公开(公告)号：US09267821B2

公开(公告)日：2016-02-23

申请号：US12695613

申请日：2010-01-28

Applicant: Brooks A. Childers ,  Robert M. Harman ,  Roger G. Duncan

Inventor： Brooks A. Childers ,  Robert M. Harman ,  Roger G. Duncan

IPC: G01N21/55 ,  G01D5/353 ,  G01M11/00

CPC classification number: G01D5/35316 ,  G01D5/35387 ,  G01M11/3172

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a parameter, the apparatus includes: an optical fiber; a component in communication with the optical fiber and configured to interact with light at a wavelength related to the parameter; and an optical interrogator in communication with the optical fiber and configured to: illuminate the optical fiber with a series of light inputs, each light input in the series having a substantially constant unique optical wavelength and swept-frequency amplitude modulation; and receive a resulting light signal associated with each light input in the series; wherein the resulting light signals associated with the series of light inputs are used to estimate the parameter.

Abstract translation: 一种用于估计参数的装置，所述装置包括：光纤; 与所述光纤通信并被配置成与所述参数相关的波长的光相互作用的部件; 以及光学询问器，其与所述光纤通信并且被配置为：用一系列光输入照射所述光纤，所述串联中的每个光输入具有基本上恒定的唯一光波长和扫频振幅调制; 并接收与该系列中的每个光输入相关联的结果光信号; 其中与所述一系列光输入相关联的所得光信号用于估计所述参数。

公开(公告)号：US20150048243A1

公开(公告)日：2015-02-19

申请号：US14322160

申请日：2014-07-02

Applicant: Brooks A. Childers ,  Roger Glen Duncan

Inventor： Brooks A. Childers ,  Roger Glen Duncan

IPC: G01V8/16 ,  B29C71/04 ,  B29C71/00 ,  B29C55/00

CPC classification number: B29C71/00 ,  B29K2105/253 ,  B29K2995/0018 ,  B29K2995/0031 ,  B29L2011/00 ,  B29L2031/731 ,  B29L2031/752 ,  E21B47/123 ,  G01H9/004 ,  G01V1/226

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one parameter in a downhole environment includes: an optical fiber configured to be disposed in a borehole, the optical fiber having a property that causes intrinsic backscattering of signals transmitted therein. The property varies along a length of the optical fiber to generate a variable intensity of the backscattering, the intensity of backscattering varying along the optical fiber as a function of distance from an end of the optical fiber. The apparatus also includes a light source configured to send an optical signal into the optical fiber; and a detector configured to receive a return signal including backscattered signals.

Abstract translation: 一种用于估计井下环境中的至少一个参数的装置，包括：配置成设置在钻孔中的光纤，所述光纤具有导致其中传输的信号的固有后向散射的性质。 该特性随着光纤的长度而变化，以产生后向散射的可变强度，作为距离光纤端部的距离的函数，沿着光纤的后向散射强度变化。 该装置还包括配置成将光信号发送到光纤中的光源; 以及检测器，被配置为接收包括反向散射信号的返回信号。

公开(公告)号：US20140198823A1

公开(公告)日：2014-07-17

申请号：US13744044

申请日：2013-01-17

Applicant: Roger Glen Duncan ,  Brooks A. Childers ,  Paul F. Wysocki

Inventor： Roger Glen Duncan ,  Brooks A. Childers ,  Paul F. Wysocki

IPC: G01K11/32

CPC classification number: G01K11/32 ,  G01K5/48 ,  Y10T29/49826

Abstract: A temperature sensing arrangement includes a member having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and an optical fiber having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The optical fiber is strain transmissively mounted to the member. And the second coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion such that strain measurable in the optical fiber is correlatable to temperature changes in the member.

Abstract translation: 温度检测装置包括具有第一热膨胀系数的构件和具有第二热膨胀系数的光纤。 光纤是透射式安装在构件上的应变。 并且第二热膨胀系数大于第一热膨胀系数，使得光纤中可测量的应变与构件中的温度变化相关。

公开(公告)号：US20140160483A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-12

申请号：US13707979

申请日：2012-12-07

Applicant: Brooks A. Childers ,  Roger Glen Duncan

Inventor： Brooks A. Childers ,  Roger Glen Duncan

IPC: G01B9/02 ,  G01J4/00

CPC classification number: G01J4/00 ,  G01D5/35316 ,  G01D5/35393 ,  G01N21/954

Abstract: A system and method to obtain and process interferometer output scans is described. The interferometer-based sensor system includes a tunable laser to transmit a transmit signal and a polarization scrambler to produce a polarization state change on the transmit signal. The system also includes an interferometer to provide an output scan based on the transmit signal with the polarization state change and a processor to process the output scan.

Abstract translation: 描述了获得和处理干涉仪输出扫描的系统和方法。 基于干涉仪的传感器系统包括用于传输发射信号的可调谐激光器和偏振加扰器，以在发射信号上产生极化状态变化。 该系统还包括干涉仪，用于基于具有偏振态变化的发射信号和处理器来处理输出扫描来提供输出扫描。

公开(公告)号：US20140158877A1

公开(公告)日：2014-06-12

申请号：US13711133

申请日：2012-12-11

Applicant: Paul F. Wysocki ,  Roger Glen Duncan ,  Christopher H. Lambert ,  Brooks A. Childers

Inventor： Paul F. Wysocki ,  Roger Glen Duncan ,  Christopher H. Lambert ,  Brooks A. Childers

IPC: G01V8/02 ,  G01V13/00

CPC classification number: G01V8/02 ,  G01V13/00 ,  Y10T29/49002 ,  Y10T29/49826

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one parameter in a downhole environment includes: an optical fiber configured to be disposed in a borehole, the optical fiber including a core having a first index of refraction and a cladding surrounding the core and having a second index of refraction that is lower than the first index of refraction, at least a portion of the core being made from a hydrogen resistant material; at least one fiber Bragg grating (FBG) formed within the hydrogen resistant material; a light source configured to send an optical signal into the optical fiber; and a detector configured to receive a return signal generated by the at least one FBG and generate data representative of the at least one parameter.

Abstract translation: 一种用于估计井下环境中的至少一个参数的装置包括：配置成设置在钻孔中的光纤，所述光纤包括具有第一折射率的芯和围绕所述芯的包层，并具有第二折射率 低于第一折射率，芯的至少一部分由耐氢材料制成; 形成在耐氢材料内的至少一个光纤布拉格光栅（FBG）; 光源，被配置为将光信号发送到所述光纤中; 以及检测器，其被配置为接收由所述至少一个FBG生成的返回信号，并生成表示所述至少一个参数的数据。

公开(公告)号：US08638444B2

公开(公告)日：2014-01-28

申请号：US13004268

申请日：2011-01-11

Applicant: Roger Glen Duncan ,  Brooks A. Childers ,  Daniel S. Homa

Inventor： Roger Glen Duncan ,  Brooks A. Childers ,  Daniel S. Homa

IPC: G01B9/02

CPC classification number: G01T1/201 ,  G01V5/04

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for obtaining a parameter of interest relating to a wellbore is disclosed. A fiber optic cable having a plurality of sensors is disposed in the wellbore, wherein the plurality of sensors have reflectivity values configured to provide improved signal-to-noise ratio compared to signal-to-noise ratio of a plurality of sensors having substantially same reflectivity values. Light is propagated into the fiber optic cable from a light source and signals are received at a detector from the plurality of sensors in response to interaction of the propagated light with the plurality of sensors. A processor may be used to obtain the parameter of interest from the received signals. The fiber optic cable may be coupled to a member in the wellbore, wherein the parameter of interest is related to the member.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于获得与井眼有关的参数的方法，系统和装置。 具有多个传感器的光纤电缆设置在井筒中，其中多个传感器具有反射率值，其被配置为提供与具有基本相同反射率的多个传感器的信噪比相比提供的改善的信噪比 价值观。 光从光源传播到光纤电缆中，响应于传播的光与多个传感器的相互作用，信号在多个传感器的检测器处被接收。 可以使用处理器从接收到的信号获得感兴趣的参数。 光纤电缆可以耦合到井筒中的构件，其中感兴趣的参数与构件相关。

公开(公告)号：US08558994B2

公开(公告)日：2013-10-15

申请号：US12958712

申请日：2010-12-02

Applicant: Daniel S. Homa ,  Robert M. Harman ,  Brooks A. Childers ,  Alexander M. Barry ,  Brian S. Lucas

Inventor： Daniel S. Homa ,  Robert M. Harman ,  Brooks A. Childers ,  Alexander M. Barry ,  Brian S. Lucas

IPC: G01L1/24 ,  G01B9/02 ,  G02B6/00

CPC classification number: G01B9/0205 ,  G01B9/02057 ,  G01B2290/25 ,  G01D5/268 ,  G01K11/3206

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property, the apparatus includes: a hollow core tube having a first opening and a second opening; a first optical waveguide disposed within the first opening; and a second optical waveguide disposed within the second opening and spaced a distance from the first optical waveguide, the distance being related to the property; wherein a portion of at least one of the optical waveguides within the tube is perimetrically isolated from the tube.

Abstract translation: 一种用于估计特性的装置，该装置包括：具有第一开口和第二开口的中空芯管; 布置在第一开口内的第一光波导; 以及第二光波导，其设置在所述第二开口内并且与所述第一光波导间隔开一定距离，所述距离与所述特性相关; 其中所述管内的所述光波导中的至少一个的一部分与所述管周边隔离。

公开(公告)号：US08508747B2

公开(公告)日：2013-08-13

申请号：US12706796

申请日：2010-02-17

Applicant: Brooks A. Childers ,  Roger G. Duncan

Inventor： Brooks A. Childers ,  Roger G. Duncan

IPC: G01B9/02

CPC classification number: G01B11/18 ,  G01B9/02069 ,  G01B2290/60

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing trigger signals in an optical interrogator, wherein multiple triggers are generated within each period of a varying reference signal, and wherein the triggers are evenly spaced according to the wavenumber of the reference signal. In one embodiment, an optical frequency domain reflectometry system provides a laser beam to a reference interferometer to produce a reference signal. This signal is passed through a 4×4 optical coupler which splits the signal into a first signal and a second signal that is 90 degrees out of phase with the first signal. These signals are converted to electrical signals, and a trigger unit generates triggers at points at which the two electrical signals have zero-crossings, and at which the magnitudes of the signals are equal. The resulting triggers remain evenly spaced within the period of the reference signals, even when the period is changed.

Abstract translation: 用于在光学询问器中提供触发信号的系统和方法，其中在变化的参考信号的每个周期内产生多个触发，并且其中触发器根据参考信号的波数均匀间隔。 在一个实施例中，光频域反射系统将激光束提供给参考干涉仪以产生参考信号。 该信号通过4×4光耦合器，该信号将信号分成第一信号和与第一信号相差90度的第二信号。 这些信号被转换成电信号，并且触发单元在两个电信号具有过零点的位置处产生触发信号，并且信号的幅度在此相等。 所产生的触发信号在参考信号的周期内保持均匀间隔，即使在周期变化时也是如此。

公开(公告)号：US08474782B2

公开(公告)日：2013-07-02

申请号：US12767607

申请日：2010-04-26

Applicant: David Dixon ,  Robert M. Harman ,  Roger G. Duncan ,  Alan C. Reynolds ,  Michael C. Nuckles ,  Brooks A. Childers

Inventor： David Dixon ,  Robert M. Harman ,  Roger G. Duncan ,  Alan C. Reynolds ,  Michael C. Nuckles ,  Brooks A. Childers

IPC: F16M13/00 ,  F16M3/00 ,  F16M5/00 ,  F16M11/00

CPC classification number: F16F15/04 ,  G01B9/02052 ,  G01M11/088 ,  G01M11/31 ,  G01M11/3172

Abstract: An interferometer has its performance enhanced by being suspended in a housing that is optionally evacuated. The frame that supports the interferometer is secured to a cover for the housing with a plurality of studs having mechanical vibration isolators. The frame comprises a support flange with a foam layer beneath the interferometer. An optics tray is disposed above the interferometer and holds the assembly to the support flange. The fibers that are connected to the interferometer enter the side of the housing and the entry is sealed off to allow the interior of the housing to be evacuated.

Abstract translation: 干涉仪的性能通过悬挂在可选择地抽出的壳体中而被增强。 支撑干涉仪的框架用多个具有机械隔振器的螺柱固定到壳体的盖上。 框架包括在干涉仪下方具有泡沫层的支撑凸缘。 光学托盘设置在干涉仪上方并将组件保持在支撑凸缘上。 连接到干涉仪的光纤进入壳体的侧面，密封入口以使壳体的内部被排空。

公开(公告)号：US20130093599A1

公开(公告)日：2013-04-18

申请号：US13271968

申请日：2011-10-12

Applicant: Roger Glen Duncan ,  Brooks A. Childers ,  Philip Robin Couch

Inventor： Roger Glen Duncan ,  Brooks A. Childers ,  Philip Robin Couch

IPC: G01V3/12

CPC classification number: G01N21/954

Abstract: A method for estimating a parameter includes: transmitting a control signal to a coherent optical source, the control signal configured to chaotically vary an output of the optical source and generate a chaotically excited optical signal; transmitting the optical signal from the optical source into an optical fiber, the optical fiber including at least one sensing location; receiving a reflected signal including light reflected from the at least one sensing location; and estimating a value of the parameter using the reflected signal.

Abstract translation: 一种用于估计参数的方法包括：将控制信号发送到相干光源，所述控制信号被配置为混沌地改变光源的输出并产生混沌激励的光信号; 将所述光信号从所述光源传输到光纤中，所述光纤包括至少一个感测位置; 接收包括从所述至少一个感测位置反射的光的反射信号; 以及使用所述反射信号估计所述参数的值。