Method and apparatus for space out of permanently deployed well sensors

Abstract

A system and a method for adjusting the length of a cable between downhole sensors. The length adjustment system comprises a housing and at least one deforming member configured to translate relative to the housing. An actuator may be coupled to the deforming member and configured to translate the deforming member. The cable is deformed with one or more arcuate deformations, thereby reducing the length of the cable as measured relative to a straight line.

1 . A length adjustment system for adjusting a length of a cable comprising:
 a housing;   at least one deforming member configured to translate relative to the housing;   at least one actuator respectively coupled to the at least one deforming member and configured to translate the deforming member;   wherein translating the deforming member deforms an inserted cable thereby reducing the length of the cable as measured in a straight line.   
   
   
       2 . The length adjustment system according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a guide channel in at least one of a top member or a bottom member of the housing and configured to accommodate the inserted cable.   
   
   
       3 . The length adjustment system according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one deforming member comprises three or more deforming members and the at least one actuator comprises three or more corresponding actuators. 
   
   
       4 . The length adjustment system according to  claim 1  wherein the actuator is configured as an externally threaded rod and further comprises an adjustor. 
   
   
       5 . The length adjustment system according to  claim 1  wherein the actuator is configured as a pressure operated piston. 
   
   
       6 . The length adjustment system according to  claim 1  wherein the deformable member comprises an arcuate member rotatively coupled to the actuator. 
   
   
       7 . A method for adjusting a length of a cable comprising the steps of:
 providing a length adjustment device configured in an initial position;   placing the cable within the length adjustment device;   deforming the cable via actuating at least one deforming member, thereby reducing the length of the cable as measured in a substantially straight line.   
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the deforming the cable step comprises:
 actuating the at least one deforming member to a first position abutting the cable;   actuating the at least one deforming members to a second position configured so as to deform the cable;   actuating the at least one deforming member to a third position so as to facilitate release of the deformed cable.   
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the actuating of the at least one deforming member is controlled by a processor. 
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein deforming the cable further comprises twisting the cable about a longitudinal axis after reducing the length. 
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein deforming the cable further comprises providing substantially equal spacing between three or more sensors coupled to the cable. 
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein actuating of the at least one deforming member is via a corresponding adjustor. 
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the cable is a hydraulic conduit. 
   
   
       14 . A method for adjusting a length of a cable comprising the steps of:
 providing a length adjustment device configured in an initial position;   placing the cable within the length adjustment device;   holding one end of the cable in position relative to the length adjustment device;   deforming the cable via actuating at least one of a plurality of deforming members, thereby reducing the length of the cable as measured in a substantially straight line.   
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of deforming members comprises three or more deforming members. 
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein deforming the cable is sequentially performed in a single direction from the held end of the cable. 
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein deforming the cable further comprises providing substantially equal spacing between three or more sensors coupled to the cable. 
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein deforming the cable is performed by a processor controlling pressure operated pistons coupled to each of the plurality of deforming members. 
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein deforming the cable is performed by manipulation of adjustors respectively coupled to actuators translating each of the plurality of deforming members. 
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein deforming the cable further comprises twisting the cable about a longitudinal axis after length reduction.