Echometer D User manual

Echometer Operating Manual
Model D with Compact Gas Gun
REVA
ECHOMETERCOMPANY
5001 DITTO LANE
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS 76302 USA
PHONE: [phone] FAX: [phone]
E-MAIL: [email protected]
WWW.ECHOMETER.COM
MS 1950 - REV A "MODEL D WI COMP ACT GAS GUN

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. PRINCIPALS OF ACOUSTIC LIQUID LEVEL MEASUREMENT
II. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A. AMPLIFIER-RECORDER
B. WELLHEAD ATTACHMENT
C. ACCESSORY COMPONENTS
III. OPERATION
IV. INTERPRETATION
V. PROBLEM WELLS
VI. BATTERY INFORMATION
VII. TESTING THE ECHOMETER
VIII. MAINTENANCE
IX. PARTS LIST AND DRAWINGS
X. ·APPENDIX
RATE OF FILL-UP AND INFORMATION
TECHNIQUE
FOR DETERMINING CHART SPEED
C02 INFORMATION
N2INFORMATION
ANALYZING
WELL PERFORMANCE
ACOUSTIC STATIC BOTTOMHOLE PRESSURES
ACOUSTIC PRODUCING BOTTOMHOLE PRESSURES

PRECAUTIONS
1. Read Manual before operating equipment.
2. Operate the equipment safely at all times.
3. Securely connect Echometer
gas gun assembly to the casing annulus opening. Clean
threads if necessary. Tighten securely so the Echometer wellhead will not become
dislodged by casing
pressure and/or shock from the discharged pressure wave.
4.
The gas valve should be in the open position when the gas gun is installed on a well. The
gas gun pressure gauge will indicate casing pressure when the casing valve is opened.
Open valve to pressure slowly. For safety, open valve a slight amount until gas begins to
flow.
Do not open the valve any more until the pressure equalizes. Then, fully open valve.
5.
Wellhead Pressure Rating.
Working Pressure 1500 PSI
Test Pressure 4000 PSI
The working pressure ratings on the Echometer wellhead, fittings, nipples, etc., apply to
like-new condition.
The ratings must be lowered if wear or corrosfon has occurred.
6.
Usually the gas gun volume chamber pressure is less than the working pressure of the
~ fittings on the well. However, if the gas gun volume chamber pressure exceeds the
working pressure rating of the connections on the well, do not discharge the gas in the
gas gun into a closed valve as a dangerous pressure may result.
7. Clean wellhead attachment every 500 shots, monthly, or whenever dirty, whichever
occurs first. Inspect
and replace any worn or bad parts.
8. When assembling the wellhead, install Microphone after installing the Housing Cap.
See Page VIII.
9. Do not breathe excessively high concentrations of C0
2
or N2 gas.
10. Recharge battery when voltage drops in yeUow arc, or once a month, whichever occurs
first.
11.
Package properly for shipment. Remove all heavy objects from amplifier-recorder case.

I
PRINCIPALS OF ACOUSTIC LIQUID LEVEL MEASUREMENT
A pressure pulse is generated from a wellhead attachment that is connected to the surface
casing
annulus valve. The pressure pulse travels down the casing annulus gas and is reflected
by collars, liquid level,
and other obstructions. A microphone in the wellhead attachment
converts the pressure pulses into electrical pulses which are amplified, filtered and recorded on a
strip ofpaper. The chart shows the number of tubing collars to the liquid level. The depth is
determined by
multiplyin~ the number of tubing collars by the aver~ge tubing length.
THE ECHOMETER
.,
The Echometer is a precision instrument for determining the depth to liquid in a well. It is
the most advanced instrument available regardless of price. The upper collars, deep collars, or
the liquid level can be accented for maximum accuracy. Yet, it is simplified for easy operation
by the labeling ofcontrols to indicate the functions performed.
ECHOMETER SCHOOL
Echometer Company offers schools on the use and applications of the Echometer. You are
invited to attend free of charge. A list of the schools which are located throughout the U.S. and
Canada will be sent upon request.
Echometer Company
has an excellent service policy. If we can be of service, please contact
us.
Thank you.
COMPUTER & SPECIAL APPLICATION
A portable laptop computer is available for calculating bottomhole pressures. Also, the
distance to an anomaly or liquid level can be calculated from accoustic travel time when gas
properties are known. Contact us for additional information.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ECHOMETER
A. AMPLIFIER-RECORDER
The amplifier-recorder receives the signals from the microphone, amplifies these signals,
filters
the signals to accent desired information, and records the information on heat sensitive
paper.
The controls and their functions follow:
AMPLIFIER POWER SWITCH
II
Ur.its built after June 1, 1985. Momentarily placing the switch in the "On" position
energizes
the amplifier circuit for four to five minutes. Turning on the chart drive energizes the
amplifier circuit for an additional four to five minutes. Additional battery life will be obtained if
the amplifier power switch is momentarily placed in the "Off' position immediately after the
record is completed.
Units built before June 1, 1985. A toggle switch controls power to the amplifier. Turn the
switch to "On" and allow ten seconds for stabilization. As a safety precaution, a safety switch
will
automatically turn off the power when the lid is closed.
SENSITIVITY
Two sensitivity controls are located on the panel. The higher knob is the COLLAR
sensitivity control, and it controls the sensitivity when the filter is in UPPER COLLARS or
DEEP COLLARS. The lower knob controls the sensitivity when the filter is in LIQUID LEVEL.
FILTER
The Echometer uses a very effective filter system. The filter is labeled UPPER COLLARS,
DEEP COLLARS and LIQUID LEVEL. The various filter positions tune the system to record
the type ofsignal desired. UPPER COLLARS tunes the amplifier to high frequency signals
which result in the collars being recorded as sharp, distinct "kicks". DEEP COLLARS passes
medium band signals and records these signals similar to smooth sine waves. DEEP COLLARS
accents deep collars for greater accuracy in deep w~lls. LIQUID LEVEL tunes the system to the
low frequency signals found from the liquid level in deep, low pressure wells.
The UPPER COLLARS filter position is used on shallow wells (less than 4000 feet), high
pressure wells, dirty wells, and wells with irregular length tubing. The collars are recorded as
"sharp" kicks.
The DEEP COLLAR filter position is recommended for most low pressure, deep wells below
4000 feet. With normal conditions, the upper collars are strong and distinct, and the liquid level
is strong and distinct, but the lower collars are weak and they become indistinct. The DEEP
COLLAR filter position will accent these signals while removing undesired background noise
and result in the recording of lower collars. This is a more accurate record than a record without
the lower collars recorded.

11-1
PRESSURE SWITCH (Only on units built before June 1, 1985)
The pressure switch reduces the signals from the microphone to the amplifier when operated
in the HIGH position. This switch is used in the LOW position with the gas gun, since the
response from the microphone can be controlled by the size of the charge from the gas gun.
MICROPHONE CABLE
A shielded cable connects the amplifier-recorder to the microphone. When installing and
removing the cable, hold to the cable connector only. DO NOT PULL ON THE FLEXIBLE
CABLE BODY. Cable length can be in excess of 50 feet if desired for special conditions with
negligible loss ofsignals. The shielded cable prevents stray kicks generated by overhead power
lines
and other electrical disturbances. Echometer cable is superior to standard coaxial cable and
should be used for best results.
TEST OUTPUT
See Section VII
RECORDER AND
PAPER DRIVE
The chart drive and electrical writing pen are activated by the toggle switch near the chart
drive. Turn ON the chart drive when ready to record. Approximately 12" of paper discharge is
necessary for the pen to heat. The chart paper is replaced by removing the galvanometer plate
(push back and lift) and then removing the used paper roll. Place the paper in the chart drive
with the printed side up. Replace the pen cover plate. Be careful not to damage the pen.
THE GALVANOMETER AND
PEN REPLACEMENT
The galvonometer does not require maintenance except for pen replacement and adjustment.
The
pen is replaced by removing the galvanometer cover plate. The plate should be pushed back
and lifted. Remove the two screws holding the pen leads and the screw holding the pen body.
Remove
the pen and insert a new one. The pen teJ:lsion on the paper support should be about 5
grams to get adequate writing darkness and proper pen response. Turn the pen tension screw
90° clockwise after the pen touches the paper support roller (no paper installed) to obtain
approximately 5
grams pen tension. Connect the red wire on the pen to the terminal block
having a red wire attached as before. Reconnect the black wire. Be sure that the tabs on the pen
are bent up to prevent the tabs from restricting pen movement.
VOLTMETER
See Section VI "Battery Information" for details of battery operation.
TIMER SWITCH (Manufactured after
July, 1984)
A
timer places a mark on the chart at the initial pulse generation & each second thereafter.
The mark should be on the printed side of the chart if the initial wave is a compression wave,
and on the opposite side when the initial wave is a rarefaction wave. The timing marks can be
generated manually by depressing the Timer switch.

BNC CONNECTOR
ATTACH CABLE FOR
MICROPHONE OUTPUT.
TRIGGER~
PULL TO RELEASE
GAS VALVE.
FILLER-BLEED
CHAMBER VALVE
GAS CAN BE INJECTED
INTO THE GAS GUN
VOLUME CHAMBER USING
SPECIAL ADAPTOR
ATTACHED TO C02
CONTAINER. GAS CAN
BE BLED BY ROTATING
THE KNOB CLOCKWISE.
GAS GUN DISCHARGE
PRESSURE GAUGE
s MEASURES PRESSURE
IN GAS GUN VOLUME
CHAMBER.
COCKING ARM
/
LIFT THE COCKING
ARM TO DEPRESS
ANO CLOSE THE
..-~~_J!!:::::::::L..~~~..-~..::..~~-... GAS VALVE.
0
~CASING PRESSURE
QUICK CONNECTOR
PERMITS EASY
DETERMINATION OF CASING
PRESSURE BY INSERTION OF
AN ADAPTOR ATTACHED TO
A PRESSURE GAUGE.
~CASING PRESSURE
BLEED VALVE
TURN THE ARROW UP-DOWN
ANO PULL TO OPEN THE
POPPET VALVE.

B. WELLHEAD ATTACHMENT
The wellhead attachment consists of two parts: the microphone and the gas gun.
The microphone converts acoustical signals into electrical signals. Do not permit the
electrical receptacle to become damaged or wet. Do not change pressure rapidly.
II-2
The gas gun consists of a 10 cubic inch volume chamber with a%" outlet valve. The outlet
valve will open rapidly when the trigger is pulled. This generates a pressure pulse. If the
pressure is greater in the volume chamber than the casing annulus, a compression (or positive)
pressure pulse
is generated. If the pressure is greater in the casing annulus than the volume
chamber, a rarefaction (or negative)
pressure pulse is generated.
A discussion
of the parts on the gas gun will be beneficial in operating the equipment. See
the gas gun drawings.
PRESSURE GAUGE
The pressure gauge measures the pressure in the gas gun volume chamber. If the gas gun
valve is open, the gauge indicates the pressure between the gas gun and the casing annulus
valve. If the casing annulus valve is open, the gauge indicates the casing pressure.
CASING PRESSURE QUICK CONNECTOR
A casing pressure quick connector is located on the side. A lower range pressure gauge with
a mating adaptor will fit into the casing pressure quick connector to enable the operator to
obtain the casing pressure when greater accuracy at low pressures is needed. The pressure
gauge and adaptor simply push into the casing pressure quick connector.
COCKING ARM
The cocking arm is lifted to depress and close the gas valve.
·?

II-3
CASING PRESSURE BLEED VALVE
The casing
pressure bleed valve is a poppet type valve to bleed the casing pressure. To open
the valve, turn the knob until the arrow is up -down and pull out the knob. The discharge from
the gas valve is sudden. Be careful not to blow sand or debris which could injure personnel.
The casing
pressure bleed valve can be used to generate the initial pressure pulse. Rapidly
open
the casing pressure bleed valve and allow it to remain open and bleed gas from the well
until the record is obtained. Do not close the casing pressure bleed valve before the reflection
from
the liquid level is obtained. Closing the casing pressure bleed valve will result in another
pulse being generated and multiple reflections will be obtained from down the well.
FILLER-BLEED CHAMBER VALVE
The filler-bleed
chamber valve is used to pressurize the gas gun volume chamber or to
remove gas from
the chamber. Gas is added to the gas gun volume chamber by insertion of a
mating quick connector attached to a pressurized gas source into the filler-bleed chamber valve.
Gas is bled from
the chamber by rotating the knob clockwise. Clockwise rotation of the
filler-bleed chamber valve results in depression of the valve core and hence bleeding of the
volume chamber thru the filler-bleed chamber valve.
TRIGGER PAWL
The
trigger pawl is pulled to release the gas valve. If sufficient pressure exists in the
volume chamber or on the end of the gas valve, the gas valve will open.
MICROPHONE
The microphone is a twin-disc pressure-sensitive device that is vibration cancelling.
C. ACCESSORY COMPONENTS
The standard accessories include recording paper, eleven point dividers, a choice length
microphone cable, a 110 VAC automatic recharger, a 12 VDC automobile cigar lighter
recharger, and an operating manual. A gas supply cylinder is necessary on low pressure wells.
Three 7.5 ounce C0
2
containers with quick connect filler connector, a refill adaptor and scales
are standard unless the optional 5# bottle with hose and quick connect filler connector are
specified. Extra manuals are free.

III
Operation of the Echometer with Compact Gas Gun Wellhead
The compact gas gun is to be operated in the Explosion or Implosion mode depending upon
the casing pressure. Use the Explosion technique when the casing pressure is less than
approximately 100 PSI. Use the Implosion technique when the casing pressure is sufficient to
obtain a good record.
A. EXPLOSION ofcompressed
gas from the Echometer gas gun can be used to generate the
pressure pulse. The pressure pulse is positive. (Use with less than 100 PSI casing pressure).
1. Securely attach Echometer gas gun to casing valve.
2. Close
Casing Pressure Bleed Valve and Filler-Bleed Chamber Valve. Open casing
valve slowly.
3.
Pull trigger ring and measure casing pressure. (Use precision pressure gage with
adaptor if desired).
4.
Lift cocking arm to close gas valve.
5.
Fill volume chamber with gas (C0
2 or N2) to 150 PSI.
Use a higher pressure only if
the liquid level response is not distinct. Less pressure should be used if satisfactory
records
are obtained at lower pressures.
6.
Turn amplifier ON and allow 10 seconds for stabilization while connecting cable.
7. Select
type of collar response desired and increase collar sensitivity until pen
response is 1 /s". (Reduce well noise if necessary).
8.
Turn chart drive ON and run 12 inches of chart paper.
9.
Generate pressure pulse by pulling trigger ring.
10. Turn amplifier OFF after operation:'

III-1
B. IMPLOSION of compressed gas from the casing annulus into the Echometer gas gun is used
to generate the pressure pulse. The pressure pulse is negative. (Use when the casing pressure is
between 100 PSI and the working pressure rating of 1500 PSI. Use at lower pressures if
satisfactory records are obtained).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Comments
1.
2.
3.
Securely attach Echometer gas gun to casing valve.
Close
Casing Pressure Bleed Valve and Filler-Bleed Chamber Valve and very
slowly open casing-valve. Do not allow pressure to increase over 500 PSI per
second. Damage to the microphone can result when rapid pressure changes occur.
-
Pull trigger ring_ and measure casing pressure. (Use precision pressure gage with
adaptor if desired.)
Lift cocking arm to close gas valve.
Bleed gas gun pressur.e through Filler-Bleed Chamber Valve by rotating knob
clockwise until ~he gas gun pressure has been decreased to approximately 200 PSI
below the casing pressure. Use greater or lesser differential pressure if greater or
lesser response is desired.
Turn amplifier ON and allow 10 seconds for stablization while connecting cable.
Select type of collar response desired and increase collar sensitivity until pen
response is 1/s". (Reduce well noise if necessary).
Turn chart drive- ON and run 12 inches of chart paper.
Generate pressure pulse by pulling trigger ring. The generated pressure pulse is
negative. Chart i;esporrse direction will be reversed.
Turn amplifier OFF after operation.
Before
removing the gas gun from the casing valve, bleed gas by opening the casing
pressure bleed valve. Tlie casing pressure bleed valve is the solid %" knurled knob.
Turn arrows up-doWn. Be careful. If sufficient pressure exists behind the poppet
valve, the valve will open itself. If the pressure is low, pull the valve open.
On deep wells, the filter should be in DEEP COLLAR position. DEEP COLLAR
position accents the lower collars.
On shallow wells or if the upper collars are not distinct on a deep well, set the filter
to UPPER COLLARS.

111-2
4. If the fluid level is not recorded, (especially on deep, low pressure wells), after
step 7 above, place filter in LIQUID LEVEL position and increase the lower
sensitivity knob until pen response is 1/s". Then set filter to collar position. After
generating the pressure pulse, note the pen response carefully. When collar
response
has diminished to 1/s" background noise, switch the filter to LIQUID
LEVEL so that the amplifier will be tuned to the response from the LIQUID
LEVEL.
5. All pen responses will be reversed in the IMPLOSION technique since the pressure
is negative in comparison to the normal positive pressure pulse.
6.
If a larger liquid level response is desired, use a greater differential pressure
between the gas gun volume chamber pressure and the casing annulus gas
pressure. Do not use a larger differential pressure unless needed.
7. Operating the gas gun at 300 PSI requires twice as much gas as operating at 150
PSI. Only one-half as many shots will be obtained from a cylinder. When using C0
2
gas above 300 PSI (at normal temperatures), liquid may form in the gas gun which
will
result in considerably more gas being used per shot.
8.
When using nitrogen gas, use a regulator so that the pressure cannot exceed the
working pressure rating of 1500 PSI.

III-3
DETAILS OF OPERATION
Attach Echometer wellhead to casing valve. The Echometer microphone should be as near
as possible to the casing annulus, preferably within 5 feet. Short lengths ofpipe can mask the
desired downhole signals. Longer lengths will give multiple reflections which are hard to
distinguish from collar reflections. Use a
minimum of 90° ells and tees and direct the blast
directly into the well if possible. Two inch connections are preferable but one inch connections
are generally satisfactory if the length of 1" pipe is held to a minimum. The amount and
number of unfavorable conditions which can be tolerated are determined by the difficulty of the
well. If the well is easy to test, then a few unfavorable conditions can be tolerated. If the well is
difficult,
the unfavorable surface conditions may prevent a satisfactory record. Normally,
unfavorable surface connections interfere more with collar than with liquid level response.
Proper sensitivity
setting is very important. Increase sensitivity until pen response is 1 /s".
The setting indicates the background well noise level. Background noise is caused by surface
vibrations,
leaking gas connections, downhole gas "popping" out ofliquid, and other unstable
conditions. This background noise is not a part of the signals that result when the pressure
wave is generated.
Do not increase the sensitivity after the pressure wave is generated or
background noise will
be recorded.
Background noise
must be considered. The pressure wave travels down the well and is
reflected by collars
and the liquid level. The top collar reflections are strong, and the lower
collar reflections become
much weaker. The liquid level reflection varies from a strong signal in
a shallow high-pressure well to a very weak signal in a deep low-pressure well. Only signals
stronger than background noise can be recorded. It is obvious that strong background noises
must be reduced if the recording of lower collars and liquid level is obtained in a deep, low
pressure well. More background noise
can be tolerated in high pressure, shallow wells because
the desired signals are stronger. In general, a background noise sensitivity setting of 3-5 is
sufficient on shallow
and higher pressure wells, while a setting of5-10 may be required for
satisfactory
results on a deep low-pressure well.
·?

III-4
Background noise can be classified as surface noise or down-hole noise. The source of the
noise can be easily determined by increasing the sensitivity until pen movement is obtained.
Then close the casing valve between the microphone and the casing annulus. If the random pen
movement reduces, the noise is originating from the other side of the valve which would be
down-hole noise
or noise caused by surface gas leakage on the other side of the valve. If the pen
movement remains the same, then the noise is either surface vibrations or noise caused by gas
leakage from extraneous lines connected on the same side of the casing valve as the wellhead.
Surface noise
generally originates from surface vibrations. The microphone is shock mounted,
but if the wellhead attachment vibrates, signals are generated. Wellhead Vibrations should be
stopped for better records on deep low-pressure wells. Vibrations result from running gas
engines, chattering check valves, and other operating surface equipment. Other possible surface
noises include leaking gas connections, leaking valves, and operating regulators. Close all other
lines leading from the casing annulus.
The main source of downhole noise is gas "popping" out of a gaseous column. When pen
movement occurs at sensitivity settings of less than 5, always check for a gaseous column. See
"Analyzing Well Performance" in the appendix. Downhole noise can also result from tubing &
casing leaks.
The filter can be used to remove background noise in many cases. Try all 3 filter positions if
necessary. The filter position which has the highest sensitivity settings for 1/s" pen response
often gives
best results.
Generally, the downhole noise can be reduced in relation to the desired reflected signals by
increasing the casing pressure. Continue to pump the well with the gas vent valves closed. At
low pressures, an increase of 10 PSI casing pressure almost always improves the record and
depresses a solid liquid column about 30 feet.
If the liquid level signal is not obtained due to excessive surface noise or downhole noise,
a larger signal from the liquid level can be obtained by generating a larger initial pressure
pulse.
Increasing the Sensitivity above the background noise level makes interpretation much
more difficult and is not recommended.

IV
INTERPRETATION
The normal
chart has a kick at the beginning of the run signifying the initial pressure
pulse, a series ofsmall evenly spaced kicks indicating
the collars, and the large kick indicating
the liquid level. On some charts, the collars can be distinguished from the top of the chart to
the liquid level and each collar can be counted. The spacing divider can be used if desired. On
other charts, the collars cannot be distinguished clearly all the way down the chart to the liquid
level kick.
In such cases, count the collars down to the last distinguishable collars. Then,
extrapolate to
the liquid level using the spacing dividers set with the same spacing as the last
distinguishable collars. Often the collars near the top of the chart are closer together than those
in the lower portion of the chart on wells which are not venting gas from the casing annulus.
The change is caused by heavier gas settling in the lower portion of the well. Sound travels
slower in a heavy gas. The collars become closer together near the bottom of the hole when gas
is
being vented at the surface and the bottomhole temperature-is higher than the surface
temperature. The higher temperature causes an increase in the velocity of sound. Be sure to
count the collars as accurately as possible down to the last distinguishable collars. In some
cases,
the collars are indistinct. Set the spacing divider for .the same spacing as shown by the
best collars and count from the instant of"blast" to the liquid level using this spacing.
The liquid level depth can also be determined by measuring the travel time and knowing
the acoustic velocity from gas property data. Acoustic velocity charts are available. Also, a
portable computer
can be used. Information is available on reque·st.
On an average well, the following events will be recorded on the chart. A kick will show the
initial blast. A series of small kicks will indicate the collars, a:nd then the liquid level kick will
be recorded.
If the chart is allowed to run, another kick will often occur below the liquid level
kick. This reflected liquid level
kick is caused by the blast which travels down the well, is
reflected by
the liquid level back to the surface, is again reflected by the casing head back down
the well; and again it is reflected by the liquid level back to the surface. The distance from the
initial blast to the first liquid level kick will be equal to the distance between the first liquid
level kick
and the second reflected level kick. Multiple liquid level reflections on shallow liquid
levels
can be misinterpreted. ·
.) . -
The direction ofkick indicates enlargement and reductions.in the cross sectional area of the
annulus. Objects which reduce the cross-sectional area of the annulus result in compression
waves
and are recorded as downward kicks (toward the printed side of the chart) when the top of
the chart is to the left. Such objects would be liners, tubing anchors, paraffin deposits or liquid
level. Conditions increasing
the cross sectional area of the annulus result in rarefaction waves
and are recorded as upward kicks. Such conditions are perforations, "shot" holes, parted casing,
or parted tubing. If the Implosion technique is used, the direction of pen response will be
reversed.

0
IV-1
The liquid level is recorded as a downwarn kick. (See chart below). If the liquid level is 20
feet or so in a "shot" hole, the pen would first kick upward then down as the sound wave was
reflected from the liquid level. Recording the liquid level below a liner would show a downward
kick at the liner, and downward kick at the liquid level, and an upward kick. The distance
between the liner kick and the liquid level kick is equal to the distance between the liquid level
kick and the liner reflection kick. The liner reflection kick results when the liquid level
reflection
signal is travelling upward and passes the liner increase in cross-sectional area. This
generates a rarefaction wave which returns to the bottom and then travels to the surface where
it is recorded.
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PROBLEM WELLS
The problem of obtaining a good record is generally caused by excessive surface vibrations,
excessive downhole noise (gaseous liquid columns), improper wellhead connections,
dirty
microphone and electrical connections, or low casing pressure.
Excessive surface vibrations
and downhole noise should be reduced. The SENSITIVITY
permits an actual measure ofextraneous noise. See Section III -Details of Operation.
v
The wellhead attachment should be attached directly to the casing valve, and all other
valves should be closed to obtain the best records. Attaching the Echometer wellhead over 5 feet
from
the casing can cause misleading reflections from the collar response.
Keep
the microphone cable connectors clean and dry. Stray signals will result when the
connectors are dirty. Also, keep the microphone clean.
Gaseous liquid columns caused
by gas bubbling through oil can be a problem. Increasing gas
pressure by closing the surface casing valves will generally result in a liquid level reflection.
Only a small discharge of gas is necessary to form a gaseous column in a small annulus
completion. Larger quantities are necessary to cause gaseous columns in large casing, small
tubing completions. Any well venting gas to the atmosphere, venting gas to the flow line, or
using casing gas to operate an engine should be checked. The amount ofliquid present in a
gaseous column
can be determined by a casing presure build-up test. Another technique is
compression of
the gaseous column with casing pressure to determine the gaseous columns
gradient. See "Analyzing Well Performance"
in the appendix.
The
best way to verify a liquid level in a producing well from other "kicks" (such as linets)
is to cause the liquid level to move. The liquid level is the only "kick" that can move in a well
and such a movement verifies a liquid level. A high level can be depressed by increasing the
casing pressure. An increase of 10 PSI in the casing pressure will depress the liquid level
approximately 30 feet.
The liquid level will rise when a producing well is shut-down. See Rate of
Fillup Graph for the amount of time required for liquid level rise.
.)
If numerous "kicks" are recorded on a chart which are difficult to interpret, another test
should be taken and compared to the first test. All "kicks" should be duplicated on each chart. If
"kicks" are not duplicated, stray noises caused them and these stray noises should be stopped as
described above.

The effect of pressure is very important. Stronger signals are returned in high pressure
wells. Increasing the casing pressure by 10 PSI is beneficial in deep, low-pressure wells.
Atmospheric
pressure and vacuum wells do not return strong signals from down the annulus
and a large "blast" may be necessary.
V-1
On rare occasions, paraffin deposits, dirty tubing or other conditions can result in downhole
conditions which
make the counting of collars or the determination of the liquid level difficult.
In extreme conditions, it may be necessary to clean the tubing and casing to remove foreign
material.

BA'ITERY INFORMATION
A sealed, rechargeable, lead cell, 2.5 amp hour, 12 volt battery is used in the
amplifier-recorder. The battery is similar to the new, sealed, 12 volt automobile battery.
The Echometer will operate from the self contained rechargeable battery or from a power
cord which is plugged into the automobile cigar lighter.
VI
A 110 VAC charger permits charging of the Echometer battery from a common 110 VAC
power
outlet. Approximately 14 hours is required to charge a discharged battery. The 110 VAC
charger will charge the battery at a 250 ma rate until the battery voltage reaches about 15 volts
which
indicates the battery is almost fully charged. Then the charger will trickle charge at a 25
ma rate. The red light on the charger is ON when the charger is charging at high rate. When
the charger is in trickle charge, the light is OFF. The charger whould be left connected to the
battery until the red light goes out and ceases to turn ON and OFF. Then the battery is almost
fully charged. The battery should be recharged at a temperature of approximately 70°F (20°C).
Continuous charging does not damage the battery.
, When operating with the cigar lighter power cord, the battery will be partially charged by
an operating automobile system in 5 to 15. minutes, and will be completely charged if the car is
driven for 8 hours. Attaching the power cord to the cigar lighter with the engine running for a
_short
time will charge a low battery sufficiently for a few tests. The power cord can be
permanently attached to the car battery if desired.
The battery should be charged when the operating voltage drops to approximately 11.3 volts
which is the top of the yellow arc. The battery can be charged more often if desired.
Best operating performance will be obtained with battery temperatures of 0°F to 120°F
f·l5°C
to +50°C). The battery has less capacity· aJld voltage at lower temperatures. Failure is
indicated if the test procedure given in SectionVII does not produce the desired results.
Temperature-
oF oc
104 40
77 24
32 0
-4 -20
Battery Life*
Hours
4
3.5
3
2
*Amplifier and chart drive ON: battery fully charged.
A fully
charged battery operating at 70°F has sufficient energy to test 1000 wells which
requires about 25 rolls of paper. Turning ON the amplifier only will discharge the battery in 24
hours. -