Fiber Dynamics, Inc.

Western Atlas International, Inc.

Leslie Controls, Inc.

Fiberdynamic, Inc.

John C Anderson

Morris J Davies

Ralf Eberlein

Archie C Lamb

John M Michaels

Than Shwe

John L Leder

A method and apparatus for conducting in situ tests on a subsurface earth formation of interest which is traversed by a wellbore. A wireline formation testing instrument is positioned at formation depth and a sampling probe thereof is extended into fluid communication with the formation and isolated from wellbore pressure. Utilizing a hydraulically energized double-acting bi-directional piston pump and by valve controlled selection of pumping direction testing fluid such as completion fluid may be pumped into the formation through the sampling probe either from fluid reservoirs of the instrument or from the wellbore. After reversing the operating and control valving of the pump and instrument, the piston pump is utilized to extract formation fluid from the formation and pump it to sample tanks of the instrument, pump it into the wellbore or subject it to controlled pressure for real time formation testing and for formation characterization. The pumping mechanism of the formation testing instrument includes a pump-through capability for unlimited pumping of formation fluid to permit effective removal of filtrate, sand, rocks and other debris until an uncontaminated formation fluid sample can be recovered for testing. The piston pump and valving arrangement further permits successive draw-down of minute volumes for rapidly determining formation pressure and permits bubble point pressure and fluid compressibility testing to enable bubble point pressure and fluid compressibility profile plots for formation characterization.

Method and apparatus for pressure, volume, and temperature measurement

An optical flow meter comprising a source of light, an optical fiber, a connector, a detector, and output electronics. The optical fiber is connected to the source of light so as to transmit light therethrough. The connector is arranged for attaching the optical fiber in a position generally adjacent to a rotating body. The detector is a photodetector that is arranged to receive light from the optical fiber after the light is reflected by the rotating body. The source of light is a light-emitting diode. The optical fiber is a single optical path. A lens is disposed generally about one end of the optical fiber for directing and focusing light relative to the rotating body. The end of the optical fiber is sealed so as to isolate the end of the fiber from the environment of the rotating body. A beamsplitter is included as an optical coupler between the light-emitting diode, the optical fiber, and the photodetector.

Optical flow meter

A fiberoptic sensing system comprising a light source, a sensor responsive to external stimulus, an optical fiber connected to the light source and the sensor, a detector arranged to receive light from the optical fiber, and output electronics electrically connected to the detector. The sensor includes a reflective surface arranged so as to reflect light from the optical fiber. This reflective surface is movable relative to the optical fiber. The light source comprises a light-emitting diode and a reference diode electrically connected to the source of electrical energy and to the light-emitting diode. A beamsplitter is disposed about the light source, the optical fiber, and the photodetector. The detector includes a transimpedance amplifier and a RMS to DC converter. The output electronics includes a gain control and a offset control. The sensor may be either a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor.

Fiberoptic temperature/pressure sensor system

A fiberoptic limit switch system comprising a light source, an optical beamsplitting arrangement, a switch, an optical fiber, a detector, and output circuitry. The light source is a light-emitting diode. The switch is responsive to external stimulus. The switch comprises a housing, a receptacle for receiving the optical fiber, and a reflective surface movable between two positions within the housing. The optical fiber extends from the light source to the switch. The detector is arranged so as to receive light from the optical fiber and transmit a signal relative to the light emission. The output circuitry is electrically connected to the detector.

Fiberoptic switch system

A flow indicator switch system comprising a body having a cavity therein, a first magnetic member pivotally connected to the body and extending into the cavity, a second magnetic member pivotally connected to the body, and a fiberoptic connector arranged about the body for receiving at least one optical fiber. The first magnetic member has a portion that extends beyond the body. A magnet is affixed to the first magnetic member on the end within the body and a paddle is affixed to the other end extending beyond the body. A spring is arranged about the exterior of the first magnetic member. The second member is magnetically interactive with the first magnetic member within the cavity of the body. The second magnetic member has a reflective surface extending therefrom. This reflective surface is generally adjacent the fiberoptic connector and is movable between a first and second position in correspondence to the existence of a fluid flow acting on the paddle.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

John C Anderson