Abstract: Multi-phase measurements of a fluid in a wellbore can be received and stored by a memory tool for determining flow characteristics of fluid flowing in the wellbore. A system can include a flow meter device, one or more sensors, and a memory tool The flow meter device can include one or more acoustic devices that can be positioned to generate acoustic signals in a wellbore. The one or more sensors can be positioned to detect the acoustic signals from the flow meter device for making multi-phase measurements of fluid with respect to the wellbore. The memory tool can be communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors to receive and store the multi-phase measurements for a predetermined amount of time for determining flow characteristics of the fluid.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions in a wellbore includes a sensor assembly and a controller assembly. The sensor assembly attaches to a portion of a casing disposed in the wellbore and includes a sensor module and an inductive module. The sensor module measures conditions in the wellbore and the inductive module forms a wireless communication channel. The inductive module includes a first set of inductive coils and a second set of inductive coils that substantially surround the first set of inductive coils. The controller assembly attaches to a portion of a production tube housed within the casing and includes at least one coil inductively coupled to the inductive module, and communicates signals over the wireless communication channel.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump used to pump fluids inside a borehole during operation is described. The electric submersible pump and its motor can be powered using an inductive power coupling. The electric submersible pump comprises a sealed extension that houses a pickup inductive coil assembly that is electrically coupled to a power source at a surface of the borehole. Power runs through the primary inductive coil assembly and the primary inductive coil is positioned relative to the pickup inductive coil assembly such that the electrical current flowing in the primary inductive coil assembly from the power source and through the power cable induces a voltage in the pickup inductive coil assembly.

Abstract: An offshore measured or logging-while drilling electromagnetic telemetry system includes a bottomhole assembly having a transmitter to communicate one or more electromagnetic telemetry signals. A subsea telemetry cable is positioned on a sea floor to receive the telemetry signals. The subsea telemetry cable is coupled to an umbilical cable extending to a surface communication unit positioned at the sea surface. Signals received by the subsea telemetry cable are transmitted to the surface communication unit for further processing.

Abstract: A system for communicating a signal between a tool and a signal processing unit includes a signal processing unit configured to at least one of transmit and receive the signal and a first cable coupled to the signal processing unit. The system further includes a tool having a second cable extending from the tool and configured to at least one of receive the signal transmitted by the signal processing unit and transmit the signal received by the signal processing unit, wherein signal is communicated between the first cable and the second cable by crosstalk.

Abstract: A downhole inductive coupling system, a method of deploying an electrically connected system downhole, and a method of transmitting electrical signals between downhole components. The downhole inductive coupling system comprises a cable, a cable inductive coupler, a downhole electrical device, and a device inductive coupler. The cable inductive coupler is electrically and mechanically coupled to an end of the cable and pressure sealed to the cable. The device inductive coupler is electrically and mechanically coupled to the electrical device and pressure sealed to the downhole device. The cable inductive coupler and the device inductive coupler are inductively coupleable with each other, such that the cable is in wireless communication with the downhole electrical device via the cable inductive coupler and the device inductive coupler.

Abstract: A wave guide assembly for a control and diagnostic system for a machine, the wave guide assembly includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extending between distal ends. A wave guide is defined within the internal cavity. At least one open conduit is defined within the internal cavity providing a space for routing conductors through the housing. A fluid passage is defined within the internal cavity separate from the wave guide. A control and diagnostic system for a machine and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a power supply unit configured to perform power supply, a communication unit configured to perform communication, and a control unit configured to control, based on data received by the communication unit, a power supply for an electronic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless power connector and a wireless power connector system including at least one wireless power connector for contactlessly receiving electric power from a second connector and for contactlessly supplying electric power to a third connector. In order to enable the wireless power connector to inductively forward electric power received from the second connector, the invention suggests providing a first and a second mating end respectively connectable to the second and the third connector and a magnetic core extending between the first and the second mating end. A coil is wound around the magnetic core and configured to output, as an alternating current, at least parts of the electric power received from the second connector. The magnetic core interconnects the first and the second mating end such that, in a connected state, the magnetic core inductively forwards electric power to the third connector.

Abstract: A communications device is disclosed that includes a united integrated circuit card (UICC) that provides a single wire protocol (SWP) current signal to a near field communications (NFC) device. The SWP current signal is filtered by a filter to remove noise from the SWP current signal. The filter is precharged by a reference voltage when the SWP current signal is in a low state and then filters the SWP current signal when the SWP current signal is in a high state. A switching network provides the filter with the reference voltage to precharge when the SWP is current signal is in the low state and then provides the filter with the SWP current signal to filter when the SWP current signal is in the high state.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a downhole assembly having a non-contact, capacitive coupling including first and second transceivers deployed in corresponding first and second downhole tool members. The capacitive coupling is disposed to transfer electrical signals between the first and second transceivers. In one exemplary embodiment, the capacitive coupling is configured to transfer data and power between a substantially non-rotating tool member and a rotating tool member, for example, the shaft and blade housing in a steering tool. Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a non-contact, high-speed data communication channel between first and second members of a downhole assembly. Moreover, exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide for simultaneous non-contact transmission of electrical power between the first and second tool members.

Abstract: A method for modulating the effective power in one or several power consuming devices disposed in an A/C system in order to transmit data on a power supply line thereof by specifically varying the effective power in the connected device. In order to transmit the data, the momentary value of the effective power is randomly varied (increased or decreased), and the data is impressed into the A/C supply line by a unit (transmitter or modulator) and is evaluated by another unit (receiver or demodulator).

Abstract: An efficiency monitor for monitoring the efficiency of power transmission by an inductive power outlet. The efficiency monitor includes an input power monitor, for measuring the input power delivered to the primary coil, and an output power monitor, for measuring the output power received by the secondary coil. The input and output powers are used by a processor to determine an index of power-loss. A circuit breaker may be used to disconnect the inductive power outlet in case of excessive power loss.

Abstract: A coupling area enhancement device includes a small coil and a large coil on opposing sides of a sheet of electromagnetic interference (EMI) absorptive material. The coupling area enhancement device may include one or more holes and may include adhesive material and sticker covers. Placement of the coupling area enhancement device may be accomplished by sticking the small coil to a host device near a contactless antenna. The large coil may also be stuck to a battery cover.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising a controller node disposed within a wellbore, and a tool node configured for movement through the wellbore, wherein the tool node communicates with the controller node via a near field communication (NFC) signal, wherein prior to communication with the controller node, the tool node will not perform at least one function and, after communication with the controller node, the tool node will selectively perform the at least one function.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for acquiring data in a wellbore containing three or more casing or tubing strings through the use of inductive couplers to transmit power and signal through one or more fluid filled annular spaces and one or more casing or tubular elements.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising two or more sensing, tool nodes, wherein each of the sensing, tool nodes are configured to selectively allow, disallow, or alter a route of fluid communication between an axial flowbore thereof and an exterior thereof via one or more ports, and wherein each of the sensing, tool nodes are further configured to monitor at least one parameter, and a logging controller node wherein the logging controller node communicates with the sensing, tool nodes via a near field communication (NFC) signal.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising a tool node disposed within a wellbore, and a transitory sensing node configured to be communicated through the wellbore, wherein the transitory sensing node is configured to measure a wellbore parameter, and wherein the transitory sensing node communicates with the tool node via a near field communication (NFC) signal. A wellbore servicing method comprising positioning a tool node within a wellbore, moving a transitory sensing node through the wellbore such that the transitory sensing node comes into communication with the tool node, wherein the transitory sensing node is configured to measure a wellbore parameter during movement through the wellbore, and wherein the transitory sensing node communicates with the tool node via a near field communication (NFC) signal.

Abstract: A system includes a dispenser and a transmitter. The dispenser is configured to support and dispense product. The dispenser includes: a housing; an antenna disposed and configured to receive electromagnetic energy that originates from the transmitter; a power supply disposed within the housing and configured to convert the electromagnetic energy received at the antenna into DC (direct current) power; a dispenser mechanism configured and disposed to dispense the product from the dispenser on command; a controller disposed in operable communication with the power supply and the dispenser mechanism; and, an actuator disposed in operable communication with the controller. Upon actuation of the actuator, and upon presence of the DC power, the controller is responsive to facilitate action by the dispenser mechanism to dispense the product. The transmitter is configured to transmit electromagnetic energy and is disposed in operable communication with the dispenser.

Abstract: Remote operation of downhole tools in a subterranean wellbore is performed by inserting untethered, mobile devices sequentially into the wellbore. The mobile devices can include motive means, power supply, communication and data storage means, etc. In one embodiment, the method comprises maneuvering a first mobile device into proximity with a downhole tool, the device powering the tool. The first device is then removed, such as by flowing up or dissolving. The now-powered tool is used to perform a test or other operation. A second mobile device is maneuvered into proximity with the downhole tool and data is transferred. The second device is retrieved with the data or, using on-board logic devices, provides “if-then” commands to the downhole tool. Alternately, a third mobile device can be used to power and transfer commands to the tool. The method can be used for various tasks, such as opening bypass ports on ICD valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drill rod having at least two rod elements, which are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed and detachable manner, wherein the rod elements each have an inner pipe and an outer pipe, between which a ring-shaped receiving space is formed, the rod elements each have an energy and/or data line, which extends along a longitudinal axis of the drill rod, and the energy and/or data lines of the rod elements are each connected to an induction coil, wherein the induction coils can be coupled to each other inductively for energy and/or data transmission along the drill rod. A first rod element has an inner induction coil located at an outer circumference of its inner pipe and a second rod element has an outer induction coil located at an inner circumference of its outer pipe.

Abstract: An authentication method between a secure host processor and a controller of an NFC system, the controller being equipped with an NFC interface circuit sending and receiving contactless data, includes connecting the host processor to the controller and checking that there is a predefined relation between a first secret data stored by the host processor and a second secret data stored by the controller. The method further includes transmitting the second secret data to the controller and storing of the second secret data by the controller. The host processor may be removably associated with a contactless component storing the second secret data which is contactlessly transmitted to the controller.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can include a die attached to an inductive-capacitive (LC) circuit including a capacitive element coupled to an inductive element. The LC circuit can have a resonant frequency that varies according to properties of fluid proximate the RFID tag. The RFID tag can further include a coating material disposed around the die to form an outer surface of the RFID tag. The coating material may have a thickness over a portion of the LC circuit, to permit a conductivity property of a fluid proximate the outer surface to affect the resonant frequency of the LC circuit such that the resonant frequency shifts to a second resonant frequency. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole signal transmission system provides electric radiofrequency signals that are coupled to electrically conductive or non-conductive fluids through electrical insulators. A plurality of signal repeaters are tuned to the frequencies of the radiofrequency signals, and a plurality of transmission lines terminated by resonance circuits are also provided such that the terminating resonance circuits resonate on the frequencies of the electric radiofrequency signals. The plurality of signal repeaters and plurality of transmission elements are arranged to be redundant such that a failure of one or more of the signal repeaters or a failure of one or more of the transmission elements does not substantially affect the operation of the data transmission system. The signal repeaters and transmission elements also are arranged such that a failure of any of the signal repeaters or a failure of any of the transmission elements is communicated to the surface.

Abstract: A near-field RF communicator which is operable to perform a polling process to initiate communication with another near-field RF communicator in near-field range, wherein the near-field communicator is configured to perform a detection process, having a lower energy requirement than a polling process, to determine whether a near-field RF communicator is present in near-field range, and to perform the polling process in the event that the detection process indicates that a near-field RF communicator is present in near-field range.

Abstract: A communications device is disclosed that includes a united integrated circuit card (UICC) that provides a single wire protocol (SWP) current signal to a near field communications (NFC) device. The SWP current signal is filtered by a filter to remove noise from the SWP current signal. The filter is precharged by a reference voltage when the SWP current signal is in a low state and then filters the SWP current signal when the SWP current signal is in a high state. A switching network provides the filter with the reference voltage to precharge when the SWP is current signal is in the low state and then provides the filter with the SWP current signal to filter when the SWP current signal is in the high state.

Abstract: Drill pipe segments, communication systems, and methods of manufacturing pipe segments usable for communicating data wirelessly between sensors and tools placed in an oil and/or gas well are provided. Communication specks are applied on at least one of an outer surface or an inner surface of the pipe segments or coil tubing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device which performs signal transmission by using inductor coupling. The semiconductor device comprises one or more transmission and reception coil pair, each pair comprising a single transmission coil and a plurality of reception coils, or a plurality of transmission coils and a single reception coil, or a plurality of transmission coils and a plurality of reception coils.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with at least one end adapted for threaded connection to an adjacent tool string component. The end comprises at least one shoulder adapted to abut an adjacent shoulder of an adjacent end of the adjacent tool string component. An annular magnetic coupler is disposed within an annular recess formed in the at least one shoulder, and the magnetic coupler comprises a coil in electrical communication with an electrical conductor that is in electrical communication with an electronic device secured to the tubular body. The coil comprises a plurality of windings of wire strands that are electrically isolated from one another and which are disposed in an annular trough of magnetic material secured within the annular recess.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly having a completion landing string inside a drilling riser is described herein and comprises a power source for generating an alternating electrical current; a connector for connecting the power source to a receptacle in the subsea well assembly; a first inductor electrically connected to the power source through the connector; a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly; and a second inductor spaced from the first inductor, and located in the subsea control module, the second inductor positioned so that an EMF is produced on the second inductor when the alternating electrical current is passed through the first inductor to thereby generate an alternating current signal on the second inductor.

Abstract: A technique enables wireless communication of signals in a well. The technique is employed for communication of power signals and/or data signals between a mother wellbore and at least one lateral wellbore. A first wireless device is positioned in a mother wellbore proximate a lateral wellbore, and a second wireless device is positioned in the lateral wellbore. The power and/or data signal is transferred wirelessly between the first and second wireless devices via magnetic fields. A plurality of the first and second wireless devices may be employed in cooperating pairs to enable communication between the mother wellbore and a plurality of lateral wellbores.

Abstract: An electronic module for use as a subsea electronic module (SEM) for an underwater fluid extraction well, as provided. An example of such an SEM includes a plurality of substantially planar electronics cards to operate devices in the SEM. The cards are arranged in a stack such that major faces of each card are oriented substantially parallel to, and coaxial with, major faces of the other cards in the stack. The SEM also includes a substantially planar switch card orientated relative to the stack such that its major faces are oriented substantially parallel to a main axis of the stack and orthogonal to the orientation of the major faces of the electronics cards within the stack. The switch card includes a first Ethernet switch blade configured to control traffic on a LAN area network and a second Ethernet switch blade configured to control traffic on a second LAN.

Abstract: A NFC communicator or NFC communications enabled device (1 or 2 or 100a) has a data store (108) to store data, a coupler (17 or 32 or 102) to couple inductively with the magnetic field of a radio frequency signal and a signal generator (109) to supply a radio frequency signal to the coupler. A modulator (110) is provided to modulate a radio frequency signal in accordance with data and a demodulator (114) is provided to extract data from a modulated radio frequency signal inductively coupled to the coupler. A controller (107) enables the NFC communicator or NFC communications enabled device both to initiate near field radio frequency communication with another near field RF communicator and to respond to near field radio frequency communication initiated by another near field RF communicator. The NFC communicator or NFC communications enabled device also has a power deliver (19 or 34 or 103) that derives power from a radio frequency signal inductively coupled to the coupler to charge a chargeable power supply.

Abstract: A downhole tool string component has a through-bore intermediate first and second tool joints adapted for connection to adjacent tool string components. A blind-hole is formed in an outer surface of the component. A processing unit is also disposed within an outer surface of the component. An electrical device that is disposed within the component is in communication with the processing unit through an electrically or optically conductive medium which has a self-aligning pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus for the wireless transmission of data, and preferably also of power, across a space between a length of production tubing and a surrounding casing in a petrochemical well, includes a pair of inductively-coupled coils, a first of which is located on the exterior of the production tubing generally coaxially therewith, and the second of which is located on the interior of the casing generally coaxially therewith. This may be used in particular as part of a system for transmitting power and data to/from a sensor monitoring the pressure and/or other environmental conditions within the “B” annulus B of a sub-sea well.

Abstract: An electric system for measurement and control in an oil/gas well using transmission of electric signals and supply of electric power. The system is provided with a current loop having an essentially constant current in a current loop and a number of downhole network nodes (1N) which are connected to the system.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast.

Abstract: Structure for deep MWD resistivity measurements suitable for both geo-steering and measurements ahead of the drill bit is disclosed. Alternating current is transmitted through a loop and an induction signal is measured by a two-coil bucking receiving system placed at some distance from the transmitter. To further reduce a parasitic effect of the currents in the pipe, a conductive copper shield wrapping around the pipe is used. The length of the shield is about one and one-half to two times longer than the longest transmitter/receiver spacing of the structure. The transmitter/receiver system is located in the center of the described electromagnetic shield.

Abstract: A downhole tool assembly with electrical connectors disposed proximate an upper end and a lower end of the tool intelligently distributes electrical power. Switches are disposed between the electrical connectors and selectively allow or disallow electrical continuity between the electrical connectors. A microprocessor is in electrical communication with the electrical connectors and the switches. The microprocessor causes the switches to open or close based on the present of a current at the electrical connectors.

Abstract: An optical inspection instrument includes a housing configured to move along the interior of a pipe string in a wellbore. The pipe has a cutting structure at its bottom end. The instrument includes a probe extending from a bottom end of the housing. The probe has an output from a light source and a light input to a video camera. The probe has a diameter selected to enable extension through an opening in the cutting structure. A method for inspecting a wellbore includes moving an instrument through an interior of a pipe string in the wellbore. The pipe has a cutting tool at its lower end. At least part of the instrument is moved outside the bottom end of the pipe through a port in the cutting tool. Optically transparent fluid is moved into the wellbore proximate an end of the instrument outside the pipe string. Objects proximate the fluid are inspected.

Abstract: A downhole signal transmission system provides electric radiofrequency signals that are coupled to electrically conductive or non-conductive fluids through electrical insulators. A plurality of signal repeaters are tuned to the frequencies of the radiofrequency signals, and a plurality of transmission lines terminated by resonance circuits are also provided such that the terminating resonance circuits resonate on the frequencies of the electric radiofrequency signals. The plurality of signal repeaters and plurality of transmission elements are arranged to be redundant such that a failure of one or more of the signal repeaters or a failure of one or more of the transmission elements does not substantially affect the operation of the data transmission system. The signal repeaters and transmission elements also are arranged such that a failure of any of the signal repeaters or a failure of any of the transmission elements is communicated to the surface.

Abstract: A communication module for transfer of information along a drill string has at least one antenna coil, wherein the communication module is configured such that a central coil axis of the antenna coil is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a drill pipe to which it is affixed. Signals are relayed magnetically from node to node to exchange data along any desired length of drill string. The drill string itself forms a portion of the magnetic flux path and the earth and/or surrounding media forms another substantial portion of the closed flux path. Magnetic induction is advantageous because the steel drill pipe is ferromagnetic and exhibits a magnetic permeability of a few hundred to a few thousand times that of air.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes an access point, a master communication apparatus, and a slave communication apparatus, and the master communication apparatus and the slave communication apparatus performs wireless communication through the access point. The master communication apparatus stores setting information necessary for accessing the access point; performs wireless communication through the access point using the stored setting information; and performs near field communication with the slave communication apparatus to transmit the stored setting information to the slave communication apparatus in response to a setting information request received from the slave communication apparatus via near field communication.

Abstract: A casing contains a circuit substrate. A signal electrode for transmitting and/or receiving an electronic field signal is arranged on a first surface side of the casing. The signal electrode is electrically connected to a conductor, which is an apparatus component, of the circuit substrate. A battery and a reference electrode having an electric field reference potential, which are apparatus components, are arranged on the second surface side of the casing. The sum (Cst) of a capacitance between the signal electrode and the transmission medium and a capacitance between the apparatus component and the transmission medium generated while the first surface is facing the transmission medium is approximately equal to the sum (Cgt) of capacitances between the apparatus components and the transmission medium generated while the second surface is facing the transmission medium.

Abstract: A disclosed downhole telemetry system employs an array of near-field electromagnetic communication devices to relay information along a tubular in a borehole. In some embodiments, the devices are permanently attached to pipe joints without requiring any structural modification of the pipe joints. As the pipe joints are strung together in the normal fashion to form a tubular, the devices automatically establish a wireless communications path between an uphole terminus device and any downhole sensors or tools. The devices can include built-in sensors to provide distributed sensing of parameters such as temperature and pressure. In some embodiments the device array incorporates redundancy to minimize the chance of a communications network failure. The device array has applications for logging-while-drilling, production testing, well completion, reservoir monitoring, and well control.

Abstract: A system is disclosed as having first and second tubular tool string components. Each component has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the first component is coupled to the second end of the second component through mating threads. First and second inductive coils are disposed within the first end of the first component and the second end of the second component, respectively. Each inductive coil has at least one turn of an electrical conductor, and the first coil is in magnetic communication with the second coil. The first coil has more turns than the second coil.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a downhole assembly having a non-contact, capacitive coupling including first and second transceivers deployed in corresponding first and second downhole tool members. The capacitive coupling is disposed to transfer electrical signals between the first and second transceivers. In one exemplary embodiment, the capacitive coupling is configured to transfer data and power between a substantially non-rotating tool member and a rotating tool member, for example, the shaft and blade housing in a steering tool. Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a non-contact, high-speed data communication channel between first and second members of a downhole assembly. Moreover, exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide for simultaneous non-contact transmission of electrical power between the first and second tool members.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a first equipment section that includes a first inductive coupler and a second equipment section that includes a second inductive coupler. The second equipment section is adapted to be run downhole into the well after the first equipment section is run downhole into the well to engage the first equipment section. A mechanism of the apparatus indicates when the first inductive coupler is substantially aligned with the second inductive coupler.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system allows the operator to certify the integrity of the filters within the filter housing at the customer site without additional equipment. In one embodiment, a tracer gas, such as helium or hydrogen, is added to a carrier and injected into the system. The concentration of tracer gas at a specific operating transmembrane pressure is indicative of bubble pointing specific pores in the filter. This test will give a more sensitive indication of the bubble point and the presence of defects than a standard diffusion test. In a second embodiment, two gasses, in a known ratio, are introduced into the filter housing.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a first equipment section that includes a first inductive coupler and a second equipment section that includes a second inductive coupler. The second equipment section is adapted to be run downhole into the well after the first equipment section is run downhole into the well to engage the first equipment section. A mechanism of the apparatus indicates when the first inductive coupler is substantially aligned with the second inductive coupler.