Method and apparatus for detecting plunger arrival
US10689957B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/41303
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The disclosed device provides a high-accuracy plunger arrival detection system comprising a low-power magnetometer with high sensitivity and which is capable of sampling low or high intensity magnetic fields. The device processes gathered data from sensors, stores at least some processed data in memory, executes a trending algorithm which compares the magnetic field of the plunger to the ambient magnetic field or a predetermined set of initialization values, and generates an output which is relayed to a well controller. An output signal may be via hard wire, RF, wireless or other known means. In addition, the implementation of two sensing devices mounted in series and in spaced relation to each other, can provide for an actual plunger average velocity. An actual plunger average velocity, as opposed to approximate average velocity, can be used to better optimize well control and improve safety of the overall well production system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.