Dresser Industries, Inc.

Western Atlas International, Inc.

Edward W Lanuke

Norman R Carlson

Raymond E Roesner

James C Barnette

A method of determining the presence of channels in the cement behind a well casing utilizing the temperature profiles of the well. In a first embodiment rate coefficients indicative of the rate of temperature change along a zone of investigation are calculated from the geothermal gradient, flowing temperature profile and at least one shut-in temperature profile. These rate coefficients are plotted versus depth, with inconsistencies in the valves of the rate coefficients being indicative of the presence of channels. In a second embodiment rate coefficients are calculated over a well bonded zone of the well casing and utilized to predict shut-in temperatures along the zone of investigation. Differences in the predicted and actual shut-in temperatures is further indicative of the presence of channels.

Analysis of cement bonding utilizing temperature profiles

In a well containing a multi-phase fluid flow regime is disposed an elongated body member with a funnel configuration attached thereto for the purpose of collecting and mixing the multiple fluid phases. An aperture is provided in the body member, proximate to the apex of the funnel configuration, to allow dicharge of the substantially homogeneous mixture of the fluid phases from the funnel through a passage in the body member. A rotor is acted upon by the flow of this mixture and generates a signal representative of the mixture flow rate. A portion of the mixture then enters a chamber in the elongated body member wherein a measurement is made of the degree of penetration of the mixture achieved by gamma radiation, thereby yielding a measurement representative of the density of the mixture. The flow rates and volumetric fractions of each of the individual phases may then be determined in accordance with the mixture density and total flow rate.

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Spring, TX, United States of America

Edward W Lanuke