Fiber optic sensing system for monitoring restrictions in hydrocarbon production systems
US5845033A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01L1/246
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor apparatus and method for identifying a restriction in the flowline of a hydrocarbon production system, utilizes an optical fiber or optical fiber cable which is engaged along and preferably spirally wound around and along the flowline. Spaced apart strain gauges which are advantageously in the form of Bragg grating sensors, are engaged with the optical fiber at spaced locations along the flowline. The strain gauges are also engaged with the flowline to measure strain in the flowline. The hoop strain in particular indicates a change in pressure which can be measured by light signals supplied to and received from the optical fiber. Differences in strain along the flowline indicate pressure gradients in the flowline which in turn identify restrictions in the flowline.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.