U.S. patent application number 09/740757 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-30 for apparatus for protecting sensors within a well environment.
Invention is credited to Diener, James M., Jones, Richard T..
Application Number | 20020062958 09/740757 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24977939 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020062958 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Diener, James M. ; et
al. |
May 30, 2002 |
Apparatus for protecting sensors within a well environment
Abstract
An apparatus for protecting sensing devices disposed on an outer
surface of a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a housing and
a plurality of bumpers. The housing is attached to the outer
surface of the pipe. The bumpers are attached to one of the outer
surface of the pipe or the housing. Each bumper includes a post and
a bumper pad. The bumpers are enclosed within the region formed
between the housing and the pipe.
Inventors: |
Diener, James M.; (Niantic,
CT) ; Jones, Richard T.; (Hamden, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Matthew J. Patterson
CiDRA Corporation
50 Barnes Park North
Wallingford
CT
06492
US
|
Family ID: |
24977939 |
Appl. No.: |
09/740757 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/243 ;
166/113; 166/242.1; 166/250.11; 166/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 47/017
20200501 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/243 ;
166/250.11; 166/66; 166/113; 166/242.1 |
International
Class: |
E21B 047/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for protecting sensing devices attached to an outer
surface of a pipe, said apparatus comprising: a pair of cap ends
attached to said pipe; a sleeve attached to and extending between
said cap ends, wherein said cap ends extend out from said pipe;
wherein said cap ends and said sleeve extend around a circumference
of said pipe to form an annular region between said cap ends, said
sleeve, and said outer surface of said pipe; and a plurality of
bumpers disposed in said annular region and attached to one of said
outer surface of said pipe or said sleeve, wherein each said bumper
includes a post and a bumper pad.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in each said bumper, said post
is received within an aperture disposed in said bumper pad.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each said bumper further
comprises a retainer attached to said post, wherein said retainer
retains said bumper pad.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said bumpers are attached to
said outer surface of said pipe, and each said bumper further
comprises a biasing means that biases said bumper pad against said
outer surface of said pipe.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said biasing means comprises
an interference fit between said bumper pad and said outer surface
of said pipe.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each said bumper further
comprises a biasing device mounted on said post structure.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said bumper pad includes means
to prevent rotation of said bumper relative to said pipe.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said cap ends and said sleeve
form a pressure vessel with said outer surface of said pipe.
9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each said bumper further
comprises a mounting strap, and within each said bumper, said post
is attached to said mounting strap and said mounting strap is
attached to said outer surface of said pipe.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each said bumper pad
comprises a slot to receive said mounting strap, and said strap
prevents said bumper pad from rotating relative to said strap.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each said bumper further
comprises a biasing means that biases said bumper pad against said
outer surface of said pipe.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each said bumper further
comprises a biasing device mounted on said post structure.
13. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each said bumper compensates
for thermal growth.
14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each said bumper includes
means for compensating for thermal growth.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each said bumper further
comprises a biasing means that biases said bumper pad against said
outer surface of said pipe.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each said bumper further
comprises a biasing device mounted on said post structure.
17. A bumper for use between inner and outer coaxial conduits, said
bumper comprising: a post; a bumper pad, having an aperture within
which said post is received; and a mounting strap; wherein said
mounting strap is attachable to one of said inner or outer conduits
such that said bumper is disposed between said inner and outer
conduits.
18. The bumper of claim 17, wherein said bumper further comprises a
retainer attached to said post, and said retainer retains said
bumper pad on said post.
19. The bumper of claim 18, further comprising a biasing device
mounted on said post structure, wherein said bumper pad is biased
against said mounting strap by said biasing device.
20. The bumper of claim 19, wherein each said bumper pad comprises
a slot to receive said mounting strap, and said strap prevents said
bumper pad from rotating relative to said strap.
21. The bumper of claim 19, wherein each said bumper compensates
for thermal growth.
22. The bumper of claim 19, wherein each said bumper includes means
for compensating for thermal growth.
23. An apparatus for protecting sensing devices attached to an
outer surface of a conduit, said apparatus comprising: a pair of
cap ends attached to said conduit; a sleeve attached to and
extending between said cap ends, wherein said cap ends extend out
from said pipe; wherein said cap ends and said sleeve extend around
a periphery of said conduit to form an annular region between said
cap ends, said sleeve, and said outer surface of said conduit; and
a plurality of bumpers disposed in said annular region and attached
to one of said outer surface of said conduit or said sleeve,
wherein each said bumper includes a post and a bumper pad.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates in general to sensing devices used in
a petroleum well, and more particularly to devices used to protect
the sensing devices within the well environment.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] In the petroleum industry, there is considerable value in
the ability to monitor the flow of petroleum products in the
production pipe of a well in real time. Acquiring reliable,
accurate fluid flow data downhole at a particular source
environment is, however, a technical challenge for several reasons.
For example, fluid flow within a production pipe is hostile to
sensors in direct contact with the fluid flow. Fluids within the
production pipe can erode, corrode, wear, and otherwise compromise
sensors disposed in direct contact with the fluid flow. There is,
accordingly, great advantage in utilizing a sensor disposed outside
the pipe. The environment outside the production pipe, however, can
also be hostile. Sensors disposed outside a production pipe can
easily be damaged during transporting and installation. In
addition, the well environment in which production pipes are
deployed is typically harsh, characterized by extreme temperatures,
pressures, vibrations, and debris. Extreme temperatures can disable
and limit the life of sensors, particularly those in contact with
the fluid. Unprotected sensors disposed outside of the production
pipe may also be subject to environmental materials such as water
(fresh or salt), mud, sand, corrosive materials, etc.
[0005] What is needed, therefore, is an apparatus that is compact
and durable enough to allow the disposition of sensing devices
outside the production pipe so that fluid flow within the pipe can
be measured in a non-intrusive manner, and one that is capable of
protecting the sensing devices during installation and use.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus for protecting sensing devices disposed on the
outer surface of a pipe that is capable of protecting such devices
during installation and use.
[0007] According to the present invention, an apparatus for
protecting sensing devices disposed on an outer surface of a pipe
is provided. The apparatus includes a housing and a plurality of
bumpers. The housing is attached to the outer surface of the pipe.
The bumpers are attached to one of, or both, the outer surface of
the pipe or the housing. Each bumper includes a post and a bumper
pad. The bumpers are enclosed within the region formed between the
housing and the pipe.
[0008] An advantage of the present invention apparatus is it
enables the collection of flow data downhole within a well in a
non-intrusive manner, at or near the source of the fluid flow. The
apparatus protects the sensing devices by insulating them from
elevated temperatures and pressures, and pressure variations
present in the annulus. The apparatus also protects the sensing
devices from any fluid or debris that may enter the annulus between
the production pipe and the well casing. As a result, the present
invention can use a wider variety of sensing devices than would
otherwise be possible. In addition, in the embodiment where the
apparatus is a pressure vessel, the sensing devices are subjected
to a substantially constant pressure. Fluctuations in the pressure
outside of the pressure vessel that might influence the sensing
devices are effectively eliminated. For all of these reasons, the
reliability and durability of the sensing devices are accordingly
improved.
[0009] Another advantage of the present invention is its compact
design. The present provides a protective apparatus for sensing
devices disposed outside the production pipe, in a compact design
that does not interfere with the deployment of the production pipe
within the well casing.
[0010] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent in light of the
following detailed description of exemplary embodiments
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a well having a casing and
a pipe, and present invention apparatus for protecting sensing
devices positioned at various locations along the pipe inside the
casing.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention apparatus for protecting sensing devices
mounted on a pipe.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the present
invention apparatus for protecting sensing devices.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top view of a present invention
bumper.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the bumper shown
in FIG. 4.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the bumper shown
in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an intelligent
oil well system 10 containing one or more production pipes 12 that
extend downward through a casing 14 to one or more petroleum
sources. The cross-sectional area of the production pipe 12 is
smaller than that of the casing 14, thereby forming an interior
region 15 between the two. Each production pipe 12 may include one
or more sections that branch off to access different petroleum
sources or different areas of the same petroleum source. Fluid
mixtures are pumped from the sources to the platform through the
production pipes 12. The production pipe(s) 12 includes one or more
sensing devices 16 attached to an outer surface 18 (see FIG. 2) of
a section of the production pipe 12. Each sensing device 16 is
enclosed within a present invention apparatus 20 for protecting the
sensing devices. The sensing devices 16 receive and transmit
signals via communication cables 22 that extend between the sensing
devices 16 and the instrumentation residing on the well platform or
at a remote location in communication with the platform.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 2, the apparatus 20 for protecting a
sensing device disposed on the outer surface 18 of a pipe 12
includes a housing 23, and a plurality of bumpers 28. The housing
23 includes a pair of cap ends 24 and a sleeve 26 extending between
and attached to the cap ends 24. The bumpers 28 are attached to one
of the pipe outer surface 18 or the sleeve 26. The cap ends 24 and
the sleeve 26 extend around the circumference of the pipe 12. The
cap ends 24 extend outward from the pipe outer surface 18, and
thereby create an annular region between the pipe outer surface 18
and the sleeve 26 within which the sensor(s) 16 resides. The
communication cable(s) 22 that extends between the sensing device
16 and the instrumentation passes through a sealable port 30 in one
or both cap ends 24 and connects with the sensing devices 16.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, each bumper 28 includes a bumper pad
32 and a post 34 to locate the bumper pad 32. The post 34 is
received within an aperture 36 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) located in the
mid-portion of the bumper pad 32. The bumper pad 32 consists of a
temperature tolerant material appropriate for the application at
hand. In our experience, the material known as "PEEK"
(polyetheretherketon) is a favorable bumper pad material for
petroleum well applications because of its high temperature
capability and its low coefficient of friction. The post 34 is
attached directly or indirectly to either the pipe outer surface 18
or the sleeve 26. In those instances where the post 34 is directly
attached to the pipe outer surface 18 (see FIG. 3), the surface 37
of the post 34 in contact with the pipe outer surface 18 is
contoured to match the contour of the pipe outer surface 18. A
retainer 38 (e.g., a washer and a retaining clip) can be used with
the post 34 to ensure the post 34 and bumper pad 32 remain coupled.
The number of bumpers 28 can vary to suit the application. In our
experience, it is preferable to have at least three (3) or four (4)
bumpers 28 disposed around the circumference of the pipe 12. Three
or four bumpers 28 will typically accommodate relative movement
between the sleeve 26 and the pipe 12 and keep the pipe 12
substantially centered within the sleeve 26. Room between adjacent
bumpers 28 permits sensing device cables 22 to pass through
unobstructed.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, each bumper 28 includes a
retaining flange 40 and a biasing device 42 mounted on the post 34,
and a mounting strap 44. Acceptable biasing devices 42 include, but
are not limited to, wave washers, helical springs, Belleville
washers, etc. The retaining flange 40 is attached to one end of the
post 34. The biasing device 42 is mounted on the post 34 between
the retaining flange 40 and the bumper pad 32. The end of the post
34 opposite the flange 40 is attached to the strap 44. It is
preferable to have each strap 44 extend out a distance beyond the
periphery of the bumper pad 32 to facilitate attachment to the pipe
12. The strap 44 shown in FIGS. 3-6 is oriented in an axial
direction, but may alternatively be oriented circumferentially. The
strap 44 is preferably shaped to conform to the profile of the pipe
12 to which it is attached. The bumper pad 32 has a pipe-side
surface 46 and a sleeve-side surface 48. The pipe-side surface 46
faces the strap 44 and preferably includes a slot 50 (FIG. 6) for
receiving the strap 44. Once the strap 44 is received within the
slot 50, the bumper pad 32 is restrained from rotating around the
post 34. The sleeve-side surface 48 faces the biasing device 42 and
the flange 40, and preferably includes a cavity 52 shaped to
receive the biasing device 42 and the flange 40. Receiving the
flange 40 and biasing device 42 within the cavity 52 helps prevent
contact between the post 34 and the sleeve 26. The biasing device
42 biases the bumper pad 32 toward the pipe outer surface 18. The
pipe-side surface 46 of the bumper pad 32 has a contoured profile
that matches the geometry of the pipe 12.
[0021] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the contoured profile of
the bumper pad 32 has a slight interference fit between the bumper
pad 32 and the pipe outer surface 18 when the strap 44 is attached
to the pipe 12. The slight interference fit can be accomplished,
for example, by using a pipe-side surface 46 contour where the
outer edge of the bumper pad 32 extends below the strap 44 prior to
the strap 44 being attached to the pipe outer surface 18. Once the
strap 44 is attached to the pipe 18, the bumper pad 32 is biased
against the outer surface 18 of the pipe 12. A strap 44 that
extends out beyond the periphery of the bumper pad 32, as described
above, helps to create the bias between the bumper pad 32 and the
pipe 12. FIG. 6 shows the bumper 28 prior to attachment to the
outer surface 18 of the pipe 12 in solid line and after attachment
in phantom line to illustrate deflection of the bumper pad 32 and
the bias of the bumper pad 32 against the pipe 18. The embodiment
shown in FIG. 6 can be used in place of or in addition to the
above-described biasing device 42.
[0022] Biasing the bumper pad 32 against the pipe 12 helps keep the
bumper pad 32 stationary. Biasing the bumper pad 32 against the
pipe 12 also improves the manufacturability of the bumpers 28
because it permits the various components of each bumper 28 to be
made with greater dimensional tolerances. In addition, the amount
of radial travel permitted by the biasing device 42 and/or the
magnitude of the interference fit between the bumper pad 32 and the
pipe 12 care chosen to accommodate the amount of thermal expansion
expected for the bumper 28 and the pipe 12 in the application at
hand. The present invention bumpers 28 can also function to keep an
interior pipe (e.g., the production pipe) substantially centered
within the outer pipe (e.g., the sleeve).
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, in all embodiments the size and
structure of the apparatus 20 for protecting the sensing devices
are chosen to withstand the pressure gradients present in the well
environment and to accommodate the size of the sensing devices for
the application at hand. The bumpers 28 provide the function of
ensuring that the sleeve 26 does not deflect an amount that will
interfere with the sensors 16 located between the sleeve 26 and the
outer surface 18 of the pipe 12.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the housing 23 and the pipe 12
collectively form a pressure vessel. In other embodiments, the
housing 23 is sealed on the pipe 12 to protect the sensing devices
16, but does not act as a pressure vessel. In a preferred
embodiment, the housing 23 is filled with a gas such as air,
nitrogen, or argon. The advantages of a gaseous environment within
the housing 23 include the gas acting as a thermal insulator, and
as an acoustic isolator that helps reduce pressure wave
interference that might otherwise travel into the housing 23 from
the region between the pipe 12 and the casing 14 and undesirably
influence the sensing devices 16.
[0025] Although the invention has been described and illustrated
with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, the foregoing and
various other additions and omissions may be made therein and
thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. For example, the present apparatus 20 has been described
in the Detailed Description section as being mounted on a
cylindrical pipe 12. The present apparatus is not limited to
cylindrical conduits, and can be used with conduits having
alternative cross-sectional geometries.
* * * * *