Abstract: Sensor and communications systems are disclosed for communicating measurements from subsea equipment, such as at an offshore well, to the surface. A sensor for a physical parameter, such as pressure or temperature at a blowout preventer, capping stack, or conduit in communication with the same, is electrically connected to a subsea acoustic transponder. An acoustic communications device, for example an acoustic transducer and transceiver electronics deployed on a remotely-operated vehicle, interrogates the acoustic transponder with an acoustic signal, in response to which the acoustic transponder transmits an acoustic signal encoded with the measurement. The acquired measurement data are then communicated to a redundant network at the surface. The sensor and acoustic transponder systems can be installed after an event at the subsea equipment, such as blowout of the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurate temperature and pressure measurement in production processes is described. In designing the temperture pressure probe, novel features are described which include minimization of the thermal mass of the thermal probe, thermal isolation of the thermal probe from its surroundings, and generating turbulence in the vicinity of the thermal probe where it comes in contact with the fluid flow. Embodiments disclosed for the pressure sensor include a recessed position where fluid pressure transients are minimized, and a surface mounted pressure sensor that is useful where the pressure sensor of the first embodiment is likely to get clogged due to fluid composition.