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AssigneesChevron U.S.A. Inc., Sensor Dynamics Limited, University of Southampton
InventorsCharles M. Crawley, Erhard Luther Edgar Kluth, Harvey N. Rutt, John Redvers Clowes, Malcom P. Varnham
Estimating the term…
The present invention relates to protecting optical devices, such as an optical fibre sensor connected in series with a cable, from a hostile environment, such as encountered when making measurements in oil and gas wells. A liquid can protect the optical device. Packaging an optical fibre sensor inside a capillary containing the liquid can provide this protection. The liquid can be liquid metal, gel, inks, grease or oil. The liquid metal can be gallium or indium, or an alloy that includes indium and/or gallium. The grease can contain lithium, molybdenum, or synthetics, or be synthetic grease. The liquid can contain other components such as a scavenger or getter for molecules and/or ions.
Apparatus for operating in a hostile environment comprising an optical device and a protective liquid wherein the protective liquid substantially surrounds the optical device such that when the apparatus is operated in the hostile environment the optical device is afforded protection so that the performance of the optical device is not substantially degraded.
A method for protecting an optical device from a hostile environment comprising providing a protective liquid and substantially surrounding an optical device with the liquid;
Apparatus for communicating pressure comprising a first port, a second port and a liquid metal, in which the liquid metal provides an interface between the first port and the second port.
Apparatus for measuring pressure comprising a first port, a liquid metal and a pressure sensor in which the liquid metal transfers pressure from the first port to the pressure sensor.
Apparatus for measuring pressure at a measurement location comprising a first chamber, a pressure sensor, a capillary and a liquid metal, in which the pressure sensor is contained in the first chamber, which is connected to the location where pressure is to be measured by the capillary and the liquid metal.
A mirror formed on an optical fibre comprising an optical fibre and a liquid metal wherein the optical fibre has a cleaved end face and wherein the liquid metal is in contact with the cleaved end face of the optical fibre.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.