Multi-Parameter Fiber Optic Sensor System for Harsh Environment Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic sensors face challenges in simultaneously measuring multiple physical parameters like temperature, pressure, vibration, and strain without compromising performance, especially in harsh environments, and existing solutions are often limited to specific types of sensors and require complex compensation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic sensor system comprising a fiber optic cable mounted on a flexible member within a sensor housing, where changes in external pressure or liquid level cause mechanical strain, allowing for simultaneous measurement of temperature, liquid and gas pressure, vibration, mechanical strain, liquid level, and deformation using fiber Bragg gratings and optical data acquisition systems to generate a 3D environmental map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fiber optic sensors are used to simultaneously measure multiple physical parameters (temperature, pressure, vibration, strain), then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to required compensation mechanisms and additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic cable is designed to serve multiple sensing functions simultaneously. By embedding the cable in a flexible member that responds to pressure, level, and mechanical deformation, a single fiber optic cable can measure multiple physical parameters (temperature, pressure, vibration, strain) without requiring separate sensors for each parameter, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-parameter measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated system. The fiber optic cable is embedded in a flexible member that integrates pressure sensing, level sensing, and mechanical strain sensing capabilities. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate compensation mechanisms and additional sensors, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and device complexity
2Measurement precision
If complex compensation mechanisms are used to achieve independent parameter measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic sensor system operates autonomously without requiring external compensation mechanisms. The fiber optic cable itself serves as the sensing element for multiple parameters, and the system automatically generates measurements for temperature, pressure, vibration, and strain without needing additional compensation devices or complex operational procedures, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Measurement precision
If specialized fiber optic sensor types are used for specific measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as solutions cannot be extended to other sensor technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic cable is designed as a universal sensing platform that can measure multiple physical parameters across different applications. The same fiber optic cable embedded in the flexible member can be used for temperature sensing, pressure sensing, vibration sensing, and strain sensing in various environments including subterranean monitoring, demonstrating high adaptability and versatility across different sensor applications without requiring specialized sensor types for each measurement
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 simultaneous, accurate measurement of multiple parameters across a fiber optic cable, generating a 3D data map, and can be applied in various environments, including subterranean monitoring, with enhanced sensitivity and robustness, suitable for harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The cable may be inscribed by fiber Bragg gratings. Changes in spectra may be analyzed to measure the physical parameters.
Implementation Method 2
distributed fiber optic strain sensors based on Rayleigh scattering
Implementation Method 3
The bladder is exposed to an immediate external environment to the sensor through a port in the body so that changes in pressure or liquid level in the environment cause changes to the size of the bladder, which in turn change the shape of the flexible body to impart mechanical strain on the cable.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments there is provided manufacturing processes for fibre optic sensors. In an example, a portion of a fiber optic cable is coated with a thin film layer and placed in a channel of a fiber carrying flexible member for a fiber optic sensor. The portion is embedded in the channel using one of: a thermal curing process after filling the channel with a metallic liquid suspension or polymeric adhesive; and an electroplating or electroless plating process. Filling the channel may comprises performing a controlled dispensing using an automated process such as a drop-on-demand deposition process. In an example, a fiber optical cable is placed in a channel of a flexible member. Micro-laser welding or electron beam welding is used to locally melt the member areas adjacent to the cable resulting in the flow of liquid around the fiber creating a solid structure with embedded fiber after solidification.