Patent · US Active

System and method for monitoring fluid flow in a wellbore using acoustic telemetry

US9863222B2 · kind B2 · utility

42Cited by
59References
46Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 7, 2015
Grant dateJan 9, 2018
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 13, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B47/14
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An electro-acoustic system for downhole telemetry is provided herein. The system employs a series of communications nodes spaced along a string of production tubing within a wellbore. The nodes allow for wireless communication between transceivers residing within the communications nodes and a receiver at the surface. More specifically, the transceivers provide for node-to-node communication up a wellbore at high data transmission rates for data indicative of fluid flow within the production tubing adjacent gas lift valves. A method of monitoring the flow of fluid gas lift valves is also provided herein. The method uses a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along the production tubing which send signals to a receiver at the surface. The signals are then analyzed to determine gas lift valve operation and fluid flow data.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.