Methods and apparatus for monitoring components of downhole tools
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsBrian S. Shaw, Charles M. Tompkins
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed herein is a surface controlled subsurface safety valve (SCSSV) that includes a moveable component of the SCSSV and a stationary component of the SCSSV. A sensor element is also included which is configured to sense position of the moveable component relative to the stationary component. Further disclosed herein is a method for sensing position of an object which includes placing a component comprising magnetostrictive material in a location calculated to be contacted by a separate component and causing a stress on the material with the separate component. The method further includes measuring a change in magnetic permeability of the material.
Claims16
A downhole tool comprising:
- a moveable component of the downhole tool;
- a stationary component of the downhole tool;
- and
- a sensor element positioned and configured to be physically compressible by a portion of one of the moveable component and the stationary component against the other of the moveable component and the stationary component only during some moveable component positions to sense position of the moveable component relative to the stationary component.
A downhole tool as claimed in claim 10 wherein the sensor element is in communication with a power spring.
A method for sensing position of an object comprising:
- placing a component comprising magnetostrictive material in a location calculated to be contacted by a separate component;
- causing a stress on the material with the separate component;
- and
- measuring a change in magnetic permeability of the material.
A method for sensing position for an object comprising:
- placing a magnetostrictive material in a location, the location including a coil;
- applying a current to the coil;
- measuring magnetic permeability of the material;
- and
- comparing measured magnetic permeability to known permeability of the magnetostrictive material in an unstressed condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.