Abstract: A controller for use with a remote downhole tool is provided. The controller includes a processor and a transmitter for transmission of control signals to the remote downhole tool. The controller is configured for use at surface or uphole of the remote downhole tool to control transmission of data from the remote downhole tool. The controller is configured to transmit a control signal to the remote downhole tool to configure the remote downhole tool for transmission of data from the remote downhole tool according to a schedule or on demand. A communication system for use in a downhole environment is also provided. Methods of managing data transmission of a remote downhole tool are also provided.

Abstract: A downhole gauge device for use in a well is described. The downhole gauge device includes one or more electrical systems including at least one measurement means for obtaining measurement data and a data transmitting means configured to transmit measurement data to a receiving station; a first power supply configured to supply a first amount of power to any of the one or more electrical systems; a second power supply configured to supply a second amount of power that is greater than the first amount of power to any of the one or more electrical systems; and means for selectively enabling one or both of the first and second power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling communication of data in a communications network within a well environment is provided. The apparatus includes a computer processor configured to undertake a method. The method includes analyzing previously recorded well parameter data recorded in the and/or one or more further well environments; determining, based on the analyzed well parameter data, a communication protocol for a node of the communications network; and uploading the determined communication protocol to the node. When deployed in the well environment, the node is configured to transmit and/or receive communications signals to/from one or more further nodes in the communications network using the determined communication protocol.

Abstract: In described examples, there are systems and methods for deployment in proximity to an abandoned well. The systems and methods may allow use of data collected from an abandoned well, in which a sensor is positioned in the open hole section, or a well having a discontinuous metallic well structure. In some examples, there is described a communication system that is configured to be deployed in an abandoned well having a discontinuous metallic well structure that may be severed below a ground region.

Abstract: A downhole gauge device for use in a well is described. The downhole gauge device includes one or more electrical systems including at least one measurement means for obtaining measurement data and a data transmitting means configured to transmit measurement data to a receiving station; a first power supply configured to supply a first amount of power to any of the one or more electrical systems; a second power supply configured to supply a second amount of power that is greater than the first amount of power to any of the one or more electrical systems; and means for selectively enabling one or both of the first and second power supply.

Abstract: Downhole water level detecting apparatus for detecting the level of water in a formation in the region of a well installation. The detecting apparatus includes a transmitter for applying electrical signals to a signaling loop at a first location. The signaling loop includes a downhole metallic structure of the well installation and an earth return. The detecting apparatus also includes a detector for monitoring electrical signals in the signaling loop, and an evaluation unit arranged for determining a level of water in the formation relative to the downhole metallic structure in dependence on the monitored signals.

Abstract: In described examples, there are systems and methods for deployment in proximity to an abandoned well. The systems and methods may help monitor conditions at an abandoned well and/or help communication with downhole communicate devices. In some examples, there is described a communication system that is configured to be deployed in proximity to an abandoned well having a metallic well structure severed below a ground region. The system may include a plurality of receivers configured to be deployed at the ground region in proximity to the abandoned well, and configured to receive data signals from the metallic well structure of the abandoned well via the ground region. The system may comprise a processing unit, in communication with the receivers, and configured to receive and process data signals from the receivers.

Abstract: A well installation communication system includes downhole metallic structure 2, a downhole communication unit 3, and a surface communication unit 4 arranged for electrical signal communication with the downhole communication unit via a signal channel. The signal channel includes a portion of the downhole metallic structure 2, a portion of cable 5 running within the downhole metallic structure away from said portion of the downhole metallic structure towards the surface and a connection device 6. The connection device 6 is in the signal channel between the portion of metallic structure 2 and the portion of cable 5. The connection device is removeably deployed in the metallic structure, is electrically disconnectably and reconnectably connected to the metallic structure and has a connector portion to which an end of the cable is mechanically and electrically connected.

Abstract: In described examples, there are systems and methods for deployment in proximity to an abandoned well. The systems and methods may help monitor conditions at an abandoned well and/or help communication with downhole communicate devices. In some examples, there is described a communication system that is configured to be deployed in proximity to an abandoned well having a metallic well structure severed below a ground region. The system may include a plurality of receivers configured to be deployed at the ground region in proximity to the abandoned well, and configured to receive data signals from the metallic well structure of the abandoned well via the ground region. The system may comprise a processing unit, in communication with the receivers, and configured to receive and process data signals from the receivers.

Abstract: In described examples, there are systems and methods for deployment in proximity to an abandoned well. The systems and methods may allow use of data collected from an abandoned well, in which a sensor is positioned in the open hole section, or a well having a discontinuous metallic well structure. In some examples, there is described a communication system that is configured to be deployed in an abandoned well having a discontinuous metallic well structure that may be severed below a ground region.

Abstract: Downhole electrical power generation apparatus and methods of using stored pressurized gas and/or ambient downhole pressure. One example comprises first and second fluid receiving chambers, a fluid communication path for allowing flow of fluid from the first chamber via the fluid communication path to the second chamber and a turbine generator disposed so that fluid flowing from the first chamber via the fluid communications path to the second chamber operates the turbine generator to generate electrical power.

Abstract: Downhole water level detecting apparatus for detecting the level of water in a formation in the region of a well installation. The detecting apparatus includes a transmitter for applying electrical signals to a signaling loop at a first location. The signaling loop includes a downhole metallic structure of the well installation and an earth return. The detecting apparatus also includes a detector for monitoring electrical signals in the signaling loop, and an evaluation unit arranged for determining a level of water in the formation relative to the downhole metallic structure in dependence on the monitored signals.

Abstract: Downhole water level detecting apparatus for detecting the level of water in a formation in the region of a well installation. The detecting apparatus includes a transmitter for applying electrical signals to a signaling loop at a first location. The signaling loop includes a downhole metallic structure of the well installation and an earth return. The detecting apparatus also includes a detector for monitoring electrical signals in the signaling loop, and an evaluation unit arranged for determining a level of water in the formation relative to the downhole metallic structure in dependence on the monitored signals.

Abstract: A well installation communication system includes downhole metallic structure 2, a downhole communication unit 3, and a surface communication unit 4 arranged for electrical signal communication with the downhole communication unit via a signal channel. The signal channel includes a portion of the downhole metallic structure 2, a portion of cable 5 running within the downhole metallic structure away from said portion of the downhole metallic structure towards the surface and a connection device 6. The connection device 6 is in the signal channel between the portion of metallic structure 2 and the portion of cable 5. The connection device is removeably deployed in the metallic structure, is electrically disconnectably and reconnectably connected to the metallic structure and has a connector portion to which an end of the cable is mechanically and electrically connected.

Abstract: A well installation includes a metallic structure having downhole metallic tubing for conveying product towards the surface, a sub surface safety valve disposed in the downhole metallic tubing for interrupting flow of product towards the surface when closed and allowing flow of product towards the surface when open. Also, valve control means are disposed downhole and arranged for detecting electrical signals in the downhole metallic tubing and for holding the valve open while receiving an electrical signal, and surface signaling means for applying an electrical signal to metallic structure of the well for transmission via the downhole metallic tubing towards the valve control means so as to hold the valve open. The system can be made more robust by ensuring that the control means will only hold the valve open while receiving a signal of given characteristics to help prevent stray currents erroneously holding the valve open.

Abstract: Downhole water level detecting apparatus for detecting the level of water in a formation in the region of a well installation. The detecting apparatus includes a transmitter for applying electrical signals to a signaling loop at a first location. The signaling loop includes a downhole metallic structure of the well installation and an earth return. The detecting apparatus also includes a detector for monitoring electrical signals in the signaling loop, and an evaluation unit arranged for determining a level of water in the formation relative to the downhole metallic structure in dependence on the monitored signals.

Abstract: An impressed current cathodic protection arrangement includes an elongate metallic structure to be protected and cathodic protection apparatus which comprises a DC power supply and an anode. One terminal of the power supply is connected to the structure at a connection point and another terminal of the power supply is connected to the anode. The arrangement includes monitoring apparatus for monitoring effectiveness of cathodic protection provided by the cathodic protection apparatus by determining the electrical potential of the structure relative to surroundings at at least one location which is spaced from the connection point.

Abstract: Downhole electrical power generation apparatus and methods of using stored pressurized gas and/or ambient downhole pressure. One example comprises first and second fluid receiving chambers, a fluid communication path for allowing flow of fluid from the first chamber via the fluid communication path to the second chamber and a turbine generator disposed so that fluid flowing from the first chamber via the fluid communications path to the second chamber operates the turbine generator to generate electrical power.

Abstract: A well installation including metallic structure having downhole metallic tubing for conveying product towards the surface, a sub surface safety valve disposed in the downhole metallic tubing for interrupting flow of product towards the surface when closed and allowing flow of product towards the surface when open. Also, valve control means are disposed downhole and arranged for detecting electrical signals in the downhole metallic tubing and for holding the valve open while receiving an electrical signal, and surface signaling means for applying an electrical signal to metallic structure of the well for transmission via the downhole metallic tubing towards the valve control means so as to hold the valve open. The system can be made more robust by ensuring that the control means will only hold the valve open while receiving a signal of given characteristics to help prevent stray currents erroneously holding the valve open.