Detonation system
US5413045A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 9, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/135
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A detonation system 10 particularly suitable for use in subterranean environments, for example in oil exploration and production, uses a detonating device 2 containing explosive material 3. The explosive material 3 is detonated by a pulse of laser light of a pre-determined frequency and power. The laser pulse is sent down a fiber optic line 5 from a laser 6 through an optical splitter 4 which is designed to reflect all frequencies apart from the above mentioned pre-determined frequency. To test the integrity of the fiber optic line a test signal from a second laser 11 is sent down the optical fiber line. The test signal has a different frequency and much lower power and is therefore reflected back along the fiber optic line by the optical splitter where it can be detected. This test signal allows testing while considerably reducing the chances of accidental damage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.