Collimated Optical Coupler for Pressure Barrier Interconnection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for interconnecting optical fibers in hydrocarbon fluid production facilities face challenges such as high precision requirements, signal loss, distortion, and mechanical instability due to shear forces, especially when penetrating pressure barriers, and existing solutions are costly and difficult to deploy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using pressure-resistant collimated optical couplers with a transparent window and lens systems to transmit light beams between fiber optical cables arranged on opposite sides of a pressure-resistant light transparent window, allowing for cost-efficient and robust interconnection of optical fibers across pressure barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional splicing or FO-connectors are used to interconnect optical fibers, then fiber alignment and connection are achieved, but signal loss and distortion occur (0.1 dB in good FO-connection)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fiber alignment and connection systems with an optical collimation and reflection system. Light from the first fiber is collimated by a lens system, reflected by a mirror, and refocused into the second fiber, eliminating the need for precise mechanical ferrule alignment and reducing connection losses associated with mechanical connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of a collimation lens system and a mirror positioned between the two fiber ends. This intermediary optical path allows light to be transmitted from one fiber to another without direct physical contact or mechanical alignment of the fiber cores, thereby reducing signal loss and distortion.
2Ease of operation
If wet-connectable FO connectors are used for in-situ interconnection, then fiber alignment is achieved, but extreme precision (micrometer level) and high costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wet-connectable FO connector system with an optical collimation and reflection system. This substitution eliminates the need for micrometer-level mechanical alignment precision, as the collimated light beam can tolerate larger misalignments while still achieving effective fiber interconnection, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the fiber connection system by using collimated light beams instead of direct fiber-to-fiber coupling. This parameter change allows for relaxed alignment tolerances, transforming the system from one requiring micrometer-level precision to one that can accommodate millimeter-level positioning while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If optical fibers penetrate pressure barriers, then fiber installation is achieved, but leakage paths are created and mechanical stability is compromised due to shear forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure barrier with a light-transparent window as an intermediary structure that allows optical signal transmission while maintaining pressure containment. The fiber ends are positioned on opposite sides of this window, and the collimated light beam passes through the window without requiring the fibers to penetrate the pressure barrier, thus preventing leakage paths and maintaining mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical penetration system (where fibers physically pierce pressure barriers) with an optical transmission system through a light-transparent window. This substitution eliminates the mechanical stress and leakage risks associated with fiber penetration while maintaining the ability to transmit optical signals across the pressure barrier.
4Stress or pressure
If multicomponent fiber optic penetrators are used to withstand downhole pressure, then pressure resistance is achieved, but long-term mechanical behavior is doubtful due to degradation prone elastomers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-transparent window in the pressure barrier as an intermediary structure that eliminates the need for multicomponent fiber optic penetrators. The window maintains pressure resistance while allowing optical transmission, removing the degradation-prone elastomers and their associated long-term mechanical stability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a light-transparent window material (such as sapphire or quartz glass) that combines pressure resistance with optical transparency. This single-material solution replaces the multicom penetrator structure, eliminating the need for elastomeric sealing components that degrade over time and compromise long-term mechanical stability.
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
This approach enables reliable, cost-effective, and efficient optical interconnection of fiber optical cables across pressure barriers with reduced signal loss and distortion, improving the long-term mechanical stability and ease of installation compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens system arranged at one side of the window, which first lens system is connected to a first fiber optical cable and configured to convert a first light beam transmitted through the first fiber optical cable into a collimated light beam
Implementation Method 2
a second lens system arranged at an opposite side of the window, which second lens system is configured to receive the collimated light beam and reconvert it into a second light beam that is transmitted into a second fiber optical cable
Data Source
AI summary
A cost efficient and pressure resistant system for interconnecting fiber optical cables in-situ at a hydrocarbon fluid production facility comprises:—a pressure resistant light transparent window (41);—a first lens system (48A-C), which is arranged at one side of the window and configured to convert a first light beam transmitted through a first fiber optical cable (46A-C) into a collimated light beam (51A-C) that is transmitted through the window; and—a second lens system (50A-C), which is arranged at an opposite side of the window and configured to receive and reconvert the collimated light beam into a second light beam that is transmitted into a second fiber optical cable (47A-C).