Wireless Communication in Oil and Gas Wells

We review the techniques of below-ground wireless communication in the oil and gas industry. A historical and theoretical analysis of pressure wave and electromagnetic communication is presented. Case studies for both technologies and their current applications are evaluated to identify the limitations of each method and opportunities for innovation. Finally, the possibilities of smart well technology are discussed with focus on sensors powered wirelessly for the continuous monitoring of shale oil/gas reservoirs using electromagnetic methods. We conclude that the critical challenges are associated with powering the devices, which must perform for periods of months to years and must be able to generate sufficiently powerful signals to overcome the large signal attenuation associated with electromagnetic wave propagation through geological media.