Remote down-hole well telemetry

• US 6,766,141 B1
• Filed: 06/28/2002
• Issued: 07/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: TRIAD National Security, LLC
• Original Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Inventors: Coates, Don M., Neagley, Daniel L., Briles, Scott D., Freund, Samuel M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Lee
• Application Number:
  US10/187,025
• Time in Patent Office: 753 Days
• Field of Search: 455/40, 455/41-- 4, 455/106, 455/572, 340/853.1, 340/854.4, 340/854.5, 340/854.6, 340/854.8, 340/855--85, 340/856.3, 375/218
• US Class Current: 455/40
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/756 using a signal generator for modifying the reflectivity of the reflector G01S13/758 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/2647 Retrodirective arrays
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/46 Active lenses or reflecting arrays
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/38 Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving

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. Although modulated reflectance reduces or eliminates the loss of energy at the sensor package because energy is not consumed, during the transmission process, additional stored extra energy down-hole is needed.

Claims

1. A method for communicating with the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises the steps of:

(a) generating a radio frequency signal having a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the electrically conducting pipe radiates the signal at least in the vicinity of the distal end thereof;

(b) reflecting the radiated radio frequency signal in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the reflected radio frequency signal is received by the conducting pipe and transmitted to the proximal end thereof;

(c) modulating the reflected radio frequency signal in response to data received from the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe; and

(d) detecting the modulated, reflected signal at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein said step of modulating the reflected radio frequency signal comprises amplitude or phase modulation.

3. The method as described in claim 1, wherein the chosen frequency is selected such that the radiation of the signal by the electrically conducting pipe in the vicinity of the distal end thereof is maximized.

4. The method as described in claim 1, wherein the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe is underground.

5. The method as described in claim 1, wherein the electrically conducting pipe is fabricated from materials selected from the group consisting of metals, conducting polymers and carbon fibers.

6. The method as described in claim 1, further comprising the step of electrically isolating the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe from any electrically conducting attachments thereto.

7. An apparatus for communicating with the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises in combination:

(a) a radio frequency generator for generating a radio frequency signal having a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the electrically conducting pipe radiates the signal at least in the vicinity of the distal end thereof;

(b) data acquisition apparatus responsive to chosen input disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) an antenna for reflecting the radio frequency signal in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the reflected radio frequency signal is received by the electrically conducting pipe and transmitted to the proximal end thereof;

(d) an impedance switch in electrical connection with said antenna for modulating the electrical impedance thereof, whereby the radio frequency signal reflected by said antenna is modulated in response to data acquired by said data acquisition apparatus; and

(e) a detector for receiving the reflected modulated radio frequency signal disposed in the vicinity of the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

8. The apparatus as described in claim 7, wherein the reflected modulated radio frequency signal is amplitude or phase modulated.

9. The apparatus as described in claim 7, wherein the chosen frequency is selected such that the radiation of the signal by the electrically conducting pipe in the vicinity of the distal end thereof is maximized.

10. The apparatus as described in claim 7, wherein the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe is underground.

11. The apparatus as described in claim 7, wherein the electrically conducting pipe is fabricated from materials selected from the group consisting of metals, conducting polymers and carbon fibers.

12. The apparatus as described in claim 7, further comprising an electrical insulator for electrically isolating the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe from any electrically conducting attachments thereto.

13. The apparatus as described in claim 7, further comprising an RF shield disposed in the vicinity of the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe for reducing RF radiation in the vicinity of the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

14. A method for communicating with the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises the steps of:

(a) generating a radio frequency signal having a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the signal remains within the electrically conducting pipe and is transmitted thereby to the distal end thereof whereafter the radio frequency signal exits the electrically conducting pipe;

(b) reflecting the radio frequency signal exiting the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the reflected signal reenters the electrically conducting pipe, remains therein and is transmitted to the proximal end thereof;

(c) modulating the reflected radio frequency signal in response to data received in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe; and

(d) detecting the modulated, reflected signal at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

15. The method as described in claim 14, wherein said step of modulating the reflected radio frequency signal includes amplitude or phase modulation.

16. The method as described in claim 14, wherein the chosen frequency is selected such that the radiation of the signal by the electrically conducting pipe in the vicinity of the distal end thereof is maximized.

17. The method as described in claim 14, wherein the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe is underground.

18. The method as described in claim 14, wherein the electrically conducting pipe is fabricated from materials selected from the group consisting of metals, conducting polymers and carbon fiber.

19. The method as described in claim 14, further comprising the step of electrically isolating the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe from any electrically conducting attachments thereto.

20. An apparatus for communicating with the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises in combination:

(a) a radio frequency generator for generating a radio frequency signal having a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the radio frequency signal remains within the electrically conducting pipe and is transmitted to the distal end thereof whereafter the radio frequency signal exits the electrically conducting pipe;

(b) data acquisition apparatus responsive to chosen input disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) an antenna for reflecting the radio frequency signal exiting the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the reflected radio frequency signal reenters the electrically conducting pipe, remains therein and is transmitted to the proximal end thereof;

(d) an impedance switch in electrical connection with said antenna for modulating the electrical impedance thereof, whereby the radio frequency signal reflected by said antenna is modulated in response to data acquired by said data acquisition apparatus; and

(e) a detector for receiving the reflected modulated radio frequency signal at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

21. The apparatus as described in claim 20, wherein the radio frequency signal reflected by said antenna is amplitude or phase modulated.

22. The apparatus as described in claim 20, wherein the chosen frequency is selected such that the radiation of the signal by the electrically conducting pipe in the vicinity of the distal end thereof is maximized.

23. The apparatus as described in claim 20, wherein the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe is underground.

24. The apparatus as described in claim 20, wherein the electrically conducting pipe is fabricated from materials selected from the group consisting of metals, conducting polymers and carbon fibers.

25. The apparatus as described in claim 20, further comprising an electrically insulating section for electrically isolating the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe from any electrically conducting attachments thereto.

26. The apparatus as described in claim 20, further comprising a first horn in electrical contact with the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe and a second horn in electrical contact with said antenna, wherein said first horn and said second horn are disposed such that the radio frequency signal exiting the electrically conducting pipe is maximized, the radio frequency signal received by said antenna is maximized and the reflected radio frequency signal reentering the electrically conducting pipe is maximized.

27. A method for communicating with the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe buried in the ground, which comprises the steps of:

(a) generating an electrical signal having a chosen ultra-low or extremely low frequency in the ground in the vicinity of the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the signal penetrates the ground at least to the vicinity of the buried distal end thereof;

(b) receiving the signal using the electrically conducting pipe as an antenna;

(c) modulating the impedance of the electrically conducting pipe in response to data received in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe, whereby the signal received by the electrically conducting pipe is modulated; and

(d) detecting the modulated, received signal at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

28. The method as described in claim 27, wherein said step of modulating the reflected radio frequency signal includes amplitude or phase modulation.

29. The method as described in claim 27, wherein the chosen ultra-low or extremely low frequency is selected such that the signal reaching the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe is maximized.

30. The method as described in claim 27, wherein the electrically conducting pipe is fabricated from materials selected from the group consisting of metals, conducting polymers and carbon fiber.

31. An apparatus for communicating with the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe buried in the ground which comprises in combination:

(a) a generator for generating a chosen ultra-low or extremely low frequency signal in the ground in the vicinity of the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the signal penetrates the ground at least to the vicinity of the buried distal end thereof, whereby the electrically conducting pipe receives the signal;

(b) data acquisition apparatus responsive to chosen input disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) an impedance switch in electrical connection with the electrically conducting pipe for modulating the electrical impedance thereof, whereby the signal received by the electrically conducting pipe is modulated in response to data acquired by said data acquisition apparatus; and

(d) a detector for receiving the modulated signal at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

32. The apparatus as described in claim 31, wherein the modulated signal is amplitude or phase modulated.

33. The apparatus as described in claim 31, wherein the chosen ultra-low or extremely low frequency is selected such that the radiation of the signal by the electrically conducting pipe in the vicinity of the distal end thereof is maximized.

34. The apparatus as described in claim 31, wherein the electrically conducting pipe is fabricated from materials selected from the group consisting of metals, conducting polymers and carbon fibers.

35. A method for providing electrical energy to the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises the steps of:

(a) generating a radio frequency signal having a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the electrically conducting pipe radiates the signal at least in the vicinity of the distal end thereof;

(b) receiving the radio frequency signal in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) converting the radio frequency signal into dc electrical current; and

(d) storing the electrical current converted in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

36. An apparatus for providing electrical energy to the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises in combination:

(a) a radio frequency signal generator for producing a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the electrically conducting pipe radiates the signal at least in the vicinity of the distal end thereof;

(b) means for receiving the radio frequency signal in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) a rectifier for converting the radio frequency signal into dc electrical current; and

(d) means for storing the electrical current converted in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

37. The apparatus as described in claim 36, wherein said means for storing the electrical current converted in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe is selected from the group consisting of capacitors and batteries.

38. A method for providing electrical energy to the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises the steps of:

(a) generating a radio frequency signal having a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the signal remains within the electrically conducting pipe and is conducted thereby to the distal end thereof whereafter the radio frequency signal exits the electrically conducting pipe;

(b) receiving the radio frequency signal exiting the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) converting the received radio frequency signal into dc electrical current; and

(d) storing the electrical current in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

39. An apparatus for providing electrical energy to the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises in combination:

(a) a radio frequency signal generator for producing a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the signal remains within the electrically conducting pipe and is conducted thereby to the distal end thereof whereafter the radio frequency signal exits the electrically conducting pipe;

(b) means for receiving the radio frequency signal exiting the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) a rectifier for converting the received radio frequency signal into dc electrical current; and

(d) means for storing the electrical current in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

40. The apparatus as described in claim 39, wherein said means for storing the electrical current converted in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe is selected from the group consisting of capacitors and batteries.

41. A method for providing electrical energy to the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe buried in the ground, which comprises the steps of:

(a) generating an electrical signal having a chosen ultra-low or extremely low frequency in the ground in the vicinity of the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the signal penetrates the ground to the vicinity of the buried distal end thereof;

(b) receiving the electrical signal in the vicinity of the buried distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) converting the received radio frequency signal into dc electric current; and

(d) storing the electrical current in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

42. An apparatus for providing electrical energy to the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe buried in the ground, which comprises in combination:

(a) an electrical signal generator for producing a chosen ultra-low or extremely low frequency in the ground in the vicinity of the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the signal penetrates the ground to the vicinity of the buried distal end thereof;

(b) means for receiving the electrical signal in the vicinity of the buried distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) a rectifier for converting the received radio frequency signal into dc electric current; and

(d) means for storing the electrical current in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

43. The apparatus as described in claim 42, wherein said means for storing the electrical current converted in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe is selected from the group consisting of capacitors and batteries.

44. A method for communicating with and for providing electrical energy to the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises the steps of:

(a) generating a radio frequency signal having a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the electrically conducting pipe radiates the signal at least in the vicinity of the distal end thereof;

(b) reflecting a first portion of the radiated radio frequency signal in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the reflected radio frequency signal is received by the conducting pipe and transmitted to the proximal end thereof;

(c) modulating the reflected radio frequency signal in response to data received from the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(d) detecting the modulated, reflected signal at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(e) receiving a second portion of the radiated radio frequency signal in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(f) converting the received radio frequency signal into dc electric current; and

(g) storing the electrical current in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

45. An apparatus for communicating with for communicating with and for providing electrical energy to the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises in combination:

(a) a radio frequency generator for generating a radio frequency signal having a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the electrically conducting pipe radiates the signal at least in the vicinity of the distal end thereof;

(b) data acquisition apparatus responsive to chosen input disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) an antenna for reflecting a first portion of the radio frequency signal in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the reflected radio frequency signal is received by the electrically conducting pipe and transmitted to the proximal end thereof;

(d) an impedance switch in electrical connection with said antenna for modulating the electrical impedance thereof, whereby the radio frequency signal reflected by said antenna is modulated in response to data acquired by said data acquisition apparatus; and

(e) a detector for receiving the reflected modulated radio frequency signal disposed in the vicinity of the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(f) means for receiving a second portion of the radiated radio frequency signal in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(g) a rectifier for converting the received radio frequency signal into dc electric current; and

(h) means for storing the electrical current in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

46. The apparatus as described in claim 45, wherein said means for storing the electrical current converted in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe is selected from the group consisting of capacitors and batteries.

47. A method for communicating with and supplying electrical energy to the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises the steps of:

(a) generating a radio frequency signal having a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the signal remains within the electrically conducting pipe and is transmitted thereby to the distal end thereof whereafter the radio frequency signal exits the electrically conducting pipe;

(b) reflecting a first portion of the radio frequency signal exiting the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the reflected signal reenters the electrically conducting pipe, remains therein and is transmitted to the proximal end thereof;

(c) modulating the reflected radio frequency signal in response to data received in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(d) detecting the modulated, reflected signal at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(e) receiving a second portion of the radio frequency signal exiting the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(f) converting the received radio frequency signal into dc electric current; and

(g) storing the electrical current in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

48. An apparatus for communicating with and supplying electrical energy to the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe which comprises in combination:

(a) a radio frequency generator for generating a radio frequency signal having a chosen frequency at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the radio frequency signal remains within the electrically conducting pipe and is transmitted to the distal end thereof whereafter the radio frequency signal exits the electrically conducting pipe;

(b) data acquisition apparatus responsive to chosen input disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) an antenna for reflecting a first portion of the radio frequency signal exiting the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the reflected radio frequency signal reenters the electrically conducting pipe, remains therein and is transmitted to the proximal end thereof;

(d) an impedance switch in electrical connection with said antenna for modulating the electrical impedance thereof, whereby the radio frequency signal reflected by said antenna is modulated in response to data acquired by said data acquisition apparatus;

(e) a detector for receiving the reflected modulated radio frequency signal at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(f) means for receiving a second portion of the radio frequency signal exiting the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(g) a rectifier for converting the received radio frequency signal into dc electric current; and

(h) means for storing the electrical current in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

49. The apparatus as described in claim 48, wherein said means for storing the electrical current converted in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe is selected from the group consisting of capacitors and batteries.

50. A method for communicating with and providing electrical energy to the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe buried in the ground, which comprises the steps of:

(a) generating an electrical signal having a chosen ultra-low or extremely low frequency in the ground in the vicinity of the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the signal penetrates the ground at least to the vicinity of the buried distal end thereof;

(b) receiving a first portion of the signal using the electrically conducting pipe as an antenna;

(c) modulating the impedance of the electrically conducting pipe in response to data received in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe, whereby the first portion of the signal received by the electrically conducting pipe is modulated;

(d) detecting the modulated, received signal at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(e) receiving a second portion of the signal;

(f) converting the received signal into dc electric current; and

(g) storing the electrical current in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

51. An apparatus for communicating with the distal end of an electrically conducting pipe buried in the ground which comprises in combination:

(a) a generator for generating a chosen ultra-low or extremely low frequency signal in the ground in the vicinity of the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe such that the signal penetrates the ground at least to the vicinity of the buried distal end thereof, whereby the electrically conducting pipe receives a first portion of the signal;

(b) data acquisition apparatus responsive to chosen input disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe;

(c) an impedance switch in electrical connection with the electrically conducting pipe for modulating the electrical impedance thereof, whereby the first portion of the signal received by the electrically conducting pipe is

modulated in response to data acquired by said data acquisition apparatus; and

(d) a detector for receiving the modulated signal at the proximal end of the electrically conducting pipe

(e) means for receiving a second portion of the signal;

(f) a rectifier for converting the received second portion of the signal into dc electric current; and

(g) means for storing the electrical current in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe.

52. The apparatus as described in claim 51, wherein said means for storing the electrical current converted in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrically conducting pipe is selected from the group consisting of capacitors and batteries.