Patent ID: 8581741
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of enabling communication between components of a hydrocarbon extraction plant through establishment of a radio frequency (RF) communication arrangement, the plant having an underwater hydrocarbon extraction installation including at least one hydrocarbon extraction well with an associated well tree, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of RF communication devices at a respective plurality of components of the installation, wherein said components comprise a subsea control module (SCM) at the tree, a sensor at the tree, a topside facility, and a remote operation vehicle; providing an RF antenna at the SCM; providing an RF antenna at the sensor; providing an RF antenna at the topside facility; and providing an RF antenna at the remote operation vehicle, the RF communication arrangement providing for communication of the topside facility with the SCM, communication of the sensor with the SCM, and communication of the remote operation vehicle with the SCM or the sensor.