitable transducers may be mounted within the body 52 of the device 36 and exposed to well fluid so that, for example, pressure, temperature, radioactivity, dielectric constant of the well fluids, etc., may be measured individually and in succession. Also, it will be apparent from the foregoing description that the device 36 will remain in operation for a predetermined length of time after the generator 113 ceases to be driven. The exact length of time is contingent upon the amount of energy stored within the battery 121. This is of especial advantage in determining the drawn-down parameters of conditions as exist in the well 21 after pumping is terminated. Thus, the device 36 can measure the conditions existing in the well 21 in both dynamic fluid pumping and natural fluid-producing environments. Also, upon cessation of the flow of fluids in tubing 24, the device 36 of this invention can provide for 9 measuring the conditions existing in the well 21 in a static environment for a certain length of time. Also, whether the measurements are made in dynamic or static environments, the device 36 may be readily and periodically calibrated for each condition to be measured by using a suitable calibrating resistance in conjunction with the rotary switch 118.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that there has been described a system and a telemetering device well suited for satisfying all the stated objects of the present invention. Various changes may be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art without departing from its scope. For example, the telemetering device may be utilized without the means previously described for receiving the acoustic pulses at the earths surface, converting them into the desired measurement, and recording same where pressure-responsive receptions, of a human operator, are made of the acoustic pulses. Further, it will be apparent that the device of the present invention may be utilized in wells which produce fluids without pumping as a result of the natural reservoir-driving forces. It is intended that these and similar changes, variations, and modifications of the present invention be included Within the scope of the appended claims, and that the only limitations to be applied to the present invention are those found in such claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A system for the measurement of a condition in a well comprising:

(a) a reciprocating pump mounted in the Well for displacing well fluids,

(b) a telemetering device positioned in the well below the pump, said device comprising (1) a mechanical connecting means secured to a reciprocating part of the pump,

(2) gear means connected to the mechanical connecting means for producing a rotary motion in an element from the reciprocation of the pump P (3) a generator secured to the gear means for producing electrical energy from the rotary motion of the element,

(4) a battery connected to the generator through a circuit including a diode to store electrical energy,

(5) a voltage control circuit including a Zener diode connected to the battery to provide a relatively constant DC. voltage,

(6) a DC. motor connected to the voltage control circuit through a circuit including a transducer means exposed to Well fluid for providing a resistance in such circuit proportional to the measurement of the condition in the well, and

(7) a sounder for producing acoustic pulses connected to the motor whereby the acoustic pulses are modulated by the resistance of the transducer means, and

(0) means at the earths surface for receiving the acoustic pulses, converting the pulses into the .desired measurement, and recording the same.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the circuit connecting the motor to the Voltage control circuit contains a switch means for periodically substituting a calibrating resistance for the transducer means in the circuit whereby the system may be checked for accuracy in measurement of the condition without being removed from the well.

3. A system for making a desired measurement in a well comprising:

' (a) a reciprocating pump mounted in the well for displacing well fluids, and

(2) gear means connected to the mechanical connecting means for producing a rotary motion in ducing electrical energy from the rotary motion of the element,

(7) a sounder for producing acoustic pulses connected to the motor whereby the acoustic pulses are modulated by the resistance of the transducer means.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the circuit connecting the motor to the voltage control circuit contains a switch means for periodically substituting a calibrating resistance for the transducer means in the circuit whereby the system may be checked for accuracy in measurement of the condition without being removed from the well.

5. A telemetering device adapted to be positioned in a well comprising:

(a) mechanical connecting means,

(b) gear means connected to the mechanical connecting means for producing a rotary motion in an element,

(c) a generator secured to the gear means for producing electrical energy from the rotary motion of the element,

(d) a battery to store electrical energy connected to the generator through a circuit including a diode,

(e) a voltage control circuit including a Zener diode connected to the battery to provide a relatively constant DC. voltage,

(f) a DC. motor connected to the voltage control circuit through a circuit including a transducer means adapted to be exposed to well fluid, said transducer means providing a resistance in such circuit proportional to the measurement of a condition in a well, and

(g) a sounder for producing acoustic pulses connected to the DC motor whereby the acoustic pulses are modulated by the resistance of the transducer means.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the circuit connecting the motor to the voltage control circuit includes a switch means for periodically substituting a calibrating resistance in the circuit for the transducer means whereby the accuracy in measurement of the condition can be checked without removing the device form a well.

7. A system for the measurement of a condition in a well comprising:

(a) a reciprocating pump mounted in the well for displacing well fluids,

(2) gear means connected to the mechanical connecting means for producing a rotary motion in an element from the reciprocation of the pump part,

(3) a generator secured to the gear means for producing electrical energy from the rotary motion of the element,

(4) a battery connected to the generator to store electrical energy,

(5) a voltage control circuit to provide a relatively constant DC. voltage,

(6) a DC. motor connected to the voltage control circuit through a circuit including a transducer means exposed to well fluid for providing a signal in such circuit proportional to the measurement of the condition in the well, and

(7) a sounder for producing acoustic pulses connected to the motor whereby the acoustic pulses are modulated by the signal of the transducer means, and

(c) means at the earths surface for receiving the acoustic pulses, converting the pulses into the desired measurement, and recording the same.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the circuit connecting the motor to the voltage control circuit contains a switch means for periodically substituting a calibrating signal for the transducer means in the circuit whereby the system may be checked for accuracy in measurement of the condition without being removed from the well.

9. A system for making a desired measurement in a well comprising:

(a) a reciprocating pump mounted in the well for displacing well fluids, and

(4) a battery connected to the generator to store electrical energy,

(5) a voltage control circuit to provide a relatively constant DC. voltage,

(6) a DC. motor connected to the voltage control circuit through a circuit including a transducer means exposed to well fluid for providing a signal in such crcuit proportional to the measurement of the condition in the well, and

(7) a sounder for producing acoustic pulses connected to the motor whereby the acoustic pulses are modulated by the signal of the transducer means.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the circuit connecting the motor to the voltage control circuit contains a switch means for periodically substituting a calibrating signal for the transducer means in the circuit whereby the system may be checked for accuracy in measurement of the condition without being removed from the Well.

11. A telemetering device adapted to be positioned in a well comprising:

(a) mechanical connecting means,

(d) a battery to store electrical energy connected to the generator through a circuit,

(e) a voltage control circuit to provide a relatively constant DC. voltage,

(f) a DC. motor connected to the voltage control circuit through a circuit including a transducer means adapted to be exposed to well fluid, said transducer means providing a signal in such circuit proportional to the measurement of a condition in a well,

(g) a sounder for producing acoustic pulses connected to the DC. motor whereby the acoustic pulses are modulated by the signal of the transducer means, and

(h) the circuit connecting the motor to the voltage control circuit including a switch means for periodically substituting a calibrating signal in the circuit for the transducer means whereby the accuracy in measurement of the condition can be checked without removing the device from a well.

References (Iited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,391,626 9/1921 Gilthorpe 106 X 2,425,868 8/1947 Dillon 34018 X 2,524,031 10/1950 Arps 34018 X 2,643,087 6/1953 Ogorzaly et a1. 175106 X 2,679,757 6/1954 Fay 34018 X 2,755,431 7/1956 Scherbatskoy 34018 X 3,215,976 11/1965 Bascom 3403 BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner.

R. M. SKOLNIK, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. A SYSTEM FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF A CONDITION IN A WELL COMPRISING: (A) A RECIPROCATING PUMP MOUNTED IN THE WELL FOR DISPLACING WELL FLUIDS, (B) A TELEMETERING DEVICE POSITIONED IN THE WELL BELOW THE PUMP, SAID DEVICE COMPRISING (1) A MECHANICAL CONNECTING MEANS SECURED TO A RECIPROCATING PART OF THE PUMP, (2) GEAR MEANS CONNECTED TO THE MECHANICAL CONNECTING MEANS FOR PRODUCING A ROTARY MOTION IN AN ELEMENT FROM THE RECIPROCATION OF THE PUMP PART, (3) A GENERATOR SECURED TO THE GEAR MEANS FOR PRODUCING ELECTRICAL ENERGY FROM THE ROTARY MOTION OF THE ELEMENT, (4) A BATTERY CONNECTED TO THE GENERATOR THROUGH A CIRCUIT INCLUDING A DIODE TO STORE ELECTRICAL ENERGY, (5) A VOLTAGE CONTROL CIRCUIT INCLUDING A ZENER DIODE CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY TO PROVIDE A RELATIVELY CONSTANT D.C. VOLTAGE, (6) A D.C. MOTOR CONNECTED TO THE VOLTAGE CONTROL CIRCUIT THROUGH A CIRCUIT INCLUDING A TRANSDUCER MEANS EXPOSED TO WELL FLUID FOR PROVIDING A RESISTANCE IN SUCH CIRCUIT PROPORTIONAL TO THE MEASUREMENT OF THE CONDITION IN THE WELL, AND (7) A SOUNDER FOR PRODUCING ACOUSTIC PULSES CONNECTED TO THE MOTOR WHEREBY THE ACOUSTIC PULSES ARE MODULATED BY THE RESISTANCE OF THE TRANSDUCER MEANS, AND (C) MEANS AT THE EARTH''S SURFACE FOR RECEIVING THE ACOUSTIC PULSES, CONVERTING THE PULSES INTO THE DESIRED MEASUREMENT, AND RECORDING THE SAME.