Sealable fiber optic cable splice system

Abstract

A sealable connection system is provided. The system can include a connection assembly including a housing and at least one ferrule positioned within the housing. An inner surface of the housing can be arranged to mate with and be secured to an outer surface of the sensor assembly. The at least one ferrule can be arranged to engage with the sensor assembly when the housing is secured to the sensor assembly. The system can also include a fiber optic cable assembly. The fiber optic cable assembly can include a fiber optic cable extending through the housing and the at least one ferrule. The fiber optic cable can also be surrounded by a fiber optic cable cover at least along the length of the fiber optic cable within the connection assembly. The sealable connection system is provided for hermetically connecting a fiber optic cable assembly to a sensor assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas-tight connection between a sensor and a fiber optic cable, in particular in high temperature and pressure applications in the oil and gas sector. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In one aspect, a system is provided. In one embodiment, the system can include a connection assembly including a housing, the housing including a first end having a first opening connected to a first inner surface parallel to the first end. The housing can also include a second end having a second opening forming the second inner surface. The second inner surface can be arranged to extend perpendicular to the first inner surface. The second inner surface can also be arranged to mate with and be secured to an outer surface of the sensor assembly. The connection assembly can also include at least one ferrule positioned within the housing adjacent to the first opening. The at least one ferrule can be arranged to engage with the sensor assembly when the housing is secured to the sensor assembly. The system can also include a fiber optic cable assembly including a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable can be arranged to extend through the first opening of the housing, the at least one ferrule, and the second opening of the housing. The fiber optic cable assembly can also include a cover surrounding the fiber optic cable. The cover can be arranged to cover the fiber optic cable along at least a length of the fiber optic cable within the connection assembly. The connection assembly can be arranged to hermetically connect the fiber optic cable assembly to the sensor assembly.

[0003] In some embodiments, the at least one ferrule can include a first ferrule and a second ferrule. In this embodiment, the first ferrule can be positioned within the housing adjacent to the first opening. The first ferrule can include a first angled portion and a protruding portion adjacent to the first angled portion. The second ferrule can be positioned between the first ferrule and the second opening. The second ferrule can include a second angled portion and a wedge-shaped portion. The first angled portion of the first ferrule can be arranged to engage with the second angled portion of the second ferrule. The wedge-shaped portion of the second ferrule can be arranged to engage with the sensor assembly when the housing is secured to the sensor assembly.

[0004] In some embodiments, the first angled portion of the first ferrule and / or the wedge-shaped portion of the second ferrule can be arranged to penetrate the cover when the housing is secured to the sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the housing, the first ferrule, and / or the second ferrule can be made from stainless steel. In some embodiments, the connection assembly and fiber optic cable assembly can be made for use in a sensing environment having an operating temperature of -55°C to 325°C.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first ferrule, the second ferrule, and the fiber optic cable assembly can be arranged relative to one another along a longitudinal axis extending through the first ferrule, the second ferrule, the fiber optic cable assembly, and the sensor assembly. In some embodiments, the connection assembly can be arranged to releasably engage with the sensor assembly to enable repeatable sealing and unsealing. In some embodiments, the second inner surface can be threaded. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly can include a flame sensor.

[0006] In some embodiments, the at least one ferrule can be selected from the set of a self-swaging nut, an integrated tapered adapter, an insulated ferrule, a non-insulated ferrule, a twin ferrule, and an olive ferrule. In some embodiments, the cover can further include at least one notch arranged to receive the at least one ferrule when the housing is secured to the sensor assembly.

[0007] In another aspect, a method is provided. In one embodiment, the method can include disposing at least one ferrule in a housing. The housing can include a first end having a first opening connected to a first inner surface parallel to the first end. The housing can also include a second end having a second opening. The second opening can define a second inner surface. The second inner surface can be arranged to extend perpendicular to the first inner surface. At least one ferrule can be disposed adjacent to the first inner surface. The method can also include inserting a fiber optic cable assembly through the first opening of the housing, the at least one ferrule, and the second opening of the housing. The fiber optic cable assembly can include a fiber optic cable and a cover. The cover can be configured to surround the fiber optic cable within the housing along at least a length of the fiber optic cable. The method can also include mating the second inner surface of the housing with an outer surface of the sensor assembly. The method can also include affixing the second inner surface of the housing to the outer surface of the sensor assembly. The anchoring can further include translating the housing toward the sensor assembly. The anchoring can also include engaging the at least one ferrule with a portion of the sensor assembly within the housing. The anchoring can also include providing a gas-tight connection between the fiber optic cable assembly and the sensor assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least one ferrule can include a first ferrule and a second ferrule. The first ferrule can include a first angled portion and a protruding portion adjacent to the first angled portion. The second ferrule can include a second angled portion and a wedge-shaped portion opposite the second angled portion. In this embodiment, the method can also include positioning the first ferrule adjacent to the first inner surface. The method can also include positioning the second ferrule between the first ferrule and the second opening such that the second angled portion of the second ferrule faces the first angled portion of the first ferrule. The method can also include engaging the first angled portion of the first ferrule with the second angled portion of the second ferrule and engaging the wedge-shaped portion of the second ferrule with the sensor assembly.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method may also include inserting the wedge-shaped portion of the second ferrule and / or the first angled portion of the first ferrule into a cover of the fiber optic cable. In some embodiments, the housing, the first ferrule, the second ferrule, and / or the cover may be made from stainless steel. In some embodiments, the housing, the first ferrule, the second ferrule, and the cover may be made for use in a sensing environment having an operating temperature of -55 to 325°C. In some embodiments, the sensor may be a flame sensor.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method can also include coupling the sensor assembly to a combustion chamber of the turbine. In some embodiments, the second inner surface can be threaded. In some embodiments, the method can also include receiving the at least one ferrule into the at least one notch in the cover when the housing is secured to the sensor assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of one dual ferrule embodiment of a connection system for hermetically sealing a fiber optic cable assembly to a sensor assembly. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first ferrule of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the second ferrule of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 after the fiber optic cable assembly has been affixed to and hermetically sealed with the sensor assembly in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of one single ferrule embodiment of a connection system for hermetically sealing a fiber optic cable assembly to a sensor assembly. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 after the fiber optic cable assembly has been affixed to and hermetically sealed with the sensor assembly in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 7] 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system for transmitting light from an operating environment to a sensing environment using the connection system of FIG. 1; [Figure 8] 2 illustrates an exemplary method for securing a fiber optic cable assembly to a sensor assembly using the connection system of FIG. 1; [Figure 9] 6 is a process diagram illustrating an exemplary process for assembling and securing a connection assembly to a sensor assembly, as described herein in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 5. Note that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, therefore, should not be considered limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Traditionally, flame sensors in industrial applications use welding techniques to achieve a hermetic connection between the fiber optic cable and the sensor assembly containing the fiber optic cable. Welding provides a strong hermetic connection in environments with high vibration, pressure, and temperature. While welding provides a hermetic seal, the hermetic seal can reduce or eliminate maintainability. Commercially available connectors do not provide a hermetic seal and have limited temperature resistance.

[0013] The systems described herein address the aforementioned shortcomings. For example, one or more embodiments of the systems herein can include a connection assembly including a self-swaging compression fitting configured to enable repeatable hermetic sealing and de-hermetic sealing of a fiber optic cable to a sensor enclosure. The system can withstand high temperature and pressure operating environments. The mating geometry can enable repeatable axial and concentric positioning of the fiber optic cable relative to the sensor assembly.

[0014] The system described herein provides a reliable metal-to-metal hermetic seal of the fiber optic cable to the sensor enclosure. Unlike traditional welded attachments, the system can provide a releasable connection between the flame sensor and the connection assembly that is repeatedly serviceable. The ability to repeatedly seal and unseal, i.e., hermetic connection, can provide the advantage of repeatedly positioning the fiber optic cable end relative to other optical components contained within the sensor body to ensure maximum light capture and transmission. A second advantage is that the system described herein allows for the ability to adjust the distance of the fiber optic cable end, as well as the focusing lens positioned between the fiber optic cable end and the light source, to maximize the amount of light impinging on the fiber optic cable end. Additionally, the connection assembly can be formed from materials such as stainless steel to enable the system to operate in sensing environments up to 325°C.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a connection system 100 for hermetically sealing a fiber optic cable to a sensor. As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 100 can include a connection assembly 140 including a housing 110, a first ferrule 120, and a second ferrule 130. The housing 110 has a generally hollow, elongated, cylindrical configuration having a first end 112 having a first opening 1120, a second end 114 having a second opening 1140, a first inner surface 116 extending parallel to an axis B, and a second inner surface 118, which can be threaded, extending parallel to an axis A. The first ferrule 120 can be positioned within the housing 110 adjacent the first opening 1120 of the first end 112. The second ferrule 130 can be positioned between the first ferrule 120 and the second opening 1140 of the second end 114. 1, the fiber optic cable assembly 170 may include a first opening 1120 at the first end 112 of the housing 110, a first ferrule 120, a second ferrule 130, and a fiber optic cable 150 extending through a second opening at the second end 114 of the housing 110. The fiber optic cable assembly 170 may further include a cover 160 that surrounds the fiber optic cable 150 along at least a portion of the length of the fiber optic cable 150 within the housing 140 of the fiber optic cable 150. In some embodiments, the cover 160 may be manufactured with at least one notch 165 configured to receive the second ferrule 130 and / or the first ferrule 120 during a sealing operation (discussed below in connection with FIG. 4).

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 , system 100 is illustrated in an initial assembled state before connection assembly 140 is hermetically secured to sensor assembly 180. In this embodiment, second inner surface 118 of housing 110 can be configured to mate with outer surface 182 of sensor assembly 180, as shown in FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, second inner surface 118 of housing 110 and outer surface 182 of sensor assembly 180 can be threaded. Sensor assembly 180 may include, for example, a flame sensor. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 180 can be coupled to, for example, a combustion chamber of a turbine. In some embodiments, connection assembly 140 and its components (e.g., housing 110, first ferrule 120, and second ferrule 130) can be made from stainless steel. Cover 160 can also be made from stainless steel. Additionally, connection assembly 140 and fiber optic cable assembly 170 can be designed to operate in a sensing environment of -55°C to 325°C. In other embodiments, the connection assembly 140 and cover 160 may be made from aluminum and / or copper.

[0017] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first ferrule 120 described in connection with Figure 1. As shown in this embodiment, the first ferrule 120 may include a first angled portion 122 and a protruding portion 124 adjacent to the first angled portion 122. The first ferrule 120 may further include a lumen 126 that may be configured to surround the fiber optic cable assembly 170. In this manner, the lumen 126 contains the fiber optic cable 150 and the cover 160.

[0018] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the second ferrule 130 described in connection with FIG. 1. As shown in this embodiment, the second ferrule 130 may include a second angled portion 132 that may be configured to sealably engage with the first angled portion 122 of the first ferrule 120 when the housing 110 is secured to the sensor assembly 180. The second ferrule 130 may further include a wedge-shaped portion 134. The second ferrule 130 may further include a lumen 136 configured to surround the fiber optic cable assembly 170. The lumen 136 thereby contains the fiber optic cable 150 and the cover 160.

[0019] 4 illustrates connection system 100 in a secured state. In the secured state, connection assembly 140 fixably positions and hermetically seals fiber optic cable assembly 170 relative to sensor assembly 180. Sensor assembly 180 may be coupled to industrial equipment 405, such as the combustion chamber of a turbine. In other embodiments, industrial equipment 405 may be any one of a machine inspection device, a medical device, a communications device, a lighting device, and / or a broadcasting device.

[0020] In some embodiments, securing the connection assembly 140 to the sensor assembly 180 may be achieved by mating the second inner surface 118 of the housing 110 with the outer surface 182 of the sensor assembly 180. In some embodiments, the second inner surface 118 of the housing 110 and the outer surface 182 of the sensor assembly 180 may be threaded. The housing 110 may be tightened to secure the connection assembly 140 onto the sensor assembly 180. During the tightening process, the housing 110 may be configured to move in a direction A' toward the sensor assembly 180, as shown. As the housing 110 is moved in the direction A', the first ferrule 120 may abut against the first inner surface 116 of the housing 110 at the first opening 1120 to engage the first angled portion 122 of the first ferrule 120 with the second angled portion 132 of the second ferrule 130 when the housing 110 is secured to the sensor assembly 180. Additionally, the wedge-shaped portion 134 of the second ferrule 130 can be configured to engage with the sensor assembly 180. When the housing 110 is secured to the sensor assembly 180, engagement between the first ferrule 120 and the second ferrule 130 can sealably engage the second angled portion 132 with the first angled portion 122. Engagement of the first angled portion 122 of the first ferrule 120 with the second angled portion 132 of the second ferrule 130 and engagement of the wedge-shaped portion 134 of the second ferrule 130 with the sensor assembly 180 can cause the wedge-shaped portion 134 and / or the first angled portion 122 to penetrate into the cover 160 at points 190 and 195, respectively. In embodiments including at least one notch 165, the at least one notch 165 can be configured to align with points 190 and / or 195. This penetration can create a hermetic seal between the fiber optic cable assembly 170 and the sensor assembly 180, which may be desirable for accurate sensing using fiber optics.

[0021] In some embodiments, if the second inner surface 118 of the housing 110 and the outer surface 182 of the sensor assembly 180 are threaded, during the process of securing the housing 110 to the sensor assembly 180, once the first ferrule 120 is sealingly engaged with the second ferrule 130, a gas-tight connection can be achieved by making a limited number of full rotations of the housing 110 around the threaded outer surface 182 of the sensor assembly 180. For example, the system 100 can be configured such that only one to three rotations of the housing 110 are required before the connection assembly 140 and the sensor assembly 180 are hermetically sealed. Ideally, the gas-tight connection can be formed with fewer than two full rotations (e.g., 1.5 rotations) of the housing 110 around the threaded outer surface 182 of the sensor assembly 180.

[0022] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to easily connect and disconnect the connection assembly 140 to the sensor assembly 180 to provide serviceability or to perform maintenance operations. Accordingly, the connection assemblies 140 described herein can be configured to connect and disconnect from the sensor assembly 180 to enable repeatable hermetic sealing and unhermetic sealing. In some embodiments, after releasing the housing 110 from the sensor assembly 180, repeating the sealing process may be performed using all of the original components of the system. As a result, repair costs and the need for overstocking of additional connection assemblies can be reduced.

[0023] In some embodiments, after disconnecting the housing 110 from the sensor assembly 180, the wedge-shaped portion 134 and / or the first angled portion 122 may penetrate into the cover 160 at points 190 and 195, respectively. As a result, the first ferrule 120, the second ferrule 130, and the fiber optic cable assembly 170 may be coupled to one another along the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, this may allow the coupled connection assembly 140 and fiber optic cable assembly 170 to be applied or secured to another sensor assembly 180 without having to reassemble the connection assembly 140 and fiber optic cable assembly 170 or without having to use a new connection assembly 140 and / or fiber optic cable assembly 170. Alternatively, this coupling may allow replacement of the fiber optic cable assembly 170 (along with the first ferrule 120 and the second ferrule 130) without removing the sensor assembly 180 from its sensing environment.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a connection system 200 for hermetically sealing a fiber optic cable to a sensor. As shown in FIG. 5, the system 200 can include a connection assembly 230 including a housing 210 and a ferrule 220. The housing 210 has a generally hollow, elongated, cylindrical configuration having a first end 212 with a first opening 2120, a second end 214 with a second opening 2140, a first inner surface 216 extending parallel to an axis B, and a second inner surface 218 extending parallel to an axis A. In some embodiments, the second inner surface 218 can be threaded. In some embodiments, the ferrule 220 can be configured the same as the first ferrule 120 of FIG. 2 or the second ferrule 130 of FIG. 3. Alternatively, the ferrule 220 can be a self-swaging nut, an integrated tapered adapter, an insulating ferrule, a non-insulating ferrule, an olive ferrule, or the like. In some embodiments, ferrule 220 can be made from stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. Ferrule 220 can be positioned within housing 210 adjacent first opening 2120 at first end 212. Fiber optic cable assembly 260 can include fiber optic cable 240 extending through first opening 2120 at first end 212 of housing 210, first ferrule 220, second ferrule 230, and second opening 2140 at second end 214 of housing 210, as shown in FIG. 5 . Fiber optic cable assembly 260 can further include cover 250 surrounding fiber optic cable 240 along at least a portion of the length of fiber optic cable 240 within housing 230.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5 , system 200 is shown in an initial assembled state before connection assembly 230 is hermetically secured to sensor assembly 270. In this embodiment, threaded inner surface 216 of housing 210 can be configured to mate with threaded outer surface 272 of sensor assembly 270, as shown in FIG. 5 . Sensor assembly 270 may include, for example, a flame sensor or an optical sensor. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 270 can be coupled to, for example, a combustion chamber of a turbine. In some embodiments, connection assembly 230 and its components (e.g., housing 210, first ferrule 220, and second ferrule 230) can be made from stainless steel. Cover 250 can also be made from stainless steel. Additionally, connection assembly 230 and fiber optic cable assembly 260 can be designed to operate in a sensing environment of -55°C to 325°C. In other embodiments, connection assembly 230 and cover 250 can be made from aluminum and / or copper.

[0026] 6 illustrates connection system 200 in a secured state. In the secured state, connection assembly 230 fixably positions and hermetically seals fiber optic cable assembly 260 relative to sensor assembly 270. Sensor assembly 270 may further be coupled to industrial equipment 405, such as a combustion chamber of a turbine. In other embodiments, industrial equipment 405 may be any one of a machine inspection device, a medical device, a communications device, a lighting device, and / or a broadcasting device.

[0027] In some embodiments, securing the connection assembly 230 to the sensor assembly 270 may be achieved by mating the second inner surface 218 of the housing 210 with the outer surface 272 of the sensor assembly 270. In some embodiments, the outer surfaces of the second inner surfaces 218 and 272 may be threaded. The housing 210 may be tightened to secure the connection assembly 230 onto the sensor assembly 270. During the tightening process, the housing 210 may be configured to move in a direction A' toward the sensor assembly 270, as shown. As the housing 210 is moved in the direction A', the first ferrule 220 may be configured to abut the first inner surface 216 of the housing 210 at the first opening 2120 to translate the ferrule 220 in the direction A' and engage the sensor assembly 270 when the housing 210 is secured to the sensor assembly 270. When housing 210 is secured to sensor assembly 270, the engagement between ferrule 220 and sensor assembly 270 can cause the ferrule to penetrate into cover 250 at point 280. This penetration can create a hermetic seal between fiber optic cable assembly 260 and sensor assembly 270, which may be desirable for accurate sensing using fiber optics.

[0028] In some embodiments, if the outer surfaces of the second inner surfaces 218 and 272 are threaded, during the process of securing the housing 210 to the sensor assembly 270, once the ferrule 220 is sealingly engaged with the sensor assembly 270, a gas-tight connection can be achieved by making a limited number of full rotations of the housing 210 around the threaded outer surface 272 of the sensor assembly 270. For example, the system 200 can be configured such that only one to three rotations of the housing 210 are required before the connection assembly 230 and the sensor assembly 270 are hermetically sealed. Ideally, the gas-tight connection can be formed with fewer than two full rotations (e.g., 1.5 rotations) of the housing 210 around the threaded outer surface 272 of the sensor assembly 270.

[0029] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to easily connect and disconnect the connection assembly 230 to the sensor assembly 270 to provide serviceability or to perform maintenance operations. As such, the connection assemblies 230 described herein can be configured to connect and disconnect from the sensor assembly 270 to enable repeatable hermetic sealing and unhermetic sealing. In some embodiments, after releasing the housing 210 from the sensor assembly 270, repeating the sealing process may be performed using all of the original components of the system. As a result, repair costs and the need for overstocking of additional connection assemblies can be reduced.

[0030] In some embodiments, after disconnecting the housing 210 from the sensor assembly 270, the ferrule 220 and the fiber optic cable assembly 260 may be coupled to one another along the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, this allows the coupled connection assembly 230 and fiber optic cable assembly 260 to be applied or secured to another sensor assembly 270 without having to reassemble the connection assembly 230 and the fiber optic cable assembly 260 or without having to use a new connection assembly 230 and / or fiber optic cable assembly 260. Alternatively, this coupling may allow replacement of the fiber optic cable assembly 260 (along with the ferrule 220) without removing the sensor assembly 270 from its sensing environment.

[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary system 300 for delivering light from an operating environment to a sensing environment. The system 300 may include a receiving end 310, which may also be referred to as a hot end 310. The hot end 310 may further include a first connection assembly 140a configured to hermetically couple a first end 150a of the fiber optic cable 150 to a first sensor assembly 180a. The first connection assembly 140a, the fiber optic cable 150, and the first sensor assembly 180a are described with reference to the connection assembly 140, the fiber optic cable 150, and the first sensor assembly 180 in FIG. 1, respectively. The system 300 may also include a delivery end 320, which may also be referred to as a cold end 320. The cold end 320 may further include a second connection assembly 140b configured to hermetically couple a second end 150b of the fiber optic cable 150 to a second sensor assembly 180b. The second connection assembly 140b, the fiber optic cable 150, and the second sensor assembly 180b are described with reference to the connection assembly 140, the fiber optic cable 150, and the first sensor assembly 180, respectively, of FIG. 1 . The hot end 310 may be configured to connect to a viewport 330 of the gas turbine combustor. The viewport 330 may further include a transparent pressure barrier and a lens configured to receive light 340 from the gas turbine combustor and transmit focused light 345 into the first end of the fiber optic cable 150a. The cold end 320 may be configured to connect to an optical sensor 350, which may be further communicatively coupled to a processor or various computing devices. The optical sensor 350 may be configured to receive the focused light 345 from the second end of the fiber optic cable 150b. The optical sensor 350 may further be coupled to a lens to further focus the focused light 345 onto the optical sensor 350. The system 300 described herein enables a resealable, gas-tight optical fiber connection in a high-temperature environment.System 300 further enables the transmission of light 340 from a high temperature environment (i.e., a gas turbine combustor operating at up to 325°C) to a low temperature environment (i.e., a computing system operating at less than 110°C). Such capability enables the operation and use of electronics to process light 340. Additionally, system 300 enables the replacement of hot end 310 or the electronics provided in connection with cold end 320 in the field without the need to replace fiber optic cable 150.

[0032] 8 is a process diagram illustrating an example process 800 for assembling and securing a connection assembly to a sensor assembly, as described herein in connection with FIG. 1. At 810, the connection assembly 140 can be assembled. Assembling the connection assembly 140 can include placing the first ferrule 120 within the housing 110 adjacent the first opening 1120.

[0033] At 820, the process 800 may include disposing the second ferrule 130 between the first ferrule 120 and the second opening 1140 of the housing 110. At 830, the process 800 may include inserting the fiber optic cable assembly 170 into the connection assembly 140. The fiber optic cable assembly 170 may be inserted through the second opening 1140, the first ferrule 120, and the second ferrule 130.

[0034] At 840, the process 800 may include securing the housing 110 to the sensor assembly 180. The securing may sealably engage the first ferrule 120 with the second ferrule 130. Step 840 may further include passing the wedge-shaped portion 134 of the second ferrule 130 through the cover 160 of the fiber optic cable 150. The securing may further include engaging the angled portion 132 of the second ferrule 130 with the angled portion 122 of the first ferrule 120. Securing the housing 110 to the sensor assembly 180 may form a hermetic seal between the fiber optic cable assembly 140 and the sensor assembly 180.

[0035] In some embodiments, method 800 may also include coupling sensor assembly 180 to a piece of industrial equipment 405 to obtain data on the operation of the industrial equipment. In some embodiments, the industrial equipment may include a combustion chamber of a turbine, a mechanical inspection device, a medical device, a communication device, a lighting device, and / or a broadcast device. In some embodiments, fastening may also include mating second inner surface 118 of housing 110 with outer surface 182 of sensor assembly 180. While coupling between housing 110 and sensor assembly 180 is shown using a threaded coupling, non-threaded coupling mechanisms are also contemplated without limitation.

[0036] 9 is a process diagram illustrating an exemplary process 900 for assembling and securing a connection assembly to a sensor assembly, as described herein in connection with FIG. 5. At 910, the connection assembly 230 can be assembled. Assembling the connection assembly 230 can include placing the ferrule 220 within the housing 210 adjacent the first opening 2120.

[0037] At 920, the process 900 may include inserting the fiber optic cable assembly 260 into the connection assembly 230. The fiber optic cable assembly 260 may be inserted through the second opening 2140, the ferrule 220.

[0038] At 930, process 900 may include affixing housing 210 to sensor assembly 270. Attaching may sealably engage ferrule 220 to sensor assembly 270 and penetrate cover 250 of fiber optic cable 240. Attaching housing 210 to sensor assembly 270 may form a hermetic seal between fiber optic cable assembly 260 and sensor assembly 270.

[0039] In some embodiments, method 900 may also include coupling sensor assembly 270 to a piece of industrial equipment 405 to obtain data on the operation of the industrial equipment. In some embodiments, the industrial equipment may include a combustion chamber of a turbine, a mechanical inspection device, a medical device, a communication device, a lighting device, and / or a broadcast device. In some embodiments, fastening may also include mating second inner surface 218 of housing 210 with outer surface 272 of sensor assembly 270. While coupling between housing 210 and sensor assembly 270 is shown using a threaded coupling, non-threaded coupling mechanisms are also contemplated without limitation.

[0040] Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide a general understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods explicitly described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims. Features shown or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in this disclosure, like-named components of embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, each feature of each like-named component within a particular embodiment has not necessarily been fully described in detail.

[0041] The subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computing system that includes back-end components (e.g., data servers), middleware components (e.g., application servers), or front-end components (e.g., client computers having a graphical user interface or web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include local area networks ("LANs") and wide area networks ("WANs"), e.g., the Internet.

[0042] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximation language can be applied to modify any quantitative expression that can be permissibly varied without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Thus, a value modified by one or more terms, such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially," is not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, approximation language can correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Range limitations can be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims, and such ranges are identified and include all subranges encompassed therein unless the context or language dictates otherwise.

[0043] The use of the terms "a," "an," and "the," and similar referents, should be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" should be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to"), unless otherwise indicated. The term "approximately" includes within 1, 2, 3, or 4 standard deviations. In certain embodiments, the term "about" or "approximately" means within 50%, 20%, 15%, %, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.05% of a given value or range. The recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method for referring individually to each individual value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each individual value is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "etc.") provided herein is intended merely to better explain the disclosure and does not impose limitations on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise asserted. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the present invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the present application is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising:

1. A connection assembly comprising: a housing including a first end having a first opening connected to a first inner surface parallel to the first end, and a second end having a second opening forming a second inner surface, the second inner surface extending perpendicular to the first inner surface, the second inner surface configured to mate with and be secured to an outer surface of a sensor assembly; a connection assembly comprising: at least one ferrule positioned within the housing adjacent the first opening and configured to engage with the sensor assembly when the housing is secured to the sensor assembly; and 1. A fiber optic cable assembly comprising: a fiber optic cable extending through the first opening of the housing, the at least one ferrule, and the second opening of the housing; a fiber optic cable assembly; and a cover that surrounds the fiber optic cable along at least a length of the fiber optic cable within the connection assembly, the connection assembly being configured to hermetically connect the fiber optic cable assembly to the sensor assembly.

2. the at least one ferrule includes a first ferrule and a second ferrule; the first ferrule is positioned within the housing adjacent the first opening, the first ferrule including a first angled portion and a protruding portion adjacent the first angled portion; the second ferrule is positioned between the first ferrule and the second opening, the second ferrule including a second angled portion and a wedge-shaped portion; and 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first angled portion of the first ferrule is configured to engage with the second angled portion of the second ferrule, and the wedge-shaped portion of the second ferrule is configured to engage with the sensor assembly when the housing is secured to the sensor assembly.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first angled portion of the first ferrule and / or the wedge-shaped portion of the second ferrule are configured to penetrate the cover when the housing is secured to the sensor assembly.

4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the housing, the first ferrule, and / or the second ferrule are stainless steel.

5. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the connection assembly and the fiber optic cable assembly are configured for use in a sensing environment having an operating temperature of -55°C to 325°C.

6. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first ferrule, the second ferrule, and the fiber optic cable assembly are aligned relative to one another along a longitudinal axis extending through the first ferrule, the second ferrule, the fiber optic cable assembly, and the sensor assembly.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the connection assembly is configured to releasably engage the sensor assembly to allow repeatable sealing and unsealing.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second inner surface is threaded.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor assembly includes a flame sensor.

10. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one ferrule is selected from the set of a self-swaging nut, an integrated tapered adapter, an insulated ferrule, a non-insulated ferrule, a twin ferrule, and an olive ferrule.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cover further comprises at least one notch configured to receive the at least one ferrule when the housing is secured to the sensor assembly.

12. 1. A method comprising: a housing including a first end having a first opening connected to a first inner surface parallel to the first end, and a second end having a second opening forming a second inner surface, the second inner surface extending perpendicular to the first inner surface; and disposing at least one ferrule within the housing, the at least one ferrule being disposed adjacent to the first inner surface; inserting a fiber optic cable assembly including a fiber optic cable and a cover configured to surround the fiber optic cable within the housing along at least a length of the fiber optic cable through the first opening of the housing, the at least one ferrule, and the second opening of the housing; mating the second inner surface of the housing with an outer surface of the sensor assembly; securing the second inner surface of the housing to an outer surface of the sensor assembly; translating the housing in a direction toward the sensor assembly; engaging the at least one ferrule with a portion of the sensor assembly within the housing; providing a gas-tight connection between the fiber optic cable assembly and the sensor assembly.

13. The at least one ferrule includes a first ferrule and a second ferrule, the first ferrule including a first angled portion and a protruding portion adjacent to the first angled portion, and the second ferrule including a second angled portion and a wedge-shaped portion opposite the second angled portion, and the method includes: disposing the first ferrule adjacent the first inner surface; positioning the second ferrule between the first ferrule and the second opening such that the second angled portion of the second ferrule faces the first angled portion of the first ferrule; 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising engaging the first angled portion of the first ferrule with the second angled portion of the second ferrule and engaging the wedge-shaped portion of the second ferrule with the sensor assembly.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising inserting the wedge-shaped portion of the second ferrule and / or the first angled portion of the first ferrule into the cover of the fiber optic cable.

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the housing, the first ferrule, the second ferrule, and / or the cover are stainless steel.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the housing, the first ferrule, the second ferrule, and the cover are configured for use in a sensing environment having an operating temperature of -55 to 325°C.

17. The method of claim 12 , wherein the sensor assembly includes a flame sensor.

18. The method of claim 12 further comprising coupling the sensor assembly to a combustion chamber of a turbine.

19. The method of claim 12 , wherein the second inner surface is threaded.

20. The method of claim 12 , further comprising receiving the at least one ferrule into at least one notch in the cover when the housing is secured to the sensor assembly.

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