Phase Sensing with Redundant Sensor Difference Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical phase sensing systems, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) systems, face inaccuracies in phase measurement due to signal and system noise, leading to reduced phase measurement integrity, signal quality, sensitivity, and dynamic range, particularly in low signal-to-noise ratio situations, resulting in transient demodulation errors and phase jumps.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a redundant sensing approach using multiple simultaneous wavelengths to detect and correct phase jumps by cross-comparing independent phase measurements, which enhances error detection and correction without impacting signal bandwidth, thereby improving phase measurement integrity and signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional phase sensing systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but phase measurement accuracy deteriorates due to noise and phase jumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple wavelengths (different spectral characteristics) at specific measurement points to detect and correct phase jumps locally, rather than requiring complex processing throughout the entire sensing system. Each wavelength provides localized phase information that can be compared to detect errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing mechanism that compares phase measurements from multiple wavelengths to detect phase jumps. This intermediary comparison process acts as a mediator between the raw phase measurements and the final corrected phase data, identifying and correcting errors without requiring complete system redesign.
2Reliability
If redundant sensing with multiple wavelengths is implemented, then phase measurement accuracy improves through error detection and correction, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing phase measurements at multiple wavelengths simultaneously before final phase determination. This preliminary multi-wavelength measurement approach allows phase jumps to be detected and corrected before the final phase data is used, preventing error propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter to create redundant measurement paths. By measuring phase at multiple wavelengths and comparing the results, the system can detect when a phase jump occurs in one wavelength measurement and correct it using information from other wavelengths, thereby improving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If phase jump correction is applied, then signal quality improves, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or computational phase unwrapping systems with a simpler wavelength comparison mechanism. Instead of using elaborate algorithms to detect and correct phase jumps, the system uses the natural interference patterns from multiple wavelengths to identify and correct errors, reducing computational complexity.
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 method significantly improves the accuracy of phase measurement by reliably detecting and correcting phase jumps, enhancing the overall signal integrity and dynamic range in phase sensing systems, particularly in challenging subterranean environments like oil and gas well monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Certain optical phase sensing systems (such as a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system) include measurement and logging devices or various tools which use interferometric detection approaches
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system utilizes multiple wavelengths communicated on a single pulse to a sensor, for example, an optical fiber. Backscattered or reflected light from a number of locations or depths along the sensor are analyzed to correct for 2π phase jump error. A phase sensing method detects the 2% phase jump error associated with one or more measurements from the sensor. Correcting for the 2π phase jump error provides increased accuracy of the one or more measurements, for example, improved vertical sensing profiling, production and fracture monitoring, and micro-seismic monitoring.