Wireless reservoir production control

A reservoir production control system comprising:

• a plurality of wells for producing a reservoir, each well having a borehole extending from the surface, and at least one piping structure located within the borehole;
• at least one downhole data pod located within the borehole of one of the wells for monitoring downhole data about downhole physical characteristics of the well;
• at least one surface data pod for monitoring surface data;
• a central computer for collecting the surface data from the surface data pod and the downhole data from the downhole data pod;
• a downhole communication network for transmitting alternating current electrical power and communication signals along an electrically isolated portion of the piping structure of the one or more wells from the downhole data pod to the surface of the one or more wells;
• a surface communication network electrically connected between the surface of the well and the central computer;
• wherein the surface communication network comprises a plurality of interconnected pipes having electrically isolated portions for communicating information between the surface of the well and the central computer;
• wherein the downhole data and the surface data is analyzed by the central computer to optimize production of the reservoir.

A method for controlling the production of a reservoir having a plurality of wells for producing the reservoir, each well having a borehole extending from the surface, and a tubing string inserted in the borehole, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) communicating downhole data from a downhole pod in at least one of the wells to the surface along a downhole communication network utilizing an electrically isolated portion of the tubing string;
• (b) providing a central computer for collecting the downhole data from one or more wells;
• (c) communicating the downhole data from the surface of the well to the central computer along a surface communication network;
• and
• (d) analyzing the downhole data and communicating instructions from the central computer to at least one of the wells to change selected operating parameters of the well;
• wherein communicating occurs by passing communication signals along electrically isolated sections of the interconnected pipes.