Electric field communication for short range data transmission in a borehole

A wireless communications system for use in a borehole extending from a surface comprising:

• a first downhole sub, the first downhole sub having an outer surface;
• a lower electrode mechanically connected to the first downhole sub wherein the lower electrode is insulated from the first downhole sub and wherein the lower electrode is externally exposed to an environment of the first downhole sub;
• a first transmitter electrically connected to the lower electrode;
• a communication management controller in communication with the first transmitter for driving a data modulated current into the lower electrode by way of the first transmitter;
• a second downhole sub;
• an upper electrode mechanically connected to the second downhole sub wherein the upper electrode is insulated from the second downhole sub and wherein the upper electrode is externally exposed to an environment of the second downhole sub;
• a receiver electrically connected to the upper electrode wherein the receiver is adapted to receive a signal from the upper electrode wherein the signal represents measurement data;
• and
• a surface uplink transmitter in communication with the receiver wherein the surface uplink transmitter is adapted to communicate the measurement data from the receiver to the surface.

A wireless communications system for use in a borehole extending from a surface comprising:

• one or more downhole subs, each of the one or more downhole subs having an outer surface;
• and
• two or more insulated conductive electrodes mechanically connected to the one or more downhole subs wherein the two or more insulated conductive electrodes are in electrical connection with drilling mud;
• wherein at least one of the insulated conductive electrodes is adapted to wirelessly receive an electromagnetic transmission from at least one other insulated conductive electrode through the drilling mud or surrounding formation.

A method of communicating in a borehole extending from a surface comprising:

• providing a wireless communications system, the wireless communication system comprising a first downhole sub and a second downhole sub, the first downhole sub mechanically connected to the second downhole sub, a first insulated conductive electrode mechanically connected to the first downhole sub and in electrical connection with drilling mud and a second insulated conductive electrode, the second insulated conductive electrode in electrical connection with drilling mud;
• wirelessly transmitting an electromagnetic signal from the first insulated conductive electrode to the second insulated conductive electrode through drilling mud or surrounding formation;
• and
• receiving the electromagnetic signal with the second insulated conductive electrode.