A system and method of communicating among devices via a piping structure using
at least one induction choke about the piping structure to route a time-varying
current carrying communication signals between the devices. A communications system
comprises a piping structure, a first communication device, a second communication
device, and an induction choke. The piping structure comprises a first location,
a second location, and an electrically conductive portion extending between the
first and second locations. The first and second locations are distally spaced
along the piping structure. The first and second communication devices are each
electrically connected to the electrically conductive portion of the piping structure
along the first location and second location, respectively, and each is adapted
to send and receive communication signals via time-varying current. The induction
choke is located about an electrically choked portion of the electrically conductive
portion of the piping structure, such that the induction choke is adapted to route
time-varying current within the piping structure between the electrical connection
location for the first communication device and the electrical connection location
for the second communication device, and such that the first communication device
can communicate with the second communication device via the piping structure.
A preferred application of the present invention is a well for producing petroleum
products (e.g., oil, natural gas), comprising a communication system as described above.