Patent US3938910A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3938910A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Oil well pumpoff control system
Assignee: Dresser Industries Inc
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Filing: 1974-11-01
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Granted: 1976-02-17
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Expires: 1994-11-01
Abstract
Abstract Various functions of a production oil well are monitored to cause a switch closure for each normal cycle of the pump. Alternatively, the level of the fluid within the well is monitored to cause the switch closure. The switch closure activates a first oscillator whose count is compared with a variable frequency oscillator over a given period of time to ascertain the percentage of time of normal operation. The integrated time is adjusted to shut down the system when the percentage of time drops to or below the preselected amount. In response to the integration timer signal, a shutdown timer is turned on which restarts the cycle after a preselected amount of time. When the system is restarted by the shutdown timer, a pump-up timer is turned on which is adjusted to allow for a desired pump-up time. As the pump-up timer is allowing the system to recycle, the integration timer is reset and the recycling is completed if the requirements of the integration timer are met. Otherwise, the unit is shut down again and the system recycled. A variable electronic scaler is connected to the output of the integration timer which monitors the output signals from the integrator timer. After the preset number of times the integration timer produces a signal, unless reset by a normal cycle, the scaler turns off the whole system. It can then be restarted manually.
Inventors
- 👤 Bobby L. Douglas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:01
CPC Classifications
F; F04; F04B; F04B49/00; F04B49/10; F04B49/106; E; E21; E21B; E21B47/00; E21B47/008; E21B47/009; F04B47/00; F04B47/02; F04B49/02; F04B49/06; F04B2201/00; F04B2201/02; F04B2201/0207; F04B2201/02071; F04B2205/00; F04B2205/13; F04B2205/16; F04B2207/00; F04B2207/04; F04B2207/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A system for controlling the operation of a well pumping installation including a pump, a motor for operating said pump, a sucker rod string, a walking beam and a pumped fluid flowpipe, comprising: means responsive to a predetermined characteristic of a component of said well pumping installation; means to generate signals indicative of said response; means to determine whether said signals are occurring less than a predetermined percentage of time during a given time interval; and means to terminate the pumping operation in the event of said lesser determination.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A system for controlling the operation of a well pumping installation including a pump, a motor for operating said pump, a sucker rod string, a walking beam and a pumped fluid flowpipe, comprising: means responsive to a predetermined characteristic of a component of said well pumping installation; means to generate signals indicative of said response; means to determine whether said signals are occurring less than a predetermined percentage of time during a given time interval; and means to terminate the pumping operation in the event of said lesser determination.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system according to claim 1, including in addition thereto, means for recycling the operation after a predetermined time following the termination of the operation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system according to claim 2, including in addition thereto, means for preventing recycling of the operation after such operation has been recycled a predetermined number of times.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein said means responsive to a predetermined characteristic of a component of said well pumping installation comprises circuitry for monitoring the load current of said motor and for comparing the level of said load current with a predetermined reference level.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein said means responsive to a predetermined characteristic of a component of said well pumping installation comprises means for monitoring the weight imposed on said sucker rod string during selected portions of the pumping cycle and for making determinations as to the level of said weight with respect to a given reference level.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein said means responsive to a predetermined characteristic of a component of said well pumping installation comprises means for measuring the stress imparted to said walking beam during selected portions of the pumping cycle and for making determinations as to the level of said stress with respect to a given reference level.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
In an oil well production control system having pumping means, means for monitoring well production, means for shutting down the pumping means in response to the production dropping below a predetermined level, said means for automatically restarting the pumping means after a period of time, the improvement comprising: means for limiting the number of said automatic restarting cycles to a predetermined number of times.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
In an oil well production control system having pumping means, means for monitoring well production, means for shutting down the pumping means in response to the production dropping below a predetermined level, said means for automatically restarting the pumping means after a period of time, the improvement comprising: means for limiting the number of said automatic restarting cycles to a predetermined number of times.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
90 words
In an oil well production control system having pumping means, means for monitoring well production, means for shutting down the pumping means in response to the production dropping below a predetermined level, and means for automatically restarting the pumping means after a period of time, the improvement comprising: means for limiting the number of said automatic restarting cycles to a predetermined number of times; and means to reset said limiting means in response to said production rising to at least said predetermined level prior to said predetermined number being reached.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
90 words
In an oil well production control system having pumping means, means for monitoring well production, means for shutting down the pumping means in response to the production dropping below a predetermined level, and means for automatically restarting the pumping means after a period of time, the improvement comprising: means for limiting the number of said automatic restarting cycles to a predetermined number of times; and means to reset said limiting means in response to said production rising to at least said predetermined level prior to said predetermined number being reached.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
58 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus, comprising: means for monitoring well production; means for shutting down the pumping apparatus in response to the production dropping below a predetermined level; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
58 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus, comprising: means for monitoring well production; means for shutting down the pumping apparatus in response to the production dropping below a predetermined level; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
71 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus having a pumped fluid flowpipe, comprising: means for monitoring the flow of oil through said pumped fluid flowpipe; means for shutting down said pumping apparatus in response to said monitored flow dropping below a predetermined level; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
71 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus having a pumped fluid flowpipe, comprising: means for monitoring the flow of oil through said pumped fluid flowpipe; means for shutting down said pumping apparatus in response to said monitored flow dropping below a predetermined level; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
77 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus having a pump drawing electrical current, comprising: means for monitoring said electrical current during selected portions of the pumping cycles; means for shutting down said pumping apparatus in response to said monitored electrical current having an adverse comparison with a reference signal; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
77 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus having a pump drawing electrical current, comprising: means for monitoring said electrical current during selected portions of the pumping cycles; means for shutting down said pumping apparatus in response to said monitored electrical current having an adverse comparison with a reference signal; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
79 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus having a sucker rod string, comprising: means for monitoring the weight exerted on said sucker rod string during selected portions of the pumping cycles; means for shutting down said pumping apparatus in response to said weight having an adverse comparison with a reference signal; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
79 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus having a sucker rod string, comprising: means for monitoring the weight exerted on said sucker rod string during selected portions of the pumping cycles; means for shutting down said pumping apparatus in response to said weight having an adverse comparison with a reference signal; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
76 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus having a walking beam, comprising: means for monitoring the stress on said walking beam during selected portions of the pumping cycles; means for shutting down said pumping apparatus in response to said stress having an adverse comparison with a reference signal; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
76 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus having a walking beam, comprising: means for monitoring the stress on said walking beam during selected portions of the pumping cycles; means for shutting down said pumping apparatus in response to said stress having an adverse comparison with a reference signal; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
123 words
A system for controlling the operation of a well pumping installation including a pump, a motor for operating said pump, a sucker rod string, a walking beam and a pumped fluid flowpipe, comprising: means responsive to a predetermined characteristic of a component of said well pumping installation; means to generate signals indicative of said response; means to determine whether said signals are occurring less than a predetermined percentage of time during a given time interval; means to terminate the pumping operation in the event of said lesser determination; means for recycling the operation after a predetermined time following the termination of the operation; and means for preventing recycling of the operation after such operation has been unsuccessfully recycled a predetermined number of times.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
123 words
A system for controlling the operation of a well pumping installation including a pump, a motor for operating said pump, a sucker rod string, a walking beam and a pumped fluid flowpipe, comprising: means responsive to a predetermined characteristic of a component of said well pumping installation; means to generate signals indicative of said response; means to determine whether said signals are occurring less than a predetermined percentage of time during a given time interval; means to terminate the pumping operation in the event of said lesser determination; means for recycling the operation after a predetermined time following the termination of the operation; and means for preventing recycling of the operation after such operation has been unsuccessfully recycled a predetermined number of times.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system according to claim 14 wherein said means responsive to a predetermined characteristic of a component of said well pumping installation comprises circuitry for monitoring the load current of said motor and for comparing the level of said load current with a predetermined reference level.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system according to claim 14 wherein said means responsive to a predetermined characteristic of a component of said well pumping installation comprises means for monitoring the weight imposed on said sucker rod string during selected portions of the pumping cycle and for making determinations as to the level of said weight with respect to a given reference level.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system according to claim 14 wherein said means responsive to a predetermined characteristic of a component of said well pumping installation comprises means for measuring the stress imparted to said walking beam during selected portions of the pumping cycle and for making determinations as to the level of said stress with respect to a given reference level.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
70 words
In an oil well production control system having pumping means, means for monitoring the level of fluid in the well, means for shutting down the pumping means in response to the fluid level dropping below a predetermined level, and means for automatically restarting the pumping means after a period of time, the improvement comprising: means for limiting the number of said automatic restarting cycles to a predetermined number of times.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
70 words
In an oil well production control system having pumping means, means for monitoring the level of fluid in the well, means for shutting down the pumping means in response to the fluid level dropping below a predetermined level, and means for automatically restarting the pumping means after a period of time, the improvement comprising: means for limiting the number of said automatic restarting cycles to a predetermined number of times.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
97 words
In an oil well production control system having pumping means, means for monitoring the level of fluid in the well, means for shutting down the pumping means in response to the fluid level dropping below a predetermined level, and means for automatically restarting the pumping means after a period of time, the improvement comprising: means for limiting the number of said automatic restarting cycles to a predetermined number of times; and means to reset said limiting means in response to said fluid level rising to at least said predetermined level prior to said predetermined number being reached.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
97 words
In an oil well production control system having pumping means, means for monitoring the level of fluid in the well, means for shutting down the pumping means in response to the fluid level dropping below a predetermined level, and means for automatically restarting the pumping means after a period of time, the improvement comprising: means for limiting the number of said automatic restarting cycles to a predetermined number of times; and means to reset said limiting means in response to said fluid level rising to at least said predetermined level prior to said predetermined number being reached.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
64 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus, comprising: means for monitoring the level of fluid in a well; means for shutting down the pumping apparatus in response to the fluid level dropping below a predetermined level; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
64 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus, comprising: means for monitoring the level of fluid in a well; means for shutting down the pumping apparatus in response to the fluid level dropping below a predetermined level; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; and means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
90 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus, comprising: means for monitoring the level of fluid in a well; means for shutting down the pumping apparatus in response to the fluid level dropping below a predetermined level; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number; and means to reset said limiting means in response to said fluid level rising to at least said predetermined level prior to said predetermined number being reached.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
90 words
A production control system for controlling an oil well pumping apparatus, comprising: means for monitoring the level of fluid in a well; means for shutting down the pumping apparatus in response to the fluid level dropping below a predetermined level; means for automatically restarting the pumping apparatus after each shutdown; means for limiting the number of said automatic restarts to a predetermined number; and means to reset said limiting means in response to said fluid level rising to at least said predetermined level prior to said predetermined number being reached.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-02-16 | 1979-08-18 | 1980-02-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-02-16 | 1983-08-18 | 1984-02-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-02-16 | 1987-08-18 | 1988-02-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |