Splicable Fiber Optic Sensing System With Segmented Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic sensing cables in the downhole drilling and completions industry face challenges in connecting separate sensing cables due to continuous adhesion along their entire length, which complicates splicing and increases the risk of damage during separation.
Innovation Solution
A splicable fiber optic sensing system is developed, featuring a core, sheath, and optical fibers with strategically placed adhesive to sense-transmissively lock components together, allowing for easy separation and splicing by creating non-adhered sections that utilize a tape with a support member and adhesive, enabling flexible configuration and connection of optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is applied continuously along the entire length of the optical fiber, then the fiber is securely locked to the core and sheath, but splicing becomes difficult and increases the risk of damage during separation
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application is segmented into discrete sections along the optical fiber length, with non-adhered sections positioned at intervals. This segmentation allows the fiber to be securely locked in adhered sections while enabling easy separation and splicing in non-adhered sections, resolving the contradiction between secure locking and ease of splicing operation
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the optical fiber have different adhesive properties: some sections have adhesive applied for secure locking, while other sections have no adhesive to facilitate splicing. This local differentiation of adhesive quality allows the system to simultaneously achieve reliable fiber locking and ease of splicing operation in different locations
2Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive is applied continuously along the entire length of the optical fiber, then the fiber remains firmly attached to the core and sheath, but separation for splicing becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous adhesive application is replaced with segmented adhesive sections, creating predetermined non-adhered sections along the fiber length. This segmentation reduces the time required for separation and splicing operations while maintaining stable fiber attachment in the adhered sections, thus resolving the contradiction between attachment stability and splicing time
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive is applied in a predetermined segmented pattern during manufacturing, creating non-adhered sections in advance. This preliminary action prepares the fiber for future splicing operations by eliminating the need for complex separation procedures, thereby reducing the time required for splicing while maintaining firm attachment where needed
3Reliability
If adhesive is applied continuously along the entire length of the optical fiber, then complete locking is achieved, but splicing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application is divided into discrete sections with non-adhered portions at regular intervals. This segmentation provides predetermined separation points that simplify the splicing procedure, reducing the complexity of the splicing process while maintaining complete locking of the fiber in the adhered sections
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive distribution varies locally along the fiber length, with adhered sections providing complete locking and non-adhered sections enabling easy separation. This local differentiation of adhesive quality simplifies the splicing procedure by providing natural separation points, thereby reducing overall splicing complexity while maintaining reliable fiber locking
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 system facilitates easy splicing of optical fibers by allowing separation without damage, enhancing connectivity and reducing the complexity of cable configurations in harsh downhole environments, while maintaining sensing capabilities for parameters like strain, pressure, and temperature.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive 22 disposed between the core 14 and the sheath 18 at some locations 26 and not at other locations 30, and at least one optical fiber 34 disposed between the core 14 and the sheath 18 sense transmissively locked to the core 14 by the adhesive 22 at the locations 26 containing the adhesive 22
Data Source
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AI summary
A splicable fiber optic sensing system includes, a core, a sheath surrounding the core, an adhesive disposed between the core and the sheath at some locations and not at other locations, and at least one optical fiber disposed between the core and the sheath being sense transmissively locked to the core by the adhesive at the locations containing the adhesive