Apparatus and method for monitoring fluid flow in a wellbore using acoustic signals

US10480308B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RESEARCH COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Timothy I. Morrow · Humble, US
• Stuart R. Keller · Houston, US
• Max Deffenbaugh · Brookshire, US
• Mark M. Disko · Glen Gardner, US
• David A. Stiles · New Orleans, US
• Scott W. Clawson · Califon, US
• H. Alan Wolf · Morristown, US
• Katie M. Walker · Milford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 18, 2013
• Grant date: Nov 19, 2019
• Expiry date: Feb 10, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E21B47/01
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

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 nodes and a receiver at the surface. The transceivers provide node-to-node communication up a wellbore at high data transmission rates for data indicative of fluid flow within the wellbore. A method of monitoring the flow of fluid within a wellbore uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along the casing string sending signals to a receiver at the surface. The signals are then analyzed.