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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Fully Distributed Acoustic and Magnetic Field Monitoring Via a Single Fiber Line for Optimized Production of Unconventional Resource Plays

This is the final technical report for the Virginia Tech Center for Photonics Technology (VT-CPT) research project entitled “Fully Distributed Acoustic and Magnetic Field Monitoring Via a Single Fiber Line for Optimized Production of Unconventional Resource Plays”. In the the four-year effort, VT-CPT collaborated with the Departments of Mathmatics at VT and Sentek Instrument, LLC (Sentek) to develop a fiber-optic sensing system capable of real-time simultaneous distributed measurement of multiple subsurface, drilling, and production parameters. The ultra-sensitive fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing technology, picoDAS, developed by Sentek was integrated with a novel multi-material optical sensing fiber fabricated by CPT-VT to obtain distributed acoustic and magnetic field measurements with ultrahigh sensitivity and high spatial resolution. The sensing technology successfully developed and demonstrated under this research program is truly unique has application beyond subsurface imaging to include carbon storage and electrical grid monitoring, as well as healthcare and nuclear fusion. The project, sponsored by the Advanced Technology Program, began in 2019 and had the original goal of developing the next generation of harsh environment sensing systems. Exhaustive theoretical modeling was performed to optimize the multi-material optical fiber design. VT developed the processing techniques employed to successfully fabricate single mode fibers with metal cladding wires. Sensing fibers with nickel and Metglas cladding wires were fully characterized, inscribed with sensors, and fully integrated with the picoDAS system. Laboratory scale testing was performed to demonstrate performance upon exposure to lateral and transverse magnetic fields. Preliminary field trials were performed for prototype magnetic and acoustic sensing systems upon near surface deployment at VT. The distributed acoustic and magnetic field sensing system was advanced from a (Technology Readiness Level) TRL=2 to a TRL=5 via laboratory scale system validation in relevant environments. The truly one-of-its kind distributed magnetic and acoustic sensing system is expected to find immediate applications that require subsurface monitoring, to include carbon storage site monitoring, and has the potential to be a distributive technology in healthcare and electric grid markets. The technologies developed by Virginia Tech’s Center for Photonics Technology will support the mission of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to drive innovation and deliver solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future by ensuring affordable, abundant, and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security. Technical accomplishments during the program are summarized briefly here and described in detail in the remainder of the report.

02 PETROLEUM↗
DOE OSTI2025

Accurate Monitoring of an Electrically Energized Casing Source using Fiber Optic Sensing

This report summarizes an investigation of utilizing a Piezoelectric coating on fiber optics to monitor electric fields. The application of interest was monitoring the electric field emitted from a borehole casing being used an an Electromagnetic source in geophysical monitoring. Testing consists of using a water filled vessel with plate electrodes on opposing sides to generate electric fields while lowering a custom designed sensor into the water. The results are compared to what is conventionally available via simulations.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Utah FORGE Project 3-2417: DAS Microseismic Event Catalog from the 16A/16B Circulation Test, 2023

This preliminary data archive includes the relocated microseismic event catalog, 1D velocity model, and methods report from DAS acquisition conducted during the Well 16A and 16B circulation test (July 19th and 20th, 2023) at Utah FORGE. The methods report describes all processing steps, including real-time event detection, hierarchical clustering, joint velocity/hypocenter inversion, and relocation. The resulting work is accepted and will be presented at IMAGE 2024. This dataset was acquired by the FOGMORE R&D project (Fiber Optic MOnitoring for Reservoir Evolution), Utah FORGE R&D Project 3-2417.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Utah FORGE: Seismic DAS and Geophone Borehole Data Processing and 3D Imaging of Vp/Vs Ratio in the 2024 Stimulated Reservoir

This dataset includes a final report and a 3D velocity model derived from seismic DAS and geophone borehole data collected during the April 2024 stimulation of the reservoir at Utah FORGE. The report details the processing of over 50,000 P- and S-wave travel times used in a tomographic inversion to estimate the Vp/Vs ratio, revealing anomalies adjacent to wells 16A and 16B that may be associated with injected fracturing fluids. Additionally, Wadati analysis of more than 27,000 pairs of differential P- and S-wave travel times supports this interpretation with a high Vp/Vs estimate of 1.86, averaged over the dimensions of the earthquake cluster. The accompanying data file provides a 3D model of P- and S-wave velocities and Vp/Vs ratios, structured with spatial coordinates and velocity values.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2003

Concepts and Development of Bio-Inspired Distributed Embedded Wired/Wireless Sensor Array Architectures for Acoustic Wave Sensing in Integrated Aerospace Vehicles

This paper discusses the modeling of acoustic emissions in plate structures and their sensing by embedded or surface bonded piezoelectric sensor arrays. Three different modeling efforts for acoustic emission (AE) wave generation and propagation are discussed briefly along with their advantages and disadvantages. Continuous sensors placed at right angles on a plate are being discussed as a new approach to measure and locate the source of acoustic waves. Evolutionary novel signal processing algorithms and bio-inspired distributed sensor array systems are used on large structures and integrated aerospace vehicles for AE source localization and preliminary results are presented. These systems allow for a great reduction in the amount of data that needs to be processed and also reduce the chances of false alarms from ambient noises. It is envisioned that these biomimetic sensor arrays and signal processing techniques will be useful for both wireless and wired sensor arrays for real time health monitoring of large integrated aerospace vehicles and earth fixed civil structures. The sensor array architectures can also be used with other types of sensors and for other applications.

Ghoshal, Anindya↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modeling Subsurface Explosions Recorded on a Distributed Fiber Optic Sensor

Fiber optic distributed acoustic sensors (DAS) are becoming a widely used tool for seismic sensing. Here we examine recordings of two subsurface chemical explosions, DAG-1 and DAG-3, each of which was about one metric ton (TNT equivalent), that were recorded from a helical fiber installed in two boreholes 80 m away from the source location. Several clear phases including the initial P wave, a weak S wave, and a surface reflected P wave are observed on the helical DAS data. We estimate a velocity model using arrival times measured from the fiber. The DAS waveform data were compared with colocated accelerometers at specific depths in both frequency and time domains. Furthermore, the spectra of the DAS data matched spectra estimated from the accelerometer records. Comparisons of observed waveform shape between the accelerometer records and the fiber measurements (strain-rate) show reasonable agreement except for the data near the event depth. The DAS data and the accelerometer agreed in relative amplitudes but we had difficulties in matching absolute amplitudes, possibly due to errors in metadata. Synthetic strain-rate waveforms were calculated using a 2D wavenumber algorithm and matched the waveform shape and relative amplitudes. In general, DAS is effective at recording strong ground motions at high spatial density. Comparison of the synthetic seismograms with observed data indicate that the waveforms are not consistent with a pure isotropic explosion source and that the observed S waves originate from very near the source region.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Continuous surface-to-distributed acoustic sensor snapshots explain reactivation of individual natural fractures during an unconventional reservoir stimulation

ABSTRACT Fiber-optic sensing technologies allow petroleum engineering teams to detect hydraulic fracture interaction with boreholes during unconventional reservoir stimulation. In combination with high-repeatability seismic sources, the same distributed acoustic sensors (DASs) enable vertical seismic profiling (VSP) of the fracture evolution away from the boreholes. We discovered clear signatures of seismic scattering on activated fractures during nine days of continuous seismic monitoring of the fracturing stages at the Austin Chalk/Eagle Ford Field Laboratory. The present study applies a novel approach for quantitative analysis of the scattering events in terms of the evolution of the geometry and elastic stiffness of individual fractures. Our characterization strategy sequentially refines the fracture models: from a stack of 1D soft layers to 3D rectangular inclusions. First, we estimate the number of fracture locations and reflectivity using a modified sparse-spike deconvolution of the stacked VSP traces. The fracture set consists of five fractures spaced by 15–30 m with a reflectivity of approximately 1%. Then, we develop a scattering integral method to refine these estimates along with an inversion of the fracture top and bottom for each monitoring vintage. We find that, initially, some of the fractures are located above the monitoring fiber with the height of approximately 100 m. Then we integrate the seismic interpretation with the low-frequency DAS and pressure and microseismic monitoring to reconstruct the activation process of the fractures. Most likely, some of the natural fractures slowly grew downward to the monitoring fiber as a result of fluid injections in the stimulated well. This led to bright strain anomalies but did not trigger seismicity. The top of the fractures remained almost constant and were limited by a lithologic boundary/stress barrier. To our knowledge, this is the first time VSP data enabled tracking of the fracture evolution with such high spatial and temporal resolution, which was previously only available for crosswell surveys and at a much smaller scale.

Glubokovskikh, Stanislav↗
NASA NTRS2013

NASA Applications of Structural Health Monitoring Technology

This presentation provides examples of research and development that has recently or is currently being conducted at NASA, with a special emphasis on the application of structural health monitoring (SHM) of aerospace vehicles. SHM applications on several vehicle programs are highlighted, including Space Shuttle Orbiter, International Space Station, Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles, and Expandable Launch Vehicles. Examples of current and previous work are presented in the following categories: acoustic emission impact detection, multi-parameter fiber optic strain-based sensing, wireless sensor system development, and distributed leak detection.

fiber optic sensors↗
DOE OSTI2024

Magnetic Field Sensing via Acoustic Sensing Fiber with Metglas® 2605SC Cladding Wires

Magnetic field sensing has the potential to become necessary as a critical tool for long-term subsurface geophysical monitoring. The success of distributed fiber optic sensing for geophysical characterization provides a template for the development of next generation downhole magnetic sensors. In this study, Sentek Instrument’s picoDAS is coupled with a multi-material single mode optical fiber with Metglas® 2605SC cladding wire inclusions for magnetic field detection. The response of acoustic sensing fibers with one and two Metglas® 2605SC cladding wires was evaluated upon exposure to lateral AC magnetic fields. An improved response was demonstrated for a sensing fiber with in-cladding wire following thermal magnetic annealing (~400 °C) under a constant static transverse magnetic field (~200 μT). A minimal detectable magnetic field of ~500 nT was confirmed for a sensing fiber with two 10 μm cladding wires. The successful demonstration of a magnetic field sensing fiber with Metglas® cladding wires fabricated via traditional draw processes sets the stage for distributed measurements and joint inversion as a compliment to distributed fiber optic acoustic sensors.

Dejneka, Zach (ORCID:0000000179415708)↗
NASA NTRS2013

NASA Applications of Structural Health Monitoring Technology

This presentation provides examples of research and development that has recently or is currently being conducted at NASA, with a special emphasis on the application of structural health monitoring (SHM) of aerospace vehicles. SHM applications on several vehicle programs are highlighted, including Space Shuttle Orbiter, the International Space Station, Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles, and Expendable Launch Vehicles. Examples of current and previous work are presented in the following categories: acoustic emission impact detection, multi-parameter fiber optic strain-based sensing, wireless sensor system development, and distributed leak detection.

Fiber Optic Sensors↗
DOE OSTI2021

Seabird distribution is better predicted by abundance of prey than oceanography. A case study in the Gulf of Cadiz (SW, Iberian Peninsula)

Abstract Quantifying factors that influence marine predator distributions is essential to understanding the current and future change in marine biodiversity. Here, we test whether marine predator distribution relates to prey, or is better predicted by other specific habitat features. We examine the correlation between spatial distribution of three seabird species and their prey, as well as environmental proxies (oceanographic characteristics) in the Gulf of Cadiz, NE Atlantic. We modeled the at-sea distribution of Cory's shearwater, Balearic shearwater and Northern gannet, based on: (i) pelagic fish abundance according to acoustic surveys, and (ii) a forecast-model of remotely sensed environmental variables (productivity, sea surface temperature, and salinity). In general, seabird distributions were better predicted by abundance of fish than by environmental variables at the habitat scale. We obtained consistent correlations between seabird presence and the abundance of medium-sized (10–20 cm) sardines, anchovies and Mediterranean horse mackerel, providing information on their preferred prey. Additionally, oceanographic productivity variables moderately contributed to seabird distribution models, with better predictive value for the critically endangered Balearic shearwater and Northern gannet in the summer, whilst the model for Cory's shearwater's produced poorer predictions. Predator–prey combined studies may represent essential tools for an efficient ecosystem-based management of marine environments.

de la Cruz, Andrés (ORCID:0000000203632498)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Achieving precise multiparameter measurements with distributed optical fiber sensor using wavelength diversity and deep neural networks

The development of advanced distributed optical fiber sensing systems that are capable of performing accurate and spatially resolved multiparameter measurements is of great interest to a wide range of scientific and industrial applications. Here, in this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a wavelength diversity based advanced distributed optical fiber sensor system to accomplish multiparameter sensing while greatly enhancing measurement accuracy. A suite of deep neural network (DNN) algorithms are developed and verified for data denoising, rapid Brillouin frequency shift estimation, and vibration data event classification. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed advanced wavelength diversity distributed fiber sensor system assisted by DNN for simultaneous, independent measurements of static strain, temperature, and acoustic vibrations over a 25 km long sensing fiber at 3 m spatial resolution. These results suggest the potential for an intelligent multiparameter monitoring system with enhanced performance in advanced structural health monitoring applications.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Pilot-Scale Validation of Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors for Underground Pipeline Monitoring

Distributed fiber optic sensing is a cutting-edge technology that has found extensive applications in the monitoring of Ensuring the safety, integrity, and operational efficiency of underground product pipelines is vital for maintaining the nation’s critical infrastructure. Monitoring parameters such as hoop strain, pressure, and acoustic vibrations is key to detecting potential leaks, intrusions, or structural issues. Distributed optical fiber sensor (DOFS) systems provide a compelling solution for continuous, real-time monitoring over long distances. This paper details the development and pilot-scale implementation of DOFS systems for underground pipeline monitoring, evolving from a proof-of-concept stage. Multiple custom-designed DOFS interrogator units—such as optical frequency-domain reflectometry (OFDR), Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (BOTDA), and multimodal interferometer-based fiber acoustic sensors—were employed to measure key parameters like hoop strain, pressure, and acoustic vibrations. The underground product pipeline's outer diameter is 30 inches, the wall thickness is 1.28 inches, and the 3-foot depth. The fiber deployment strategies, and sensing data acquisition methods for these systems are discussed. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of DOFS in detecting hoop strain, temperature changes, and acoustic vibrations, showcasing their potential for real-time monitoring and enhancing pipeline safety.

distributed fiber sensing↗
NASA NTRS1995

A study of blade-vortex interaction aeroacoustics utilizing an independently generated vortex

This paper presents results from an experimental study of rotor blade-vortex interaction (BVI) aerodynamics and acoustics. The experiment utilized an externally generated vortex interacting with a two-bladed rotor operating at zero thrust to minimize the influence of the rotor's own wake. The rotor blades were instrumented with a total of 60 absolute pressure transducers at three spanwise and ten chordwise stations on both the upper and lower surfaces. Acoustic data were obtained with fixed near-field microphones as well as a movable array of far-field microphones. The test was carried out in the acoustically treated test section of the NASA Ames 80- by 120-foot Wind Tunnel. Several parameters which influences BVI, such as vortex-rotor separation distance, vortex strength, and vortex sense (swirl direction), as well as rotor tip Mach number and advance ratio, were varied. Simultaneous measurements were obtained of blade surface pressure distributions, near-field acoustics, and far-field acoustics during the vortex-blade encounters.

Kitaplioglu, C.↗