Abstract: A system for downhole telemetry employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a tubular body such as a pipe in a wellbore. The nodes allow for hybrid wired-and-wireless communication between one or more sensors residing at the level of a subsurface formation, and a receiver at the surface. The communications nodes employ electro-acoustic transducers that provide for node-to-node communication partially up a wellbore, and then high speed data transmission using a wire for the remaining distance up to the surface. A method of transmitting data in a wellbore uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along a tubular body to deliver wireless signals partially up the wellbore, and then wired signals the remaining distance.

Abstract: A system for downhole telemetry is provided herein. The system employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a tubular body in a wellbore. Each communications node is associated with a sensor that senses data indicative of a formation condition or a wellbore parameter along a subsurface formation. The data is stored in memory until a logging tool is run into the wellbore. The data is transmitted from the respective communications nodes to a receiver in the logging tool. The data is then transferred to the surface. A method of transmitting data in a wellbore is also provided herein. The method uses a logging tool to harvest data in a wellbore from a plurality of sensor communications nodes.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic system for downhole telemetry employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a string of casing within a wellbore. The nodes allow wireless communication between transceivers residing within the communications nodes and a receiver at the surface. The transceivers provide node-to-node communication of data indicating elastic waves generated as a result of the formation of subsurface fractures. The data is processed which generates a map of fracture geometry. A method of evaluating fracture geometry in a subsurface formation uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along the casing string which send signals to a receiver at the surface. The signals are analyzed which generates a subsurface map.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic system for downhole telemetry is provided herein. The system employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a string of casing within a wellbore. The nodes are placed within the annular region surrounding the joints of casing within the well-bore. The nodes allow for wireless communication between transceivers residing within the communications nodes and a topside communications node at the wellhead. More specifically, the transceivers provide for node-to-node communication up a wellbore at high data transmission rates for data indicative of a parameter within an annular region behind the string of casing. A method of evaluating a parameter within an annular region along a cased-hole wellbore is also provided herein. The method uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along the casing string which send signals to a receiver at the surface. The signals are then analyzed.

Abstract: A system for downhole telemetry is provided herein. The system employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a tubular body either above or below ground, such as in a wellbore. The nodes allow for wireless communication between one or more sensors residing at the level of a subsurface formation or along a pipeline, and a receiver at the surface. The communications nodes employ electro-acoustic transducers that provide for node-to-node communication along the tubular body at high data transmission rates. A method of transmitting data in a wellbore is also provided herein. The method uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along a tubular body to accomplish a wireless transmission of data along the wellbore using acoustic energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulating a subterranean formation. The methods may include flowing, with a carrier fluid stream, an autonomous perforation device within a casing conduit that is defined by a casing string that extends within a subterranean formation. The methods further may include retaining the autonomous perforation device within a target region of the casing conduit, flowing a stimulant fluid within the casing conduit and past the autonomous perforation device, and/or stimulating, with the stimulant fluid stream, a portion of the subterranean formation that is downhole from the autonomous perforation device. The systems may include the autonomous perforation device, which may include a perforation assembly, a motion-arresting assembly, and a fluid flow conduit. The systems also may include a hydrocarbon well that includes a wellbore, the casing string, and the autonomous perforation device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for restricting fluid flow in a casing conduit, including a wellbore that extends within a subterranean formation, a casing string that extends within the wellbore and defines a portion of the casing conduit, a plurality of motion-arresting structures that project from an inner surface of the casing string to define a plurality of reduced-area regions of the casing conduit, and an autonomous sealing device that defines a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. The methods include conveying the autonomous sealing device through the casing conduit, determining that the autonomous sealing device is located within a target portion of the casing conduit, expanding the autonomous sealing device to the expanded configuration, retaining the autonomous sealing device on a selected motion-arresting structure, and restricting fluid flow within the casing conduit with the autonomous sealing device.