Abstract: A down-hole tool provided with a transmitter system for inducing a transient electromagnetic field in an earth formation has an induction coil with a number of windings to generate essentially a magnetic dipole field. The number of windings is divided into two or more groups of windings arranged to cooperatively generate the essentially magnetic dipole field when energized. Switching means are arranged to essentially simultaneously terminate the energizing of the groups of windings. The groups of windings are electrically isolated from each other or connected in parallel to each other, at least when the energizing is terminated. A transient electromagnetic field may thus be induced in an earth formation by essentially simultaneously terminating energizing each group of windings by operating the switching means. A transient electromagnetic response signal may be recorded, and used in a method of producing a mineral hydrocarbon fluid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and a method are disclosed for measuring a time varying magnetic field. In one aspect, a system comprises a plurality of induction coils arranged to measure the time varying magnetic field using at least one voltage induced in at least one of the induction coils in the plurality of induction coils, a plurality of snubber circuits connected to the plurality of induction coils, each of the snubber circuits of the plurality of snubber circuits arranged to suppress a resonance of a respective one of the induction coils of the plurality of induction coils, and a summing circuit connected to each of the snubber circuits of the plurality of snubber circuits, the summing circuit arranged to sum voltages induced in each of the induction coils in the plurality of induction coils.

Abstract: A transmitter system for inducing a transient electromagnetic field in an earth formation comprises an inductive element to generate an electromagnetic field in response to a flow of electric current through the inductive element. Furthermore, switching means arranged to interrupt the flow of electric current through the inductive element, which switching means comprises a primary switch and an auxiliary switch arranged in series connection with each other. The auxiliary switch has a lower breakdown voltage than the primary switch. This induces a transient electromagnetic field in the earth formation. Delay circuitry may impose a time delay between switching of the auxiliary switch relative to switching of the primary switch. A transient electromagnetic response signal may be recorded, and used in a method of producing a mineral hydrocarbon fluid.

Abstract: A down-hole tool provided with a transmitter system for inducing a transient electromagnetic field in an earth formation has an induction coil with a number of windings to generate essentially a magnetic dipole field. The number of windings is divided into two or more groups of windings arranged to cooperatively generate the essentially magnetic dipole field when energized. Switching means are arranged to essentially simultaneously terminate the energizing of the groups of windings. The groups of windings are electrically isolated from each other or connected in parallel to each other, at least when the energizing is terminated. A transient electromagnetic field may thus be induced in an earth formation by essentially simultaneously terminating energizing each group of windings by operating the switching means. A transient electromagnetic response signal may be recorded, and used in a method of producing a mineral hydrocarbon fluid.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and a method are disclosed for measuring a time varying magnetic field. In one aspect, a system comprises a plurality of induction coils arranged to measure the time varying magnetic field using at least one voltage induced in at least one of the induction coils in the plurality of induction coils, a plurality of snubber circuits connected to the plurality of induction coils, each of the snubber circuits of the plurality of snubber circuits arranged to suppress a resonance of a respective one of the induction coils of the plurality of induction coils, and a summing circuit connected to each of the snubber circuits of the plurality of snubber circuits, the summing circuit arranged to sum voltages induced in each of the induction coils in the plurality of induction coils.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating an electrically powered device in a packer using the piping structure of the well as an electrical conductor for providing power and/or communications. The electrically powered device may comprise an electrically controllable valve, a communications and control module, a modem, a sensor, and/or a tracer injection module.

Abstract: A reservoir production control system includes a plurality of wells for producing a reservoir linked to a central computer over a downhole communication network and a surface communication network. Both the downhole and the surface communication networks are wireless communications paths for transmitting downhole data and surface data to the central computer. Both networks include a series of interconnected tubing or pipe that allows transmission of data over electrically isolated portions of the pipe and tubing. After integrating and analyzing all relevant data and comparing the data with a reservoir model, the central computer initiates changes in a plurality of downhole control devices associated with the wells, thereby optimizing the production of the reservoir.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus is provided for supplying power and communications within a first piping structure. An external power transfer device is positioned around the first piping structure and is magnetically coupled to an internal power transfer device. The internal power transfer device is positioned around a second piping structure disposed within the first piping structure. A main surface current flowing on the first piping structure induces a first surface current within the external power transfer device. The first surface current causes a second surface current to be induced within the internal power transfer device.

Abstract: A gas-lift petroleum well and method for producing petroleum products using downhole pressurized gas to provide lift. The gas-lift well having a well casing, a production tubing, a packer, and a gas-lift valve. The well casing extends within a wellbore of the well, and the wellbore extends through oil and gas zones. The production tubing extends within the casing. The tubing having an opening formed therein, which is in fluid communication with an oil zone. The packer is located downhole in the casing and coupled to the tubing. The packer can have an electrically controllable packer valve, which is adapted to control a flow of downhole pressurized gas from one side of the packer to another. The downhole pressurized gas is provided by a gas zone that the wellbore passes through. The downhole gas-lift valve is coupled to the tubing and is adapted to control a flow of downhole pressurized gas into oil in the tubing for lifting the oil. The gas-lift valve can be an electrically controllable valve.

Abstract: A petroleum well having a borehole extending into a formation is provided. A piping structure is positioned within the borehole, and an induction choke is positioned around the piping structure downhole. A communication system is provided along the piping structure between a surface of the well and the induction choke. A downhole module is positioned on an exterior surface of the piping structure and is configured to measure characteristics of the formation. The formation characteristics, such as pressure and resistivity, are communicated to the surface of the well along the piping structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of electrically controlling downhole well interval inflow and/or injection. The downhole controllable well section having a communications and control module, a sensor, an electrically controllable valve and an induction choke. The electrically controllable valve is adapted to regulate flow between an exterior of the tubing and an interior of the tubing. Power and signal transmission between surface and downhole is carried out via the tubing and/or the casing. When there are multiple downhole controllable well sections, flow inhibitors separate the well sections.

Abstract: A petroleum well for producing petroleum products that incorporates a system adapted to provide power to a downhole device in the well. The system includes a current impedance device and a downhole power storage device. The current impedance device is positioned such that when a time-varying electrical current is transmitted through the portion of a piping structure and/or a voltage potential forms between one side of the current impedance device and another side of the current impedance device. The device is adapted to be electrically connected to the piping structure and/or across the voltage potential formed by the current impedance device, is adapted to be recharged by the electrical current, and is adapted to be electrically connected to the downhole device to provide power to the downhole device as needed.

Abstract: An induction choke in a petroleum well where a voltage potential is developed across the choke to power and communicate with devices and sensors in the well. Preferably, the induction choke is a ferromagnetic material and acts as an impedance to a time-varying current, e.g. AC. The petroleum well includes a cased wellbore having a tubing string positioned within and longitudinally extending within the casing. A controllable gas lift valve, sensor, or other device is coupled to the tubing. The valve sensor, or other device is powered and controlled from the surface. Communication signals and power are sent from the surface using the tubing, casing, or liner as the conductor with a casing or earth ground. For example, AC current is directed down a casing or tubing or a lateral where the current encounters a choke. The voltage potential developed across the choke is used to power electronic devices and sensors near the choke.

Abstract: A petroleum well having a well casing, a production tubing, a source of time-varying current, a downhole chemical injection device, and a downhole induction choke. The casing extends within a wellbore of the well. The tubing extends within the casing. The current source is located at the surface. The current source is electrically connected to, and adapted to output a time-varying current into, the tubing and/or the casing, which act as electrical conductors for providing downhole power and/or communications. The injection device having a communications and control module, a chemical container, and an electrically controllable chemical injector. The communications and control module is electrically connected to the tubing and/or the casing. The chemical injector is electrically connected to the communications and control module, and is in fluid communication with the chemical container. The downhole induction choke is located about a portion of the tubing and/or the casing.

Abstract: A system and method of communicating among devices via a piping structure using at least one induction choke about the piping structure to route a time-varying current carrying communication signals between the devices. A communications system comprises a piping structure, a first communication device, a second communication device, and an induction choke. The piping structure comprises a first location, a second location, and an electrically conductive portion extending between the first and second locations. The first and second locations are distally spaced along the piping structure. The first and second communication devices are each electrically connected to the electrically conductive portion of the piping structure along the first location and second location, respectively, and each is adapted to send and receive communication signals via time-varying current.

Abstract: A petroleum well having a communication system and a hydraulic system is provided. The petroleum well includes a borehole and a piping structure positioned within the borehole. The communication system supplies a time varying electric current downhole along the piping structure. The hydraulic system, which is positioned downhole proximate the piping structure, receives the time varying current to operate an electric motor. The motor drives a pump which pressurizes hydraulic fluid to selectively drive an actuator. The actuator is operably connected to a downhole device, such as a shutoff valve, and operates the downhole device as the actuator is driven by the pressurized hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A petroleum well having a well casing, a production tubing, a source of time-varying current, a downhole tracer injection device, and a downhole induction choke. The casing extends within a wellbore of the well. The tubing extends within the casing. The current source is located at the surface. The current source is electrically connected to, and adapted to output a time-varying current into, the tubing and/or the casing, which act as electrical conductors for providing downhole power and/or communications to the injection device. The injection device having a communications and control module, a tracer material reservoir, and an electrically controllable tracer injector.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the production of a petroleum well is provided. The petroleum well includes a borehole, a piping structure positioned within the borehole, and a tubing string positioned within the borehole for conveying a production fluid. Production of the well is optimized by determining a flow rate of the production fluid within the tubing string and determining a lift-gas injection rate for the gas being injected into the tubing string. The flow rate and injection rate data is communicated along the piping structure of the well to a selected location, where the data is collected and analyzed. After analysis of the data, an optimum operating point for the well can be determined.

Abstract: A system and method of communicating among devices via a piping structure using at least one induction choke about the piping structure to route a time-varying current carrying communication signals between the devices. A communications system comprises a piping structure, a first communication device, a second communication device, and an induction choke. The piping structure comprises a first location, a second location, and an electrically conductive portion extending between the first and second locations. The first-and second locations are distally spaced along the piping structure. The first and second communication devices are each electrically connected to the electrically conductive portion of the piping structure along the first location and second location, respectively, and each is adapted to send and receive communication signals via time-varying current.

Abstract: An induction choke in a petroleum well where a voltage potential is developed across the choke to power and communicate with devices and sensors in the well. Preferably, the induction choke is a ferromagnetic material and acts as an impedance to a time-varying current, e.g. AC. The petroleum well includes a cased wellbore having a tubing string positioned within and longitudinally extending within the casing. A controllable gas lift valve, sensor, or other device is coupled to the tubing. The valve sensor, or other device is powered and controlled from the surface. Communication signals and power are sent from the surface using the tubing, casing, or liner as the conductor with a casing or earth ground. For example, AC current is directed down a casing or tubing or a lateral where the current encounters a choke. The voltage potential developed across the choke is used to power electronic devices and sensors near the choke.