US3951209A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for determining the pump-off of a well
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
•
Filing: 1975-06-09
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Granted: 1976-04-20
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Expires: 1995-06-09
Abstract
Abstract A method for monitoring a rod pumped well and determining when the well has pumped off. The method uses a dynamometer to monitor the power input to the rod string and senses when the power input decreases to determine when the well pumps-off.
Inventors
- 👤 Sam G. Gibbs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 17:54
CPC Classifications
F; F04; F04B; F04B49/00; F04B49/02; E; E21; E21B; E21B47/00; E21B47/007; E21B47/008; E21B47/009
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for monitoring a rod pumped well to determine when the well pumps-off comprising: measuring the load on the rod; measuring the displacement of the rod in a manner correlatible with the measurement of the load on the rod; integrating measured load versus displacement to obtain the total power input to the well; and detecting when the total power falls below a predetermined minimum to determine when the well has pumped-off.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for monitoring a rod pumped well to determine when the well pumps-off comprising: measuring the load on the rod; measuring the displacement of the rod in a manner correlatible with the measurement of the load on the rod; integrating measured load versus displacement to obtain the total power input to the well; and detecting when the total power falls below a predetermined minimum to determine when the well has pumped-off.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said rod displacement is indirectly determined by measuring the angle of the pump beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 and in addition stopping the pumping unit when it has been determined that the well has pumped-off.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 3 and in addition starting the pump a preset time after it is stopped in order to maximize production while minimizing cost.
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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) | 1979-04-20 | 1979-10-20 | 1980-04-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-04-20 | 1983-10-20 | 1984-04-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-04-20 | 1987-10-20 | 1988-04-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |