Induction choke for power distribution in piping structure

A method of powering a device electrically connected to an elongated conductor comprising the steps of:

• positioning an induction choke in concentric relation about a portion of the conductor;
• applying a time-varying electrical current to the conductor on one side of the induction choke;
• developing a voltage potential between said conductor on one side and a ground return when said time-varying electrical current is applied to the conductor;
• using the voltage potential to power a device coupled between said conductor on one side and the ground return.

A system for defining an electrical circuit, comprising:

• a piping structure comprising a first location, a second location, and an electrically conductive portion extending between said first and second locations, wherein said first and second locations are distally spaced along said piping structure;
• a source of time-varying current electrically connected to said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure at a location along said first location;
• an induction choke located about part of said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure;
• a device comprising two terminals, a first of said device terminals being electrically connected to said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure;
• and
• an electrical return electrically connecting between a second of said device terminals and said source to complete said electrical circuit.

A system for providing power or communications to a remote device, comprising:

• a piping structure comprising a first location, a second location, and an electrically conductive portion extending between said first and second locations, wherein said first and second locations are distally spaced along said piping structure;
• an induction choke enveloping part of said piping structure;
• a source of time-varying current electrically connected to said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure for supplying primary electrical current;
• a transformer located proximate said piping structure and adapted to form a secondary coil for supplying secondary electrical current corresponding to said primary electrical current when said primary electrical current is flowing in said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure, wherein said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure acts as a primary coil;
• an electrical return electrically connecting said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure and said source to complete an electrical circuit, such that said transformer is located between said connection of said source and said connection of said electrical return to said piping structure;
• and
• a device electrically connected to said transformer for receiving said secondary electrical current.

A petroleum well for producing petroleum products, comprising:

• a piping structure comprising a first location, a second location, and an electrically conductive portion extending between said first and second locations, wherein said first and second locations are distally spaced along said piping structure;
• an electrical circuit comprising said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure, a source of time-varying current, an induction choke, a device, and an electrical return;
• said source of time-varying current being electrically connected to said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure proximate said first location;
• said induction choke positioned proximate part of said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure;
• said device comprising two terminals, a first of said device terminals being electrically connected to said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure;
• and
• said electrical return electrically connecting between a second of said device terminals and said source to complete said electrical circuit.

A petroleum well for producing petroleum products, comprising:

• a piping structure comprising a first location, a second location, and an electrically conductive portion extending between said first and second locations, wherein said first and second locations are distally spaced along said piping structure;
• an electrical circuit comprising said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure, an induction choke, an electric power transformer, a source of time-varying current, and an electrical return;
• said induction choke located about a portion of said piping structure;
• said source of time-varying current electrically connected to said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure;
• said electric power transformer located proximate said piping structure and adapted to form a secondary coil for supplying secondary electrical current corresponding to primary current supplied by said source of time-varying current via said piping structure;
• said electrical return electrically connecting between said electrically conductive portion of said piping structure and said source to complete said electrical circuit, such that said transformer is located between said electrical connection location for said source and said electrical connection location for said electrical return along said piping structure;
• and
• a device being electrically connected to said transformer for receiving said secondary electrical current.

A method of operating a well having a pipe disposed in the earth comprising the steps of:

• providing an induction choke coupled to the pipe downhole and disposed in enveloping relationship to a portion of the pipe;
• coupling time varying current to the pipe uphole relative to the choke;
• inhibiting time varying current flow distal to the choke and developing a voltage potential between the choke and a ground return;
• coupling a device to the pipe uphole relative to the choke;
• and
• operating said device with said voltage potential to operate said well.