Patent ID: 7863907
Filing Date: 2011-01-04
Classification: E21B,G01K,G01L,H01G

Abstract:
1. A system for sensing a characteristic in a subterranean environment, comprising: a signal generator, configured and arranged to generate an electromagnetic signal; a sensor probe, locatable in a region of the subterranean environment, the sensor probe including a resonant circuit portion that includes a capacitive element, the resonant circuit portion being configured and arranged to receive energy from the electromagnetic signal and to generate a ringing signal in response to the electromagnetic signal, wherein the capacitive element of the sensor probe is responsive to a condition of the characteristic in the region of the subterranean environment to modulate the ringing signal in accordance therewith; a first conductor plate having a first conductive layer supported by a first substrate; and a second conductor plate having a second conductive layer supported by a second substrate, the first and second conductor plates together defining an adjustable gap therebetween, the adjustable gap being adjustable responsive to the condition to alter a capacitance of the capacitive element, wherein the adjustable gap is adjustable responsive to a temperature condition to alter the capacitance of the capacitive element; a receiver, configured and arranged to receive the modulated ringing signal; and a processor, configured and arranged to process the modulated ringing signal to obtain a measurement of the condition.