Fluid flow monitor

US8997585B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fotech Solutions Limited · GB

Inventor

• Peter Hayward · Pinawa, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: May 24, 2011
• Grant date: Apr 7, 2015
• Expiry date: Nov 12, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01F1/666
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

There are disclosed methods and apparatus for monitoring fluid flow along a conduit such as a well bore or a pipeline. A sensor optical fiber is disposed along the conduit, and an optical interrogator is used to launch probe light pulses into the fiber and to determine optical properties of probe light backscattered within the fiber, the properties being indicative of vibration as a function along the fiber. An analyzer is used to detect one or more vibration features moving along the conduit and to determine a measure of fluid flow based on the detected movement.