Magnetostrictive Optical Fiber Sensing for Downhole Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current down hole magnetic field characterization in unconventional oil and gas resources relies heavily on nuclear magnetic resonance and fluxgate magnetometer sensors, with limited improvements and challenges in consolidating and scaling multiple sensor types, leading to high sensitivity maintenance, interconnect type matching, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensing optical fiber utilizing optics and magnetostriction, with customizable magnetostrictive elements embedded in the cladding, allowing for high sensitivity and scalability through controlled placement and material selection, enabling efficient magnetic field sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nuclear magnetic resonance and fluxgate magnetometer sensors are used for down hole magnetic field characterization, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (magnetic field detection, temperature sensing, strain measurement) into a single optical fiber sensor system. The optical fiber integrates magnetostrictive elements, temperature-sensitive materials, and strain measurement capabilities along its length, eliminating the need for separate nuclear magnetic resonance and fluxgate magnetometer sensors while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber sensor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it detects magnetic fields through magnetostrictive effects, measures temperature through optical properties, and monitors strain through fiber deformation. This multi-functional sensor replaces multiple specialized sensors (fluxgate magnetometers for magnetic fields, separate temperature probes, and strain gauges) with a single universal sensing platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor types are consolidated for measuring while drilling applications, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple sensing elements within the structure of a single optical fiber. Magnetostrictive particles or layers are nested within the fiber matrix, temperature-sensitive materials are incorporated into the fiber coating or core, and strain measurement capabilities are integrated through the fiber's inherent optical properties. This nested structure allows multiple sensor types to be manufactured as one unified component rather than assembled separately.
3Reliability
If traditional magnetic sensors are used for down hole applications, then reliability is maintained, but loss of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical properties of light traveling through the fiber to sense physical quantities, creating an optical copy or representation of the magnetic field, temperature, and strain conditions. Instead of using material-intensive traditional sensors that consume significant resources, the optical fiber uses light interaction with magnetostrictive and temperature-sensitive materials embedded in the fiber structure, dramatically reducing material consumption while maintaining reliability.
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 magnetic sensing optical fiber provides mechanical and optical robustness, customizable strain sensitivity, and cost-effective solutions for magnetic field detection, suitable for measuring while drilling and unconventional oil and gas applications, with sensitivity reaching as low as 10e−9 Tesla.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic sensing optical fiber can leverage optics and magnetostriction to sense an external magnetic field adjacent to the fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic field sensor in the form of a multi-material optical fiber is described. The magnetic sensing optical fiber of the present disclosure can leverage optics and magnetostriction to sense an external magnetic field adjacent to the fiber. The magnetic sensing optical fiber can be customized to achieve various desired sensing sensitivities for various applications, including measuring while drilling and unconventional oil and gas applications. In one example, an optical fiber can include a cladding that can extend from a first end to a second end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber can further include an optical core within the cladding. The optical core can extend along the optical fiber between the first end and the second end. The optical fiber can also include a magnetostrictive element within the cladding. The magnetostrictive element can extend along the optical fiber between the first end and the second end.