Patent ID: 7373976

Claim:
A system for controlling a production cycle in a well, during the production cycle, for optimizing production from the well, the optimizing system comprising: a flow-control valve in fluid connection with a wellbore, the flow-control valve moveable between a closed position to prevent fluid flow from the wellbore and an open position allowing fluid flow from the wellbore; a pulse generator positioned in fluid communication with the wellbore such that the fluid flows from the wellbore through the pulse generator, the pulse generator selectively interrupting the fluid flowing from the wellbore causing a pressure pulse to be transmitted in the wellbore; a receiver in operational connection with the wellbore for receiving the pressure pulse and pressure pulse reflections from a surface in the wellbore and for sending an electrical signal in response to the received pressure pulses; and a controller in functional connection with the flow-control valve, the pulse generator and the receiver; wherein the controller operates the position of the flow control valve in response to a well status determined by the controller from the receipt and analysis of the electrical signals from the receiver.