Schlumberger Technology Corporation

Robert Bailey

Jacques A Jundt

Philippe Salamitou

Methods, apparatus, and systems for obtaining information regarding a formation, a casing, or fluid within the casing are provided which utilize an interrogator and one or more sensing devices attached to a casing in a wellbore. The interrogator is located within and may be movable inside the wellbore. The sensing device is positioned and fixed in an opening in the casing. The sensing device includes a housing and a sensor with associated electronic circuitry. The interrogator and sensing device include a magnetic coupling therebetween that is operable when the interrogator and sensing device are positioned in close proximity to one another. Preferably, the magnetic coupling is realized by at least one solenoid winding for the interrogator and at least one solenoid winding for the sensing device, which provide a loosely-coupled transformer interface therebetween. The interrogator and sensing device communicate in a wireless manner over the magnetic coupling therebetween.

Methods, apparatus, and systems for obtaining formation information utilizing sensors attached to a casing in a wellbore

Improved methods, apparatus, and systems for obtaining information regarding a formation, a casing, or fluid within the casing utilize an interrogator and one or more sensing devices attached to a casing in a wellbore. The interrogator, which is located and typically movable inside the wellbore, is effectively a toroidal transformer which includes an elongate conducting body surrounded by a core of high magnetic permeability material and carrying a winding. The sensing device, which is positioned and fixed in an opening cut in the casing, includes a housing, a sensor with associated electronic circuitry and an electrode. The electrode is insulated from the casing by an insulator, and the housing of the sensing device is typically adapted to provide a hydraulic seal with the opening in the casing. The interrogator and sensing device communicate in a wireless manner.

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Danbury, CT, United States of America

Robert Bailey