Autonomous aerial distributed optical fiber sensing equipment

Abstract

A method of performing a field (100) measurement is disclosed. The method comprises: arranging a landing dock (122) at a target location in the field, the landing dock (122) coupled to a fiber optic cable (123) for distributed fiber optic sensing measurements; guiding an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (150) to land on a landing dock, the UAV (150) comprising an interrogator unit (151); communicatively coupling the interrogator unit (151) and the fiber optic cable (123) in response to the UAV landing on the landing dock (122); transmitting, by the interrogator unit (151), the light pulses to the fiber optic cable (123); receiving backscattered light from the fiber optic cable (123) in response to transmitting the light pulse; and generating, by the interrogator unit (151), a measurement of the target position based on the received backscattered light.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Distributed fiber optic sensing is a measurement technique that uses optical fibers as sensing elements to infer measured values ​​(e.g., temperature, strain, pressure, etc.). The process of acquiring such measurements requires a probing device called an interrogator. An interrogator is a measuring device that sends a series of laser pulses into the optical fiber and records the backscattered light signal over time. During the measurement recording, the optical fiber transmits no light other than the laser pulses from the interrogator (in this state, it is called dark fiber). The measured backscattered light is analyzed using various methods to extract sensor-type measurements at distribution points along the fiber optic cable. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a technique that uses distributed fiber optic sensing to acquire acoustic measurements. Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) is a technique that uses distributed fiber optic sensing to acquire temperature measurements. Distributed fiber optic sensing can also be used to acquire other types of measurements, such as strain measurements, pressure measurements, acoustic measurements, etc. In practice, the described methods are applied through manual operation, sometimes performed in remote environments. This requires experienced personnel on-site and work vehicles to house the equipment needed to acquire the measurements. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In general, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for performing field measurements. The method includes: arranging a landing dock at a target location in the field, the landing dock being coupled to an optical fiber cable for distributed optical fiber sensing measurements; guiding an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to land on the landing dock, the UAV including an interrogator unit; communicatively coupling the interrogator unit and the optical fiber cable in response to the UAV landing on the landing dock; transmitting an optical pulse from the optical fiber cable by the interrogator unit; receiving a backscattered light signal from the optical fiber cable by the interrogator unit in response to transmitting the optical pulse; and generating a measurement of the target location by the interrogator unit based on the received backscattered light signal.

[0003] In general, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a well system comprising: a wellbore located at a target location in the field; an optical fiber cable suspended within the wellbore for distributed optical fiber sensing measurements; and a landing dock arranged adjacent to the wellhead of the wellbore and coupled to the optical fiber cable, wherein the landing dock is configured for landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the UAV including an interrogator unit, wherein the optical fiber cable is configured to: communicatively couple to the interrogator unit in response to the UAV landing on the landing dock; and receive optical pulses from the interrogator unit to generate a backscattered light signal, and wherein the interrogator unit is configured to transmit the optical pulses and receive the backscattered light signal from the optical fiber cable, and generate a measurement of the target location based on the received backscattered light signal.

[0004] In general, in one aspect, the present invention relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising: a controller configured to guide the UAV to land on a landing dock, wherein the landing dock is arranged as a shaft adjacent to a target location on site and coupled to an optical fiber cable suspended in the shaft for distributed optical fiber sensing measurements; and an interrogator unit configured to: communicatively couple to the optical fiber cable in response to the UAV landing on the landing dock; transmit an optical pulse to the optical fiber cable in response to being communicatively coupled to the optical fiber cable; receive a backscattered light signal from the optical fiber cable in response to transmitting the optical pulse; and generate a measurement of the target location based on the received backscattered light signal.

[0005] Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Specific embodiments of the disclosed technology will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For consistency, similar elements in the drawings are indicated by similar reference numerals.

[0007] Figures 1A to 1C A schematic diagram according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 A method flowchart according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0009] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Examples according to one or more embodiments are shown.

[0010] Figure 4 A computer system according to one or more embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0012] Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third) may be used as adjectives for elements (i.e., any noun in this application). Unless explicitly disclosed, such as by using the terms “before,” “after,” “single,” and other such terms, the use of ordinal numbers does not imply or create any particular order of elements, nor does it limit any element to a single element. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is for the purpose of distinguishing between elements. As an example, a first element is distinct from a second element, and a first element may contain more than one element and be listed after (or before) the second element in the order of elements.

[0013] In general, embodiments of this disclosure include methods and systems for performing field measurements. For example, the field could be an oil and gas field or any other field equipped with fiber optic cables for data communication. In one or more embodiments of the invention, a landing dock is arranged at a target location in the field and coupled to fiber optic cables for distributed fiber optic sensing measurements. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with an interrogator unit is guided to land on the landing dock. In response to the UAV landing on the landing dock, the interrogator unit and the fiber optic cable are communicatively coupled to each other. For example, a male connector on the UAV can be inserted into a female connector on the landing dock, wherein the connector housing establishes a power connection and a fiber optic connection. Specifically, the power connection supplies power to the instrument, and the fiber optic connection enables the fiber optics to perform probes, etc. Thus, optical pulses are transmitted from the interrogator unit to the fiber optic cable, and the resulting backscattered light signal is received by the interrogator unit from the fiber optic cable. Based on the received backscattered light signal, a measurement of the target location is generated by the interrogator unit. In one or more embodiments, the measurements are used for vertical seismic profile (VSP) acquisition and other applications, such as precision agriculture, forest fire monitoring, river or other environmental monitoring, surveillance, infrastructure inspection, etc.

[0014] In the example of fiber optic installation in a well, the interrogator unit measures the DAS or DTS, which can be part of a VSP survey or a separate survey used to assess and measure well conditions. Other installations can also enable other applications. For example, fiber optic cables installed on pipelines can be equipped with similar docking stations to enable measurements using interrogator units mounted on a UAV to assess pipeline conditions, such as measuring fluid flow, detecting any potential leaks, and monitoring pipeline safety. Other additional applications can include deploying fiber optic cables for telephone, internet, transcontinental communications, security applications, seismic monitoring, geospatial monitoring, etc., which can be detected using the interrogator unit's laser.

[0015] Figures 1A to 1C A schematic diagram according to one or more embodiments is shown. In one or more embodiments, omissions, repetitions, combinations, and / or substitutions may be made. Figures 1A to 1C The embodiments shown herein are one or more modules and / or elements. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered as limited to... Figures 1A to 1C The specific arrangement of the modules and / or elements shown.

[0016] More specifically, Figure 1A A well environment 100 is shown at the site, which includes a hydrocarbon reservoir (“reservoir”) 102 located in a subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing formation (“formation”) 104 and a well system 106. Well system 106 is one of multiple (e.g., hundreds, thousands, etc.) well systems located throughout the site, which is a vast geographic area (e.g., hundreds of square miles, thousands of square miles, hundreds of thousands of square miles) where reservoir 102 is located. Hydrocarbon-bearing formation 104 may include porous or fractured rock formations located subsurface, below the Earth's surface (“surface”) 108. Surface 108 may be on land or underwater, such as on the seabed. In the case that well system 106 is a hydrocarbon well, reservoir 102 may include a portion of hydrocarbon-bearing formation 104. Hydrocarbon-bearing formation 104 and reservoir 102 may include different rock layers 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d with different properties (e.g., varying degrees of permeability, porosity, capillary pressure, and resistivity). When well system 106 is operating as a production well, it facilitates the extraction of hydrocarbons (or "products") from reservoir 102. In other cases, well system 106 may correspond to an exploration well, an injection well, a well being drilled, an abandoned well, etc.

[0017] In some embodiments, well system 106 includes a wellbore 120 and a landing dock 122. Well system 106 can perform various operations, such as well production operations, well completion operations, well maintenance operations, and reservoir monitoring, assessment, and development operations.

[0018] In some embodiments, casing 121 is installed in wellbore 120. For example, wellbore 120 may have a casing portion and an uncased (or “open-hole”) portion. The casing portion may include a wellbore portion having casing 121 and cemented tubing 121a. The uncased portion may include a wellbore portion in which no casing is disposed. In some embodiments, casing 121 includes an annular casing that is lined to the wall of wellbore 120 to form cemented tubing 121a, serving as a central channel for delivering tools and materials through wellbore 120. For example, this central channel may provide conduits for lowering logging tools into wellbore 120, conduits for the flow of products 121 (e.g., oil and gas) from reservoir 102 to surface 108, or conduits for injecting substances (e.g., water) from surface 108 into hydrocarbon-bearing formation 104. In some embodiments, fiber optic cable 123 is arranged within solidified tubing 121a and protected by protective conduit 123b to perform distributed fiber optic sensing measurements. Fiber optic cable 123 can be suspended by a weight 123a. For example, distributed fiber optic sensing measurements may correspond to the properties of substances (e.g., hydrocarbon products, injected fluids, drilling fluids, etc.) that pass through or are otherwise located within wellbore 120. These properties may include, for example, pressure, temperature, vibration, strain, flow rate, etc., as a function of depth within wellbore 120. In another example, distributed fiber optic sensing measurements may correspond to acoustic measurements of seismic waves 132 originating from a source (e.g., seismic truck 131 at ground level 108). The acoustic measurements represent the properties of formation segments 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d within formation 104 that are penetrated by wellbore 120.

[0019] In some embodiments, well system 106 includes a wellhead 130. Wellhead 130 may include a rigid structure mounted at or near the "upstream" end of wellbore 120, where wellbore 120 terminates at surface 108. Wellhead 130 may include structures for supporting (or "suspending") the casing and production tubing extending into wellbore 120. Figure 1A As shown, the protective conduit 123b and fiber optic cable 123 exit the wellbore 120 through the wellhead 130 to terminate at the fiber optic cable connector 122a on the landing dock 122. The landing dock 122 is a mechanical structure, such as a raised platform on which an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 150 can land. In some embodiments, the landing dock 122 includes alignment marks, such as patterns or structures on the surface of the landing dock 122, embedded in the material of the landing dock 122, or otherwise associated with the fiber optic cable connector 122a. The alignment marks facilitate the alignment of the fiber optic cable connector 122a and the interrogator unit connector 151a during the landing of the UAV 150 onto the landing dock 122.

[0020] In some embodiments, UAV 150 is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also known as a drone, which is an aircraft without any human pilot, crew, or passengers. UAV 150 is equipped with a distributed fiber optic sensor interrogator unit (IU) 151 to autonomously acquire distributed fiber optic sensor measurements at multiple target locations in the field. In some embodiments, UAV 150 is guided by a flight control center to fly from base station 160 to landing dock 122. In this case, the locations of well 120 and landing dock 122 are referred to as one of many other target locations in the field. A human operator or automated controller in the flight control center navigates UAV 150 by sending commands to UAV 150 via wireless communication and receiving images or other information from UAV 150. The flight control center may be located at or away from base station 160. In some embodiments, the UAV 150 may be guided to different target locations to land on corresponding landing docks, based on a predefined schedule along the monitoring data collection route, in response to alarms from well systems at specific target locations, or according to intermittent scheduling by operators in the base station 160.

[0021] In some embodiments, base station 160 is a facility where UAV 150 is parked when not performing tasks or during maintenance. Base station 160 is equipped with a computer system, similar to the one described below. Figure 4 The described computer system 400 performs the functions of base station 160. For example, the computer system may include a reservoir simulator, a field management analyzer, or other analytical software that analyzes measurements obtained from multiple target locations in the field to generate analytical results. These results may be relevant to hydrocarbon production, wellbore maintenance alerts, or other operations throughout the field. Furthermore, different types of fiber optic installations can be made at different levels (e.g., behind casing, on tubing, or placed inside the wellbore). Therefore, different information can be inferred from the measured DAS / DTS data to be included in the analytical results for each installation type. For example, fiber optics installed on / behind casing will help assess casing condition and cementing status in the analytical results, whereas fiber optics installed inside the wellbore or on tubing would not allow for such assessments in the analytical results.

[0022] In some embodiments, operators can be dispatched by base station 160 to a target location to perform field operations based on analysis results. For example, field operations may include adjusting wellbore production operations, performing wellbore maintenance operations, or other types of field operations.

[0023] Turn Figure 1B , Figure 1B The above is shown Figure 1A The landing configuration for the well environment is shown. Figure 1BAs shown, UAV 150 is positioned (landed) on landing dock 122, with IU 151 connected to fiber optic cable 123 via fiber optic cable connector 122a on the landing dock. In some embodiments, IU 151 is connected to fiber optic cable 123 for acquiring seismic data using a vertical seismic profile (VSP) acquisition method. Specifically, IU 151 emits laser pulses into fiber optic cable 123 and records the backscattered energy response due to fiber vibration. The fiber response originates from seismic waves 132 originating from a source (e.g., a vibrating source) on seismic truck 131. IU 151 can simultaneously record different measurements, such as pressure, strain, and temperature, using multimode fiber.

[0024] Although Figure 1A and Figure 1B While fiber optic cable installation is often described as part of well completion in oil and gas operations, it can also be integrated into monitoring well setups or other non-drilled surface installations, such as for precision agriculture, forest fire monitoring, river or other environmental monitoring, surveillance, and infrastructure inspection. All these surface installations include dedicated docking stations to house the UAV and enable connection to pre-installed fiber optic cables. Thus, the UAV allows the IU to efficiently transmit and connect to pre-installed fiber optic devices to extract measurements of interest, such as temperature, pressure, and seismic data.

[0025] Despite the above Figure 1A and Figure 1B The scene 100 depicted includes well environments in oil and gas fields, but additional applications of fiber optic interrogators using lasers can be realized using other installations independent of any well environment. For example, fiber optic cables mounted on pipelines can be equipped with similar docking stations to enable measurements using interrogator units mounted on UAVs to assess pipeline conditions, such as measuring fluid flow, detecting any potential leaks, monitoring pipeline safety, etc. Other additional applications may include the detection of fiber optic cables deployed on land or seabed for telephone and internet communications. In one or more embodiments, the fiber optic interrogator can be used for security applications, seismic monitoring, geolocation monitoring, or any other suitable environment using fiber optic cables that may require detection for integrity or various other reasons.

[0026] Go to Figure 1C , Figure 1C Further details of the UAV 150 are shown. (See attached image.) Figure 1CAs shown, UAV 150 includes a propulsion mechanism 150a and a camera 150d mounted on a body 150b. The propulsion mechanism 150a is a mechanism (e.g., a propeller) for providing lift and drive to enable UAV 150 to fly in the air. The body 150b is a mechanical housing surrounding a controller 150c and an IU 151. The controller 150c is a module including hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software to perform functions for navigating UAV 150 and controlling IU 151. For example, the controller 150c may include wireless communication circuitry and software to receive navigation commands from the aforementioned flight control center and transmit camera images or other information to the aforementioned flight control center. In some embodiments, distributed fiber optic sensing measurements are wirelessly transmitted by the controller 150c to a base station 160. Camera images are captured using the camera 150d, and these camera images may include in-flight ground images for navigation, landing dock images for alignment, or other relevant images. IU 151 includes optical circuitry and software for performing distributed fiber optic sensing. For example, IU 151 may include a laser source, a backscattered light signal receiver, a data storage, a wireless communication interface, and an interface to controller 150c. In some embodiments, distributed fiber optic sensing measurements are wirelessly transmitted from IU 151 to base station 160. In some embodiments, distributed fiber optic sensing measurements are stored in the data storage of IU 151 and retrieved when UAV 150 returns to base station 160. Furthermore, IU 151 includes IU connector 151a. In particular, IU connector 151a and fiber optic cable connector 122a are fiber optic connectors that mechanically couple and align the core of the fiber optic cable, allowing light to pass through.

[0027] In some embodiments, distributed fiber optic sensing measurements are recorded and transmitted to a base station in real time and are available for viewing, analysis, or other use within seconds, minutes, or hours of the condition being sensed (e.g., measurements are available within one hour of the condition being sensed). In these embodiments, the distributed fiber optic sensing measurements may be referred to as “real-time” measurements of the target location. When the UAV 150 is docked at the landing dock 122, the real-time measurements of the target location allow the operator of the base station 160 to assess the relative current state of the well system 106 and make real-time decisions regarding the well system 106 and the reservoir 102, such as on-demand adjustments to production flow regulation from the well.

[0028] Figure 2 A flowchart of one or more embodiments disclosed in this specification is shown. Figure 2 One or more steps in the process can be referred to above. Figures 1A to 1C The components of the well system 106 discussed are used to perform this. In one or more embodiments, they may be omitted, repeated, and / or used in conjunction with... Figure 2 The different sequences shown are executed sequentially. Figure 2 One or more steps are shown. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be considered limited to... Figure 2 The specific arrangement of the steps shown.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown in the flowchart, this method illustrates a procedure for performing field measurements. First, in step 200, a landing dock is positioned at the target location in the field, coupled to an optical fiber cable for performing distributed optical fiber sensing measurements at the target location. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the optical fiber cable is suspended within the wellbore at the target location for measuring downhole parameters, such as seismic measurements, temperature measurements, pressure measurements, strain measurements, etc. For example, the optical fiber cable may be secured behind the casing of the wellbore. In these embodiments, the field may be an oil or gas field for hydrocarbon production, with the landing dock positioned near the wellhead of the wellbore.

[0030] In step 201, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is guided to land on a landing dock, wherein the UAV includes an interrogator unit with distributed fiber optic sensing measurements. For example, the UAV can be guided via landing commands and other navigation commands received from a flight control center via wireless communication. The flight control center may be part of or separate from a field base station. Specifically, the UAV is guided to land on the landing dock while aligning the interrogator unit connector on the UAV with a fiber optic cable connector on the landing dock. In one or more embodiments, this alignment is performed by a user at the flight control center who remotely observes alignment marks on the landing dock and manually maneuvers the UAV to a predetermined position above the landing dock to align the interrogator unit connector and the fiber optic cable connector prior to landing. For example, the user can remotely view the alignment marks on the landing dock via a camera on the UAV, which transmits a real-time image of the landing dock to the flight control center.

[0031] In step 202, in response to the UAV landing on the landing dock, the interrogator unit and the fiber optic cable are communicatively coupled to each other. Specifically, the interrogator unit and the fiber optic cable are communicatively coupled via an interrogator unit connector and a fiber optic cable connector to transmit optical pulses and receive backscattered light signals. As described above, the interrogator unit connector and the fiber optic cable connector are fiber optic connectors that mechanically couple and align the cores of the fiber optic cable to allow light to pass through.

[0032] In step 203, the interrogator unit sends an optical pulse to the fiber optic cable. In one or more embodiments, the optical pulse is a laser pulse sent from a laser source of the interrogator unit.

[0033] In step 204, in response to transmitting an optical pulse, the interrogator unit receives a backscattered light signal from the fiber optic cable. In one or more embodiments, the backscattered light signal is received by a laser sensor of the interrogator unit. In other words, the laser sensor acts as a backscattered light signal receiver.

[0034] In step 205, the interrogator unit generates a measurement of the target location based on the received backscattered light signal. In one or more embodiments, the fiber optic cable is a single-mode fiber optic cable for single-mode transmission, and the received backscattered light signal is converted into a digital value representing one of the following: seismic measurement, temperature measurement, pressure measurement, strain measurement, etc. In one or more embodiments, the fiber optic cable is a multimode fiber optic cable for multimode transmission, and the received backscattered light signal is converted into a digital value representing two or more of the following: seismic measurement, temperature measurement, pressure measurement, strain measurement, etc.

[0035] In step 206, the measurement values ​​are transmitted from the interrogator unit to the base station. In one or more embodiments, the measurement values ​​are transmitted to the base station via wireless communication. In one or more embodiments, the measurement values ​​are stored in the data memory of the interrogator unit. Subsequently, the UAV is guided to detach from the landing dock and return to the base station. As described above, the UAV can be guided by detachment and return commands from the flight control center. When the UAV returns to the base station, the measurement values ​​are retrieved from the data memory of the interrogator unit.

[0036] In step 207, the measurements are analyzed by the base station to generate analysis results. In one or more embodiments, the base station's computer system is used to analyze the measurements. For example, the computer system may include a reservoir simulator, a field management analyzer, or other analysis software that analyzes measurements obtained from multiple target locations in the field to generate analysis results. Therefore, the analysis results may be relevant to hydrocarbon production, wellbore maintenance alerts, or other operations throughout the field.

[0037] In step 208, the operator is dispatched from the base station to the target location to perform field operations based on the analysis results. For example, performing field operations may be related to adjusting wellbore production operations, performing wellbore maintenance operations, or other types of field operations.

[0038] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Examples according to one or more embodiments are shown. In one or more embodiments, omissions, repetitions, combinations, and / or substitutions may be made. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The embodiments shown herein are one or more modules and / or elements. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered as limited to... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The specific arrangement of the modules and / or elements shown.

[0039] More specifically, Figure 3A The above is shown Figures 1A to 1C Example details of the interrogator unit 151 and interrogator unit connector 151a of the UAV 150 depicted. In this example, the interrogator unit connector 151a is a male connector. Figure 3A As shown, the interrogator unit 151 includes: an optical fiber spool 152a for winding an optical fiber cable 153a; a laser interrogator 152b for generating a laser beam that passes through the optical fiber cable; and a power supply 152f for supplying power to the laser interrogator 152b and other electronic components, such as a network 152c, processing circuitry 152d, and a central processing unit (CPU) 152e, which jointly perform signal and data processing tasks for the interrogator unit 151. A power cable 153b connects the power supply 152f and the interrogator unit connector 151a, and is used to supply power to the landing dock 122 during UAV 150 landing. The power cable 153b and the optical fiber cable 153a are protected by a cable housing 153c, from which a male connector sheath 153d protrudes downward.

[0040] Figure 3B The above is shown Figure 1A and Figure 1B Example details of the landing dock 122 and fiber optic cable connector 122a depicted. In this example, fiber optic cable connector 122a is a female connector. Figure 3B As shown, landing dock 122 includes a landing pad 154a, fiber optic cable connector 122a, internal receiver system 154b, and fiber optic connection 154c. Internal receiver system 154b includes a power source that supplies power to UAV 150, in addition to interrogator unit 151. Furthermore, internal receiver system 154b includes a fiber optic connection to a pre-installed fiber optic cable network 123. Top view 155 of landing pad 154a shows landing area 154d, where UAV 150 will land and be secured by landing gear support 154e for stability. During landing, interrogator unit connector 151a (male connector) of UAV 150 connects to fiber optic cable connector 122a (female connector). The power cable sequence in the male connector is the reverse of that in the female connector. Power cable 154f connects the power source in internal receiver system 154b to fiber optic cable connector 122a. The power cable 154f and the fiber optic cable 123 are protected by the cable housing 154g, and the female connector cover 154h protrudes upward from the cable housing.

[0041] The embodiments can be implemented on a computer system. Figure 4This is a block diagram of a computer system 402 according to one embodiment for providing computing functions associated with algorithms, methods, functions, procedures, flows, and programs as described in this disclosure. The computer 402 shown is intended to encompass any computing device, such as a high-performance computing (HPC) device, server, desktop computer, laptop / notebook computer, wireless data port, smartphone, personal data assistant (PDA), tablet computing device, one or more processors within these devices, or any other suitable processing device, including physical or virtual instances (or both) of the computing device. Additionally, computer 402 may include a computer comprising: an input device, such as a keypad, keyboard, touchscreen, or other device capable of accepting user information; and an output device for transmitting information associated with the operation of computer 402, including digital data, visual or audio information (or a combination of information); or a GUI.

[0042] Computer 402 may function as a client, network component, server, database, or other persistent device, or any other component (or combination of roles) in a computer system for performing the subjects described in this disclosure. The illustrated computer 402 is communicatively coupled to network 430. In some embodiments, one or more components of computer 402 may be configured to operate within an environment including a cloud-based environment, a local environment, a global environment, or other environments (or combinations thereof).

[0043] At a higher level, computer 402 is an electronic computing device operable to receive, transmit, process, store, or manage data and information associated with the described subject. According to some embodiments, computer 402 may also include, or be communicatively coupled to, an application server, email server, web server, cache server, streaming media data server, business intelligence (BI) server, or other server (or combination of servers).

[0044] Computer 402 may receive requests from client applications (e.g., executing on another computer 402) via network 430 and respond to the requests by processing the received requests in a suitable software application. Additionally, requests may also be sent to computer 402 from internal users (e.g., from a command console or via other suitable access methods), external or third parties, other automated applications, and any other suitable entity, individual, system, or computer.

[0045] Each component of computer 402 can communicate using system bus 403. In some embodiments, any or all components (hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software) of computer 402 can interact with each other or with interface 404 (or a combination of both) on system bus 403 using application programming interface (API) 412 or service layer 413 (or a combination of API 412 and service layer 413). API 412 may include descriptions of routines, data structures, and object classes. API 412 may be language-independent or language-dependent and refers to a complete interface, a single function, or even a set of APIs. Service layer 413 provides software services to computer 402 or other components (whether shown or not) communicatively coupled to computer 402. The functionality of computer 402 may be accessible to all service consumers using the service layer. Software services (such as those provided by service layer 413) provide reusable, defined business functionality through defined interfaces. For example, an interface may be software written in JAVA, C++, or another suitable language that provides data in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format or other suitable formats. Although shown as an integrated component of computer 402, alternative implementations may show API 412 or service layer 413 as a separate component relative to or communicatively coupled to other components of computer 402 (whether shown or not). Furthermore, any or all portions of API 412 or service layer 413 may be implemented as a submodule or sub-module of another software module, enterprise application, or hardware module without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] Computer 402 includes interface 404. Although in Figure 4 While shown as a single interface 404, two or more interfaces 404 may be used depending on specific needs, expectations, or a particular implementation of computer 402. Interface 404 is used by computer 402 to communicate with other systems in a distributed environment connected to network 430. Generally, interface 404 includes logic coded in software or hardware (or a combination of software and hardware) and operable to communicate with network 430. More specifically, interface 404 may include software supporting one or more communication protocols associated with the communication, enabling the hardware of network 430 or the interface to communicate physical signals both inside and outside the illustrated computer 402.

[0047] Computer 402 includes at least one computer processor 405. Although in Figure 4The computer processor 405 is shown as a single computer processor 405, but two or more processors may be used depending on specific needs, expectations, or a particular implementation of the computer 402. Generally, the computer processor 405 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform the operations of the computer 402 and any algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and programs as described in this disclosure.

[0048] Computer 402 also includes memory 406, which stores data for computer 402 or other components (or a combination of both) that can be connected to network 430. For example, memory 406 may be a database storing data consistent with this disclosure. Although in Figure 4 The memory 406 is shown as a single memory unit, but two or more memories may be used depending on specific needs, expectations, or a particular implementation of the computer 402 and the functions described. Although memory 406 is shown as an integrated component of the computer 402, in alternative specific implementations, memory 406 may be external to the computer 402.

[0049] Application 407 is an algorithmic software engine that provides functionality (particularly with respect to the functionality described in this disclosure) for a specific need, expectation, or according to a specific implementation of computer 402. For example, application 407 can be used as one or more components, modules, applications, etc. Furthermore, although shown as a single application 407, application 407 can be implemented as multiple applications 407 on computer 402. Additionally, although shown as integrated with computer 402, in alternative specific embodiments, application 407 may be located external to computer 402.

[0050] Any number of computers 402 may exist, either associated with or outside the computer system containing computer 402, with each computer 402 communicating on network 430. Furthermore, the terms "client," "user," and other suitable sets of terms may be used interchangeably where appropriate without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, this disclosure envisions a plurality of users using one computer 402, or a single user using multiple computers 402.

[0051] In some embodiments, computer 402 is implemented as part of a cloud computing system. For example, the cloud computing system may include one or more remote servers and various other cloud components, such as cloud storage units and edge servers. In particular, the cloud computing system can perform one or more computing operations without direct active management by user devices or local computer systems. Thus, the cloud computing system can have different functions distributed across multiple locations from a central server, which can be executed using one or more Internet connections. More specifically, the cloud computing system can operate according to one or more service models, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS), Serverless Computing, Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS), and / or Function as a Service (FaaS).

[0052] The embodiments have the following advantages in performing distributed fiber optic sensing measurements: (i) enabling automated transport and retrieval of interrogator units for maintenance of a large number of different wells in remote locations throughout the field; and (ii) overcoming the limitations of conventional interrogator units by linking the advantages of UAVs (e.g., flying over distant remote areas in a very short time) with eliminating the need for personnel to be physically present on-site.

[0053] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for performing on-site (100) measurements, comprising: A landing dock (122) is arranged at the target location on the site, and the landing dock 122 is coupled to an optical fiber cable (123) for distributed optical fiber sensing measurements. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (150) is guided to land on the landing dock (122), the UAV (150) including an interrogator unit (151). In response to the UAV (150) landing on the landing dock (122), the interrogator unit (151) and the fiber optic cable (123) are communicatively coupled. The interrogator unit (151) sends an optical pulse to the optical fiber cable (123); The interrogator unit (151) receives the backscattered light signal from the optical fiber cable (123) in response to transmitting the light pulse; and The interrogator unit (151) generates a measurement of the target position based on the received backscattered light signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, The guidance includes aligning the interrogator unit connector (151a) on the UAV (150) with the fiber optic cable connector (122a) on the landing dock (122), and The communication ground coupling includes connecting the interrogator unit connector (151a) and the fiber optic cable connector (122a) to send the optical pulse and receive the backscattered light signal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The optical fiber cable (123) is suspended in the well casing (120) at the target location. The measured values ​​include seismic measurements in the wellbore (120).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The optical fiber cable (123) is suspended in the well casing (120) at the target location. The measured values ​​include the temperature measured in the wellbore (120).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The optical fiber cable (123) is suspended in the well casing (120) at the target location. The measured values ​​include the pressure measurements in the wellbore (120).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The interrogator unit (151) transmits the measured value to the base station (160). The base station (160) analyzes the measured values ​​to generate analysis results; and The base station (160) dispatches operators to the target location to perform on-site operations based on the analysis results.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The measured value is stored in the data memory of the interrogator unit; Guide the UAV (150) to detach from the landing dock (122) and return to the base station (160) at the site; In response to the UAV returning to the base station (160), the measurement value is retrieved from the data memory of the interrogator unit; In response to the retrieval, the measured values ​​are analyzed to generate analysis results; and Dispatch operators to the target location to perform on-site operations based on the analysis results.

8. A well system, comprising: Wellbore (120), which is located at the target location on site; Fiber optic cable (123) is suspended in the wellbore (120) for distributed fiber optic sensing measurements; as well as A landing dock (122) is arranged adjacent to the wellhead (130) of the wellbore and coupled to the fiber optic cable (123). The landing dock (122) is configured for landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (150), which includes an interrogator unit (151). The optical fiber cable (123) is configured as follows: In response to the UAV (150) landing on the landing dock (122), it is communicatively coupled to the interrogator unit (151); and The interrogator unit (151) receives light pulses to generate a backscattered light signal, and The interrogator unit (151) is configured as follows: The optical pulse is transmitted and the backscattered light signal is received from the optical fiber cable (123); and The measured value of the target position is generated based on the received backscattered light signal.

9. The well system according to claim 8, in, The guidance includes aligning the interrogator unit connector (151a) on the UAV (150) with the fiber optic cable connector (122a) on the landing dock (122), and The communication ground coupling includes connecting the interrogator unit connector (151a) and the fiber optic cable connector (122a) to send the optical pulse and receive the backscattered light signal.

10. The well system according to claim 8 or 9, in, The measurements include seismic measurements within the wellbore (120).

11. The well system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, in, The measured values ​​include the temperature measurements in the wellbore (120).

12. The well system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, in, The measured values ​​include the pressure measurements in the wellbore (120).

13. The well system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, in, The interrogator unit (151) transmits the measured value to the base station (160). The base station (160) analyzes the measured values ​​to generate analysis results, and In this process, operators are dispatched to the target location to perform wellbore operations based on the analysis results.

14. The well system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, in, The measured values ​​are stored in the data memory of the interrogator unit (151). Wherein, after the UAV (150) detaches from the landing dock (122) and returns to the base station (160) at the site, the measurement value is retrieved from the data memory of the interrogator unit (151), and In this process, operators are dispatched to the target location to perform wellbore operations based on the measured values.

15. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (150), comprising: A controller (150C) configured to guide the UAV (150) to land on a landing dock (122), wherein the landing dock (122) is arranged adjacent to a shaft (120) at a target location on site and coupled to an optical fiber cable (123) suspended in the shaft (120) for distributed optical fiber sensing measurements; and Interrogator unit (151), which is configured to: In response to the UAV (150) landing on the landing dock (122), it is communicatively coupled to the fiber optic cable (123). In response to being connected to the fiber optic cable (123) for communication, an optical pulse is sent to the fiber optic cable (123). In response to transmitting the optical pulse, a backscattered light signal is received from the optical fiber cable (123), and The measured value of the target position is generated based on the received backscattered light signal.

16. The UAV (150) according to claim 15. in, The guidance includes aligning the interrogator unit connector (151a) on the UAV (150) with the fiber optic cable connector (122a) on the landing dock (122), and The communication ground coupling includes connecting the interrogator unit connector (151a) and the fiber optic cable connector (122a) to send the optical pulse and receive the backscattered light signal.

17. The UAV (150) according to claim 15 or 16. in, The fiber optic cable (123) is configured for single-mode transmission, and The measured values ​​include one of the seismic measured values, temperature measured values, pressure measured values, and strain measured values ​​in the wellbore.

18. The UAV (150) according to claim 15 or 16. in, The fiber optic cable (123) is configured for multimode transmission, and The measured values ​​include at least two of the following: seismic measurements, temperature measurements, pressure measurements, and strain measurements within the wellbore.

19. The UAV (150) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein, The interrogator unit (151) is also configured to: The measured values ​​are transmitted to the base station (160). The base station (160) is configured as follows: The measurement value is received from the interrogator unit (151). The measured values ​​are analyzed to generate analysis results, and Operators are dispatched to the target location to perform wellbore operations based on the analysis results.

20. The UAV (150) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein, The interrogator unit (151) is also configured to: The measured values ​​are stored in the data memory of the interrogator unit (151) for retrieval by the base station (160). The base station (160) is configured as follows: After the UAV (150) detaches from the landing dock (122) and returns to the base station (160), the measurement value is retrieved from the data memory of the interrogator unit (151). In response to the retrieval, the measured values ​​are analyzed to generate analysis results, and Operators are dispatched to the target location to perform wellbore operations based on the analysis results.

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