Plasmonic antennas for pipeline communications

Abstract

Communication systems for transmitting signals along pipelines using surface electromagnetic waves and related methods are described. In some examples, a transmitter may be disposed proximate to a first surface of a pipeline and may be configured to generate a signal and couple it to surface electromagnetic waves that propagate the signal along the pipeline. A receiver, positioned proximate to a second surface of the pipeline at a distance from the transmitter, may be configured to detect the signal propagated via surface electromagnetic waves. This system may enable efficient communication along pipelines, including in challenging environments such as underwater or subterranean settings, providing enhanced data transmission capabilities for applications in industries like oil and gas.

Description

Docket No. 0045-9202911PLASMONIC ANTENNAS FOR PIPELINE COMMUNICATIONSFIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems, and more specifically to plasmonic antennas for signal transmission in pipeline communications.BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of oil and gas, communication systems may play a critical role in monitoring and controlling operations within pipelines and subsurface structures. These systems may facilitate the transmission of data such as pressure, temperature, flow rates, and other operational parameters. Communication technologies may be employed in various scenarios, including underwater pipelines, metal-encased conduits, and subterranean networks.SUMMARY

[0003] The described implementations relate to improved communication systems and associated methods for using plasmonic antennas for RF signal transmission and reception in pipelines. Some implementations utilize plasmonic antennas to enhance radio frequency signal transmission through and along pipelines. Plasmonic antennas may leverage surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs) to achieve superior signal propagation, significantly outperforming conventional antennas in terms of range and reliability. This technology may enable effective communication in environments where traditional methods fail, such as underwater pipelines and metal-encased structures.

[0004] By integrating plasmonic antennas into pipeline communication systems, some implementations may provide a robust solution for real-time data transmission. The enhanced signal propagation capabilities may allow for high-bandwidth communication, supporting the transmission of video, sensor data, and command and control information. This innovation may not only improve operational efficiency and safety but also facilitate advanced monitoring and control in the oil and gas industry, ensuring reliable communication in the most challenging environments.

[0005] A communication system is described. The system may include a transmitter disposed proximate to a first surface of a pipeline, the transmitter being configured to generate a signal and couple to SEWs that propagate the signal along the pipeline. The system may include a receiver disposed proximate to a second surface of the pipeline a distance from the transmitter, the receiver being configured to detect the signal propagated via SEWs.Docket No. 0045-9202912

[0006] A method of manufacturing a communication system is described. The method may include disposing a transmitter proximate to a first surface of a pipeline, the transmitter configured to generate a signal and couple to SEWs that propagate the signal along the pipeline. The method may include disposing a receiver proximate to a second surface of the pipeline a distance from the transmitter, the receiver configured to detect the signal propagated via SEWs.

[0007] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the transmitter may include a plasmonic antenna.

[0008] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the receiver may include a plasmonic antenna.

[0009] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the first surface and the second surface may be the inner surface of the pipeline.

[0010] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, a line of sight may be lacking between the transmitter and the receiver.

[0011] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the SEW propagation may enable signal transmission around bends in the pipeline.

[0012] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the first surface may be the inner surface and the second surface may be the outer surface.

[0013] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, SEW propagation on the inner surface may couple to SEW propagation on the outer surface.

[0014] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the SEW propagation may enable signal transmission between the inner surface and the outer surface of the pipeline.

[0015] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the first surface and the second surface may be the outer surface.

[0016] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, one or both of the transmitter or the receiver may be disposed in contact with a surface of the pipeline.

[0017] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the transmitter may be configured to generate a signal that includes video data for transmission along the pipeline.Docket No. 0045-9202913

[0018] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the SEW propagation may enable signal transmission through a pipeline submerged in water.

[0019] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the receiver may be configured to detect a signal transmitted along the outer surface of the pipeline in response to a signal generated on the inner surface.

[0020] In some examples of the technologies and related methods described herein, the SEW propagation may enable signal transmission between the pipeline and an adjacent surface in response to a signal generated by the transmitter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a system that represents the concept of surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs), in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a pipeline communication diagram which supports techniques for plasmonic antennas for signal transmission in pipeline communications in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a pipeline communication diagram which supports techniques for plasmonic antennas for signal transmission in pipeline communications in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of using plasmonic antennas for signal transmission in pipeline communications in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The described implementations relate to improved communication systems and associated methods for using plasmonic antennas for signal transmission in pipeline communications. In some examples, conventional communication systems in the oil and gas industry are inadequate for ensuring reliable data transmission through and along pipelines, particularly in challenging environments such as underwater and metal-encased structures. Wired systems are susceptible to physical damage and are difficult to install and maintain. Traditional radio frequency antennas suffer from significant signal loss and interference when transmitting through metal and water, leading to unreliable communication links. These limitations may hinder real-time monitoring and control, posing risks to operational efficiency, safety, and environmental protection. There is a need for a robust communication solution that can overcomeDocket No. 0045-9202914these challenges and provide reliable, high-bandwidth data transmission in such demanding conditions.

[0026] According to some implementations, the system may utilize plasmonic antennas to enhance radio frequency signal transmission through and along pipelines. These plasmonic antennas may be designed to significantly increase the capacity for radio frequency signal transmissions in various challenging environments, including underwater, across metal surfaces, and subterranean conditions. The plasmonic antennas may provide a considerable size, weight, power, and cost advantage over conventional systems and may be designed to enhance preexisting complementary systems, making them versatile for integration.

[0027] Some implementations may show that plasmonic antennas provide at least 10-100 times better performance compared to conventional state-of-the-art free space antenna configurations. The performance advantage may increase with a larger conductivity mismatch between two surfaces, known as an interface. A metal-air interface may be identified as one conductivity mismatch, but any mismatch may work. Significant gains in signal transmission may result from improved coupling to surface electromagnetic waves.

[0028] The system may support digital communication, enabling the use of state-of-the-art public key infrastructure encryption and compression techniques for data transmission. This may ensure secure and efficient data exchange in various applications.

[0029] Testing of plasmonic antennas waw performed at frequencies of 2.45 gigahertz (2-watt input) and 433 megahertz (0.6-watt input). The performance of these antennas was compared to conventional dipole antennas operating at the same frequencies. Plasmonic antennas have demonstrated superior signal propagation characteristics, outperforming conventional antennas by many orders of magnitude.

[0030] Experiments have shown that both 2.45 gigahertz and 433 megahertz plasmonic antenna designs could penetrate a section of a riser pipe with both ends closed by thick aluminum sheets. A high-quality WiFi video link was maintained while the plasmonic antenna (transmitter) was moved through the pipe. The signal propagated out from both ends of the closed-off pipe and across the tightly mated midpoint flange. Conventional WiFi antennas connected to the same transmitter were incapable of video signal transmission.

[0031] Experiments may have demonstrated that both 2.45 gigahertz and 433 megahertz plasmonic antenna system designs could propagate radio signals in the form of plasmonic surface electromagnetic waves along riser and drilling pipes. Plasmonic antennas may haveDocket No. 0045-9202915outperformed conventional antennas in these tests. In one experiment, a 2.45 gigahertz system placed inside a Faraday cage (designed to attenuate 90 decibels of output signal) received video transmission along the full length of a 32-meter riser pipe. In another experiment, a conventional 2.45 gigahertz signal was transmitted from one end to 120 meters down the length of a drilling pipe, whereas the plasmonic antenna 2.45 gigahertz signal transmitted from one end to the other at 150 meters and beyond to the end of the dock, approximately 170 meters. The 433 megahertz plasmonic antenna exceeded the 2.45 gigahertz distances in all cases.

[0032] Some implementations may include configurations for pipeline communications. In one configuration, communications may occur along the pipeline, where the transmitter is disposed at the inner or outer surface of the pipeline, and the receiver is disposed at a distance from the transmitter along the pipeline. Surface electromagnetic waves may propagate along the pipeline surface, enhancing the radio frequency signal received by the receiver. In another configuration, communications may occur between the inside and outside of the pipeline, where a transmitter disposed within the pipeline sends a signal carried via surface electromagnetic waves from the inner surface of the pipeline to the outer surface, where it may be detected by a receiver disposed outside the pipeline.

[0033] The system may enable wireless communications inside, through, and along underwater pipes, including turning corners (no line of sight). Data that may be transmitted includes voice, sensor data, command and control data, and video. Nodes used for communications may include divers, operators on the surface or in subterranean environments, unmanned underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned surface vehicles, ground robots such as rock crawlers, submarines, swimmer delivery vehicles, ships, and boats. Pathways for communications may include pipes themselves, pipes to / from the water surface or river / seabed, pipes to / from the air above the water or ground, pipes that stretch underground interfacing with tunnels, other infrastructure, building foundations, or the surface, and pipes to / from any of the nodes listed above, possibly via any of the pathways mentioned.

[0034] Aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. The described techniques may be implemented to support enhanced communication capabilities in challenging environments, such as underwater and subterranean conditions, by utilizing plasmonic antennas. These antennas may provide significant improvements in signal transmission efficiency and reliability, which may be crucial for applications requiring secure and high-bandwidth data exchange. The system may offer a considerable size, weight, power, and cost advantage, making it suitable for integrationDocket No. 0045-9202916with existing infrastructure. The ability to transmit data through and along pipelines, including around comers and through metal surfaces, may enable more effective monitoring and control of oil and gas operations. The use of state-of-the-art encryption and compression techniques may ensure secure and efficient data transmission, which may be essential for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the communicated information.

[0035] Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of communication systems. Aspects of the disclosure are additionally illustrated by and described with reference to example implementations. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to a flowchart that relates to methods of using communication systems for plasmonic antennas for signal transmission in pipeline communications.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 that demonstrates the concept of surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs), in accordance with one or more implementations. The system 100 may include a conductive medium 102, such as a body of water, organic tissue, a metallic plane, and / or other conductive media. Adjacent to the conductive medium 102, there may be a dielectric medium 104, such as air and / or other dielectric media, which may interface with the conductive medium 102. The interface 106 between the conductive medium 102 and the dielectric medium 104 may be where SEWs are generated and may propagate.

[0037] The system 100 may also include an antenna 108, which may be positioned near the interface 106. The antenna 108 may be positioned within the conductive medium 102 or within the dielectric medium 104. The antenna 108 may be responsible for generating an electromagnetic field that may excite SEWs at the interface 106 of the conductive medium 102 and the dielectric medium 104. The excited SEWs may then travel along the interface 106, as indicated by the arrow of SEW 110, which may represent the direction of wave propagation.

[0038] To help visualize the phenomenon of SEWs, one may consider an analogy to ripples on a pond. When a stone is dropped into a still pond, ripples may form and spread out across the surface of the water. Similarly, the antenna 108 may be thought of as the stone, and the SEWs may be akin to the ripples that spread along the conductive medium 102. Just as the ripples may move outward from the point of impact, SEWs may propagate along the interface 106, carrying energy with them.

[0039] The system 100 may further include a detector 112, which may be positioned at a distance from the antenna 108 along the interface 106. The detector 112 may be positioned within the conductive medium 102 or within the dielectric medium 104. The detector 112 may beDocket No. 0045-9202917configured to receive the SEWs after they have propagated along the interface 106. This may be analogous to placing one’s hand in the water at a distance from where the stone was dropped, feeling the ripples as they pass by.

[0040] Additionally, the system 100 may include an object 114 positioned within the conductive medium 102 or within the dielectric medium 104, which may be representative of an obstacle that SEWs may encounter during propagation. The interaction of SEWs with the object 114 may lead to scattering of waves, similar to how water ripples may change direction or form patterns when they encounter a leaf or a rock in the pond.

[0041] The system 100 may include an energy source 116, such as a radio frequency generator, which may be connected to the antenna 108. The energy source 116 may provide the necessary power for the antenna 108 to generate the electromagnetic field that excites the SEWs. This may be thought of as the force with which the stone is thrown into the pond, affecting the size and strength of the resulting ripples.

[0042] In some implementations, the system 100 may include a control unit 118, which may be operatively coupled to the antenna 108 and / or the detector 112. The control unit 118 may be responsible for coordinating the generation and detection of SEWs, much like a person orchestrating the timing of stones being dropped into the pond to create a specific pattern of ripples.

[0043] From a more technical perspective, SEWs may be understood as a type of wave that propagates along the interface between two media with different dielectric properties. In FIG. 1, the conductive medium 102 and the dielectric medium 104 may form such an interface (e.g., interface 106) where SEWs may be excited and propagate. The antenna 108 may serve as a transducer that converts electrical signals from the energy source 116 into electromagnetic fields, which may then couple to the interface 106 and give rise to SEWs.

[0044] The propagation of SEWs along the interface 106 may be characterized by a wave vector that is parallel to the interface 106. This wave vector may be larger than the wave vector of free photons in the dielectric medium 104, which may result in a confinement of the electromagnetic field to the vicinity of the interface 106. The SEW’s field strength may decay exponentially in the direction perpendicular to the interface 106, as illustrated by a field strength 120 extending into the dielectric medium 104 and the conductive medium 102. These field strengths may also decay as the SEW propagates along the interface 106, as illustrated by anDocket No. 0045-9202918attenuated field strength 122. The detector 112 may be designed to couple to these confined, attenuated fields and receive the SEWs after they have propagated along the interface 106.

[0045] The excitation of SEWs by the antenna 108 may involve the conversion of the electromagnetic energy into a surface-bound mode, which may be facilitated by the specific design of the antenna 108. The antenna 108 may be optimized to match the impedance of the SEWs to maximize energy transfer into the surface wave mode. The object 114 submerged within the conductive medium 102 may introduce perturbations in the SEWs, which may be detected by the detector 112 and analyzed by the control unit 118 to infer properties of the object 114. Examples of such properties may include one or more of size, shape, location, material properties, and / or other properties.

[0046] The mathematical description of SEWs may be derived from Maxwell’s equations, which govern the behavior of electromagnetic fields. The wave equation for TM-polarized SEWs may be reduced to a one-dimensional Schrodinger equation:g + (k2- V(z)) i / ; = 0 (EQN. 1)where ip is the effective wave function introduced as Ez= ip / / e and V(z) is the effective potential energy that guides the propagation of SEWs along the interface. The term k2represents the total energy of the SEWs and the term e represents the permittivity of the medium.

[0047] For TE-polarized SEWs, the wave equation may not depend on the gradient terms and may be expressed as:

[0048] In the case of a sharp interface between two media with dielectric permittivitiesand e2> the SEW wave vector for TM-polarized waves may be given by:"where m is the angular frequency of the SEWs, and c is the speed of light in vacuum.

[0049] The presence of dielectric permittivity gradients across the interface 106 may lead to additional terms in the effective potential 1 , which may result in the formation of a potential well that supports bound states of SEWs. These bound states may correspond to surface modes with long propagation lengths and may be excited by the antenna 108 with appropriate phase matching.Docket No. 0045-9202919

[0050] The system 100 may thus utilize SEWs for various applications, including communication and sensing, by exploiting the unique properties of SEWs at the interface 106 between the conductive medium 102 and the dielectric medium 104. The control unit 118 may process the received signals to extract information about the propagation and interaction of SEWs with the environment and objects within it.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows pipeline communication diagram 200 which supports techniques for plasmonic antennas for signal transmission in pipeline communications in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As depicted in FIG. 2, the pipeline communication diagram 200 may include one or more of a pipeline 205, a surface 210, a transmitter 215, SEW propagation 220, a receiver 225, and / or other components. The pipeline 205 may interact with other components, such as the transmitter 215 and receiver 225, to facilitate communication along its length. In some implementations, the pipeline 205 may be used in underwater environments, subterranean systems, or above-ground installations.

[0052] The pipeline 205 may include a structure for transporting fluids or gases. The pipeline 205 may be constructed from materials such as steel, aluminum, or composite materials, depending on the application and environmental conditions. The pipeline 205 may be designed to withstand high pressures, extreme temperatures, and corrosive substances. In some implementations, the pipeline 205 may include additional features such as insulation layers or coatings to reduce signal attenuation or environmental degradation.

[0053] The surface 210 may include an inner surface or outer surface of the pipeline 205. The surface 210 may interact with the transmitter 215 and the receiver 225 to enable signal transmission and detection. In some implementations, the surface 210 may include irregularities or coatings that modify the behavior of SEWs along the pipeline 205.

[0054] The transmitter 215 may be configured to send signals within the pipeline 205. The transmitter 215 may generate electromagnetic signals at specific frequencies, such as 2.45 GHz or 433 MHz, to couple with SEWs. The transmitter 215 may be positioned inside or outside the pipeline 205, depending on the desired communication pathway. The transmitter 215 may interact with the SEW propagation 220 to ensure the signal travels along the pipeline 205. In some implementations, the transmitter 215 may include components such as amplifiers or modulators to enhance signal generation.

[0055] The SEW propagation 220 may indicate the movement of SEWs along the pipeline 205. The SEW propagation 220 may occur due to the conductivity mismatch between theDocket No. 0045-92029110pipeline 205 and the surrounding surface 210. The SEW propagation 220 may enable signals to travel over long distances with reduced attenuation. The SEW propagation 220 may interact with the receiver 225, which may detect the transmitted signal. In some implementations, the SEW propagation 220 may be influenced by factors such as the material properties of the pipeline 205 or the frequency of the transmitted signal.

[0056] The receiver 225 may be designed to detect and process signals transmitted through the pipeline 205. The receiver 225 may include components such as antennas or sensors to detect SEWs. The receiver 225 may be positioned at a distance from the transmitter 215 along the pipeline 205 to detect the propagated signal. The receiver 225 may convert the captured signal into a usable format. In some implementations, the receiver 225 may include signal processing units to filter or decode the detected signal.

[0057] In some implementations, the transmitter 215 and / or the receiver 225 may include one or more plasmonic antennas. A given plasmonic antenna may be the same as or similar to, or include one or more aspects of, the antennas disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 570,968 entitled “Apparatus, Methods and Systems for Electromagnetic Signal Transmission Through a Conductive Medium” filed on January 7, 2022, and International Application No. PCT / US2024 / 061379 entitled “Surface Electromagnetic Wave Antenna” filed on December 20, 2024, of which the entirety is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0058] In some implementations, the transmitter 215 may be positioned on the inner or outer surface 210 of the pipeline 205. The SEW propagation 220 may occur along the surface 210 of the pipeline 205, carrying the RF signal from the transmitter 215 to the receiver 225. The receiver 225 may be located at a distance from the transmitter 215 along the pipeline 205, where it may detect the enhanced RF signal transmitted via SEW propagation 220. This arrangement may enable effective communication through and along the pipeline 205, even in challenging environments.

[0059] FIG. 3 shows pipeline communication diagram 300 which supports techniques for plasmonic antennas for signal transmission in pipeline communications in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As depicted in FIG. 3, the pipeline communication diagram 300 may include one or more of a pipeline 305, an inner surface 310, an outer surface 315, a transmitter 320, a receiver 325, and / or other components.

[0060] The pipeline 305 may include a structure for transporting fluids. The pipeline 305 may be the same as or similar to the pipeline 205, as described herein.Docket No. 0045-92029111

[0061] The inner surface 310 may represent the interior boundary of the pipeline 305. The inner surface 310 may be smooth or textured to accommodate specific flow requirements or reduce friction. The inner surface 310 may be coated with materials to resist corrosion or enhance durability. The inner surface 310 may interact with the transmitter 320 to enable signal propagation within the pipeline 305. In some implementations, the inner surface 310 may include features such as grooves or linings to support specific operational needs.

[0062] The outer surface 315 may provide the exterior boundary of the pipeline 305. The outer surface 315 may be designed to protect the pipeline 305 from external environmental factors, such as physical impacts or chemical exposure. The outer surface 315 may include coatings or insulation to prevent damage or heat loss. The outer surface 315 may interact with the receiver 325 to detect signals transmitted through the pipeline 305. In some implementations, the outer surface 315 may be used to mount additional equipment or sensors.

[0063] The transmitter 320 may be positioned to send signals within the pipeline 305. In some implementations, the transmitter 320 may be the same as or similar to the transmitter 215, as described herein.

[0064] The receiver 325 may be configured to receive signals transmitted through the pipeline 305. In some implementations, the receiver 325 may be the same as or similar to the receiver 225, as described herein.

[0065] In some implementations, the transmitter 320 may be positioned on or near the inner surface 310 of the pipeline 305, while the receiver 325 may be located on or near the outer surface 315. The transmitter 320 may emit a signal that propagates as surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs) along the inner surface 310 of the pipeline 305. These SEWs may then travel via the pipeline material to the outer surface 315, where the receiver 325 may detect the signal. This arrangement may allow for effective communication through the pipeline 305, even in environments where conventional methods may fail.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 400 of using systems for plasmonic antennas for signal transmission in pipeline communications in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0067] At 405, the method 400 may include disposing a transmitter proximate to a first surface of a pipeline, the transmitter configured to generate a signal and couple to surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs) that propagate the signal along the pipeline. The operations of 405 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples,Docket No. 0045-92029112aspects of the operations of 405 may involve a pipeline 205, a surface 210, a transmitter 215, SEW propagation 220, and a receiver 225 as described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0068] At 410, the method 400 may include disposing a receiver proximate to a second surface of the pipeline a distance from the transmitter, the receiver configured to detect the signal propagated via SEWs. The operations of 410 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 410 may involve a pipeline 205, a surface 210, a transmitter 215, SEW propagation 220, and a receiver 225 as described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0069] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

[0070] Aspect 1 : A communication system, comprising: a transmitter disposed proximate to a first surface of a pipeline, the transmitter configured to generate a signal and couple to surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs) that propagate the signal along the pipeline; and a receiver disposed proximate to a second surface of the pipeline a distance from the transmitter, the receiver configured to detect the signal propagated via SEWs.

[0071] Aspect 2: The communication system of aspect 1, wherein the transmitter includes a plasmonic antenna.

[0072] Aspect 3 : The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 2, wherein the receiver includes a plasmonic antenna.

[0073] Aspect 4: The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 3, wherein the first surface and the second surface are the inner surface of the pipeline.

[0074] Aspect 5: The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 4, wherein a line of sight is lacking between the transmitter and the receiver.

[0075] Aspect 6: The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 5, wherein the SEW propagation enables signal transmission around bends in the pipeline.

[0076] Aspect 7: The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 6, wherein the first surface is the inner surface and the second surface is the outer surface.

[0077] Aspect 8: The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 7, wherein SEW propagation on the inner surface couples to SEW propagation on the outer surface.Docket No. 0045-92029113

[0078] Aspect 9: The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 8, wherein the SEW propagation enables signal transmission between the inner surface and the outer surface of the pipeline.

[0079] Aspect 10: The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 9, wherein the first surface and the second surface are the outer surface.

[0080] Aspect 11 : The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 10, wherein one or both of the transmitter or the receiver are disposed in contact with a surface of the pipeline.

[0081] Aspect 12: The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 11, wherein the transmitter is configured to generate a signal that includes video data for transmission along the pipeline.

[0082] Aspect 13: The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 12, wherein the SEW propagation enables signal transmission through a pipeline submerged in water.

[0083] Aspect 14: The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 13, wherein the receiver is configured to detect a signal transmitted along the outer surface of the pipeline in response to a signal generated on the inner surface.

[0084] Aspect 15: The communication system of any of aspects 1 through 14, wherein the SEW propagation enables signal transmission between the pipeline and an adjacent surface in response to a signal generated by the transmitter.

[0085] Aspect 16: A method of manufacturing a communication system, comprising: disposing a transmitter proximate to a first surface of a pipeline, the transmitter configured to generate a signal and couple to surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs) that propagate the signal along the pipeline; and disposing a receiver proximate to a second surface of the pipeline a distance from the transmitter, the receiver configured to detect the signal propagated via SEWs.

[0086] Aspect 17: The method of aspect 16, wherein the transmitter includes a plasm onic antenna.

[0087] Aspect 18: The method of any of aspects 16 through 17, wherein the receiver includes a plasmonic antenna.

[0088] Aspect 19: The method of any of aspects 16 through 18, wherein the first surface and the second surface are the inner surface of the pipeline.

[0089] Aspect 20: The method of any of aspects 16 through 19, wherein a line of sight is lacking between the transmitter and the receiver.Docket No. 0045-92029114

[0090] The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0091] In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0092] Information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0093] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general -purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0094] The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examplesDocket No. 0045-92029115and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

Docket No. 0045-92029116CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A communication system, comprising:a transmitter disposed proximate to a first surface of a pipeline, the transmitter configured to generate a signal and couple to surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs) that propagate the signal along the pipeline; anda receiver disposed proximate to a second surface of the pipeline a distance from the transmitter, the receiver configured to detect the signal propagated via SEWs.

2. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter includes a plasmonic antenna.

3. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the receiver includes a plasmonic antenna.

4. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface are the inner surface of the pipeline.

5. The communication system of claim 4, wherein a line of sight is lacking between the transmitter and the receiver.

6. The communication system of claim 4, wherein the SEW propagation enables signal transmission around bends in the pipeline.

7. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the first surface is the inner surface and the second surface is the outer surface.

8. The communication system of claim 7, wherein SEW propagation on the inner surface couples to SEW propagation on the outer surface.

9. The communication system of claim 7, wherein the SEW propagation enables signal transmission between the inner surface and the outer surface of the pipeline.

10. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface are the outer surface.

11. The communication system of claim 1, wherein one or both of the transmitter or the receiver are disposed in contact with a surface of the pipeline.

12. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is configured to generate a signal that includes video data for transmission along the pipeline.

13. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the SEW propagation enables signal transmission through a pipeline submerged in water.Docket No. 0045-9202911714. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the receiver is configured to detect a signal transmitted along the outer surface of the pipeline in response to a signal generated on the inner surface.

15. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the SEW propagation enables signal transmission between the pipeline and an adjacent surface in response to a signal generated by the transmitter.

16. A method of using a communication system, comprising:disposing a transmitter proximate to a first surface of a pipeline, the transmitter configured to generate a signal and couple to surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs) that propagate the signal along the pipeline; anddisposing a receiver proximate to a second surface of the pipeline a distance from the transmitter, the receiver configured to detect the signal propagated via SEWs.

17. The method of manufacturing a communication system of claim 16, wherein the transmitter includes a plasmonic antenna.

18. The method of manufacturing a communication system of claim 16, wherein the receiver includes a plasmonic antenna.

19. The method of manufacturing a communication system of claim 16, wherein the first surface and the second surface are the inner surface of the pipeline.

20. The method of manufacturing a communication system of claim 16, wherein a line of sight is lacking between the transmitter and the receiver.

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