Distributed fiber optic monitoring system

Abstract

This utility model discloses a distributed optical fiber monitoring system, relating to the field of pipeline monitoring technology. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system includes a temperature measuring host, a detection optical fiber, and an optical fiber bend protection device. The detection optical fiber is connected to the temperature measuring host and is arranged along the length of the pipeline. At least a portion of the detection optical fiber's structure is used to wrap around the pipeline. The optical fiber bend protection device is located in the pipeline, and the detection optical fiber passes through it. The optical fiber bend protection device limits the bending angle of the detection optical fiber. The technical solution provided by this utility model can achieve real-time continuous monitoring of the entire pipeline route.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipeline monitoring technology, and in particular to a distributed optical fiber monitoring system. Background Technology

[0002] Urban lifeline engineering projects (including pipelines for water supply, gas, and heating) are core infrastructures for maintaining the normal operation of cities, and their safety is directly related to public safety and social stability. Currently, urban energy transportation heavily relies on underground pipe gallery systems. However, structurally weak points such as pipe welds and interfaces are prone to leaks or even pipe bursts due to long-term corrosion, stress concentration, or damage caused by third-party construction, potentially leading to cascading disasters. Therefore, achieving real-time, precise, and comprehensive safety monitoring of the entire pipeline route is crucial. Traditional monitoring methods primarily rely on manual inspections, supplemented by point-based sensor monitoring. Manual inspections are limited by manpower, time, and space constraints, resulting in extremely limited coverage and making comprehensive, detailed, and continuous monitoring of pipelines difficult. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a distributed optical fiber monitoring system, which aims to achieve real-time and continuous monitoring of the entire pipeline route.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the distributed optical fiber monitoring system proposed in this utility model includes:

[0005] Temperature measurement host;

[0006] A detection optical fiber, connected to the temperature measuring host, the detection optical fiber being arranged along the length of the pipe, and at least a portion of the detection optical fiber's structure being used for winding around the pipe; and

[0007] An optical fiber bend protection device is provided in the pipe, the detection optical fiber passes through the optical fiber bend protection device, and the optical fiber bend protection device is used to limit the bending angle of the detection optical fiber.

[0008] In one embodiment, the fiber optic bend protection device includes two mounting bases and two fiber optic baffles. The two mounting bases are disposed in the pipe and are rotatably connected. Each fiber optic baffle and a mounting base enclose a cable passage, and the detection fiber passes through the two cable passages in sequence.

[0009] In one embodiment, one end of the mounting base is provided with two connecting portions;

[0010] The fiber optic bend protection device also includes a connecting shaft, which passes through the four connecting parts of the two mounting bases to allow the two mounting bases to be rotatably connected.

[0011] In one embodiment, the fiber optic bend protection device further includes a limiting rod and two connectors, each connector being rotatably connected to a mounting base, and the two opposite ends of the limiting rod being rotatably connected to the two connectors respectively.

[0012] In one embodiment, the mounting base is provided with fixing buckles on both opposite sides, and the fixing buckles are used to limit the optical fiber baffle.

[0013] In one embodiment, the detection optical fiber has a plurality of interconnected winding segments for winding around the pipe;

[0014] The distributed optical fiber monitoring system also includes an optical fiber winding and fixing device, which is located in the pipeline and forms multiple limiting cavities, with each winding segment passing through one of the limiting cavities.

[0015] In one embodiment, the detection optical fiber includes an optical fiber body, a soft magnetic cladding, and a polyethylene shell. The soft magnetic cladding is fitted onto the optical fiber body and is used to adhere to the pipe. The polyethylene shell is fitted onto the soft magnetic cladding.

[0016] In one embodiment, the detection optical fiber includes two optical fiber bodies, each optical fiber body being covered with a polyethylene protective layer, and the two optical fiber bodies are located within the soft magnet cladding.

[0017] In one embodiment, the detection optical fiber further includes a waterproof gel layer, with two optical fiber bodies located within the waterproof gel layer, and the soft magnet cladding sleeved on the waterproof gel layer.

[0018] In one embodiment, the detection optical fiber further includes a stainless steel spiral cladding, which is fitted over the waterproof gel layer, and the soft magnet cladding is fitted over the stainless steel spiral cladding.

[0019] In the technical solution of this utility model, by laying the detection optical fiber along the length of the pipeline, real-time continuous monitoring of the entire pipeline can be achieved. The setting of the optical fiber bend protection device effectively avoids the damage of the detection optical fiber due to excessive bending at the bend of the pipeline, extends the service life of the detection optical fiber, reduces the replacement frequency and maintenance cost of the detection optical fiber, and improves the stability and reliability of the entire monitoring system. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the distributed optical fiber monitoring system provided by this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic bend protection device.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view for inspecting optical fibers.

[0024] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0025] 100. Distributed fiber optic monitoring system; 1. Temperature measuring host; 2. Detection fiber; 21. Fiber optic body; 22. Polyethylene protective layer; 23. Waterproof gel layer; 24. Stainless steel spiral cladding; 25. Soft magnet cladding; 26. Polyethylene shell; 3. Fiber optic bend protection device; 31. Mounting base; 32. Fiber optic baffle; 33. Connector; 34. Connecting shaft; 35. Limiting rod; 36. Connector; 37. Fixing buckle; 4. Fiber optic winding fixing device; 5. Pipeline.

[0026] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0028] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0029] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0030] This utility model proposes a distributed optical fiber monitoring system 100 for monitoring pipeline 5.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of the present invention, the distributed optical fiber monitoring system 100 includes a temperature measuring host 1, a detection optical fiber 2, and an optical fiber bend protection device 3; the detection optical fiber 2 is connected to the temperature measuring host 1, the detection optical fiber 2 is arranged along the length direction of the pipe 5, and at least part of the structure of the detection optical fiber 2 is used to wrap around the pipe 5; the optical fiber bend protection device 3 is provided in the pipe 5, the detection optical fiber 2 passes through the optical fiber bend protection device 3, and the optical fiber bend protection device 3 is used to limit the bending angle of the detection optical fiber 2.

[0032] The temperature measurement host 1, as the core control and data processing unit of the entire monitoring system, possesses powerful signal acquisition, analysis, and processing capabilities. Internally, it is equipped with a high-precision optical time-domain reflectometry module, capable of transmitting optical pulses to the detection optical fiber 2 and receiving the optical signals reflected back from it. By accurately measuring and analyzing parameters such as the flight time and intensity changes of the reflected light signals, the temperature measurement host 1 can calculate the temperature information at various points along the detection optical fiber 2.

[0033] It should be noted that the detection optical fiber 2 is mostly arranged horizontally on the pipe surface. At key locations such as weld points and interfaces on the pipe 5, multiple segments are tightly wound to improve monitoring sensitivity and accuracy. Correspondingly, before and after these key locations, the detection optical fiber 2 needs to be bent. The optical fiber bend protection device 3 limits the bending angle of the detection optical fiber 2 before and after winding, preventing damage due to excessive bending. The number of optical fiber bend protection devices 3 is determined based on the number of winding segments of the detection optical fiber 2 in actual use; that is, two optical fiber bend protection devices 3 are installed before and after each winding segment of the detection optical fiber 2.

[0034] In the technical solution of this utility model, by laying the detection optical fiber 2 along the length of the pipeline 5, real-time continuous monitoring of the entire pipeline 5 can be achieved. The setting of the optical fiber bend protection device 3 effectively avoids the damage of the detection optical fiber 2 due to excessive bending at the bend of the pipeline 5, extends the service life of the detection optical fiber 2, reduces the replacement frequency and maintenance cost of the detection optical fiber 2, and improves the stability and reliability of the entire monitoring system.

[0035] Specifically, in one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to... Figure 2 The fiber optic bend protection device 3 includes two mounting bases 31 and two fiber optic baffles 32. The two mounting bases 31 are located on the pipe 5 and are rotatably connected. Each fiber optic baffle 32 and a mounting base 31 enclose a cable passage, through which the detection fiber 2 passes sequentially. The mounting bases 31 are made of corrosion-resistant, high-strength materials, such as stainless steel or special alloys, to ensure long-term stable and reliable operation in complex underground environments. Each mounting base 31 is tightly connected to the pipe 5 by bolts, welding, or other reliable fixing methods to ensure the stability between the mounting base 31 and the pipe 5. The fiber optic baffles 32 are made of engineering plastic or the same material as the mounting bases 31. The detection fiber 2 passes sequentially through the two cable passages. Specifically, the detection fiber 2 enters the first cable passage from one side of the pipe 5, travels along the trajectory of the passage, exits from the other end of the first passage, and quickly enters the second cable passage, continuing to extend along the direction of the pipe 5. This wiring method allows the detection fiber 2 to be effectively guided and protected at the bend in the pipe 5, ensuring that the detection fiber 2 always stays within the allowable bending radius during the bend, avoiding performance degradation or damage caused by excessive bending.

[0036] Specifically, in one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to... Figure 2 The mounting base 31 has two connecting parts 33 at one end; the fiber optic bend protection device 3 also includes a connecting shaft 34, which passes through the four connecting parts 33 of the two mounting bases 31 to allow the two mounting bases 31 to be rotatably connected. The connecting parts 33 are usually symmetrically distributed, for example, they can be two columnar or ear-shaped structures extending outward from both sides of the end of the mounting base 31, and their material is the same as that of the mounting base 31, with high strength and good mechanical properties. The connecting parts 33 have through holes, and the connecting shaft 34 passes through the four through holes of the connecting parts 33 of the two mounting bases 31, allowing the mounting bases 31 to rotate relative to each other around the axis of the connecting shaft 34. Bushings can be provided at both ends of the connecting shaft 34 to prevent the connecting shaft 34 from falling out of the through holes of the connecting parts 33. The cooperation of the four connecting parts 33 and the connecting shaft 34 provides precise guidance and constraint for the installation and positioning of the mounting bases 31. During the installation process, the passage of the connecting shaft 34 ensures that the relative position between the two mounting bases 31 is accurate.

[0037] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to... Figure 2 The fiber optic bend protection device 3 also includes a limiting rod 35 and two connecting pieces 36. Each connecting piece 36 is rotatably connected to a mounting base 31, and the two opposite ends of the limiting rod 35 are rotatably connected to the two connecting pieces 36 respectively. The connecting pieces 36 are hooks, with one end of each hook rotatably connected to the corresponding mounting base 31 and the other end hooked onto the limiting rod 35. The hooks are made of a metal material with a certain strength and flexibility, such as spring steel or high-strength alloy steel, and are typically in the shape of a bent hook. The rotatable connection between the hooks and the mounting base 31 can be achieved through a structure such as a rotating shaft, pin, or bearing, allowing the hooks to rotate freely around the rotating shaft of the mounting base 31. The two opposite ends of the limiting rod 35 are rotatably connected to the hook portions of the two hooks respectively. When the fiber optic bend protection device 3 is installed and adjusted, the two mounting bases 31 can rotate relative to each other around the connecting shaft 34, and the hooks also rotate around the rotating shaft of the mounting base 31, causing the limiting rod 35 to adjust its angle. Due to the presence of the limiting rod 35, the relative rotation angle between the two mounting bases 31 is limited, thereby ensuring that the bending radius between the two wire passages is always within the design range.

[0038] Specifically, in one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to... Figure 2 The mounting base 31 has fixing clips 37 on both opposite sides, which are used to limit the fiber optic baffle 32. The fixing clips 37 are typically made of materials with a certain degree of elasticity or rigidity, such as metal or engineering plastics. Their shape can be hook-shaped, clip-shaped, or other structures capable of limiting the position. The fixing clips 37 are fixed to the mounting base 31 by bolts, welding, or snap-fitting. Their position and angle can be adjusted and optimized according to actual needs to better limit the fiber optic baffle 32. The design of the fixing clips 37 effectively fixes the fiber optic baffle 32 to the mounting base 31, ensuring that it will not shift or loosen due to vibration, external impact, or other factors during use. This helps maintain the stability of the shape and size of the cable passage.

[0039] To improve monitoring sensitivity, please refer to one embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1The detection optical fiber 2 has multiple interconnected winding segments used to wrap around the pipe 5. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system 100 also includes an optical fiber winding fixing device 4, which is located on the pipe 5 and forms multiple limiting cavities, with each winding segment passing through one limiting cavity. The detection optical fiber 2 uses a multi-segment tight winding method at key locations such as welding points and interfaces on the pipe 5 to improve monitoring sensitivity and accuracy. The optical fiber winding fixing device 4 forms multiple limiting cavities, the shape and size of which are designed according to the diameter and winding method of the winding segments, typically circular, elliptical, or square, to tightly wrap the winding segments and prevent them from loosening or shifting during use. The inner walls of the limiting cavities are smooth to avoid wear or damage to the detection optical fiber 2, and also have a certain degree of elasticity to facilitate the insertion and fixing of the winding segments.

[0040] Specifically, in one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to... Figure 3The detection optical fiber 2 comprises an optical fiber body 21, a polyethylene protective layer 22, a waterproof gel layer 23, a stainless steel spiral cladding 24, a soft magnet cladding 25, and a polyethylene outer shell 26. The detection optical fiber 2 contains two optical fiber bodies for transmitting optical signals. Each optical fiber body is covered with a polyethylene protective layer 22. The polyethylene protective layer 22 has good flexibility, corrosion resistance, and insulation properties, effectively protecting the optical fiber body from external environmental factors. The two optical fiber bodies, together with the polyethylene protective layer 22, are encased within the waterproof gel layer 23. The waterproof gel layer 23 is a material with high water absorption and good sealing properties, effectively isolating moisture and preventing it from penetrating around the optical fiber body, thus avoiding performance degradation or damage due to moisture. A stainless steel spiral cladding 24 is fitted over the waterproof gel layer 23. The stainless steel spiral cladding 24 is made of stainless steel and spirally wound around the waterproof gel layer 23. The stainless steel spiral cladding 24 has high strength and good anti-electromagnetic interference properties, effectively protecting the optical fiber body from external electromagnetic interference and ensuring the stability of optical signal transmission. A soft magnetic cladding 25 is fitted over the stainless steel spiral cladding 24. Made of soft magnetic material, the soft magnetic cladding 25 exhibits excellent magnetic adsorption properties, allowing the detection optical fiber 2 to adhere tightly to the surface of the metal pipe 5. The outermost layer is a polyethylene shell 26, fitted over the soft magnetic cladding 25. The polyethylene shell 26 further enhances the corrosion resistance and mechanical protection of the detection optical fiber 2, enabling it to operate stably for extended periods in harsh underground environments. The detection optical fiber 2 is adsorbed onto the surface of the pipe 5 via its soft magnetic cladding 25. The winding section is tightly wound at key locations such as weld points and interfaces on the pipe 5 and secured by the limiting cavity of the optical fiber winding fixing device 4. The temperature measuring host 1 sends light pulses to the optical fiber body. When a leak occurs in the pipe 5, the temperature change around the leak point is sensed by the optical fiber body and transmitted back to the temperature measuring host 1 via reflected light signals. The host analyzes the changes in the light signals to accurately locate the leak, achieving real-time monitoring of the pipe 5.

[0041] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A distributed optical fiber monitoring system for monitoring pipelines, characterized in that, The distributed optical fiber monitoring system includes: Temperature measurement host; A detection optical fiber, connected to the temperature measuring host, the detection optical fiber being arranged along the length of the pipe, and at least a portion of the detection optical fiber being used for winding around the pipe; and An optical fiber bend protection device is provided in the pipe, the detection optical fiber passes through the optical fiber bend protection device, and the optical fiber bend protection device is used to limit the bending angle of the detection optical fiber.

2. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber optic bend protection device includes two mounting bases and two fiber optic baffles. The two mounting bases are located in the pipe and are rotatably connected. Each fiber optic baffle and a mounting base enclose a cable passage, and the detection fiber passes through the two cable passages in sequence.

3. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting base has two connecting parts at one end; The fiber optic bend protection device also includes a connecting shaft, which passes through the four connecting parts of the two mounting bases to allow the two mounting bases to be rotatably connected.

4. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The fiber optic bend protection device also includes a limiting rod and two connectors. Each connector is rotatably connected to a mounting base, and the two opposite ends of the limiting rod are rotatably connected to the two connectors respectively.

5. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting base is provided with fixing buckles on both opposite sides, and the fixing buckles are used to limit the optical fiber baffle.

6. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The detection optical fiber has multiple interconnected winding segments, which are used to wind around the pipe; The distributed optical fiber monitoring system also includes an optical fiber winding and fixing device, which is located in the pipeline and forms multiple limiting cavities, with each winding segment passing through one of the limiting cavities.

7. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The detection optical fiber includes an optical fiber body, a soft magnetic cladding, and a polyethylene shell. The soft magnetic cladding is fitted onto the optical fiber body and is used to adhere to the pipe. The polyethylene shell is fitted onto the soft magnetic cladding.

8. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The detection optical fiber includes two optical fiber bodies, each of which is covered with a polyethylene protective layer, and the two optical fiber bodies are located within the soft magnet cladding.

9. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The detection optical fiber also includes a waterproof gel layer, with the two optical fiber bodies located within the waterproof gel layer, and the soft magnet cladding sleeved on the waterproof gel layer.

10. The distributed optical fiber monitoring system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The detection optical fiber further includes a stainless steel spiral cladding, which is fitted over the waterproof gel layer, and the soft magnet cladding is fitted over the stainless steel spiral cladding.

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