Abstract: A downhole communications system comprises a power generator disposed proximate a predetermined portion of a side pocket mandrel in such a way as to not impede fluid flow within a wellbore into which the side pocket mandrel is disposed and a wireless communications transmitter operatively in communication with the power generator. Placed at least partially within a side pocket mandrel, the system allows fluid flowing proximate the side pocket mandrel to engage the power generator to create electric energy which may be used to power the wireless communications transmitter and allow data interchange between the wireless communications transmitter and a predetermined well device.

Abstract: Real time monitoring of a predetermined set of downhole parameters related to downhole status of a well comprises deploying a casing module as part of a casing string to a first predetermined location downhole, the casing module comprising a set of components, deploying a tubing module as part of a tubing string, typically within the casing string, where the tubing module comprises a set of tubing module components, and deploying a power generator to a distance within the well, typically as part of the tubing string and typically as part of the tubing module, and operatively connecting the power generator to the tubing module to effect power transmission from the power generator, generated downhole, to the tubing module and from the tubing wireless power transfer transmitter to the casing module.

Abstract: Real time monitoring of a predetermined set of downhole parameters related to downhole status of a well comprises deploying a casing module as part of a casing string to a first predetermined location downhole, the casing module comprising a set of components, deploying a tubing module as part of a tubing string, typically within the casing string, where the tubing module comprises a set of tubing module components, and deploying a power generator to a distance within the well, typically as part of the tubing string and typically as part of the tubing module, and operatively connecting the power generator to the tubing module to effect power transmission from the power generator, generated downhole, to the tubing module and from the tubing wireless power transfer transmitter to the casing module.

Abstract: Data may be collected from a wellbore by retrievably deploying a data receiver tool to a location proximate a gauge located in the wellbore, where the gauge comprises a sensor used to collect data from the well and where the location is at a distance sufficient to allow wireless data communication between a first wireless data transceiver and a gauge wireless data transceiver; securing the data receiver tool at that location; transmitting data from the gauge memory to the data receiver tool; and storing the transmitted data in the data receiver tool writeable memory.

Abstract: A downhole communications system comprises a power generator disposed proximate a predetermined portion of a side pocket mandrel in such a way as to not impede fluid flow within a wellbore into which the side pocket mandrel is disposed and a wireless communications transmitter operatively in communication with the power generator. Placed at least partially within a side pocket mandrel, the system allows fluid flowing proximate the side pocket mandrel to engage the power generator to create electric energy which may be used to power the wireless communications transmitter and allow data interchange between the wireless communications transmitter and a predetermined well device.

Abstract: Data may be collected from a wellbore by retrievably deploying a data receiver tool to a location proximate a gauge located in the wellbore, where the gauge comprises a sensor used to collect data from the well and where the location is at a distance sufficient to allow wireless data communication between a first wireless data transceiver and a gauge wireless data transceiver; securing the data receiver tool at that location; transmitting data from the gauge memory to the data receiver tool; and storing the transmitted data in the data receiver tool writeable memory.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator for producing electric power from heat in fluids produced from a subsurface wellbore includes a conduit for moving therethrough fluids produced from the Earth's subsurface and at least one thermoelectric module affixed to an exterior of the conduit. The at least one thermoelectric module includes a collimating heat transfer device in contact with the conduit on a first side and in contact with a first side of a thermoelectric generator thermocouple on a second side. A second side of the thermocouple is in contact with a contact surface of a heat sink. The heat sink is exposed to ambient atmosphere at the Earth's surface to conduct heat away from the thermocouple.

Abstract: A remotely operable wellbore valve system includes a valve configured to be coupled to a wellbore conduit and to selectively close the conduit. The valve is disposed in a valve body configured to open an existing wellbore valve by longitudinal motion therethrough and to sealingly engage an interior of the existing wellbore valve. The system includes a valve actuator and a signal receiver in communication with the valve actuator. The signal receiver is configured to detect command signals transmitted from the Earth's surface and to cause the actuator to operate the valve in response to the detected command signals.

Abstract: A downhole gauge telemetry system for a multilateral well includes a first wireless transceiver located in a primary borehole of the multilateral well, a second wireless transceiver located in a lateral borehole of the multilateral well, a wireless connection between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver through which the first and second wireless transceivers exchange data, and a surface transceiver communicatively coupled to the first wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A wireless casing collar locator includes a pipe coupling detector configured to be conveyed through a wellbore. A detection device is associated with the pipe coupling detector. The detection device generates an output indicative of detection of a pipe coupling in response to the output of the pipe coupling detector. The locator includes an acoustic transmitter functionally associated with the detection device. The transmitter is configured to apply an acoustic impulse to a conveyance device used to move the locator along the wellbore in response to communication to the transmitter of the output of the detection device. A surface receiver and processing unit used to convert acoustic energy into electrical energy for processing in real time to determine the location of the pipe detector in wellbores.

Abstract: A device, system, and methods of power generation in situ in a hydrocarbon well are disclosed. A power generator for deployment in a hydrocarbon well tubular may comprise a housing adapted for deployment within a hydrocarbon well tubular; a mechanical to electrical power converter disposed at least partially within the housing, the mechanical to electrical power converter adapted to create an electric current when physically stressed; and a current converter operatively coupled to the mechanical to electrical power converter. Devices may be deployed downhole and operatively coupled to the power generator for their electrical power. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A telemetry system having: a pipe; a SCADA box acoustically coupled to the pipe; and a gauge inserted in the pipe, the gauge comprising: an acoustic wave generator; a coupler mechanically connected to the acoustic wave generator, wherein the coupler is engageable and disengageable with the pipe, wherein the coupler defines an acoustic transmission path between the acoustic wave generator and the pipe when engaged with the pipe; and a signal controller in communication with the acoustic wave generator. A method for communicating information in a wellbore from a downhole location to the surface, the method having the following steps: running a downhole gauge into a pipe within the wellbore, wherein the downhole gauge comprise an acoustic wave generator; setting the downhole gauge in the pipe; and communicating an acoustic signal between the downhole gauge and the pipe.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed enabling communication from a surface location to a downhole location where instructions communicated are executed. The system employs accelerometers to sense vibrations traveling within the annulus fluid or the tubing string. The accelerators provide signals representative of the vibration generated at the surface of the well to a microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed to energize a nichrome element to actuate the downhole tool in response to a user-defined vibration sequence. The vibration sequence includes a defined number of vibration cycles. Each cycle includes alternating periods of vibration and no vibrations with each period lasting for a defined length of time. The user may program the parameters of the sequence and arm the vibration receiving unit on site through a handheld terminal that interfaces with the microcontroller.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed enabling communication from a surface location to a downhole location where instructions communicated are executed. The system employs accelerometers to sense vibrations traveling within the annulus fluid or the tubing string. The accelerators provide signals representative of the vibration generated at the surface of the well to a microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed to energize a nichrome element to actuate the downhole tool in response to a user-defined vibration sequence. The vibration sequence includes a defined number of vibration cycles. Each cycle includes alternating periods of vibration and no vibrations with each period lasting for a defined length of time. The user may program the parameters of the sequence and arm the vibration receiving unit on site through a handheld terminal that interfaces with the microcontroller.

Abstract: A downhole power management technique for a downhole well control system maximizes the number of downhole devices which require electrical power. In accordance with this technique, downhole devices which require power and are addressable will be at a low power consumption state (e.g., sleep or dormant mode). When requested by a downhole or surface controller, the downhole device will turn itself on to an active mode and perform its intended function or task (such as transmitting data, acquiring data, actuating a tool or the like). Preferably, only one downhole device is in its active mode at any one time. As a result of this power management technique, the power requirement downhole will be relatively low and substantially constant regardless of the number of downhole devices requiring power.