Polarization based fiber optic downhole flowmeter
US7894061B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 22, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/661
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flow monitoring system includes a pipe for transporting a fluid therethrough. An optical fiber generally spirals about the pipe along a longitudinal portion having a predetermined length to serve as a single transducer for detecting flow information from the longitudinal portion. A linear polarizer/analyzer circuit communicates with the optical fiber. A light source communicates with the linear polarizer/analyzer circuit and generates a light signal along the optical fiber at a frequency greater than a period of a disturbance to flow past the predetermined length of the transducer. A reflector is disposed along the optical fiber for reflecting the light signal along the optical fiber. An optical detector communicates with the linear polarizer/analyzer circuit. The optical detector determines from the light signal dynamic events along the optical fiber indicative of flow disturbances passing by the transducer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.