Distributed optical fiber sensor systems: application to natural gas pipeline monitoring

Nageswara Lalam; Hari Bhatta; Michael Buric; Paul Ohodnicki; Ruishu Wright

doi:10.1117/12.3012866

7 June 2024 Distributed optical fiber sensor systems: application to natural gas pipeline monitoring

Nageswara Lalam, Hari Bhatta, Michael Buric, Paul Ohodnicki, Ruishu Wright

Proceedings Volume 13044, Optical Waveguide and Laser Sensors III; 130440N (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3012866
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2024, National Harbor, Maryland, United States

Abstract

Distributed fiber optic sensing is a cutting-edge technology that has found extensive applications in the monitoring of pipelines. Among them, distributed acoustic sensors, phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) is a versatile technology that can continuously detect external perturbations and provide spatial and real-time information along the kilometer lengths of sensing fiber. Considering the low backscattering level of standard single-mode fiber as fiber under test, a Rayleigh-enhanced optical fiber embedded within the tight-buffered cable is demonstrated in field testing. We analyzed the increased backscattering fiber cable's vibration performance to the conventional single-mode telecom fiber using a custom-built Φ-OTDR interrogator system. Thereafter, using a 4-inch steel pipeline with a flow rate of 5, 10, 15, and 20ft/s and a fixed pressure level of 1000psi, we field-tested the sensor system for monitoring natural gas pipeline acoustic vibrations. We also field-tested the Brillouin optical time domain analysis (BOTDA) system for pipeline hoop strain monitoring under various pressure conditions. The pilot-scale testing results presented in this study suggested that pipeline operators can accurately perform flow monitoring, leak detection, and pressure monitoring for pipeline integrity monitoring.

Conference Presentation

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Nageswara Lalam, Hari Bhatta, Michael Buric, Paul Ohodnicki, and Ruishu Wright "Distributed optical fiber sensor systems: application to natural gas pipeline monitoring", Proc. SPIE 13044, Optical Waveguide and Laser Sensors III, 130440N (7 June 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3012866

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