Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling fluidic torque in a downhole tool is provided. One or more rotatable components of the downhole tool comprise a deformable material, such as rubber or SMA, selectively deformable in response to the flow of fluid through the downhole tool. The rotatable components may include a rotor and/or a turbine of a generator in the downhole tool. Non-rotatable components, such as the stator of the generator, may also be deformable. The rotor, the stator, and/or turbine may comprise a deformable material capable of selectively deforming in response to the flow of drilling mud through the generator. The desired deformation and/or the desired torque may be controlled by adjusting the parameters of the components.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for telemetry communication with oil-well monitoring and recording instruments located in the vicinity of the bottom of gas or oil recovery pipes. Such instruments are currently monitored using electrical cabling that is inserted into the pipes; cabling has a short life in this environment, and requires periodic replacement with the concomitant, costly shutdown of the well. Modulated reflectance, a wireless communication method that does not require signal transmission power from the telemetry package will provide a long-lived and reliable way to monitor down-hole conditions. Normal wireless technology is not practical since batteries and capacitors have to frequently be replaced or recharged, again with the well being removed from service. RF energy generated above ground can also be received, converted and stored down-hole without the use of wires, for actuating down-hole valves, as one example.

Abstract: Disclosed a system and method of lengthening a life span of a battery power supply in an appliance such as a portable appliance, notebook computer or the like. A power saving method in an appliance includes displaying a user set-up menu for a power saving on a screen by respectively checking systems in the appliance, outputting a control command to a micro-controller in accordance with power saving contents determined on the user set-up menu by a user, and executing a power saving program set up by the user in accordance with the control command of the micro-controller.

Abstract: A power transmission and data communications system for use in a gas or oil well borehole is disclosed. The borehole includes a casing and a piping structure therein and at least one downhole equipment module located therein. The system provides for the power signal that is used to provide power transfer to be modulated with data and control signals that are to be transmitted to the downhole equipment located in the downhole equipment modules. In particular, the system provides for the power/data signal to be electrically coupled to the case and piping structure for transmission downhole. The downhole equipment includes a power supply that is operative to recover the power signal portion of the power/data signal and to provide power to the other downhole equipment. A downhole receiver is operative to recover the data portion of the power/data signal and to demodulate the data provided thereon.

Abstract: In order to provide an operation and maintenance planning aiding system for a power generation installation which prepares an operation plan for a plurality of power generation units by making use of actual plant data and based on a total judgement including a variety of circumstances of the machine and apparatus or the parts thereof in the power generation units, in the system the plurality of power generation units 41, 42, 51 and 52, a power supply command center 3 and a service center 1 are arranged and connected via a communication network 6, the service center 1 obtains the plant data via the communication network 6 from the plurality of power generation units 41, 42, 51 and 52, calculates in real time a power generation efficiency of a concerned power generation unit for every plurality of power generation units 41, 42 51 and 52 by making use of the obtained plant data and design data of the concerned power generation unit and prepares an operation and maintenance plan for each of the power generation u

Abstract: A downhole electrical power system provides long term electrical power in a downhole environment. In a described embodiment, a downhole electrical power system includes a power source which supplies electrical power to a well tool interconnected in a tubular string. The power source includes a voltaic cell.

Abstract: A petroleum well (20) for producing petroleum products that incorporates a system adapted to controllably route communications and/or electrical power having a time-varying current through a piping structure (30 and/or 40) in the well (20), and methods of producing petroleum products use such a well, are provided by the present invention. The system comprises a first induction choke (70 or 100), a second induction choke (70 or 100), and a controllable switch (90). The first induction choke (70 or 100) is located about a portion of a first branch (26) of the piping structure (30 and/or 40). The second induction choke (70 or 100) is located about a portion of a second branch (29) of the piping structure (30 and/or 40). The controllable switch (90) comprises two switch terminals. A first of the switch terminals is electrically connected to the piping structure (30 and/or 40) on a junction side (81) of the induction chokes (70 or 100).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for deployment in an outdoor environment for managing and distributing Ethernet-type data communication signals. The apparatus includes electrical isolation elements for various electromagnetic effects and a high speed pulse reshaper and repeater. The isolation elements include low capacitance electric pulse suppression devices so that maximum signal distance can be achieved without loss of usable pulse shape and isolation transformers on differential signal pair that retain magnetization at elevated temperatures so that signals are not blocked. As a further feature, a management protocol is included whereby the type of signals can be autonomously distinguished, managed, secured and redirected, thus allowing the apparatus to be operated with compatible devices in a daisy-chained and start switch fabric.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring a well. In a described embodiment, the method uses annulus pressure to communicate between a downhole system and a remote location. The method may use intermittent electrical power generated by changes in annulus pressure to power the downhole system. Various sensors and well tools may be monitored and actuated by the downhole system, and acquired data may be transmitted to the remote location.

Abstract: A data communication system is provided for communicating with an underground instrument package positioned on a drilling apparatus. The drilling apparatus has an insulated section between first and second conductive sections. The system includes a power supply connected to the first conductive section of the drilling apparatus and to the ground. A receiver measures current flowing through the power supply. An electrical path is provided between the first and second conductive sections of the drilling apparatus. A switch provided in the electrical path opens and closes the electrical path in response to the data generated by the instrument package.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling oilfield production to improve efficiency includes a remote sensing unit that is placed within a subsurface formation, an antenna structure for transmitting power and communicating signals to the remote sensing unit and for receiving communication signals from the remote sensor, a casing joint having nonconductive “windows” for allowing an internally located antenna to communicate with the remote sensing unit for those embodiments in which a wireline tool is being used to communicate with remote sensing unit, and a system for obtaining subsurface formation data and for producing the formation data to a central location for subsequent analysis. The remote sensing unit is a standalone sensor that is placed sufficiently far from the wellbore to reduce or eliminate effects that the wellbore might have on formation data samples taken by the remote sensing unit.

Abstract: A petroleum well (20) for producing petroleum products that incoroprates a system adapted to provide power to a down-hole device (50) in the well (20). The system comprises a current impedance device (70) and a downhole power storage device (112). The current impedance device (70) is positioned such that when a time-varying electrical current is transmitted through the portion of a piping structure (30 and/or 40) a voltage potential forms between one side (81) of the current impedance device (70) and another side (82) of the current impedance device (70). The device (112) is adapted to be electrically connected to the piping structure (30 and/or 40) across the voltage potential formed by the current impedance device (70), is adapted to be recharged by the electrical current, and is adapted to be electrically connected to the downhole device (50) to provide power to the downhole device (50) as needed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting data downhole in a well bore, even during drilling operations, are disclosed. The apparatus generally comprises an antenna and some associated electronic circuitry. The antenna includes a plurality of arrayed transceiver elements and the electronic circuitry steers transmission or reception through the antenna by controlling the application of power to the array elements. In operation, a transceiver unit containing such an antenna is positioned proximate a remote sensor placed into a formation. An electromagnetic signal is then steered to communicate with the remote sensor over a wireless link.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump cable having an integral capacitor. The electrical submersible pump cable has a primary conductor with an insulator surrounding the primary conductor. A coaxial conductive layer surrounds the insulator, wherein the insulator serves as a dielectric between the primary conductor and the coaxial conductive layer. An outer insulating sleeve is provided on an outer surface of the coaxial conductive layer. An inner cable armor surrounds the insulating sleeve, wherein the outer insulating sleeve provides electrical isolation between adjacent wires. An outer cable armor surrounds the inner cable armor. The coaxial conductive layer and primary conductor enables the coupling of data information onto or off of the cable.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon production system comprises a topside installation connected to a underwater distribution unit 4 by an umbilical 3. The unit 4 is connected to Christmas Trees 8, 9 and 10 by respective ones of jumper interconnects 11, 12 and 13. Each Christmas Tree may comprise one or more of an electrical actuator 14, flow rate control choke 16, pressure and/or temperature transducers 18, down hole measurement transducers 18a and/or a down hole safety valve 21. Electrical power is transmitted to the unit 4 by a high voltage transmission cable forming part of the umbilical 3. A transformer forming part of the unit 4 steps down the voltage transmitted over the umbilical 3 to a level suitable for use by the electrical devices 14, 16 and 21. Power and control of the devices 14, 16, 18, 18a, 21 is effected by an underwater controller 5, 6, 7 associated with its respective Christmas Tree 8, 9, 10.

Abstract: Communicating relative to a subterranean well includes encoding information in an amplitude and a duration for a pulse. A detectable change in response to both the amplitude and duration communicates the information. Two distinct items of information can be encoded wherein the information encoded in the amplitude is distinct from the information encoded in the duration. A single, more highly resolved, item of information can be defined in that the amplitude and the duration can together represent one aspect of the information to be communicated. Particular application is found in a subterranean well having three-phase power conductors connected to a three-phase motor in the well with the amplitude and duration being communicated through the power conductors.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.