Low-Cost Distributed Sensing for Gas Pipelines

72076S03-I A single gas pipeline presents too much data for ¿one fiber¿ sensors based on Raman or Brillouin scattering or even for ¿fixed transducer¿ type sensors. A more reasonable and robust approach would use smaller systems that can be networked together to make a distributed sensor array. To make such a system plausible, the biggest hurdle to overcome is cost. This project will implement recently developed methods for turning ordinary, untreated fiber into an acoustic sensor array of very high density (theoretically in excess of 1000s points/fiber), which can be interrogated with low-power lasers and read out using very simple optical components and low-speed electronics. Phase I will consist of sensor testing and the development of signal processing methods. Unique methods for both processing and interpreting the large volumes of data generated by these arrays also will be developed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: In addition to pipeline applications, the proposed technology should have significant market potential in downhole (¿intelligent well¿) and exploration applications, as well as in pressure vessel and civil infrastructure monitoring and aerospace. Because the technology should reduce system prices by 1-3 orders of magnitude and still deliver outstanding performance, a large market share can be captured, not only from other optical methods but also from conventional electronic sensors.