Active Fiber Stretcher for DAS Trigger Signal Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data acquisition systems for wellbore operations face challenges in accurately detecting trigger signals from seismic controllers, leading to potential false positives or false negatives, which can result in loss of data and increased complexity in field operations due to variations in trigger signal characteristics and noise interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an active fiber stretcher assembly that detects arbitrary signals from seismic controllers and encodes a predetermined trigger signal onto a fiber optic cable, enhancing the accuracy of trigger signal detection and resilience to noise, thereby improving the accuracy of data acquisition measurements in subterranean environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data acquisition systems use direct trigger signals from seismic controllers, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to false positives and false negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device between the seismic controller and data acquisition system that processes and validates trigger signals. This intermediary acts as a mediator that filters false signals and ensures accurate triggering, resolving the contradiction by adding a layer of signal verification without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the data acquisition system monitors incoming trigger signals and provides feedback to validate their authenticity. This feedback loop allows the system to distinguish between genuine seismic events and false triggers, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through intelligent signal processing
2Measurement precision
If data acquisition systems are calibrated for specific trigger signal characteristics, then the measurement precision improves, but the adaptability deteriorates when facing different seismic controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal trigger signal processing mechanism that can handle multiple types of trigger signals from different seismic controllers. The system uses pattern recognition and adaptive calibration capabilities that allow it to work with various controller types without requiring complete recalibration, thus maintaining measurement precision while improving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts trigger signal parameters such as threshold levels, time windows, and signal patterns based on the detected seismic controller type. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across different controller models by automatically configuring optimal detection settings for each controller type
3Adaptability or versatility
If field engineers manually configure data acquisition systems for different trigger signals, then the adaptability improves, but the productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the data acquisition system automatically detects the seismic controller type and configures appropriate trigger signal parameters without requiring manual intervention from field engineers. The system performs self-calibration and adaptive configuration, eliminating time-consuming manual setup while maintaining full adaptability to different controller types
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic configuration and calibration actions before actual data acquisition begins. By pre-configuring trigger signal parameters and validating system readiness automatically, the system eliminates the need for manual field configuration, thereby improving productivity and operational efficiency while maintaining adaptability
4Reliability
If data acquisition systems increase noise filtering, then the reliability improves, but the measurement precision may deteriorate due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial noise filtering by selectively attenuating only the portions of the signal that correspond to known noise patterns while preserving the genuine seismic trigger signals. The system uses adaptive filtering that applies noise reduction only when and where necessary, maintaining reliability by filtering noise while preserving measurement precision by avoiding over-filtering of valid signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different filtering characteristics to different frequency ranges and signal portions. By using local quality filtering that targets specific noise frequencies while preserving the frequency bands containing genuine trigger signals, the system maintains both reliability through noise rejection and measurement precision through signal preservation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The active fiber stretcher assembly improves the accuracy of trigger signal detection and data collection, reducing the likelihood of false positives and false negatives, and enhances the ability to determine material composition in subterranean environments by ensuring precise initiation of data acquisition operations.
Implementation Method 1
A fiber stretcher encodes the electrical trigger signal onto a fiber optic cable
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver to receive the predetermined waveform from the active fiber stretcher assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An active fiber stretcher assembly can be used for data acquisition systems. A time-break signal can be detected that coincides with a seismic event emitted from a seismic controller. A predetermined waveform can be generated in response to detecting the time-break signal. The predetermined waveform may be encoded onto a fiber optic cable using a fiber stretcher. A data acquisition system connected to the fiber optic cable may detect the predetermined waveform on the fiber optic cable and initiate acquisition operations including: receiving, during the seismic event, light signals returning from a portion of the fiber optic cable in a subterranean environment; determining one or more characteristics of the subterranean environment from the light signals; and storing the one or more characteristics.