Method and apparatus for providing a hydrogen diffusion barrier for fiber optic cables used in hostile environments
AssigneeWelldynamics, Inc.
InventorJohn Maida
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fiber optic conduit for use in a hostile environment includes an axial tube. The axial tube comprises a corrosion resistant material and is operable to receive one or more optical fibers. The fiber optic conduit further includes a hydrogen barrier shell that is disposed in contact with the axial tube. The hydrogen barrier shell comprises a material that is capable of reducing hydrogen permeation through the fiber optic conduit and has a thickness of at least approximately one-thousandth of an inch.
Claims20
A fiber optic conduit for use in a hostile environment, comprising:
- an axial tube comprising a corrosion resistant material and operable to receive one or more optical fibers;
- and
- a hydrogen barrier shell disposed in contact with the axial tube, the hydrogen barrier shell comprising a material capable of reducing hydrogen permeation through the fiber optic conduit and a thickness of at least approximately one-thousandth of an inch.
A method of forming a fiber optic conduit capable of being used in a hostile environment, the method comprising:
- forming an axial tube a corrosion resistant material and operable to receive one or more optical fibers;
- forming a barrier layer comprising a material capable of reducing hydrogen permeation through the fiber optic conduit;
- and
- after forming the barrier layer, forming a hydrogen barrier shell disposed in contact with the axial tube, wherein forming a hydrogen barrier shell comprises forming an interference fit between the barrier layer and the axial tube.
A fiber optic conduit for use in a hostile environment, comprising:
- an axial tube comprising a corrosion resistant material and capable of receiving one or more optical fibers;
- and
- a hydrogen barrier shell comprising a material capable of reducing hydrogen permeation through the fiber optic conduit and operable to form a cylindrical covering substantially about a surface of the axial tube, wherein at least a portion of the hydrogen barrier shell is in contact with and adheres to at least a portion of the axial tube through an interference fit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.