Method and apparatus for the optimal predistortion of an electromagnetic signal in a downhole communication system

In a petroleum well having a piping structure and a wireless communication system for communicating signals along the piping structure, a method for delivering an input signal from a first location to a second location, the method comprising the steps of:

• determining an optimum predistortion amount for the input signal to achieve a desired reception of a target signal at the second location;
• applying the predistortion amount to the input signal;
• and
• transmitting the predistorted input signal along the piping structure from the first location to the second location.

A petroleum well having a borehole and a piping structure disposed within the borehole comprising:

• a first modem electrically connected to the piping structure at a first location, the first modem configured to impart an input signal to the piping structure;
• a second modem electrically connected to the piping structure at a second location, the second modem configured to receive an output signal after the input signal is sent by the first modem;
• a processor for predistorting the input signal prior to the input signal being transmitted by the first modem along the piping structure;
• and
• wherein the input signal is predistorted such that the output signal received by the second modem closely matches a target signal.

A measurement system for measuring an electrical formation characteristic in a petroleum well having a borehole and a piping structure disposed within the borehole, the measurement system comprising:

• a first modem electrically connected to the piping structure at a first location, the first modem configured to impart an input signal to the piping structure;
• a second modem electrically connected to the piping structure at a second location, the second modem configured to receive an output signal after the input signal is sent by the first modem;
• and
• wherein the electrical formation characteristic of the well is derived by observing a signal predistortion difference in the input signal and the output signal.

A method for communicating along a piping structure comprising the steps of:

• predistorting an input signal;
• inputting the predistorted input signal at a first location on the piping structure for transmission along the piping structure;
• and
• receiving an output signal at a second location on the piping structure, the output signal being substantially similar to a desired target signal that was pre-selected prior to predistortion of the input signal.