Distributed Sensing Interrogator Spatial Location Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed optical sensing technologies face challenges in reliably correlating spatial locations on an optical fiber with detected features, due to differences in source wavelengths, pulse widths, fiber properties, and instrument constructions.
Innovation Solution
A distributed sensing system that uses an interrogator coupled to an electromagnetic waveguide, generating and processing interrogation signals to determine spatial locations by transforming and deconvolving return signals, allowing for accurate correlation without requiring an OTDR system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an OTDR system is used to find spatial locations, then spatial location measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of correlation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spatial location determination function from the complex OTDR system and implements it within the distributed sensing interrogator using signal processing techniques. The deconvolution algorithm processes the return signal to directly determine spatial locations without requiring separate OTDR measurements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed sensing interrogator is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates interrogation signals for distributed sensing measurements and simultaneously processes return signals to determine spatial locations of features. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate OTDR equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining spatial location measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If OTDR system is employed for spatial correlation, then spatial location accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to correlation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spatial location determination process with the distributed sensing measurement process. The interrogator simultaneously performs both functions using the same interrogation signals and return signals, eliminating the need for separate correlation operations between OTDR and sensing channels. This integration significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining spatial location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed sensing system determines its own spatial locations through signal processing of its own return signals. The deconvolution algorithm uses the known interrogation signal characteristics to extract spatial information from the return signal, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external OTDR measurements or complex correlation procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If distributed sensing channels are used, then sensing capability is improved, but reliability of spatial correlation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical correlation system with an electrical signal processing system. Instead of using separate OTDR measurements to correlate with sensing channels, the system uses digital signal processing (deconvolution) to determine spatial locations directly from the return signals. This substitution improves reliability by eliminating the sources of error associated with multi-instrument correlation.
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
Enables reliable determination of spatial locations associated with reflections along the electromagnetic waveguide, improving the accuracy of downhole measurements for applications like seismic monitoring and fluid production.
Implementation Method 1
an interrogation pulse is transmitted through an electromagnetic (EM) waveguide
Implementation Method 2
determine a spatial location associated with a reflection produced along the EM waveguide using a return signal generated from the reflection by an interrogator
Data Source
AI summary
Distributed sensing systems and methods with spatial location correlation of a reflection produced along an electromagnetic (EM) waveguide. A distributed sensing system comprises an EM waveguide, a distributed sensing interrogator, and a processor. The distributed sensing interrogator comprises a transmitter coupled to the EM waveguide and generates an interrogation pulse through the EM waveguide. The distributed sensing interrogator also comprises a receiver coupled to the EM waveguide and responsive to backscattered EM waves propagating through the EM waveguide. The processor determines a spatial location associated with a reflection produced along the EM waveguide using a return signal generated from the reflection by the interrogator and an interrogation signal including the interrogation pulse.