Patent · US Active

Apparatus and method for controlling the speed of a pump in a well

US7762339B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
10References
31Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 15, 2006
Grant dateJul 27, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 12, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF04B2205/11
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A controller for controlling the pump unit of an oil well includes a sensor having a first and second probe for placement in the flow of oil from the well bore. Each of the probes contains a heater. A constant power source is selectively connected to one of the heaters. Each of the probes also includes a linear RTD at each of their tips respectively for generating a signal indicative of the temperature measured at each of the first and second probes. A control unit receives signals from the RTD's and determines a flow rate therefrom. A pump control signal is generated in response to the flow rate, wherein the pump control signal continuously varies a predetermined parameter for controlling the flow rate of a pumping unit during operation of the pumping unit.

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