Patent ID: 9685890
Date: 2017-06-20
CPC Classifications: E21B,H02N

Claim:
1. A method of powering devices in a tubular length through the generation of electrostatic energy locally to the device, the tubular length comprising a plurality of tubular segments disposed therewithin and connected in series along 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 substantially insulating membrane; b) generating a net, steady-state electrostatic potential between the flowstream and said membrane, wherein the membrane comprises a plurality of flow channels through which the substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid can pass, and wherein at least a majority of said flow channels have an effective diameter of at least about 500 nm and at most about 200 μm; 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 membrane; and d) using the electrical energy harvested in step (c) to power one or more devices in a remote location.