Artificial lift apparatus with automated monitoring characteristics

• Main Authors: BRITTON ART, BIRCKHEAD JOHN M
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 25.03.2003
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: EARTH DRILLING; EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; MINING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR ASLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS

The present invention provides an artificial lift apparatus that monitors the conditions in and around a well and makes automated adjustments based upon those conditions. In one aspect, the invention includes a pump for disposal at a lower end of a tubing string in a cased wellbore. A pressure sensor in the wellbore adjacent the pump measures fluid pressure of fluid collecting in the wellbore. Another pressure sensor disposed in the upper end of the wellbore measures pressure created by compressed gas above the fluid column and a controller receives the information and calculates the true height of fluid in the wellbore. Another sensor disposed in the lower end the tubing string measures fluid pressure in the tubing string and transmits that information to the controller. The controller compares the signals for the sensors and makes adjustments based upon a relationship between the measurements and preprogrammed information about the wellbore and the formation pressure therearound.