Patent ID: 6513591
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A method of detecting a leak in a well tubular of a well for the production of hydrocarbon fluid from an earth formation, the method comprising the steps of:a) passing a sonic tool provided with a transducer package capable of sending an receiving a sonic signal, through the well tubular; b) prior to start of hydrocarbon fluid production through the well, inducing the transducer package to transmit the sonic signal through the well tubular and to receive a reflected signal, and making a primary registration of the reflected signal indicative of a leak-free well tubular; c) after start of hydrocarbon fluid production through the well, inducing the transducer package to transmit the sonic signal through the well tubular and to receive a reflected signal, and making a secondary registration of the reflected signal indicative of an operational well tubular; d) comparing the primary and secondary registrations and detecting a leak in the well tubular from a difference between said registrations.