Speed-of-Sound Independent Fluid Level Measurement Apparatus and Method of Use

摘要

A system and method for determining the depth to the top surface of a fluid contained in a hydrocarbon well generates a pressure pulse which travels down the casing to the fluid and receives a returning pressure pulse. The system and method may measure the decay rate or pulse width of the returning pressure pulse and not necessarily require the measurement of the time between the emission of the pressure pulse and the detection of the return pulse to ascertain the depth to the fluid.

主权项

1. A system for determining depth to a top surface of a fluid, the fluid contained within a string of pipe, the system comprising:
an access port into the string of pipe through which access port a rapid change in pressure is introduced creating a traveling pressure wave, said pressure wave reflecting from the top surface of the fluid to produce a reflected pressure wave; a pressure wave detection device attached to the string of pipe, said pressure wave detection device upon detection of the reflected pressure wave produces an output signal; a digital processor which, upon receipt of the output signal from the detection device, measures the shape of the reflected pressure wave and uses that measurement to determine the depth to the top surface of the fluid contained within the string of pipe;