Sensing strain in hydrocarbon wells
AssigneeABB Offshore Systems Limited
InventorsHugh R Clayton, Neil I Douglas
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for sensing strain applied to a region of a hydrocarbon well comprises an optical fiber in communication with the region. The optical fiber is responsive to strain applied to the region and to a light signal transmitted through it, in order to produce a sensing light signal incorporating scattered light. A characteristic of the scattered light is indicative of the strain being applied to the region.
Claims8
Apparatus for sensing strain applied to a region of a hydrocarbon well, comprising an optical fiber in communication with the region, the optical fiber being responsive to strain applied to the region and to a light signal transmitted through it, in order to produce a sensing light signal incorporating scattered light, wherein a characteristic of the scattered light is indicative of the strain being applied to the region.
A method of sensing strain in a hydrocarbon well, comprising transmitting a light signal in an optical fiber, detecting a light signal scattered in the fiber and deriving an indication of strain in dependence on a characteristic of the scattered light.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.