公开(公告)号：US09551809B2

公开(公告)日：2017-01-24

申请号：US14614126

申请日：2015-02-04

Applicant: Alexander M. Barry ,  Brooks Childers ,  Roger Duncan

Inventor： Alexander M. Barry ,  Brooks Childers ,  Roger Duncan

IPC: G01D5/353 ,  G01V8/16 ,  G02B6/34 ,  G01M11/00 ,  E21B47/00

CPC classification number: G01V8/16 ,  E21B47/00 ,  G01D5/35316 ,  G01L1/246 ,  G01L11/025 ,  G01M11/3172 ,  G02B6/34

Abstract: A downhole property measurement apparatus includes an optical fiber having a series fiber Bragg gratings with interleaved resonant wavelengths such that adjacent fiber Bragg gratings have different resonant wavelengths and a difference between adjacent resonant wavelengths is greater than a dynamic wavelength range of each of the adjacent fiber Bragg gratings. An optical interrogator is in optical communication with the optical fiber and configured to emit a frequency domain light signal having a swept wavelength for a first time duration and a chirp having a modulation of amplitude with a varying of wavelength for a second time duration that is less than the first time duration. A return light signal is transformed by the optical interrogator into a time domain to determine a resonant wavelength shift and corresponding location of each of the gratings. A processor converts the resonant wavelength shifts into the downhole property.

Abstract translation: 井下性质测量装置包括具有交错谐振波长的串联光纤布拉格光栅的光纤，使得相邻的光纤布拉格光栅具有不同的谐振波长，并且相邻谐振波长之间的差大于每个相邻光纤布拉格的动态波长范围 光栅。 光学询问器与光纤光学通信，并且被配置为发射具有第一持续时间的扫描波长的频域光信号和具有波长调制的啁啾，其具有波长变化，持续时间较短的第二持续时间 比第一次持续时间。 返回光信号被光学询问器转换成时域以确定每个光栅的谐振波长偏移和相应的位置。 处理器将谐振波长偏移转换成井下性质。

公开(公告)号：US20100303403A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-02

申请号：US12472808

申请日：2009-05-27

Applicant: Daniel Homa ,  Brooks Childers

Inventor： Daniel Homa ,  Brooks Childers

IPC: G01N21/00 ,  G02B6/00 ,  G02B1/12

CPC classification number: G02B6/29319 ,  G01D5/35303 ,  G02B6/02138 ,  G02B6/02152

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a property, the apparatus including: an optical fiber having a series of fiber Bragg gratings, each fiber Bragg grating in the series being characterized by a light reflection frequency at which the fiber Bragg grating reflects light; wherein: the light reflection frequency for each fiber Bragg grating is different from the light reflection frequency of each adjacent fiber Bragg grating to minimize resonance of light between at least two of the fiber Bragg gratings in the series; at least two fiber Bragg gratings in the series have light reflection frequencies that overlap; and a change in the light reflection frequency of each fiber Bragg grating in the series is related to the property at the location of the each fiber Bragg grating.

Abstract translation: 一种用于确定特性的装置，所述装置包括：具有一系列光纤布拉格光栅的光纤，该系列中的每个光纤布拉格光栅的特征在于光纤布拉格光栅反射光的光反射频率; 其中：每个光纤布拉格光栅的光反射频率不同于每个相邻光纤布拉格光栅的光反射频率，以使光在串联中的至少两个光纤布拉格光栅之间的共振最小化; 该系列中至少两个光纤布拉格光栅具有重叠的光反射频率; 并且该系列中每个光纤布拉格光栅的光反射频率的变化与每个光纤布拉格光栅位置处的特性有关。

公开(公告)号：US20090007652A1

公开(公告)日：2009-01-08

申请号：US11772929

申请日：2007-07-03

Applicant: Brooks Childers

Inventor： Brooks Childers

IPC: E21B47/00

CPC classification number: E21B47/04 ,  E21B47/09 ,  G01F23/14 ,  G01F23/22

Abstract: An optical sensing member within the anullus zone of a well is disclosed, which sensing member determines the level of debris in the well. When debris accumulates within the anullus zone, said sensing member returns a signal indicative of the level of such debris within the zone. The optical sensing member may include an optical fiber and/or any known optical sensors configured to determine strain, pressure, shape, force, and/or temperature.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种在井的无油区内的光学感测构件，该感测构件确定井中碎屑的水平。 当碎片积聚在无色区域内时，所述感测构件返回指示该区域内的这种碎片的水平的信号。 光学感测构件可以包括光纤和/或被配置为确定应变，压力，形状，力和/或温度的任何已知的光学传感器。

公开(公告)号：US07310456B1

公开(公告)日：2007-12-18

申请号：US11445765

申请日：2006-06-02

Applicant: Brooks Childers

Inventor： Brooks Childers

IPC: G02B6/00 ,  G02B6/34

CPC classification number: G01L11/025 ,  G02B6/02042 ,  G02B6/02057

Abstract: A multi-core optical fiber pressure sensor is described, which sensor includes an optical fiber having at least two cores, wherein the cores have collocated measurement portions, for example in-fiber interferometers or Bragg Grating portions. In an exemplary embodiment, the fiber is arranged such that a pressure induced force will act on the multi-core fiber at said collocated position, affecting the light guiding cores in a different manner. In another exemplary embodiment, the optical fiber is configured to bend in response to pressure changes.

Abstract translation: 描述了多芯光纤压力传感器，该传感器包括具有至少两个芯的光纤，其中芯具有并置的测量部分，例如光纤内干涉仪或布拉格光栅部分。 在示例性实施例中，纤维布置成使得压力诱导力将作用在所述并置位置处的多芯纤维上，以不同的方式影响导光芯。 在另一示例性实施例中，光纤被配置为响应于压力变化而弯曲。

公开(公告)号：US20060222306A1

公开(公告)日：2006-10-05

申请号：US11095804

申请日：2005-03-31

Applicant: Daniel Homa ,  John Guarniere ,  Paul Zerwekh ,  Brooks Childers ,  Justin Crusse

Inventor： Daniel Homa ,  John Guarniere ,  Paul Zerwekh ,  Brooks Childers ,  Justin Crusse

IPC: G02B6/02

CPC classification number: C03C13/046 ,  C03C25/1061 ,  G02B6/02 ,  G02B6/02395

Abstract: An optical fiber resistant to hydrogen-induced attenuation losses at both relatively low and relatively high temperatures includes a substantially pure silica core and a hydrogen retarding layer. The hydrogen retarding coating may be made of carbon, metal, or silicon nitride. The fiber may also include a cladding layer, a second silica layer, and a protective outer sheath.

Abstract translation: 在相对较低和相对高的温度下，耐受氢诱导的衰减损耗的光纤包括基本上纯的二氧化硅芯和阻氢层。 阻氢涂层可以由碳，金属或氮化硅制成。 纤维还可以包括包覆层，第二二氧化硅层和保护外护套。

公开(公告)号：US09213121B2

公开(公告)日：2015-12-15

申请号：US13712233

申请日：2012-12-12

Applicant: Brooks Childers ,  Roger Duncan

Inventor： Brooks Childers ,  Roger Duncan

IPC: G01V1/40 ,  G01V1/48 ,  G01F23/292 ,  E21B47/04 ,  G01H9/00

CPC classification number: G01V1/40 ,  E21B47/042 ,  G01F23/292 ,  G01F23/2927 ,  G01H9/004 ,  G01V1/48

Abstract: A system for locating an interface between a first material and a second material including one or more acoustic sensing elements operatively arranged to measure a characteristic of one or more acoustic signals at a plurality of locations along a length thereof. An instrumentation unit is coupled with the one or more acoustic sensing elements, and arranged to determine a difference between at least a first value of the characteristic measured at a first location and a second value of the characteristic measured at a second location of the plurality of locations for identifying the interface between the first material and the second material as being located between the first and second locations if the difference is greater than a preselected threshold amount. A method of locating an interface is also included.

Abstract translation: 一种用于定位第一材料和第二材料之间的界面的系统，包括一个或多个声学感测元件，其被可操作地布置成在沿其长度的多个位置处测量一个或多个声学信号的特性。 仪器单元与一个或多个声学感测元件耦合，并被布置成确定在第一位置处测量的特征的至少第一值与在多个测量单元中的第二位置处测量的特性的第二值之间的差异 用于将所述第一材料和所述第二材料之间的界面识别为位于所述第一和第二位置之间的位置，如果所述差大于预选阈值量。 还包括定位接口的方法。

公开(公告)号：US08265441B2

公开(公告)日：2012-09-11

申请号：US11807151

申请日：2007-05-25

Applicant: Daniel Scott Homa ,  Brooks Childers

Inventor： Daniel Scott Homa ,  Brooks Childers

IPC: G02B6/036 ,  G02B6/34

CPC classification number: G02B6/02114 ,  C03C13/046 ,  G02B6/021 ,  G02B6/03627 ,  G02B6/03694

Abstract: A hydrogen-resistant optical fiber particularly well-suitable for downhole applications comprises a relatively thick pure silica core and a depressed-index cladding layer. Interposed between the depressed-index cladding layer and the core is a relatively thin germanium-doped interface. By maintaining a proper relationship between the pure silica core diameter and the thickness of the germanium-doped interface, a majority (preferably, more than 65%) of the propagating signal can be confined within the pure silica core and, therefore, be protected from hydrogen-induced attenuation problems associated with the presence of germanium (as is common in downhole fiber applications). The hydrogen-resistant fiber of the present invention can be formed to include one or more Bragg gratings within the germanium-doped interface, useful for sensing applications.

Abstract translation: 特别适用于井下应用的耐氢光纤包括相对较厚的纯二氧化硅芯和凹陷折射率包层。 凹陷折射率包层和芯之间是相对较薄的锗掺杂界面。 通过保持纯二氧化硅芯直径和锗掺杂界面的厚度之间的适当关系，传播信号的大部分（优选超过65％）可以被限制在纯二氧化硅核心内，因此被保护 与锗的存在相关的氢诱发的衰减问题（如井下纤维应用中常见的）。 本发明的耐氢纤维可以形成为在锗掺杂界面内包括一个或多个布拉格光栅，用于感测应用。

公开(公告)号：US20070065077A1

公开(公告)日：2007-03-22

申请号：US11535438

申请日：2006-09-26

Applicant: Brooks Childers ,  Dawn Gifford ,  Roger Duncan ,  Matthew Raum ,  Michael Vercellino ,  Mark Froggatt

Inventor： Brooks Childers ,  Dawn Gifford ,  Roger Duncan ,  Matthew Raum ,  Michael Vercellino ,  Mark Froggatt

IPC: G02B6/34

CPC classification number: G01D5/35303 ,  A61B1/00165 ,  A61B2034/2061 ,  G02B6/02042 ,  G02B6/022 ,  G02B6/34

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a fiber optic position and shape sensing device and the method of use. The device comprises an optical fiber means. The optical fiber means comprises either at least two single core optical fibers or a multicore optical fiber having at least two fiber cores. In either case, the fiber cores are spaced apart such that mode coupling between the fiber cores is minimized. An array of fiber Bragg gratings are disposed within each fiber core and a frequency domain reflectometer is positioned in an operable relationship to the optical fiber means. In use, the device is affixed to an object. Strain on the optical fiber is measured and the strain measurements correlated to local bend measurements. Local bend measurements are integrated to determine position and/or shape of the object.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及一种光纤位置和形状感测装置及其使用方法。 该装置包括光纤装置。 光纤装置包括至少两个单芯光纤或具有至少两个光纤芯的多芯光纤。 在任一情况下，纤维芯间隔开，使得纤维芯之间的模式耦合最小化。 光纤布拉格光栅阵列设置在每个光纤芯内，并且频域反射计位于与光纤装置可操作的关系中。 在使用中，设备被固定在一个对象上。 测量光纤上的应变，应变测量与局部弯曲测量相关。 整合局部弯曲测量以确定物体的位置和/或形状。

公开(公告)号：US20070051882A1

公开(公告)日：2007-03-08

申请号：US11222357

申请日：2005-09-08

Applicant: Brooks Childers

Inventor： Brooks Childers

IPC: G01J1/04 ,  G01J1/42

CPC classification number: G01D5/35303 ,  E21B47/065 ,  G01D5/35383 ,  G01K11/3206 ,  G01M11/3172 ,  G01V1/226

Abstract: An optical fiber extends down hole from an OFDR. A first set of sensors with a centrally-located reference reflector is disposed over a first fiber length, and a second set of sensors with a centrally-located reference reflector is disposed over a second fiber length. The sensors of the first and second sensing lengths are positioned at slightly offset positions from the reference reflectors so as to interleave the reflected signals. Additional sensing lengths may be similarly interleaved. The system is used by sending an optical signal along the optical fiber, detecting a reflected optical signal, separating the optical signal into component signals, and extrapolating a well condition therefrom. Another method includes creating a low frequency signal component in a reflected optical signal by placing at least one sensor beyond a Nyquist sampling distance limit, detecting the low frequency signal component, and extrapolating a well condition therefrom.

Abstract translation: 光纤从OFDR向下延伸。 具有中心定位的参考反射器的第一组传感器设置在第一光纤长度上，并且具有位于中心的参考反射器的第二组传感器设置在第二光纤长度上。 第一和第二感测长度的传感器位于与参考反射器稍微偏移的位置处，以便交错反射的信号。 额外的感测长度可以相似地交错。 该系统通过沿着光纤发送光信号，检测反射的光信号，将光信号分离成分量信号，并从其中推断井状况来使用该系统。 另一种方法包括通过将至少一个传感器放置在奈奎斯特采样距离限制之外，检测低频信号分量，并从其中外推外部条件来产生反射光信号中的低频信号分量。

公开(公告)号：US20060140529A1

公开(公告)日：2006-06-29

申请号：US11020955

申请日：2004-12-23

Applicant: Brooks Childers

Inventor： Brooks Childers

IPC: G02F1/295 ,  G02B6/02 ,  C03B37/023 ,  G01J3/00 ,  G01J3/28

CPC classification number: G02B6/0208 ,  G01D5/3538

Abstract: An optical fiber containing one or more random modulations capable of reflecting one or more random wavelengths of light passing through the optical fiber is provided. Each modulation is a section of the optical fiber in which the refractive index has been modified or a section of random refractive index optical fiber that has been spliced into the optical fiber. The optical fiber is produced by modifying the refractive index of at least one portion of the optical fiber through photo-etching, photo-bleaching, ultraviolet radiation exposure or splicing. The optical fiber containing the random modulation is used to measure one or more engineering parameters by locating the section or portion of the optical fiber containing the random modulation in an area where the engineering parameter is to be measured and measuring the engineering parameter using optical frequency domain reflectometry.

Abstract translation: 提供了包含能够反射通过光纤的一个或多个随机波长的光的一个或多个随机调制的光纤。 每个调制是其中折射率已被修改的光纤的一部分或已经被接合到光纤中的一部分随机折射率光纤。 光纤通过光蚀刻，光漂白，紫外线曝光或拼接改变光纤的至少一部分的折射率来制造。 含有随机调制的光纤用于通过将包含随机调制的光纤的部分或部分定位在要测量工程参数的区域中并使用光频域测量工程参数来测量一个或多个工程参数 反射测量。