Systems and methods for using wireline cable vibrations for qualifying depth measurement

Abstract

A method includes receiving a measurement indicative of depth of a wireline tool from a wireline depth counter. The wireline tool is coupled to a cable. The wireline depth counter includes a wheel along which the cable moves. The measurement indicative of depth comprises a measurement associated with an angular rotation of the wheel. An inertial measurement can be received from an inertial sensor that is configured to measure vibrations of the cable. A potential cable slip event can be determined based on the inertial measurement.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING WIRELINE CABLE VIBRATIONS FOR QUALIFYING DEPTH MEASUREMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 516,230, filed July 28, 2023, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for measuring depth of a wireline tool.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventionally, depth of a downhole tool of a wireline drilling system is determined by lowering the downhole tool with the wireline cable resting against a freely rotating wheel. A rotary encoder is coupled to the freely rotating wheel and measures angular rotation of the freely rotating wheel. The depth of the wireline tool is approximated by the diameter of the wheel and the number of rotations. However, the wireline cable can slip relative to the wheel, thereby rendering inaccurate measurements.

[0004] Accordingly, a way to account determining the accuracy of, and improving the accuracy of, the depth measurement is desirable.SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed herein, in one aspect, is a method including the step of receiving a measurement indicative of depth of a wireline tool from a wireline depth counter. The wireline tool is coupled to a cable. The wireline depth counter includes a wheel along which the cable moves. The measurement indicative of depth comprises a measurement associated with an angular rotation of the wheel. An inertial measurement can be received from an inertial sensor that is configured to measure vibrations of the cable. A potential cable slip event can be determined based on the inertial measurement.

[0006] In one aspect, a system includes a winch, a cable w ound around the winch, a wireline tool that is coupled to the cable, and a wireline depth counter. The wireline depth counter includes a wheel along which the cable passes. An inertial sensor is configured to measure vibrations of the cable. At least one processor is in communication with the inertial sensor.Memory is in communication with the at least one processor. The memory comprises instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: receive at least one signal from the inertial sensor; and determine, based on the at least one signal from the inertial sensor, a potential cable slip event.

[0007] Additional advantages of the disclosed system and method will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be understood from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed system and method. The advantages of the disclosed system and method will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, system, and method and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed apparatus, system, and method.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system as disclosed herein.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a computing system comprising a computing device as disclosed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The disclosed system and method may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of particular embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

[0012] It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0013] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” "an." and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a sensor” constitutes disclosure of a single sensor and further constitutes disclosure of two or more of such sensors, and so forth.

[0014] “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event, circumstance, or material may or may not occur or be present, and that the description includes instances where the event, circumstance, or material occurs or is present and instances where it does not occur or is not present.

[0015] Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, also specifically contemplated and considered disclosed is the range from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another, specifically contemplated embodiment that should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Finally, it should be understood that all of the individual values and subranges of values contained -within an explicitly disclosed range are also specifically- contemplated and should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherw ise. The foregoing applies regardless of whether in particular cases some or all of these embodiments are explicitly disclosed.

[0016] Optionally, in some aspects, when values or characteristics are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value or characteristic can be included within the scope of those aspects.

[0017] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which the disclosed apparatus, system, and method belong. Although any apparatus, systems, and methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present apparatus, system, and method, the particularly useful methods, devices, systems, and materials are as described.

[0018] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integersor steps. In particular, in methods stated as comprising one or more steps or operations it is specifically contemplated that each step comprises what is listed (unless that step includes a limiting term such as “consisting of’), meaning that each step is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps that are not listed in the step.

[0019] As used herein, “depth” can refer to distance into a borehole along the borehole path. That is. a borehole can extend vertically downwardly, upwardly, or at any angle. Further, the borehole can be straight or have at least one curve. Depth can be understood to include depth into the borehole in any direction.

[0020] Disclosed herein and with reference to FIG. 1. is a system 10 for determining depth of a wireline tool in a borehole 100. The system 10 can comprise a winch 12 (also referred to as a drum), a wireline cable 14 wound around the winch, and a wireline tool 20 that is directly or indirectly coupled to the wireline cable 14. In operation, the wireline cable 14 is coupled to a wireline tool 20, and the winch rotates to either increase or decrease the operative length of wireline cable, thereby controlling a position of the wireline tool 20 with respect to (e.g., within) a drill string. As used herein, the term "wireline tool” refers to a mechanical structure comprising an instrument that is deployable and retrievable (e.g., configured to be tripped) within a borehole using a wireline cable. In exemplary configurations, the wireline tool can include a sensor. Optionally, the wireline tool can comprise a housing or probe structure.

[0021] In some optional aspects, the wireline tool can include running gear as is known in the art. Running gear can include a tool that is configured to deploy a sensor, such as, for example, landing running gear to facilitate landing on and retrieving a core barrel assembly, and / or latching running gear that is used to connect a sensor / tool to an overshot for deployment / retrieval. In exemplary aspects, the landing running gear can attach to an instrument (e.g., a gy ro) to protect the instrument from shock on impact at the bottom of a hole. Optionally, the landing running gear can comprise a latch assembly that is configured to latch onto an inner tube assembly. In additional exemplary aspects, the latching running gear can comprise a structure having a distal (farthest from the surface or rig) end that engages a proximal (closest to the surface or rig) end of an instrument housing and further defines a proximal end portion that includes an engagement feature (e.g., a spear point, a groove, a projection, or other structure) that is configured to complementarity engage an overshot or other retrieval device.

[0022] As used herein, the term “cable” can refer to a flexible elongated member that can exert a tensile force during deployment and / or retrieval of a wireline tool. The cable need not provide any electrical communication, although it may. The wireline tool 20 can be any wireline tool. For example, the wireline tool 20 can comprise one or more sensors 24 such as, for example, pressure sensor(s), magnetic sensor(s), radiation (e.g., gamma ray) detector(s). optical televiewer(s) and / or acoustic televiewer(s), etc. In other aspects, the wireline tool 20 can comprise mechanical tools, such as, for example, a latch for engaging an inner tube assembly of a core barrel assembly.

[0023] The system 10 can further comprise a wireline depth counter 30 comprising a wheel 32 along which the cable passes. The wireline depth counter 30 can further comprise a rotary encoder 34 that is coupled to the wheel 32. For example, the wireline depth counter 30 can comprise three wheels that bias against the cable in alternating directions (as is known in the art) to maintain contact between the three wheels and the cable so that, under optimal circumstances, the wheels each rotate with the cable.

[0024] An inertial sensor 52 can be positioned to measure vibrations of the cable 14. For example, the inertial sensor 52 can be coupled to a wheel 54 (e.g., optionally, a pulley / sheave) that contacts the cable 14. For example, the inertial sensor can couple to the wheel via a frame 56. In some optional aspects, the wheel 54 can be one of the wheels 32 of the wireline depth counter 30. In further or alternative aspects, the wheel 54 can be independent of the wireline depth counter 30. For example, a stand-alone device 50 can comprise a wheel 54 (e.g., optionally, a pulley / sheave) having an inertial sensor 52 coupled thereto, and the stand-alone device 50 can be positioned against the cable 14 to measure vibrations of the cable. The wheel 54 can transfer the vibrations from the cable to the inertial sensor 52. For example, the wheel 54 can transfer the vibrations from the cable 14 to the frame 56, and the frame can, in turn, transfer the vibrations to the inertial sensor. In still further aspects, the inertial sensor 52 can be coupled to the wheel 60 (e.g., pulley / sheave) of a wireline or drill rig. The inertial sensor 52 can comprise, for example, an accelerometer or an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The inertial sensor 52 can output an inertial measurement indicative of vibrations in the cable.

[0025] Refernng also to FIG. 2, the system 10 can further comprise a computing device 1001 comprising at least one processor (e.g., processor 1003) in communication with the inertial sensor 52 and memory7(e.g. mass storage device 1004) in communication with the at leastone processor. The memory can comprise instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to a) receive at least one signal from the inertial sensor 52; and b) determine, based on the at least one signal from the inertial sensor, a potential cable slip event. For example, determining the potential cable slip event can comprise detecting a vibration signature associated with the potential cable slip event. Such cable slip events can occur, for example, at splices along the cable or at locations where the cable is subject to wear. In some aspects, the vibration signature can correspond to an increased vibration (e.g., from slipping of the cable off of the wheel and into idlers). In other aspects, the vibration signature can correspond to decreased vibration (e.g., from slipping). It is contemplated that slipping can be caused by different circumstances including environmental buildup such as, for example, ice or mud.

[0026] In some aspects, the memory can comprise instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to qualify accuracy of the depth measurement. For example, a plurality of potential cable slip events or long durations of slip events can correspond to less accurate measurements. The computing device can provide an output to an operator indicative of the quality of the depth measurement. The output can include, for example, a potential error percent or distance, a number of potential cable slip events, or a qualitative reading such as a category (e.g., good, medium, or unreliable).

[0027] In further aspects, the memory can comprise instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to a) receive at least one signal from the wireline depth reader 30; and b) determine an irregularity corresponding to a potential cable slip event. The irregularity can be a time during an interval in which readings of the wireline depth reader deviate from what is expected. The irregularity can be, for example, an abrupt change in depth rate of change per unit time, or an inconsistent depth rate of change during an interval in which constant movement is expected.

[0028] The memory can comprise further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to store, in the memory', a time value associated with the potential cable slip event. For example, the time value can correspond to a beginning or an end of the cable slip event. In still further aspects, the processor(s) can store in memory a duration of the potential cable slip event. Accordingly, the duration can be used to qualify potential error in measurement as well as quantify error. The duration can further be used to improve an estimate of the wireline tool. In some aspects, the memory' can store a first timevalue associated with the beginning of the potential cable slip event and a second time value associated with the end of the potential cable slip event.

[0029] It is still further contemplated that the computing device 1001 can associate potential cable slip events determined by the at least one signal from the inertial sensor 52 and by the at least one signal from the wireline depth counter 30. For example, said signals can be associated with each other by their respective corresponding time values.

[0030] The system can provide an estimate of the depth of the wireline tool, accounting for the potential cable slip event. For example, the memory of the computing device can comprise further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: determine a depth estimate comprising (a) a raw' depth measurement based on a measurement from the wireline depth counter indicative of depth of the wireline tool and (b) an adjustment to the raw depth measurement based on a secondary depth measurement. As further described herein, the secondary’ depth measurement can be an estimation of movement of the wireline tool 20 during the potential cable slip event. For example, a duration of the potential cable slip event and a rate of change of depth prior to or after the cable slip event as measured by the depth counter 30 can be used to determine the secondary' depth measurement. A segment of the raw depth measurement that corresponds to the time of the potential cable slip event (and thus, is potentially inaccurate) can be replaced by the secondary depth measurement (i.e., the estimation of the movement of the wireline tool 20 during the potential cable slip event) to improve the accuracy of the depth estimate.

[0031] In some aspects, the system 10 can use winch data to improve accuracy of the depth measurement. For example, the system 10 can comprise an encoder 16 that is configured to measure rotation of the winch 12. The memory can comprise further instructions that, w hen executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: a) receive data associated with readings from the encoder, and b) determine the adjustment to the raw depth based on the data associated with the readings from the encoder. For example, constant rotation of the winch during a potential cable slip event can correspond to a generally constant depth change, and the depth change during the potential cable slip event can be interpolated by depth change rate prior to and after the potential cable slip event as determined by the wireline depth counter 30 or by extrapolating either the depth change prior to or after the potential cable slip event. That is, the velocity' of the downhole tool can be estimated based on one or both of the velocities of the downhole tool immediately prior to and immediatelyafter the potential cable slip event, and said estimated velocity can be multiplied by the duration of the potential cable slip event to determine a change in depth during said potential cable slip event.

[0032] In still further aspects, the system 10 can be configured to determine wear in the cable 14. For example, wear in the cable can correspond to lower vibrations (for example, in comparison to a threshold or a previously measured level of vibration). Accordingly, in some aspects, the memory can comprise further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to determine, based on the inertial measurement from the inertial sensor, wear in the cable. In further aspects, the memory can comprise further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to determine a condition of the cable. For example, the computing device can classify the cable in a group (e.g., good, medium, or bad) or provide an estimated timeline. In still further aspects, the system 10 can be configured to compare qualify of different portions of the cable to itself (e.g.. the first 100 meters of a cable show significantly more wear than the rest of the cable).

[0033] Thus, in some aspects, the computing device 1001 can provide a notification (e.g., a visual notification on a display and / or an audible notification through a speaker) to an operator indicating that the cable 14 is worn and needs to be replaced. For example, the system can track the vibration signals of the cable over the course of its use and detect changes. In further aspects, the system can compare the vibration signals to a database of other cables. The database can comprise, for example, different vibration signals for cables having different amounts of wear. The different vibration signals of the database can further be associated with different types of cables (e.g., swaged and unswagged cable). The vibration signals of the cable 14 of the system 10 can be compared to the vibration signatures of corresponding cables (e.g., swaged or unswagged) and, based on this comparison, the computing device 1001 can determine the level of wear of the cable 14 and, if sufficient wear is detected, the computing device 1001 can provide the notification to the operator. In still further aspects, logged data can be associated with accuracy. For example, data logged prior to detection of a potential cable slip event can be indicated to have higher accuracy than data logged after one or more potential cable slip events. In still further aspects, data can be shown in a graphical representation with its accuracy indicated (e.g., with a color indication, a numerical indication, or other such indication).

[0034] In still further aspects, the system 10 can be configured to detect and define defects and / or anomalies. For example, the system can determine whether the potential cable slip event corresponds to a splice in the cable, a snapped cable, a frayed cable, or a kink in the cable. Still further the system can be configured to determining whether wear in the cable is localized or consistent. In exemplary aspects, each potential cable slip event can have a corresponding vibrational signature (e.g., having a particular frequency and amplitude, or a relative deviation of frequency and amplitude as compared to baseline vibrations during normal use). Cable vibrations can be compared to vibration signatures of a library of different kinds of potential cable slip events (e.g., a splice in the cable, a snapped cable, a frayed cable, or a kink in the cable). The library can be populated based on experimental data.

[0035] In other aspects, the system 10 can be configured to detect that the cable 14 has fallen off of the wheel 32 and, for example, is running alongside the wheel (e.g., by a vibration signature and, optionally, with further comparison to outputs from the rotary encoder 34 that is coupled to the wheel 32).

[0036] In further optional aspects, the system 10 can comprise a magnetometer or other electromagnetic sensor 40 positioned proximate to the cable 14. The magnetometer 40 can be in communication with the computing device 1001. Outputs of the magnetometer can be indicative of variability (e.g., wear) in the cable, and the computing device 1001 can be configured to detect wear based on at least one output from the magnetometer. The magnetometer 40 can optionally be paired with a magnet (e g., a rare earth magnet or an electromagnet). The cable 14 can be positioned between the magnetometer and the magnet so that the cable disrupts electromagnetic field, permitting detection of cable defects, deficiencies, or irregularities. In some aspects, the magnetometer 40 can be in electrical communication with magnetic coils on either end via wires. The cable 14 can pass through the magnetic coils. The cable 14 passing through the magnetic coils can make the wire between the magnetic coils magnetic, thereby generating an electromagnetic field that the magnetometer can measure. In further aspects, the magnetometer or other electromagnetic sensor 40 can comprise an eddy current system. The eddy current system can comprise a coil having alternating current passing therethrough. The coil can be positioned proximate to the cable 14. The changing magnetic field of the coil can interact with the coil 14 and generate eddy currents in the vicinity of the coil. Variations in the changing phases and magnitude ofthese eddy currents are then monitored through the use of a receiver-coil or by measuring changes to the alternate current flowing in the primary excitation-coil.

[0037] In various aspects, the depth as determined by the system 10 can be associated with various other data, such as, for example, sensor data from the at least one sensor 24. Accordingly, sensed data can be logged and associated with respective depths at which the data was sensed. For example, the sensed data can be associated with raw depth measurements (e g., data from the wireline depth reader 30) or adjusted depth measurements (e.g., depth measurements with adjustments to the raw depth measurements to account for a cable slip event by using, for depth change during the cable slip event, the velocity of the downhole tool as estimated based on one or both of the velocities of the downhole tool immediately prior to and immediately after the potential cable slip event).

[0038] In some optional aspects, an inertial sensor 22 can be coupled to the wireline tool 20. For example, in some aspects, the inertial sensor 22 can be integral to the wireline tool 20. In further aspects, the inertial senor 22 can be a separate component that couples to the wireline tool 20. The inertial sensor 22 can comprise, for example, an accelerometer or an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

[0039] In these aspects, the inertial sensor 22 can be configured to detect an inertial measurement indicative of vibrations in the cable. As explained above, the detected vibrations in the cable can be indicative of a level of cable wear and / or a position / condition of the cable.Method of Use

[0040] A method of using the system 10 as disclosed herein can comprise receiving a measurement indicative of depth of a wireline tool 20 from a wireline depth counter 30. The wireline tool 20 can be coupled to a cable 14. The wireline depth counter 30 can comprise a wheel 32 along which the cable moves (with the w heel rotating with the cable to have, ideally, no slippage therebetween). The measurement indicative of depth can comprise a measurement associated with an angular rotation of the wheel 32. For example, the angular measurement associated with the angular rotation of the wheel 32 can be a measurement from the encoder 34 that rotates with the wheel 32. An inertial measurement can be received from an inertial sensor 52 that is coupled to the wireline tool 30. A potential cable slip event can be determined based on the inertial measurement.

[0041] A time value associated with the potential cable slip can be stored.

[0042] Optionally, determining, based on the inertial measurement, the potential cable slip event can comprise detecting a vibration signature associated with the potential cable slip. In some optional aspects, determining, based on the inertial measurement, the potential cable slip event can further comprise determining an irregularity in the at least one signal from the wireline depth counter 30 corresponding to a potential cable shp event. That is, the at least one signal from the wireline depth counter 30 can confirm, with the vibration signature, the potential cable slip event.

[0043] The method can further comprise determining a depth estimate comprising (a) a raw depth measurement based on the measurement from the wireline depth counter indicative of depth of the wireline tool and (b) an adjustment to the raw depth measurement based on a secondary depth measurement.

[0044] For example, the secondary depth measurement can comprise a logged winch speed at a time corresponding to the potential cable shp event. Constant rotation of the winch during a potential cable shp event can correspond to an expected constant depth change, and the depth change during the potential cable slip event can be interpolated by depth change rate prior to and after the potential cable slip event as determined by the wireline depth counter 30 or by extrapolating either the depth change prior to or after the potential cable slip event. Thus, the secondary depth measurement can comprise a measurement of the wireline depth counter (e.g.. a velocity) prior to or after the potential cable slip event.

[0045] In various aspects, a method can comprise determining, based on the inertial measurement from an inertial sensor that is configured to measure vibrations of the cable, wear in the cable. The method can further comprise determining a condition of the cable. In further aspects, the method can comprise determining quality of different portions of the cable to itself (e g., the first 100 meters show significantly more wear than the balance of the wireline). For example, the quality can be a qualitative reading such as a category (e.g., good, medium, or unreliable) or an expected lifetime.

[0046] In still further aspects, the method can comprise detecting and defining defects. For example, the method can comprise determine whether the potential cable slip event corresponds to a splice in the cable, a snapped cable, a frayed cable, or a kink in the cable.Still further the method can comprise determining whether wear in the cable is localized or consistent.

[0047] In further aspects, the method can comprise detecting variability in the cable based on at least one output from the magnetometer.

[0048] In other aspects, the method can comprise detecting that the cable has fallen off of the wheel 32 and, for example, is running alongside the wheel.Computing Device

[0049] FIG. 2 shows an operating environment 1000 including an exemplary configuration of a computing device 1001 for use with the system 10 (FIG. 1). Optionally, the computing device 1001 can be integral to the wireline tool 20. In further aspects, the computing device 1001 can be embodied as a plurality of computing devices such as a first computing device on the wireline tool and a second computing device that is outside of the borehole. Thus, optionally, the wireline tool 20 can be acquiring data outside of connectivity range of the second computing device, and processing of the data can occur after the wireline tool is brought into communication with the second computing device.

[0050] The computing device 1001 may comprise one or more processors 1003, a system memory' 1012, and a bus 1013 that couples various components of the computing device 1001 including the one or more processors 1003 to the system memory 1012. In the case of multiple processors 1003, the computing device 1001 may utilize parallel computing.

[0051] The bus 1013 may comprise one or more of several possible types of bus structures, such as a memory bus, memory controller, a peripheral bus. an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.

[0052] The computing device 1001 may operate on and / or comprise a variety of computer readable media (e.g.. non-transitory). Computer readable media may be any available media that is accessible by the computing device 1001 and comprises, non-transitory. volatile and / or non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. The system memory' 1012 has computer readable media in the form of volatile memory', such as random access memory' (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory' (ROM). The system memory 1012 may store data such as vibration data 1007 (i.e., data from signals received bythe electrodes) and / or program modules such as operating system 1005 and event detection software 1006 that are accessible to and / or are operated on by the one or more processors 1003.

[0053] The computing device 1001 may also comprise other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer storage media. The mass storage device 1004 may provide non-volatile storage of computer code, computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computing device 1001. The mass storage device 1004 may be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk, magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like.

[0054] Any number of program modules may be stored on the mass storage device 1004. An operating system 1005 and event detection software 1006 may be stored on the mass storage device 1004. One or more of the operating system 1005 and event detection software 1006 (or some combination thereof) may comprise program modules and the event detection software 1006. The vibration data 1007 may also be stored on the mass storage device 1004. The vibration data 1007 may be stored in any of one or more databases known in the art. The databases may be centralized or distributed across multiple locations within the network 1015.

[0055] A user may enter commands and information into the computing device 1001 using an input device. Such input devices comprise, but are not limited to, a joystick, a touchscreen display, a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a computer mouse, remote control), a microphone, a scanner, tactile input devices such as gloves, and other body coverings, motion sensor, speech recognition, and the like. These and other input devices may be connected to the one or more processors 1003 using a human machine interface 1002 that is coupled to the bus 1013, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also know n as a Firewire port), a serial port, network adapter 1008, and / or a universal serial bus (USB).

[0056] A display device 1011 may also be connected to the bus 1013 using an interface, such as a display adapter 1009. It is contemplated that the computing device 1001 may have more than one display adapter 1009 and the computing device 1001 may have more than onedisplay device 1011. A display device 1011 may be a monitor, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), light emitting diode (LED) display, television, smart lens, smart glass, and / or a projector. In addition to the display device 1011, other output peripheral devices may comprise components such as speakers (not shown) and a printer (not shown) which may be connected to the computing device 1001 using Input / Output Interface 1010. Any step and / or result of the methods may be output (or caused to be output) in any form to an output device. Such output may be any form of visual representation, including, but not limited to, textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, and the like. The display 1011 and computing device 1001 may be part of one device, or separate devices.

[0057] The computing device 1001 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computing devices 1014a, b,c. A remote computing device 1014a, b,c may be a personal computer, computing station (e.g., w orkstation), portable computer (e.g., laptop, mobile phone, tablet device), smart device (e.g., smartphone, smart watch, activity tracker, smart apparel, smart accessory), security and / or monitoring device, a server, a router, a network computer, a peer device, edge device or other common netw ork node, and so on. Logical connections between the computing device 1001 and a remote computing device 1014a, b,c may be made using a netw ork 1015, such as a local area netw ork (LAN) and / or a general wide area network (WAN) . or a Cloud-based network. Such network connections may be through a network adapter 1008. A network adapter 1008 may be implemented in both wired and wireless environments. Such networking environments are conventional and commonplace in dwellings, offices, enterprise-wide computer netw orks, intranets, and the Internet. It is contemplated that the remote computing devices 1014a,b,c can optionally have some or all of the components disclosed as being part of computing device 1001. In various further aspects, it is contemplated that some or all aspects of data processing described herein can be performed via cloud computing on one or more servers or other remote computing devices. Accordingly, at least a portion of the system 1000 can be configured with internet connectivity’.EXEMPLARY ASPECTS

[0058] In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or thatthe “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

[0059] Aspect 1 : A method comprising: receiving a measurement indicative of depth of a wireline tool from a wireline depth counter, wherein the wireline tool is coupled to a cable, wherein the wireline depth counter comprises a wheel along which the cable moves, wherein the measurement indicative of depth comprises a measurement associated with an angular rotation of the wheel; receiving an inertial measurement from an inertial sensor that is configured to measure vibrations of the cable; and determining, based on the inertial measurement, a potential cable slip event.

[0060] Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, further comprising storing a time value associated with the potential cable slip.

[0061] Aspect 3: The method of aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein determining, based on the inertial measurement, the potential cable slip event comprises detecting a vibration signature associated with the potential cable slip.

[0062] Aspect 4: The method of aspect 3, wherein the vibration signature is indicative of a cable splice.

[0063] Aspect 5: The method of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the inertial sensor comprises an inertial measurement unit.

[0064] Aspect 6: The method of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the inertial sensor comprises at least one accelerometer.

[0065] Aspect 7 : The method of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising determining a depth estimate comprising (a) a raw depth measurement based on the measurement from the wireline depth counter indicative of depth of the wireline tool and (b) an adjustment to the raw depth measurement based on a secondary depth measurement.

[0066] Aspect 8: The method of aspect 7, wherein the secondary7depth measurement comprises a measurement of the wireline depth counter prior to or after the potential cable slip event.

[0067] Aspect 9: The method of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising determining, based on the inertial measurement from the inertial sensor, wear in the cable.

[0068] Aspect 10: The method of aspect 9, further comprising determining a condition of the cable.

[0069] Aspect 11 : A system comprising: a winch; a cable wound around the winch; a wireline tool that is coupled to the cable; a wireline depth counter, wherein the wireline depth counter comprises a wheel along which the cable passes; and an inertial sensor that is configured to measure vibrations of the cable; at least one processor in communication with the inertial sensor; and memory in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the memory comprises instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: receive at least one signal from the inertial sensor; and determine, based on the at least one signal from the inertial sensor, a potential cable slip event.

[0070] Aspect 12: The system of aspect 11, wherein the memoiy comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to store a time value associated with the potential cable slip event.

[0071] Aspect 13: The system of aspect 11 or aspect 12, wherein the potential cable slip event comprises detecting a vibration signature associated with the potential cable slip event.

[0072] Aspect 14: The system of any one of aspects 11-13, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: determine a depth estimate comprising (a) a raw depth measurement based on a measurement from the wireline depth counter indicative of depth of the wireline tool and (b) an adjustment to the raw depth measurement based on a secondary depth measurement.

[0073] Aspect 15: The system of aspect 14, wherein the system further comprises an encoder that is configured to measure rotation of the winch, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: receive data associated with readings from the encoder; determine the adjustment to the raw depth based on the data associated with the readings from the encoder.

[0074] Aspect 16: The system of any one of aspects 11-15, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to determine, based on the inertial measurement from the inertial sensor, wear in the cable.

[0075] Aspect 17: The system of aspect 1 , wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to determine a condition of the cable.

[0076] Aspect 18: The system of any one of aspects 1 1-17, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: receive data associated with readings from the encoder; and determine a quality of the data associated with the readings from the encoder.

[0077] Aspect 19: The system of any one of aspects 11-18, wherein the time value is a first time value associated with a beginning of the potential cable slip event, w herein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to store a second time value associated with an end of the potential cable slip event.

[0078] Aspect 20: The system of any one of aspects 11-19, wherein the time value is a first time value associated with a beginning or an end of the potential cable slip event, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to store a duration of the potential cable slip event.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the method and compositions described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method comprising: receiving a measurement indicative of depth of a wireline tool from a wireline depth counter, wherein the wireline tool is coupled to a cable, wherein the wireline depth counter comprises a wheel along which the cable moves, wherein the measurement indicative of depth comprises a measurement associated with an angular rotation of the wheel; receiving an inertial measurement from an inertial sensor that is configured to measure vibrations of the cable; and determining, based on the inertial measurement, a potential cable slip event.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing a time value associated with the potential cable slip.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining, based on the inertial measurement, the potential cable slip event comprises detecting a vibration signature associated with the potential cable slip.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the vibration signature is indicative of a cable splice.

5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inertial sensor comprises an inertial measurement unit.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the inertial sensor comprises at least one accelerometer.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a depth estimate comprising (a) a raw depth measurement based on the measurement from the wireline depth counter indicative of depth of the wireline tool and (b) an adjustment to the raw depth measurement based on a secondary’ depth measurement.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the secondary depth measurement comprises a measurement of the wireline depth counter prior to or after the potential cable slip event.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining, based on the inertial measurement from the inertial sensor, wear in the cable.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining a condition of the cable.

11. A system comprising: a winch; a cable wound around the winch; a wireline tool that is coupled to the cable;a wireline depth counter, wherein the wireline depth counter comprises a wheel along which the cable passes; and an inertial sensor that is configured to measure vibrations of the cable; at least one processor in communication with the inertial sensor; and memory in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the memory comprises instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: receive at least one signal from the inertial sensor; and determine, based on the at least one signal from the inertial sensor, a potential cable slip event.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: store a time value associated with the potential cable slip event.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the potential cable slip event comprises detecting a vibration signature associated with the potential cable slip event.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: determine a depth estimate comprising (a) a raw depth measurement based on a measurement from the wireline depth counter indicative of depth of the wireline tool and (b) an adjustment to the raw depth measurement based on a secondary7depth measurement.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the system further comprises an encoder that is configured to measure rotation of the winch, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: receive data associated with readings from the encoder; determine the adjustment to the raw depth based on the data associated with the readings from the encoder.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: determine, based on the inertial measurement from the inertial sensor, wear in the cable.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: determine a condition of the cable.

18. The system of claim 11, wherein the memon' comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to: receive data associated with readings from the encoder; and determine a quality7of the data associated with the readings from the encoder.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein the time value is a first time value associated with a beginning of the potential cable slip event, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to store a second time value associated with an end of the potential cable slip event.

20. The system of claim 11, wherein the time value is a first time value associated with a beginning or an end of the potential cable slip event, wherein the memory comprises further instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to store a duration of the potential cable slip event.

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