Abstract: The present invention provides a system for determining downhole conditions including a time domain reflectometer (172) that is operable to generate a transmission signal and receive a reflected signal. A tubular (192) is positioned downhole in a downhole medium (214, 216, 218, 220, 222) and a waveguide (186), which is in electrical communication with the time domain reflectometer (172), is operably contacting the downhole (214, 216, 218, 220, 222). The waveguide (186) is operable to propagate the transmission signal and operable to propagate the reflected signal that is generated responsive to an electromagnetic property of the downhole medium (214, 216, 218, 220, 222).

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring erosion include a sensor (204) that is embedded in a substrate (202) having a first surface (206) that is subject to erosion and a second surface (208). The sensor (204) has a first mode in which the sensor (204) is responsive to RF interrogation (216) from a detector (212) and a second mode in which the sensor (204) is non-responsive to the RF interrogation. The sensor (204) transitions from the first mode to the second mode in response to being disabled due to contact with the erosive agent causing the erosion of the first surface (206). When the sensor (204) has transitioned to the second mode, this indicates that a predetermined level of erosion of the first surface (206) has occurred.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for creating pulsating fluid flow, including an inlet into which fluid flows and a chamber having an upstream end and a downstream end. The chamber is defined by a pair of outwardly-projecting sidewalls, and the inlet is disposed at the upstream end of the chamber. This particular embodiment further includes at least two feedback passages with opposed entrances at the downstream end of the chamber and opposed exits at the upstream end of the chamber, near where the chamber joins the inlet. At least one feedback outlet leaves each of the feedback passages. A feedback cavity is disposed at the downstream end of the chamber. At least one exit flowline having an exit port leaves the at least one feedback outlet.