A US Department of Energy research program has developed a telemetry communication system to help producers tap previously hard-to-reach natural gas resources deep underground, resulting in access to additional supplies. The Sharewell LP electromagnetic (EM)-MWD telemetry system was designed as part of an initiative to foster new technologies to facilitate deep exploration of natural gas resources.

Using new technologies normally associated with interplanetary deep space navigation and missile guidance systems, the technology is designed to transmit real-time data to and from downhole equipment, enable surface processing of downhole sensor data, and control downhole tools directly from the surface. This allows the system to operate at greater depths than other EM systems and to propagate signals through formations that typically weaken EM waves. www.fossil.energy.gov

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