Apparatus and method for protecting devices, especially fibre optic devices, in hostile environments
US6442304B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4427
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to protecting optical devices, such as an optical fibre sensor connected in series with a cable, from a hostile environment, such as encountered when making measurements in oil and gas wells. A liquid can protect the optical device. Packaging an optical fibre sensor inside a capillary containing the liquid can provide this protection. The liquid can be liquid metal, gel, inks, grease or oil. The liquid metal can be gallium or indium, or an alloy that includes indium and/or gallium. The grease can contain lithium, molybdenum, or synthetics, or be synthetic grease. The liquid can contain other components such as a scavenger or getter for molecules and/or ions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.