The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 13, 2003
Filed:
Oct. 10, 2000
Methods and computer executable instructions for marking a downhole elongate line and detecting same
Arthur D. Watkins, Idaho Falls, ID (US);
Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC, Idaho Falls, ID (US);
Abstract
Methods and computer executable instructions are provided for making an elongate line ( ) with a plurality of marks ( ) and detecting those marks ( ) to determine a distance of the elongate line ( ) in a downhole or a physical integrity thereof. In a preferred embodiment, each mark comprises a plurality of particles ( ) having a substantially permanent magnetizing capability adhered to an exterior surface of the elongate line ( ) at preselected intervals with an epoxy paint. The particles ( ) are arranged at each interval as a plurality of bands ( ). Thereafter, the particles are oriented into a magnetic signature for that interval by magnetizing the particles to create a magnetic field substantially normal to the exterior surface. This facilitates detection by a Hall effect probe. The magnetic signatures are stored in a computing configuration and, once a mark is detected, a correlation is made to a unique position on the elongate line by comparison with the stored magnetic signatures. Preferred particles include samarium-cobalt and neodymium-iron-boride.