Patent ID: 9556712
Date: 2017-01-31
CPC Classifications: E21B

Claim:
1. A method of powering a device in a tubular length through generation of electrostatic energy locally to said device, the tubular length comprising a plurality of tubular segments disposed therewithin and connected in series along so as to form a well, pipeline, or refinery tubing, said method comprising the steps of: a) flowing a substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid, as a flowstream, through a designated tubular segment that is electrically-isolated from adjacent tubular segments to which it is connected, wherein the non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid has a relative permittivity of between 2 and 40; b) generating a net, steady-state electrostatic potential between the flowstream and said designated tubular segment; c) harvesting electrical energy from the electrostatic potential via a ground electrode in electrical contact with the flowstream and an electrical lead in electrical contact with the designated tubular segment; and d) using the electrical energy harvested in step (c) to power one or more devices downhole, wherein the non-conductive hydrocarbon-based flowstream flows past the designated tubular segment in a side-pocket mandrel assembly providing for a diverted flowpath.