Reliability and field testing of distributed strain and temperature sensors

Daniele Inaudi, Branko Glisic

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Distributed fiber optic sensing presents unique features that have no match in conventional sensing techniques. The ability to measure temperatures and strain at thousands of points along a single fiber is particularly interesting for the monitoring of large structures such as pipelines, flow lines, oil wells, dams and dikes. Sensing systems based on Brillouin and Raman scattering have been used for example to detect pipeline leakages, verify pipeline operational parameters, prevent failure of pipelines installed in landslide areas, optimize oil production from wells and detect hotspots in high-power cables. The measurement instruments have been vastly improved in terms of spatial, temperature and strain resolution, distance range, measurement time, data processing and system cost. Analyzers for Brillouin and Raman scattering are now commercially available and offer reliable operation in field conditions. New application opportunities have however demonstrated that the design and production of sensing cables is a critical element for the success of any distributed sensing instrumentation project. Although standard telecommunication cables can be effectively used for sensing ordinary temperatures, monitoring high and low temperatures or distributed strain present unique challenges that require specific cable designs. This contribution presents three cable designs for high-temperature sensing, strain sensing and combined strain and temperature monitoring as well as the respective testing procedures during production and in the field.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSmart Structures and Materials 2006
Subtitle of host publicationSmart Sensor Monitoring Systems and Applications
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes
EventSmart Structures and Materials 2006: Smart Sensor Monitoring Systems and Applications - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Feb 27 2006Mar 1 2006

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6167
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherSmart Structures and Materials 2006: Smart Sensor Monitoring Systems and Applications
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period2/27/063/1/06

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Computer Science Applications

Keywords

  • Brillouin scattering
  • Cable design
  • Distributed sensing
  • Raman scattering
  • Strain monitoring
  • Temperature monitoring

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