APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING THE INTEGRITY OF FIBER OPTIC SYSTEMS

Description

1 / 19 APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING THE INTEGRITY OF FIBER OPTIC SYSTEMS Background

[0001] Some wells, for example, wells used in hydrocarbon production, include fiber optic systems to provide downhole measurement of one or more parameters, such as temperature, pressure, fluid flow rate, or similar. A fiber optic system may include optical connections between multiple fiber optic lines or optical connections between a fiber optic line and other equipment, such as a transducer in a sensor system. Each optical connection is a potential location for optical signal deterioration. A typical fiber optic system includes a fiber optic line attached to the outside of a tubing string. When introducing the tubing string with an attached fiber optic line into a well, the fiber optic line may become damaged, creating an additional potential location for optical signal deterioration.Subsea well operations are particularly complex and expensive, and the integrity of a fiber optic system in a subsea well can be critical to the successful operation of the well. Identifying a problem with a fiber optic system during the introduction of the fiber optic system into a subsea well can allow operators to initiate corrective actions before completing the introduction operation.

[0002] There is a need for systems, devices and methods to provide monitoring of a fiber optic system while the fiber optic system is being installed in an underwater well. Petition 870260036808, dated 04 / 20 / 2026, page 7 / 35 2 / 19 Summary

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure provide systems, apparatus and methods for monitoring a fiber optic system. In one aspect, a monitor for fiber optics includes a compartment configured for use in an underwater environment. The compartment contains a light source, an optical sensor and a controller coupled to the light source and the optical sensor. The monitor additionally includes a power source.

[0004] In another aspect, a method includes receiving an optical signal on an underwater monitor from a fiber optic system coupled to a tubular string while the tubular string is being introduced into an underwater well; the method further includes determining a condition of the fiber optic system using the monitor and sending information related to the fiber optic system from the monitor.

[0005] In another aspect, a method includes receiving an optical signal on an underwater monitor from a fiber optic system in an underwater well; the method further includes determining a condition of the fiber optic system using the monitor and sending information related to the fiber optic system from the monitor.

[0006] The following description and attached figures present certain features for illustrative purposes. Brief description of the drawings

[0007] The attached figures illustrate only exemplary modalities and, therefore, should not be considered limiting to the scope of disclosure, since disclosure may admit other equally effective modalities.

[0008] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an operation in an underwater well in which a monitor is used to assess Petition 870260036808, dated 04 / 20 / 2026, p. 8 / 35 3 / 19 the integrity of a fiber optic system attached to a pipe string being installed in the well.

[0009] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an operation in an underwater well in which a monitor is coupled to an underwater tree and is used to assess the integrity of the fiber optic system represented in Figure 1.

[0010] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example configuration of the monitors in Figures 1 or 2.

[0011] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for monitoring a fiber optic system.

[0012] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for monitoring a fiber optic system.

[0013] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numbers have been used, whenever possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and characteristics of one modality may be beneficially incorporated into other modalities without further mention. Detailed description

[0014] Aspects of the present disclosure provide systems, apparatus and methods for monitoring a fiber optic system while the fiber optic system is being installed in a well, such as an underwater well.

[0015] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an operation in an underwater well 30. The well 30 penetrates a seabed 12 and includes a wellhead 32. A riser 22 extends from the wellhead 32 to a drilling rig 20. A tubing string 34 is shown being introduced into the well 30 through the riser 22. The tubing string 34 is suspended from a tubing hanger 36 which is configured to engage Petition 870260036808, dated 04 / 20 / 2026, page 9 / 35 4 / 19 on wellhead 32. The pipe hanger 36 is coupled to a through tool 37 which is coupled to a string 38 suspended from the drilling rig 20.

[0016] A fiber optic line 42 is coupled to the tubing string 34. The fiber optic line 42 forms at least part of a fiber optic system 40 that is being deployed in the well 30 with the tubing string 34. The fiber optic line 42 extends through the tubing hanger 36 and the through-tool 37 to a monitor 100. In some embodiments, the monitor 100 is coupled to the through-tool 37. In some embodiments, the monitor 100 is coupled to the laying string 38 in the through-tool 37. The monitor 100 performs one or more checks on the fiber optic system 40 while the tubing string 34 is being introduced into the well 30. The monitor 100 performs one or more checks on the fiber optic system 40 while the monitor 100 is below the sea surface 10.

[0017] In some embodiments, the monitor 100 communicates with a controller of system 24, such as a controller in a control room on the drilling rig 20.In some embodiments, communication is unidirectional only from monitor 100 to system controller 24. In some embodiments, communication is unidirectional only from system controller 24 to monitor 100. In some embodiments, communication is bidirectional between monitor 100 and system controller 24. In one example, monitor 100 receives commands from system controller 24 and sends information, such as data, to system controller 24, as described below.

[0018] In some embodiments, an umbilical 26 is deployed on riser 22. The umbilical 26 can be coupled to the tool. Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 10 / 35 5 / 19 passage 37. Umbilical 26 can be coupled to monitor 100. In one example, umbilical 26 provides power to monitor 100. In a further example, umbilical 26 facilitates telemetry between monitor 100 and system controller 24. In some embodiments, monitor 100 communicates with system controller 24 via electronic telemetry through umbilical 26. In some embodiments, monitor 100 communicates with system controller 24 via optical telemetry through umbilical 26. In some embodiments, umbilical 26 is omitted.

[0019] In some embodiments, monitor 100 communicates with system controller 24 via acoustic telemetry through the fluid in the riser. In some embodiments, monitor 100 communicates with system controller 24 via acoustic telemetry through the string 38. In some embodiments, monitor 100 communicates with system controller 24 via electronic telemetry through a wire in the string 38. In some embodiments, monitor 100 communicates with system controller 24 via optical telemetry through a fiber optic line in the string 38.

[0020] In some embodiments, a remotely operated vehicle (commonly referred to as an ROV) 28 is operated at sea while the monitor 100 is deployed. In one example, the monitor 100 communicates with the ROV 28, such as via acoustic telemetry. The ROV 28 relays communications between the monitor 100 and the system controller 24.

[0021] After the pipe hanger 36 is set in the wellhead 32, the setting string 38 and the tool Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 11 / 35 6 / 19 of the through-hole 37 are disconnected from the tubing string 34. The belay string 38 and the through-hole tool 37 are retrieved to a surface location (such as the drilling rig 20). In some embodiments, the monitor 100 is retrieved with the belay string 38 and the through-hole tool 37 to the surface location. As described below, in some embodiments, the data stored in a memory of the monitor 100 is downloaded after the monitor 100 is retrieved.

[0022] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an underwater tree 50 coupled to the wellhead 32. In some embodiments, the underwater tree 50 is what is known as a horizontal tree and is coupled to the wellhead before passing the tubing string 34, and the tubing string 34 is passed through the underwater tree 50.In other embodiments, the underwater tree 50 is what is known as a vertical tree and is coupled to the wellhead 32 after the settling string 38 and the through-tool 37 are recovered to a surface location.

[0023] The monitor 100 (which may be a second monitor 100) is coupled to the underwater tree 50. In some embodiments, the monitor 100 is coupled to a control capsule 52 of the underwater tree 50. In some embodiments, the monitor 100 is on the ROV 28 and is coupled to the underwater tree 50 via an interface tool on the ROV 28. The monitor 100 is coupled to the fiber optic line 42 which is coupled to the tubing string 34. In one example, the monitor 100 is coupled to the fiber optic line 42 via a wet coupling connection on the tubing hanger 36.

[0024] In some forms, the underwater tree 50 is attached to an umbilical (such as umbilical 26, Figure 1). Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 12 / 35 7 / 19 The umbilical can be coupled to the control capsule 52. The umbilical can be coupled to the monitor 100. In one example, the umbilical provides power to the monitor 100. In a further example, the umbilical 26 facilitates telemetry between the monitor 100 and the system controller 24. In some embodiments, the monitor 100 communicates with the system controller 24 via electronic telemetry through the umbilical. In some embodiments, the monitor 100 communicates with the system controller 24 via electromagnetic telemetry through the umbilical. In some embodiments, the monitor 100 communicates with the system controller 24 via optical telemetry through the umbilical 26. In some embodiments, the umbilical is omitted.

[0025] In some modes, monitor 100 communicates with system controller 24 via acoustic telemetry through sea 10. In some modes, ROV 28 is operated in sea 10 and monitor 100 communicates with ROV 28, for example via acoustic telemetry. ROV 28 relays communications between monitor 100 and system controller 24.

[0026] In some embodiments, the assessment of the fiber optic system 40 condition is performed by a first monitor 100 and then by a second monitor 100. In one example, the first monitor 100 is coupled to the string 38 and / or the passage tool 37 (as described above in relation to Figure 1) and the second monitor 100 is coupled to the underwater tree 50 (as described above in relation to Figure 2). The first monitor 100 is used to assess the condition of the fiber optic system 40 while the tubing string 34 is being introduced into the well 30. The second monitor 100 is used to assess the condition of the system of Petition 870260036808, dated 04 / 20 / 2026, page 13 / 35 8 / 19 fiber optic 40 after the installation of the pipe hanger 36 on the wellhead 32 and before coupling the production infrastructure (such as one or more flowlines or a well control system) to the subsea tree 50. In such embodiments, the condition of the fiber optic system 40 can be evaluated during and after the installation of the fiber optic system 40, but before the commissioning of the well 30.

[0027] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary configuration of the monitor 100. The monitor 100 includes a compartment 102 that is configured for use in an underwater environment. In one example, the compartment 102 has a shape and thickness configured to withstand external pressure and is sealed against water ingress. In some embodiments, the compartment 102 contains a light source 104, such as a light-emitting diode or a laser, which is used to test the fiber optic line 42. In some embodiments, the compartment 102 contains an optical sensor 106 that is used to detect light returning to the monitor 100 through the fiber optic line 42. In operation, the light source 104 and the optical sensor 106 are optically coupled to the fiber optic line 42 via a connector 108, such as a wet coupling connector. In some embodiments, at least one of the light source 104 or the optical sensor 106 is external to the compartment 102.In one example, at least one of the light source 104 or the optical sensor 106 is coupled to a tool on ROV 28 that is configured to connect to compartment 102. In another example, the light source 104 is provided as part of the fiber optic system 40 and is coupled to the tubing column 34. In such an example, a. Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 14 / 35 The 9 / 19 light source 104 can be powered by an off-the-shelf power source, such as a battery.

[0028] In some embodiments, compartment 102 contains a transceiver 110 configured to facilitate communications between the monitor 100 and the system controller 24. In one example, the transceiver 110 facilitates acoustic telemetry, as described above. In another example, the transceiver 110 facilitates electronic telemetry, as described above. In another example, the transceiver 110 facilitates optical telemetry, as described above. In some embodiments, the transceiver 110 is external to compartment 102. In one example, the transceiver 110 is part of a communications system separate from the monitor 100, and the monitor 100 is operationally coupled to the communications system.

[0029] In some embodiments, compartment 102 contains a power source 112, such as a battery. In some embodiments, the power source 112 is external to compartment 102. In one example, the power source 112 is connected to compartment 102.

[0030] In some embodiments, compartment 102 contains a controller 114. The controller 114 includes a central processing unit (CPU), local memory containing instructions, and support circuitry for the CPU. Local memory, or non-transient computer-readable media, is one or more readily available local memories, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, pen drive, solid-state drive, or any other form of digital storage, local or remote. Support circuitry is coupled to the CPU to Petition 870260036808, dated 04 / 20 / 2026, page 15 / 35 10 / 19 support the CPU. Supporting circuits include cache, power supplies, clock circuits, input / output circuits and subsystems, and the like. Operations and operational parameters are stored in local memory as a software routine that is executed or invoked to configure controller 114 into a purpose-built controller to control the operations of monitor 100. Controller 114 is configured to conduct one or more of the operations described herein. Instructions stored in local memory, when executed, cause one or more of the operations described herein to be conducted. In some embodiments, controller 114 is external to compartment 102. In one example, controller 114 is connected to compartment 102.

[0031] In some embodiments, compartment 102 contains a memory 116, such as RAM, a hard disk, a pen drive, a solid-state drive, or any other form of digital storage. The memory 116 is configured to store data collected by the monitor 100 during the monitor 100's operation. In some embodiments, the data stored in the memory 116 can be downloaded after the monitor 100 is recovered from an underwater location to a surface location (such as the drilling rig 20). In some embodiments, the memory 116 is external to compartment 102. In one example, the memory 116 is connected to compartment 102.

[0032] During the operation of monitor 100, light pulses from light source 104 are transmitted through the optical fiber line 42 (Figures 1, 2). In some embodiments, the emission of light pulses is triggered by the controller 114. The optical detector 106 detects the light returning to monitor 100 through the optical fiber line 42 by (for example) Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 16 / 35 11 / 19 backscattering or reflection. The controller 114 receives a data signal from the optical sensor 106 corresponding to a measurement made by the optical sensor 106. In some embodiments, the controller 114 determines from the data signal a condition of the fiber optic system 40 of which the fiber optic line 42 is a part. The condition indicates the integrity of the fiber optic system 40 and may include an attenuation coefficient or a quantification of the signal loss of the fiber optic line 42. In one example, the controller 114 determines a distance from the optical sensor 106 to a location along the fiber optic line 42 at which a feature of the fiber optic system 40 causes an anomalous amount of backscattering or reflection. For example, the feature may be a connector attached to the fiber optic line 42, a splice in the fiber optic line 42, or damage to the fiber optic line 42.In some embodiments, controller 114 causes monitor 100 to perform operations to evaluate the condition of the optical fiber system 40 by reflectometry in the optical time domain.

[0033] In some embodiments, controller 114 determines a synopsis of the integrity of the optical fiber system 40 from the raw data obtained by the optical sensor 106. In some embodiments, controller 114 determines a synopsis of the integrity of the optical fiber system 40 from the attenuation coefficient or quantification of signal loss.

[0034] In one example, if the attenuation coefficient is below a first threshold value, the synopsis includes that the integrity of the optical fiber system 40 is good. Furthermore, if the attenuation coefficient is above the first threshold value but below a second threshold value, the synopsis includes that the integrity of the optical fiber system Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, page 17 / 35 12 / 19 is average. Furthermore, if the attenuation coefficient is above the second limit value, the synopsis indicates that the integrity of the fiber optic system is poor.

[0035] In another example, if the quantified signal loss at one or more locations along the fiber optic line 42 is below a third limit value, the synopsis states that the integrity of the fiber optic system 40 is good. Additionally, if the quantified signal loss at one or more locations along the fiber optic line 42 is above the third limit value but below a fourth limit value, the synopsis states that the integrity of the fiber optic system 40 is average (as in one or more locations). Furthermore, if the quantified signal loss at one or more locations along the fiber optic line 42 is above the fourth limit value, the synopsis states that the integrity of the fiber optic system 40 is poor (as in one or more locations).

[0036] In some embodiments, the synopsis includes that the integrity of the fiber optic system 40 is good in one or more locations along the fiber optic line 42, but average or poor in one or more other locations along the fiber optic line 42. In some embodiments, the synopsis includes that the integrity of the fiber optic system 40 is average in one or more locations along the fiber optic line 42, but poor in one or more other locations along the fiber optic line 42.

[0037] In some embodiments, the raw data obtained by the optical sensor 106 is stored in memory 116. In some embodiments, the determination by the controller 114 of an attenuation coefficient or a quantification of the signal loss is stored in memory 116. In some embodiments, the Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 18 / 35 13 / 19 determination by controller 114 of a synopsis of the integrity of the fiber optic system 40 is stored in memory 116.

[0038] In some embodiments, controller 114 causes monitor 100 to send a data signal (such as to system controller 24 via transceiver 110) corresponding to the condition of the fiber optic system 40. In one example, the data signal includes a subset of the raw data. In this example, monitor 100 may send the data signal in response to controller 114 receiving a specific request (such as via system controller 24) for raw data relating to one or more locations (or a range of locations) along the fiber optic line 42. In another example, the data signal sent by monitor 100 includes the attenuation coefficient or the quantification of the signal loss of the fiber optic system 40. In yet another example, the data signal sent by monitor 100 includes the synopsis of the condition or integrity of the fiber optic system 40.

[0039] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 200 for monitoring a fiber optic system, such as fiber optic system 40. Operation 202 involves receiving an optical signal on an underwater monitor (such as monitor 100) from a fiber optic system that is coupled to a tubular string (such as pipe string 34) while the tubular string is being inserted into an underwater well (such as well 30). In some embodiments, the optical signal is received by a sensor on the monitor, such as optical sensor 106.

[0040] In some embodiments, operation 202 includes sending an initial optical signal to the fiber optic system. Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 19 / 35 14 / 19 before receiving the optical signal on the monitor. In one example, the initial optical signal is sent from a light source on the monitor. In another example, the initial optical signal is sent from a light source on an ROV (such as ROV 28). In another example, the initial optical signal is sent from a light source that is part of the fiber optic system.

[0041] In some embodiments, the monitor is coupled to a settling string (such as settling string 38) that is being used to insert the tubular string into the well. In some embodiments, the monitor is coupled to a through tool (such as through tool 37) of a pipe hanger (such as pipe hanger 36) that is coupled to the tubular string.

[0042] Operation 204 includes determining a fiber optic system condition using the monitor; in some embodiments, operation 204 is performed based on the optical signal received in operation 202. In some embodiments, operation 204 includes performing optical reflectometry in the time domain.

[0043] Operation 206 involves sending information relating to the monitor's fiber optic system. In some embodiments, operation 206 involves sending the information while the monitor is underwater. In some embodiments, operation 206 involves transmitting the information via electrical telemetry, electromagnetic telemetry, acoustic telemetry, or optical telemetry. In some embodiments, the monitor sends the information to a system controller (such as system controller 24) located on a drilling rig (such as drilling rig 20). Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 20 / 35 15 / 19

[0044] In some embodiments, the information relating to the fiber optic system corresponds to the condition of the fiber optic system determined in operation 204. In some embodiments, the condition includes an attenuation coefficient or a quantification of the signal loss of the fiber optic system. In some embodiments, the information relating to the fiber optic system includes data corresponding to the optical signal received in operation 202. In some embodiments, the information relating to the fiber optic system includes a subset of measurements made by an optical sensor in the monitor, as described above. In some embodiments, the information relating to the fiber optic system includes a synopsis of the condition of the fiber optic system, as described above. In some embodiments, the information relating to the fiber optic system is stored in a monitor memory, such as memory 116.

[0045] In some embodiments, operation 206 is omitted. In some embodiments, method 200 includes downloading information relating to the fiber optic system from the monitor's memory. In some embodiments, method 200 includes operation 206 followed by downloading information relating to the fiber optic system from the monitor's memory.

[0046] In some embodiments, method 200 includes disconnecting a belay string (such as belay string 38) from the tubular string and retrieving the belay string to a surface location (such as drilling rig 20). In some embodiments, method 200 includes retrieving the monitor with the belay string. In some embodiments, method 200 includes downloading the Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 21 / 35 16 / 19 Information regarding the condition of the monitor's fiber optic memory system after recovering the monitor.

[0047] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 300 for monitoring a fiber optic system, such as fiber optic system 40. Operation 302 involves receiving an optical signal on an underwater monitor (such as monitor 100) from a fiber optic system in an underwater well (such as well 30). In some embodiments, the optical signal is received by a sensor on the monitor, such as optical sensor 106.

[0048] In some embodiments, the 302 operation includes sending an initial optical signal to the fiber optic system before receiving the optical signal at the monitor. In one example, the initial optical signal is sent from a light source in the monitor. In another example, the initial optical signal is sent from a light source on an ROV (such as ROV 28). In yet another example, the initial optical signal is sent from a light source that is part of the fiber optic system.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fiber optic system is coupled to a tubular string (such as the tubing string 34) that is being inserted into the well. In one example, the monitor is coupled to a settling string (such as the settling string 38) that is being used to insert the tubular string into the well. In another example, the monitor is coupled to a through tool (such as the through tool 37) of a tubing hanger (such as the tubing hanger 36) that is coupled to the tubular string.

[0050] In some versions, the monitor is attached to an underwater tree (such as underwater tree 50) in the underwater well. In some of these versions, the tree Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 22 / 35 17 / 19 underwater is a horizontal tree. In other such modalities, the underwater tree is a vertical tree. In some modalities, the monitor is attached to a control capsule of the underwater tree (such as control capsule 52).

[0051] Operation 304 involves determining a fiber optic system condition using the monitor; In some embodiments, operation 304 is performed based on the optical signal received in operation 302. In some embodiments, operation 304 includes performing optical reflectometry in the time domain.

[0052] Operation 306 involves sending information relating to the monitor's fiber optic system. In some embodiments, operation 306 involves sending the information while the monitor is underwater. In some embodiments, operation 306 involves transmitting the information via electrical telemetry, electromagnetic telemetry, acoustic telemetry, or optical telemetry. In some embodiments, the monitor sends the information to a system controller (such as system controller 24) located on a drilling rig (such as drilling rig 20).

[0053] In some embodiments, the information relating to the fiber optic system corresponds to the condition of the fiber optic system determined in operation 304. In some embodiments, the condition includes an attenuation coefficient or a quantification of the signal loss of the fiber optic system. In some embodiments, the information relating to the fiber optic system includes data corresponding to the optical signal received in operation 302. In some embodiments, the information relating to the fiber optic system includes a Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 23 / 35 18 / 19 subset of measurements made by an optical monitor sensor, as described above. In some embodiments, the information relating to the fiber optic system includes a synopsis of the fiber optic system condition, as described above. In some embodiments, the information relating to the fiber optic system is stored in a monitor memory, such as memory 116.

[0054] In some embodiments, operation 306 is omitted. In some embodiments, method 300 includes downloading information relating to the fiber optic system from the monitor's memory. In some embodiments, method 300 includes operation 306 followed by downloading information relating to the fiber optic system from the monitor's memory.

[0055] Method 200 and Method 300 may include any system, apparatus, operation or activity described herein.

[0056] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring a fiber optic system while the fiber optic system is being installed in a well, such as an underwater well. Monitoring can be performed even if the fiber optic system is being installed in a well without the use of an umbilical. Furthermore, monitoring is performed by a monitor located on or near the pipe hanger while the monitor is underwater. Such location allows monitoring to be focused on the fiber optic system without being influenced by the condition of any fiber optic lines extending between the pipe hanger and a surface drilling rig.

[0057] It is contemplated that any one or more elements or resources of any modality or example disclosed may Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 24 / 35 19 / 19 may be beneficially incorporated into any one or more other non-mutually exclusive embodiments or examples. Although the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments and additional embodiments of the disclosure may be conceived without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

[0058] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown in this document, but are to be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Within a claim, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one,” unless specifically indicated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. No claim element shall be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of 35 USC § 112(f) unless the element is expressly mentioned using the phrase “means to.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or hereafter become known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims.Furthermore, nothing disclosed in this document is intended for public release, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly mentioned in the claims. Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 25 / 35

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Monitor for fiber optic systems, characterized by comprising: a compartment configured for use in an underwater environment, the compartment containing: a light source; an optical sensor; and a controller coupled to the light source and the optical sensor; a power source; and wherein the monitor is coupled to an underwater tree of the underwater well or coupled to a bedding column.

2. Monitor, according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller comprises instructions which, when executed, cause a plurality of operations to be conducted, the plurality of operations comprising: receiving a first data signal from the optical sensor; determining, from the first data signal, a condition of a fiber optic system coupled to the monitor; and sending a second data signal.

3. Monitor, according to claim 2, characterized in that the determination of the condition of the optical fiber system coupled to the monitor includes performing optical reflectometry in the time domain.

4. Monitor, according to claim 2, characterized in that the second data signal includes a subset of the information contained in the first data signal.

5. Monitor, according to claim 2, characterized in that the condition includes an attenuation coefficient or a quantification of the signal loss of the fiber optic system.

6. Monitor, according to claim 5, characterized in that the second data signal includes a synopsis of the condition determined from the first data signal.

7. Monitor, according to claim 2, characterized in that the transmission of the second data signal includes the transmission of the second data signal via electrical telemetry, electromagnetic telemetry, acoustic telemetry or optical telemetry.

8. Monitor, according to claim 2, characterized by additionally comprising a memory configured to store information contained in the first data signal.

9. Method, characterized by comprising: receiving an optical signal on an underwater monitor from a fiber optic system coupled to a tubular string while the tubular string is being introduced into an underwater well; determining a condition of the fiber optic system using the monitor; sending information relating to the fiber optic system from the monitor; and the monitor being coupled to an underwater tree of the underwater well or coupled to a settling string.

10. Method, according to claim 9, characterized by the transmission of information relating to the fiber optic system: (i) being carried out while the monitor is underwater; or Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 27 / 35 3 / 4 (ii) including transmitting the information via electrical telemetry, electromagnetic telemetry, acoustic telemetry or optical telemetry.

11. A method according to claim 9, characterized by determining the condition of the optical fiber system including performing reflectometry in the optical time domain; or wherein the information relating to the optical fiber system corresponds to the condition of the optical fiber system.

12. Method according to claim 9, characterized by further comprising: (i) disconnecting a settling column from the tubular column; retrieving the settling column to a surface location; and retrieving the monitor with the settling column; or (ii) disconnecting a settling column from the tubular column; retrieving the settling column to a surface location; retrieving the monitor with the settling column; and downloading data related to the fiber optic system condition from a monitor memory after retrieving the monitor.

13. Method, characterized by comprising: receiving an optical signal on an underwater monitor from a fiber optic system in an underwater well; determining a condition of the fiber optic system using the monitor; sending information relating to the fiber optic system from the monitor. Petition 870260036808, dated 20 / 04 / 2026, p. 28 / 35 4 / 4 14. Method according to claim 13, characterized by: (i) the monitor being coupled to an underwater tree in the underwater well or coupled to a settling column; or (ii) the information relating to the fiber optic system corresponds to the condition of the fiber optic system.

15. Method according to claim 13, characterized by: (i) determining the condition of the optical fiber system including performing reflectometry in the optical time domain; or (ii) transmitting information relating to the optical fiber system including transmitting information via electrical telemetry, electromagnetic telemetry, acoustic telemetry, or optical telemetry. Petition 870260036808, dated April 20, 2026, pp. 29-35

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