Patent ID: 7784538

Claim:
A method of operating an artificial lift device utilizing an acoustic ping, the method comprising: generating an acoustic ping in a fluid in a borehole by a downhole transmitter, the transmitter being in communication with a time reference; monitoring waves resulting from the acoustic ping by one or more downhole receivers in the borehole, the waves including a T-wave, the one or more downhole receivers being in communications with the time reference; estimating a sonic velocity for the fluid in the borehole, including analyzing a sample of fluid pumped to the surface of the borehole to thereby estimate a mixture of oil and water in the fluid in the borehole; calculating a depth of the fluid responsive to the estimated sonic velocity for the fluid in the borehole and monitored T-waves resulting from the acoustic ping; and controlling an operation of an artificial lift device responsive to the calculated depth of the fluid.