Wireless coiled tubing joint locator
US6305467A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/095
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A wireless coiled tubing joint locator for locating joints or collars in a production tubing string. An electromagnetic coil assembly or giant magnetoresistive digital field sensor senses the increased mass of a pipe joint, and provides a signal to an electric circuit which generates a signal received by a pilot solenoid valve. The solenoid valve momentarily opens a pilot passageway which activates a piston to close a circulation port in the joint locator, resulting in an increase in a surface pressure reading observable by the operator. In one embodiment, a rupture disk is provided so that pressure cannot be applied to any downhole tool below the joint locator prematurely. A seat sleeve prevents premature communication of fluid to the rupture disk but can be opened by dropping a ball into the joint locator. A second embodiment may be used for either logging or washing operations or both. The electronic circuit can provide a selected one of a plurality of time delays. A fixed test period in the circuit delays activation of the time delay so that the joint locator may be tested before it is run into the well. The electric circuit and power supply are provided in a removable case.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.