Patent · US Expired

Self-containing downhole gauge system

US5153832A · kind A · utility

7Cited by
82References
1Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 21, 1989
Grant dateOct 6, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 21, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B47/12
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A self-contained memory gauge includes either semiconductor or magnetic core memory for retaining downhole information related to sampled parameters, such as borehole temperature and pressure. A microprocessor-based computer manages the power utilization by independently and selectably energizing and de-energizing different sections of the gauge. The magnetic core memory is tested for operability, and the addressing of the magnetic core memory is adjusted in accordance with any inoperable memory locations. Samples of the monitored environmental conditions can be taken at variable rates dependent upon software monitoring of the condition, the remaining battery life and the remaining memory capacity and in response to hardware monitored pressure changes. Each sample can be taken to a selectable resolution. A watchdog circuit monitors the microprocessor to insure that it is operating within a preselected time limit. Further, resolution counters (282) and (284), in association with multiplexer (280), provide selectable timing signals.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.