US5332035A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shut-in tools
Assignee: Halliburton Co
•
Filing: 1993-05-27
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Granted: 1994-07-26
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Expires: 2013-05-27
Abstract
Abstract A downhole shut-in tool includes in one aspect a pilot valve which when opened places a differential pressure across a piston which in turn operably engages a shut-in valve element to close the shut-in tool. An electronic timer assembly and electric drive motor are provided for controlling the action of the pilot valve. The drive motor is controlled by a load sensor which senses that the motor has stalled when an actuator engages a movement limiting abutment. In another aspect a pilot valve is provided which can selectively communicate the pressure differential across the piston so as to repeatedly open and close the shut-in valve element. Efficient methods of drawdown and buildup testing using such an automated multiple operating shut-in tool are provided. Associated automated sampling tools are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Roger L. Schultz
- 👤 Craig L. Zitterich
- 👤 Harold K. Beck
- 👤 William L. Bohan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:55
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B34/00; E21B34/06; E21B34/066; E21B34/08; E21B34/085; E21B49/00; E21B49/08; E21B49/081
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
A controller for a downhole apparatus, comprising: means for providing signals representing values of a downhole parameter changing over time; means, responsive to said signals, for comparing a later one of said values with an earlier one of said values and for providing a plurality of output signals indicating when said later value is within different predetermined ranges of said earlier value; and means for providing a control signal to the downhole apparatus in response to a selected one of said output signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
A controller for a downhole apparatus, comprising: means for providing signals representing values of a downhole parameter changing over time; means, responsive to said signals, for comparing a later one of said values with an earlier one of said values and for providing a plurality of output signals indicating when said later value is within different predetermined ranges of said earlier value; and means for providing a control signal to the downhole apparatus in response to a selected one of said output signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The controller of claim 1, further comprising: means for providing a second control signal in response to a different selected one of said output signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The controller of claim 1, wherein said means for providing a control signal includes means for determining that said selected one of said output signals indicates a predetermined number of respective later values have been within the respective predetermined range of respective earlier values for said selected one of said output signals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The controller of claim 3, further comprising: means for providing a second control signal in response to said means for determining that said selected one of said output signals indicates a second predetermined number of respective later values have been within the respective predetermined range of respective earlier values for said selected one of said output signals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The controller of claim 4, wherein said second predetermined number is less than said first predetermined number.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The controller of claim 4, wherein said means for providing signals includes: means for sensing downhole pressure; an analog-to-digital converter; and means for connecting said analog-to-digital converter to said means for sensing downhole pressure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The controller of claim 6, wherein said means for comparing and providing includes combinational logic gates having inputs connected to said analog-to-digital converter and having outputs through which said output signals are provided.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
74 words
The controller of claim 7, wherein: said means for comparing and providing further includes memory means for temporarily storing a previous state from said analog-to-digital converter as said earlier value; and said combinational logic gates have other inputs connected to said memory means so that said combinational logic gates receive both a present state from said analog-to-digital converter as said later value and said previous state of said analog-to-digital converter as said earlier value.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The controller of claim 8, wherein said means for providing a control signal includes a counter having an input connected to a selected one of said outputs of said combinational logic gates and having a plurality of outputs.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The controller of claim 9, wherein said means for providing a control signal further includes switch means for selecting one of said outputs of said counter for generating said control signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The controller of claim 10, further comprising means for generating a second control signal in response to a selected one of said outputs of said counter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The controller of claim 10, further comprising means for generating a second control signal in response to a selected one of said outputs of said combinational logic gates.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-25 | 1998-01-24 | 1998-07-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-25 | 2002-01-24 | 2002-07-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-25 | 2006-01-24 | 2006-07-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |