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A Long Distance Phase-Sensitive Optical Time Domain Reflectometer with Simple Structure and High Locating Accuracy.
Yi Shi1, Hao Feng2, Zhoumo Zeng3
1State Key Laboratory for Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Tianjin University, Tianjin 30072, China. shy_xflx@163.com.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 5, 2015
Summary
This study enhances phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) for pipeline security, extending its sensing range to 60 km with high accuracy. The improved system addresses limitations of traditional Φ-OTDR for long-distance monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Fiber Optic Sensing
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Traditional phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) systems have limited sensing distances (under 20 km), insufficient for extensive oil and gas pipeline monitoring (30-50 km).
- The reduced range of conventional Φ-OTDR hinders its practical application in securing critical infrastructure like long pipelines.
- Accurate, long-range monitoring is essential for detecting potential threats and ensuring the integrity of oil and gas pipelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a Φ-OTDR system with an extended sensing range suitable for long-distance pipeline monitoring.
- To maintain high locating accuracy despite the increased sensing distance and use of a long pulse.
- To overcome signal deterioration issues caused by extended pulse widths in Φ-OTDR.
Main Methods:
- Proposed a simplified Φ-OTDR system incorporating a long pulse (5 µs), balanced amplified detector, and heterodyne detection.
- Developed a novel locating strategy based on Φ-OTDR sensing principles to ensure meter-level accuracy.
- Implemented a data processing technique combining wavelet and empirical mode decomposition to mitigate signal deterioration from the long pulse.
Main Results:
- Successfully extended the sensing range of the Φ-OTDR system to 60 km, significantly exceeding traditional limitations.
- Achieved and maintained a high locating accuracy of 6.8 meters over the extended 60 km sensing distance.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed data processing technique in overcoming signal quality degradation.
Conclusions:
- The enhanced Φ-OTDR system effectively addresses the range limitations of traditional systems for pipeline security.
- The proposed methods enable accurate, long-distance monitoring crucial for oil and gas pipeline integrity.
- This advancement offers a viable solution for comprehensive pipeline surveillance over extended lengths.
