Borehole flowmeter. Annual report, February 1984-May 1985

A prototype borehole flowmeter was developed for the purpose of characterizing gas-flow distributions within Devonian Shale gas wells. Current technology for locating and measuring the gas-producing zones in the Devonian Shale well environment is indirect and inadequate due to the low flow rates involved. The ultrasonic flowmeter uses the time-of-flight approach to measure gas flow. Features incorporated in the borehole system include: (1) ultrasonic flowmeter; (2) temperature and pressure sensors; and, (3) gamma-ray counter and (4) X-Y volumetric caliper. Bench testing of sonic transmitter/receiver components has verified the feasibility of the design approach. A prototype system was fabricated and calibrated for use in the 0 to 50 cubic feet per minute range of gas flow. The prototype was tested in four Devonian Shale wells.