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Advances in Fiber Optic Sensors for Energy Applications

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 February 2025) | Viewed by 6476

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Research & Innovation Center, National Energy Technology Laboratory, 3610 Collins Ferry Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
Interests: fibre-optic sensors; Rayleigh scattering; distributed sensors; high-speed optical techniques; light interferometry; temperature sensors; vibration measurement; Fabry–Perot interferometers; gas sensors; laser cavity resonators

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Guest Editor
Research & Innovation Center, Leidos/National Energy Technology Laboratory, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA
Interests: distributed fiber-optic sensors; interferometric fiber sensors; nonlinear fiber optics; fiber sensors for energy infrastructure monitoring; chemical sensing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fiber optic sensors have been exploited for the last several decades, and there have been significant advances in energy-monitoring applications. Fiber optic sensors represent a rapidly growing research area, where challenges concerning increased sensitivity, selectivity, resolution, harsh environment, and cost reduction capability need to be thoroughly addressed.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the advancements and explore new findings that expand the possibilities of fiber-optic sensors usage in energy applications. Both original research papers and review articles describing the current state-of-the-art in this research field are welcome. This Special Issue brings out the immense diversity in every perspective of the evolution of fiber-optic sensor science and technologies.

The list of topics includes, but is not limited to;

  • Specialty fibers and passive/active fiber systems for sensing applications.
  • Distributed fiber-optic-sensors-based Rayleigh, Brillouin, and Raman scattering.
  • Physical, chemical, acoustics, and electromagnetic fiber sensors.
  • FBG, SMS, fiber ring, Fabry–Pérot, and other novel fiber sensing structures.
  • Fiber sensors with big data, AI/machine learning methods, and sensor data processing.
  • High-temperature, radiation, leak detection in harsh environment energy applications.
  • Advanced sensitive materials to fabricate optical fiber sensors.
  • Fabrication, modeling, and multiparameter sensing fiber devices.
  • Fiber sensors in energy industry practices.

Dr. Michael P. Buric
Dr. Nageswara R. Lalam
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 7454 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation of the Evaluation of the Cement Hydration Process in the Annular Space Using Distributed Fiber Optic Temperature Sensing
by Zhong Li, Mengbo Li, Huan Guo, Yi Wu, Leixiang Sheng, Jingang Jiao, Zhenbo Li and Weibo Sui
Sensors 2025, 25(3), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25030958 - 5 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 626
Abstract
This study employed a full-scale cement sheath quality evaluation apparatus, along with a high-precision distributed fiber optic temperature sensing system, to perform real-time, continuous monitoring of the temperature change throughout the cement hydration process. The results of the cement annulus and cement bond [...] Read more.
This study employed a full-scale cement sheath quality evaluation apparatus, along with a high-precision distributed fiber optic temperature sensing system, to perform real-time, continuous monitoring of the temperature change throughout the cement hydration process. The results of the cement annulus and cement bond defect monitoring during the hydration process indicated that the distributed fiber optic temperature data enabled centimeter-level resolution in defect identification. Defective regions exhibited significantly reduced temperature fluctuation amplitudes, and an inversion in temperature change at the early hydration stage, detected at the cement–defect boundary, facilitated the early detection of defect locations. The distributed fiber optic system was capable of conducting continuous and comprehensive monitoring of the sequential hydration temperature peaks of cement stages injected into the annulus. The results revealed the interdependence among different cement stages, as well as a phenomenon whereby an elevated annular temperature accelerates the progression of cement hydration. The experimental findings provide a reference for identifying the characteristic signals in distributed fiber optic monitoring of well-cementing operations, thereby establishing a foundation for the optimal and effective use of distributed fiber optics in assessing well-cementing quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Optic Sensors for Energy Applications)
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9 pages, 2218 KiB  
Communication
Online Monitoring of Catalytic Processes by Fiber-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
by John T. Kelly, Christopher J. Koch, Robert Lascola and Tyler Guin
Sensors 2024, 24(23), 7501; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24237501 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1008
Abstract
An innovative solution for real-time monitoring of reactions within confined spaces, optimized for Raman spectroscopy applications, is presented. This approach involves the utilization of a hollow-core waveguide configured as a compact flow cell, serving both as a conduit for Raman excitation and scattering [...] Read more.
An innovative solution for real-time monitoring of reactions within confined spaces, optimized for Raman spectroscopy applications, is presented. This approach involves the utilization of a hollow-core waveguide configured as a compact flow cell, serving both as a conduit for Raman excitation and scattering and seamlessly integrating into the effluent stream of a cracking catalytic reactor. The analytical technique, encompassing device and optical design, ensures robustness, compactness, and cost-effectiveness for implementation into process facilities. Notably, the modularity of the approach empowers customization for diverse gas monitoring needs, as it readily adapts to the specific requirements of various sensing scenarios. As a proof of concept, the efficacy of a spectroscopic approach is shown by monitoring two catalytic processes: CO2 methanation (CO2 + 4H2 → CH4 + 2H2O) and ammonia cracking (2NH3 → N2 + 3H2). Leveraging chemometric data processing techniques, spectral signatures of the individual components involved in these reactions are effectively disentangled and the results are compared to mass spectrometry data. This robust methodology underscores the versatility and reliability of this monitoring system in complex chemical environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Optic Sensors for Energy Applications)
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17 pages, 9058 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Gas–Liquid Two-Phase Slug Flow Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing in Horizontal Pipes
by Sharifah Ali, Ge Jin and Yilin Fan
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3402; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113402 - 25 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1866
Abstract
This article discusses the use of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) for monitoring gas–liquid two-phase slug flow in horizontal pipes, using standard telecommunication fiber optics connected to a DAS integrator for data acquisition. The experiments were performed in a 14 m long, 5 cm [...] Read more.
This article discusses the use of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) for monitoring gas–liquid two-phase slug flow in horizontal pipes, using standard telecommunication fiber optics connected to a DAS integrator for data acquisition. The experiments were performed in a 14 m long, 5 cm diameter transparent PVC pipe with a fiber cable helically wrapped around the pipe. Using mineral oil and compressed air, the system captured various flow rates and gas–oil ratios. New algorithms were developed to characterize slug flow using DAS data, including slug frequency, translational velocity, and the lengths of slug body, slug unit, and the liquid film region that had never been discussed previously. This study employed a high-speed camera next to the fiber cable sensing section for validation purposes and achieved a good correlation among the measurements under all conditions tested. Compared to traditional multiphase flow sensors, this technology is non-intrusive and offers continuous, real-time measurement across long distances and in harsh environments, such as subsurface or downhole conditions. It is cost-effective, particularly where multiple measurement points are required. Characterizing slug flow in real time is crucial to many industries that suffer slug-flow-related issues. This research demonstrated the DAS’s potential to characterize slug flow quantitively. It will offer the industry a more optimal solution for facility design and operation and ensure safer operational practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Optic Sensors for Energy Applications)
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15 pages, 7043 KiB  
Article
Robust Vector BOTDA Signal Processing with Probabilistic Machine Learning
by Abhishek Venketeswaran, Nageswara Lalam, Ping Lu, Sandeep R. Bukka, Michael P. Buric and Ruishu Wright
Sensors 2023, 23(13), 6064; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23136064 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1834
Abstract
This paper presents a novel probabilistic machine learning (PML) framework to estimate the Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) from both Brillouin gain and phase spectra of a vector Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (VBOTDA). The PML framework is used to predict the Brillouin frequency shift [...] Read more.
This paper presents a novel probabilistic machine learning (PML) framework to estimate the Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) from both Brillouin gain and phase spectra of a vector Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (VBOTDA). The PML framework is used to predict the Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) along the fiber and to assess its predictive uncertainty. We compare the predictions obtained from the proposed PML model with a conventional curve fitting method and evaluate the BFS uncertainty and data processing time for both methods. The proposed method is demonstrated using two BOTDA systems: (i) a BOTDA system with a 10 km sensing fiber and (ii) a vector BOTDA with a 25 km sensing fiber. The PML framework provides a pathway to enhance the VBOTDA system performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fiber Optic Sensors for Energy Applications)
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