Toroidal choke inductor for wireless communication and control
First Claim
1. A passive impedance device for creating a voltage differential when time variant current is applied to a tubular connected to a top and bottom connection to the passive impedance device, the passive impedance device comprising:
- a tubular having a threaded connection at a first end of the tubular and a threaded connection at a second end of the tubular;
a plurality of subsections surrounding the tubular, each subsection comprising a plurality of layers of a ferromagnetic alloy, each layer separated by an electrically insulating material;
a non-electrically conductive insulator between each of the subsections; and
a protective covering over the plurality of subsections.
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Accused Products
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. Such induction chokes may be used in many other applications having an elongated conductor such as a pipe, where it is desirable to power or communicate with a valve, sensor, or other device without providing a dedicated power or communications cable.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A passive impedance device for creating a voltage differential when time variant current is applied to a tubular connected to a top and bottom connection to the passive impedance device, the passive impedance device comprising:
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a tubular having a threaded connection at a first end of the tubular and a threaded connection at a second end of the tubular;
a plurality of subsections surrounding the tubular, each subsection comprising a plurality of layers of a ferromagnetic alloy, each layer separated by an electrically insulating material;
a non-electrically conductive insulator between each of the subsections; and
a protective covering over the plurality of subsections. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification