System, apparatus and method for detecting wireline tools

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system, an apparatus and a method for detecting line-attached tools in an above-surface portion of a well for use during well-work overs and/or interventions. The system includes the apparatus which comprises: a body for housing at least one magnetic-field generator and at least one magnetic-field sensor; and a tubular portion that is configured to be housed within the body. The tubular portion has a bore for receiving the line-attached tools and the at least one magnetic-field sensor is configured for detecting changes in the magnetic field caused by the line-attached tool approaching, moving through and/or moving away from the body. The system may further include a processor unit for receiving one or more signals from the at least one magnetic-field sensor and for determining the location and/or one or more dimensions of the line-attached tool while approaching, moving through or moving away from the body.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for detecting a line-attached tool that is moving through a well, the apparatus comprising:
 (a) a body that defines a central passageway for receiving the line-attached tool therethrough;   (b) at least one magnetic-field generator that is configured to generate a magnetic field that extends at least partially across the central passageway; and   (c) at least one magnetic-field sensor that is configured for detecting a change in one or more properties of the magnetic field that are caused by the line-attached tool approaching, moving through or moving away from the magnetic field.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one magnetic-field generator is housed within the body. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one magnetic-field sensor is housed within the body. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body is connectible with well in an arrangement where the central passage is substantially aligned with a central bore of the well. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body is connectible to the well below a lubricator of the well. 
     
     
         6 . A method for identifying a location of a line-attached tool while moving through an above-surface-portion of a well, the method comprising steps of:
 (a) creating a magnetic field within at least a portion of the above-surface-portion of the well;   (b) detecting changes in one or more properties of the magnetic field that are caused by the line-attached tool approaching, moving through or moving away from the magnetic field;   (c) communicating an output signal to a processor that indicates a change in the one or more detected properties of the magnetic field, wherein the processor is configured to determine the location of the line-attached tool within or near to the magnetic field; and   (d) generating an output signal that alerts a user that the line-attached tool is near or at the above-surface-portion of the well proximal the magnetic field.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the processor is also configured to determine one or more dimensions of the line-attached tool.