Communications system

Abstract

A communications system for deployment within a subsurface hydrocarbon production system, the communications system comprising at least a section of production pipeline having an external pipe unit, and an internal pipe unit located within and coaxial with the exterior pipe unit creating a void therebetween operable to receive fluid, a first communication unit disposed at a first location on the internal pipe, operable to transmit an electromagnetic data signal, and a second communication unit located at a second location, remote to the first location, on the internal pipe, operable to receive an electromagnetic data signal transmitted by the first communication system through the fluid, internal pipe and external pipe.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A communications system for deployment within a subsurface hydrocarbon production system, the communications system comprising at least a section of production pipeline having an external pipe unit, and an internal pipe unit located within and coaxial with the exterior pipe unit creating a void there between operable to receive fluid, a first communication unit disposed at a first location on the internal pipe, operable to transmit an electromagnetic data signal, and a second communication unit located at a second location, remote to the first location, on the internal pipe, operable to receive an electromagnetic data signal transmitted by the first communication system through the fluid, internal pipe and external pipe. 
     
     
         2 . A communications system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each communication unit is provided with at least one of a transmitter, receiver and a transceiver which includes at least one antenna. 
     
     
         3 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein at least one antenna is a formed of a plurality of turns of wire arranged in a loop or around a solenoid. 
     
     
         4 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein at least one antenna comprises a least one coil wound around the internal pipe. 
     
     
         5 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein at least one antenna is arranged on protrusion extending radially outwards from the internal pipe. 
     
     
         6 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein at least one antenna is arranged on a protrusion extending radially inwards from the external pipe. 
     
     
         7 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein at least one antenna is an electric dipole antenna. 
     
     
         8 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the internal pipe is formed of metal having a high magnetic permeability. 
     
     
         9 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the external pipe is formed of metal having a high magnetic permeability. 
     
     
         10 . A communication system wherein at least one centralising collar is arranged between the external pipe and internal pipe to ensure the internal pipe is retained concentrically with and co-axially relative to the external pipe. 
     
     
         11 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 10  wherein at least one communications unit is located within a centralising collar. 
     
     
         12 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the centralising collar is adapted to electrically connect the internal pipe to the external pipe at predetermined locations. 
     
     
         13 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 10  wherein he centralising collar act as a communications unit antenna by providing a modulated alternating voltage between the internal pipe to the external pipe. 
     
     
         14 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one communications unit is provided at a wired loom and at least one other communications unit is provided at equipment permanently attached to the pipeline. 
     
     
         15 . A communications system as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a large diameter loop antenna deployed at a seabed surface. 
     
     
         16 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the external pipe is discontinuous. 
     
     
         17 . A communications system comprising a pipeline having an elongate outer tube within which is co-axially located an elongate internal member with a void created between the pipeline and the internal member, the void operable to receive fluid; a plurality of communications units located along the internal member, each operable to transmit and/or receive a data carrying signal, at least one communication unit being in communication with a control unit and at least one sensor in communication with at least one communication unit, wherein the at least one sensor is operable to provide sensor data to at least one communication unit which then transmits the sensor data to at least one other communication unit. 
     
     
         18 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the pipeline is provided with a first end and a second end. 
     
     
         19 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the control unit is located at the first end of the pipeline. 
     
     
         20 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 17  wherein at least one sensor is located at the second end of the pipeline. 
     
     
         21 . A communication system as claimed in  claim 17  wherein each communication unit is provided with at least one of a transmitter, a receiver or a transceiver. 
     
     
         22 . A communications system as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the elongate outer tube is discontinuous. 
     
     
         23 . A communications system as claimed in  claim 17  wherein a communications unit is located within at least one centralising collar.