Schlumberger Technology Corporation

Yves Nicolas

Jacques Tromelin

Jean C Lavigne

Andre Landaud

In the representative embodiment of the new and improved apparatus disclosed herein, a so-called 'stuck-point indicator' or 'freepoint-indicator' tool includes a deformation-responsive sensor tandemly supported between upper and lower selectively-operated tool anchors of a unique arrangement which, in the preferred embodiment of the tool, are cooperatively arranged to be sequentially engaged with longitudinally-spaced wall portions of a string of well pipe believed to be stuck in a well bore. In the disclosed embodiment of the tool, each tool anchor respectively includes a set of pivoted anchor members and actuating links adapted to swing the anchor members outwardly into anchoring engagement with the pipe wall for securing the tool against longitudinal movement in the pipe string. To further secure or stabilize the tool against wobbling or angular movement in the pipe string, the pivoted actuating links are cooperatively arranged to become wedged against the opposed side walls of elongated grooves on the tool body as the anchor members engage the pipe wall.

Anchoring apparatus for tools used in determining the stuck point of a

In the representative embodiment of the new and improved apparatus disclosed herein, a so-called 'stuck-point indicator' or 'freepoint-indicator' tool includes a deformation-responsive sensor tandemly supported between upper and lower hydraulically-operated tool anchors cooperatively arranged to be sequentially engaged with longitudinally-spaced wall portions of a string of well pipe believed to be stuck in a well bore. In the preferred embodiment of the tool, each tool anchor respectively includes a piston actuator which, upon application of a predetermined pressure as developed by a hydraulic-control system on the tool, operates to retract a set of movable anchoring elements and, upon a reduction in that hydraulic pressure, is biased by a spring to extend the anchoring elements. To assure sequential operation of the upper and lower anchors, the hydraulic-control system of the tool further includes a flow restrictor for cooperatively delaying the reduction of the hydraulic pressure acting to retain the lower anchoring elements in their retracted positions until such time that the upper elements are moved into anchoring engagement with the pipe wall.

Methods and apparatus for determining the stuck point of a conduit in a

In the representative embodiment of the new and improved apparatus disclosed herein, a so-called 'stuck-point indicator' or 'freepoint-indicator' tool includes a unique deformation-responsive sensor tandemly arranged between upper and lower hydraulically-operated tool anchors which, in the preferred embodiment of the tool, are cooperatively arranged to be sequentially engaged with longitudinally-spaced wall portions of a string of well pipe believed to be stuck in a well bore. In the disclosed embodiment of the tool, the new and improved sensor is arranged as an elongated body tandemly interconnecting the tool anchors and having upper and lower portions thereof cooperatively arranged for being preferentially deformed in response to tensional forces and torsional forces acting on the body. Separate strain gages are arranged on the upper and lower portions of the sensor body as required for producing distinctive electrical signals respectively representative of tensional forces and torsional forces acting on the body.

In the representative manner of practicing the new and improved method disclosed herein, a so-called 'stuck-point indicator' or 'freepoint-indicator' tool including a unique deformation-responsive sensor tandemly arranged between unique upper and lower tool anchors is positioned in a string of well pipe believed to be stuck in a well bore. The tool is then moved to a selected depth location in the pipe string and, in keeping with the principles of the present invention, operated so that the upper anchor is engaged with the pipe string wall before the lower anchor is engaged. Thereafter, upon application of forces to the upper end of the pipe string, independent measurements are produced by the sensor which are respectively representative of tensional forces and torsional forces acting on that portion of the pipe string between the upper and lower anchors.

Methods for determining the stuck point of a conduit in a borehole

In the representative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention disclosed herein, a plurality of outwardly-biased bow springs are disposed around the lower end of the body of a spinner-type flowmeter and cooperatively arranged for centering at least that portion of the tool body in a well bore. The upper ends of the bow springs are pivotally secured to the tool body and their lower ends are coupled together below the body and adapted for longitudinal movement in relation thereto. To maintain the bow springs at a uniform spacing from the tool body when the flowmeter is in a deviated well bore, a corresponding number of rigid arms are pivotally coupled to the mid-portion of each spring and extended upwardly to a pivotal connection on a downwardly-biased collar which is slidably mounted on the tool body below the spring pivots. The spinner is provided with pivoted blades which are cooperatively arranged to be extended and retracted in response to the expansion and contraction of the bow springs.

Well flow measuring apparatus

In the representative embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention disclosed herein, a plurality of outwardlybiased bow springs are disposed around a tool body and cooperatively arranged for centering the tool body in a well bore. The upper ends of the bow springs are pivotally secured to an intermediate portion thereof and their lower ends coupled together for longitudinal movement in relation to the lower portion of the body. To maintain the bow springs at a uniform spacing from the tool body when the tool is in a deviated well bore, a corresponding number of rigid arms are pivotally coupled to the mid-portion of each spring and extended upwardly to a pivotal connection on a collar which is slidably mounted on the tool body and biased downwardly. Diameter-measuring devices are cooperatively arranged on the tool body for operation in response to the expansion and retraction of the bow springs.

Apparatus for measuring the diameter of a well bore

In the representative embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein, a well bore flowmeter is provided with a fluid-driven spinner which is uniquely mounted on the closed end of a hollow shaft that is coaxially disposed over a spindle and rotatably journalled thereon by one or more bearings located in the enclosed annular chamber defined between the shaft and the spindle. To protect the bearings, the chamber is filled with a lubricant and the chamber is communicated with the exterior of the flowmeter only by way of a multi-directional passage which effectively serves to block the entry of well bore debris as the flowmeter is operating. As a further protection for the bearings, one or more valve members are also preferably provided for blocking communication with the bearing chamber as the flowmeter is moved into and out of a well bore. These valve members are preferably actuated by the extension and retraction of a centralizer provided for centering the flowmeter as it is operated in a well bore.

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Versailles, France

Yves Nicolas