RU2781538C2 - Components of fiber-optic carrier element for use in outer layers of carrier element - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: optics.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to systems and methods for protection of optical fiber inside a well cable, a seismic cable, or other cable, while reducing signal quality loss on optical fiber. The claimed cable contains: a cable core and a set of reinforcing wire carrier elements, which surround the cable core. At the same time, the first reinforcing wire carrier element of the set of reinforcing wire carrier elements contains an inner space with a groove, in which the first optical fiber is placed, wherein the inner space with a groove is located in a channel in the first reinforcing wire carrier element. Moreover, the inner space with a groove is isolated in the channel by means of a cap formed for insertion into the specified channel and defining that the first reinforcing wire carrier element has a round cross-section.

EFFECT: increase in the quality of a signal from optical fibers.

17 cl, 78 dwg

Description

[0001] This application claims priority of US patent application serial number 15/686,326, which was filed August 25, 2017. The contents of this priority application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for protecting an optical fiber within a downhole cable, seismic cable, or other cable while reducing signal quality loss on the optical fiber.

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to the various aspects of the proposed technology, which are described and/or claimed below. It is believed that this discussion is useful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in that light and not as an admission of any kind.

[0004] The production of hydrocarbons from a wellbore drilled in a geological formation is an extremely difficult task. In many cases, hydrocarbon exploration and production decisions can be based on measurements with downhole logging tools that go deep into the wellbore. These measurements can be used to determine the properties and characteristics of the geological formation surrounding the wellbore. Thus, when a wellbore is being surveyed to determine the physical state of fluid in the wellbore, gas in the wellbore, or the wellbore itself, it may be desirable to place a cable with appropriate gauges and/or sensors in the wellbore.

[0005] Such meters and/or sensors may comprise one or more optical fibers that can provide high-speed EMI-resistant telemetry to a data processing system connected to the end of the cable. To reduce potential damage to the optical fibers, one or more optical fibers may be placed within protective structures in the cable core. However, such protection can result in a loss of signal quality from the optical fibers because the cable core is relatively insulated from changes in the wellbore environment due to the reinforcing wire carriers that surround and/or protect the cable core.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The essence of some of the embodiments disclosed in this document are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented simply to provide the reader with a brief summary of these specific embodiments, and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may cover many aspects that cannot be set forth below.

[0007] In one example, the cable includes a cable core and a plurality of reinforcing wire carriers that surround the cable core. The first reinforcing wire carrier element of the reinforcing wire carrier elements contains the first optical fiber.

[0008] In another example, the method includes inserting a first optical fiber into a space formed in one or more wires, closing said space to cover the first optical fiber in a structure containing the optical fiber, and extruding a first polymeric tube over the structure containing optical fiber.

[0009] In another example, the cable includes a first group of wireforms and a second group of wireforms arranged in a circle around the center of the cable. Said first group may be at a first radial distance from the center of the cable, and said second group may be at a second, more distant radial distance from the center of the cable. The first wire element of the specified second group of wire elements accommodates the first optical fiber.

[0010] Various refinements of the features noted above may be made in connection with various aspects of the present disclosure. Additional features may also be included in these various aspects. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, the various features discussed below in connection with one or more of the illustrated embodiments may be included in any of the above aspects of the present disclosure alone or in any combination. The summary provided above is intended to acquaint the reader with certain aspects and contexts of embodiments of the present disclosure without limiting the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHICS

[0011] Various aspects of this disclosure may be better understood upon reading the following detailed description and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wellbore and cable logging system that can acquire measurement data along the length of a wellbore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of the cable according to FIG. 1 which illustrates a fiber optic cable placed within a reinforcing wire carrier member enclosing an optical fiber that surrounds a cable core, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of an offshore cable that illustrates a fiber optic cable placed within an optical fiber enclosing reinforcing wire carrier that surrounds the core of an offshore cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a method for manufacturing a circular optical fiber accommodating structure of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a circular structure housing an optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a circular optical fiber accommodating structure that contains air as a fill material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a circular optical fiber accommodating structure that contains a silicone polymer as a filler material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a circular optical fiber accommodating structure that contains an ultraviolet (UV) curable polymer as a filler material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a circular structure housing an optical fiber according to FIG. 5 which contains an outer polymeric layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a circular structure housing an optical fiber according to FIG. 6 which contains an outer polymeric layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a circular structure housing an optical fiber according to FIG. 7 which contains an outer polymeric layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a method for manufacturing an optical fiber accommodating groove structure included in an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a groove structure accommodating an optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating groove structure that contains air as a fill material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating groove structure that contains a silicone polymer as a filler material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating groove structure that contains a UV-curable polymer as a filler material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the groove structure accommodating an optical fiber according to FIG. 13 which contains an outer polymeric layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the groove structure accommodating an optical fiber according to FIG. 14 which contains an outer polymeric layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the groove structure accommodating an optical fiber according to FIG. 15 which contains an outer polymeric layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 19 is a method for manufacturing an optical fiber accommodating C-shaped structure constituting an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a C-shaped structure housing an optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a C-shaped optical fiber accommodating structure that contains air as a fill material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a C-shaped optical fiber accommodating structure that contains a silicone polymer as a filler material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a C-shaped optical fiber accommodating structure that contains a UV-curable polymer as a filler material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a C-shaped structure housing an optical fiber according to FIG. 21, which contains an outer polymeric layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a C-shaped structure housing an optical fiber according to FIG. 22, which contains an outer polymer layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a C-shaped structure housing an optical fiber according to FIG. 23 which contains an outer polymeric layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 27 is a method for manufacturing an optical fiber accommodating multi-channel structure constituting an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-channel structure housing an optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating multi-channel structure that contains air as a fill material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating multi-channel structure that contains a silicone polymer as a filler material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating multi-channel structure that contains a UV-curable polymer as a filler material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-channel structure housing an optical fiber according to FIG. 29, which contains an outer polymeric layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-channel structure housing an optical fiber according to FIG. 30, which contains an outer polymeric layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-channel structure housing an optical fiber according to FIG. 31, which contains an outer polymer layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 35 is a method for manufacturing an optical fiber accommodating cap structure of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the capped structure housing the optical fiber described in FIG. 35, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating cap structure that contains air as a fill material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating cap structure that contains a silicone polymer as a filler material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating cap structure that contains a UV-curable polymer as a filler material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the capped structure enclosing an optical fiber according to FIG. 37 which contains an outer polymeric layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the capped structure housing the optical fiber according to FIG. 38, which contains an outer polymeric layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the capped structure housing the optical fiber according to FIG. 39, which contains an outer polymeric layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the capped structure housing the optical fiber according to FIG. 37 which contains an adhesively bonded cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the capped structure housing the optical fiber according to FIG. 38 which contains an adhesively bonded cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the capped structure enclosing an optical fiber according to FIG. 39 which contains an adhesively bonded cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG. 46 is a method for manufacturing an optical fiber accommodating plug structure included in an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber accommodating plug structure described in FIG. 46, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating plug structure that contains air as a fill material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating plug structure that contains a silicone polymer as a filler material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating plug structure that contains a UV-curable polymer as a filler material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber accommodating plug structure of FIG. 48, which contains an outer polymeric layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber accommodating plug structure of FIG. 49, which contains an outer polymeric layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber accommodating plug structure of FIG. 50, which contains an outer polymeric layer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber accommodating plug structure of FIG. 48, which contains a molded wire plug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber accommodating plug structure of FIG. 49, which contains a molded wire plug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber accommodating plug structure of FIG. 50, a molded wire plug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber accommodating plug structure of FIG. 48, which contains a welded wire plug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber accommodating plug structure of FIG. 49, which contains a welded wire plug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber accommodating plug structure of FIG. 50, which contains a welded wire plug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which comprises a circular optical fiber accommodating structure according to FIG. 8 enclosed in a tightly fitting outer metal tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which includes an optical fiber accommodating groove structure according to FIG. 16 enclosed in a tightly fitting outer metal tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which comprises a C-shaped optical fiber accommodating structure according to FIG. 24 enclosed in a tightly fitting outer metal tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which comprises an optical fiber accommodating multi-channel structure according to FIG. 32 enclosed in a tightly fitting outer metal tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which includes an optical fiber accommodating cap structure according to FIG. 40 enclosed in a tightly fitting outer metal tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which includes an optical fiber accommodating plug structure according to FIG. 51 enclosed in a tightly fitting outer metal tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which comprises a circular optical fiber accommodating structure according to FIG. 8 enclosed in a loose-fitting outer metal tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which comprises a circular optical fiber accommodating structure according to FIG. 8 encapsulated in a polymer shell, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which includes an optical fiber accommodating groove structure according to FIG. 16 encapsulated in a polymer shell, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which comprises a C-shaped optical fiber accommodating structure according to FIG. 24 encapsulated in a polymer shell, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0082] FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which comprises an optical fiber accommodating multi-channel structure according to FIG. 32 encapsulated in a polymer shell, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which includes an optical fiber accommodating cap structure according to FIG. 40 enclosed in a polymer shell, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0084] FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which includes an optical fiber accommodating plug structure according to FIG. 51 enclosed in a polymer shell, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0085] FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which comprises a circular optical fiber accommodating structure according to FIG. 8 enclosed in wire armour, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0086] FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which includes an optical fiber accommodating groove structure according to FIG. 16 enclosed in wire armour, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0087] FIG. 75 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which comprises a C-shaped optical fiber accommodating structure according to FIG. 24 enclosed in wire armour, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0088] FIG. 76 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which comprises an optical fiber accommodating multi-channel structure according to FIG. 32 enclosed in wire armour, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0089] FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which includes an optical fiber accommodating cap structure according to FIG. 40 enclosed in wire armour, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0090] FIG. 78 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier, which includes an optical fiber accommodating plug structure according to FIG. 51, enclosed in wire armor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0091] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are examples of currently disclosed technologies. In addition, in an attempt to provide a brief description of these embodiments of the invention, not all features of the actual implementation may be described in the description. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or development work, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as meeting system-related and business-related constraints that will vary depending on the implementation. In addition, it should be understood that such development efforts can be complex and time consuming, but will still be routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art taking advantage of this disclosure.

[0092] When describing the elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the singular number may denote one or more of such elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and mean that additional elements other than the listed elements may be present. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of this disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments of the invention that also include the recited features.

[0093] Considering this, in FIG. 1 illustrates a well logging system 10 that may use the systems and methods of this disclosure. The well logging system 10 may be used to transport the downhole tool 12 or other cargo through the geological formation 14 through the wellbore 16 . The downhole tool 12 can be transported along the cable 18 by means of a system 20 of logging winches. While the logging winch system 20 is schematically shown in FIG. 1, as a mobile winch system carried by a truck, the winch system 20 may be substantially fixed (eg, a long-term installation that is substantially permanent or modular). Any suitable well logging cable 18 may be used. Cable 18 may be coiled and wound on reel 22 and auxiliary power source 24 may supply power to logging winch system 20 and/or downhole tool 12.

[0094] The cable 18 may further comprise one or more optical fibers embedded in the cable core or reinforcing wire carriers of the cable 18 that can collect data (eg, such as temperature, pressure, strain, seismic activity, or other desired parameters) relative to the internal state of the wellbore 16. One or more optical fibers can transmit data to the system 20 logging winches.

[0095] Downhole tool 12 and/or cable 18 may provide logging measurements 26 to data processing system 28 via any suitable telemetry (eg, via electrical signals pulsed through formation 14 or via mud pulse telemetry). The data processing system 28 may process log measurements 26 that may indicate certain properties of the wellbore 16 (eg, temperature, pressure, deformation, seismic activity, or other desired parameters) that might otherwise be indistinguishable by a human operator.

[0096] To this end, the data processing system 28 may thus be any electronic data processing system that can be used to implement the systems and methods of this disclosure. For example, data processing system 28 may include a processor 30 that can execute instructions stored in memory 32 and/or information storage 34. As such, memory 32 and/or information storage 34 of data processing system 28 may be any suitable industrial product. production that can store instructions. Memory 32 and/or storage device 34 may be ROM, random access memory (RAM), electrically reprogrammable read only memory, an optical storage medium, or a hard drive, to name a few examples. The display 36, which may be any suitable electronic display, may provide a well log visualization or other indication of properties in the formation 14 or wellbore 16 using log measurements 26.

[0097] FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of cable 18. Cable 18 may include a cable core 40 which may be surrounded by one or more reinforcing wire carriers 42. around the cable core 40, extend longitudinally along the length of the cable core 40, or be positioned around the cable core 40 in any manner suitable to surround the cable core 40. Reinforcing wire carriers 42 may physically protect the cable core 40 and may provide additional rigidity to the cable 18. In addition In addition, the reinforcing wire carriers 42 can support the weight of the cable 18 and reduce stress on the cable core 40.

[0098] The cable core 40 may include one or more signal cables 44. The signal cables 44 may include inner wires 46 located in protective structures 48. The inner wires 46 may contain sensors (for example, one or more optical fibers 50), copper wires, or any other suitable wires required within cable 18. Inner wires 46 may transmit instruction signals or electrical power to a component connected to the end of cable 18 (eg, downhole tool 12). One or more optical fibers 50 within the cable core 40 can measure the internal conditions of the wellbore 16 and transmit data regarding the internal conditions to the data processing system 28 . Protective structures 48 may enclose the inner wires 46 and physically protect the inner wires during the operation of the cable 18. Although one or more optical fibers 50 may be less susceptible to physical damage when placed in the cable core 40, the signal quality of one or more optical fibers 50 may be degraded in this configuration. To achieve a better signal-to-noise ratio with respect to monitored parameters (eg, temperature, pressure, seismic profiling, or others), one or more optical fibers 50 may be located near the outer perimeter of cable 18. By positioning one or more optical fibers 50 within one or more reinforcing wire carriers 52 accommodating the optical fiber, one or more optical fibers 50 may be arranged around the perimeter of the cable 18 while still receiving physical protection by the reinforcing wire carriers 52 accommodating the optical fiber. Reinforcing wire carriers 52 accommodating optical fiber may be further disposed within the cable core 40 of cable 18. Each reinforcing wire carrier 52 containing optical fiber may comprise an optical fiber accommodating structure 54 that includes one or more optical fibers 50 The optical fiber enclosing structure 54 may be circumferentially enclosed in a thin polymer layer 56. The thin polymer layer 56 may be further enclosed in a protective shield 58 (eg, welded tube, thick polymer layer, metal wires).

[0099] FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of an offshore cable 55. Offshore cable 55 may include a cable core 40. Cable core 40 may include one or more signal cables 44. Signal cables 44 may include inner wires 46 located in protective structures 48. Inner wires 46 may include sensors (for example, one or more optical fibers 50), copper wires, or any other suitable wires required inside the offshore cable 55. Inner wires 46 may transmit instruction signals or electrical power to a component connected to the end of offshore cable 55 (eg, downhole tool 12). Protective structures 48 may enclose the inner wires 46 and physically protect the inner wires during operation of the offshore cable 55. Although one or more optical fibers 50 may be less susceptible to physical damage when placed in a cable core 40, the signal quality of one or more optical fibers 50 may be degraded in such a configuration. To achieve a better signal-to-noise ratio with respect to monitored parameters (eg, temperature, pressure, seismic profiling, or others), one or more optical fibers 50 may be located near the outer perimeter of the offshore cable 55. By positioning one or more optical fibers 50 within one or more reinforcing wire carriers 52 accommodating the optical fiber, one or more optical fibers 50 can be positioned around the perimeter of the offshore cable 55 while still receiving physical protection. through reinforcing wire carriers 52 containing the optical fiber. Reinforcing wire carriers 52 accommodating the optical fiber may be located within the shielding layer 57 of the offshore cable 55. The shielding layer 57 may further be enclosed within a protective outer layer 59. Reinforcing wire carriers 52 accommodating the optical fiber may be further positioned within the cable core 40 of the offshore cable 55.

[00100] FIG. 3-78 illustrate various assembly methods and/or embodiments of an optical fiber accommodating structure 54 included in the reinforcing wire support members 52 accommodating the optical fiber. Fig. 3 is a method 60 for assembling a circular optical fiber accommodating structure 54a constituting an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier 52. A circular structure 54a containing an optical fiber and various embodiments thereof are shown in FIG. 5-10. Block 64 refers to FIG. 4. The circular structure 54a containing the optical fiber may comprise two semi-circular (or more than two partially circular) steel wires 62 that enclose one or more optical fibers 50. The example according to FIG. 3-10 shows two semi-circular steel wires 62 of substantially the same dimensions, but in some embodiments, one of them may span more than the semi-circle and the other less than the semi-circle. In other embodiments, the implementation of more than two steel wires 62 may have partially semi-circular profiles, which together form a round shape. In still other embodiments, the steel wires 62 may form a non-circular or oval shape. For brevity, steel wires 62 are considered to be semi-circular, but it should be appreciated that any suitable dimensions are contemplated in this disclosure. The semicircular steel wires 62 may be galvanized tempered stainless steel, stainless steel, high carbon steel, or any suitable alloy.

[00101] Referring now to FIG. 5-7, which refer to block 66 in accordance with FIG. 3, when two semi-circular steel wires 62 enclose one or more optical fibers 50, and a gap 68 may be formed between them. The gap 68 may remain empty (for example, filled with air 70), filled with soft silicone polymer 72, or filled with polymer 74 , which can be cured using UV light 76 as shown in FIG. 5-7 respectively. Additionally or alternatively, gap 68 may be filled with any other suitable filling material. One or more optical fibers 50 may be encapsulated in a filler material (eg, air 70, soft silicone polymer 72, UV curable polymer 74) before being placed between two semicircular steel wires 62.

[00102] Referring now to FIG. 8-10, which refer to block 67 in accordance with FIG. 3, and as respectively shown in FIG. 8-10, a thin polymer layer 56 may be extruded over the embodiments of FIG. 5-7 of a circular structure 54a containing an optical fiber. The thin polymer layer 56 may include a circular structure 54a containing the optical fiber to support the position of the semicircular steel wires 62. In another embodiment, semi-circular steel wires 62 may be bonded together with an adhesive (e.g., bonding adhesive, welding, or other) before they are enclosed in a thin polymer layer 56.

[00103] FIG. 11 is a method 90 of assembling an optical fiber accommodating groove structure 54b constituting a reinforcing wire support member 52 accommodating an optical fiber. An optical fiber accommodating groove structure 54b and various embodiments thereof are shown in FIG. 13-18. Block 96 refers to FIG. 12. The grooved structure 54b accommodating the optical fiber may comprise a steel wire 92 in which the longitudinal channel 94 may extend along the length of the steel wire 92. One or more optical fibers 50 may be located in the longitudinal channel 94 of the steel wire 92. The steel wire 92 may be galvanized tempered stainless steel, stainless steel, high carbon steel, or any suitable alloy.

[00104] Referring now to FIG. 13-15, which refer to block 98 in accordance with FIG. 11, when one or more optical fibers 50 are located within the longitudinal channel 94, and a gap 68 may be formed between them. UV radiation, which can be cured using UV radiation 76, as shown in FIG. 13-15 respectively. Additionally or alternatively, gap 68 may be filled with any other suitable filling material. One or more optical fibers 50 may be encapsulated in a filler material (eg, air 70, soft silicone polymer 72, UV curable polymer 74) prior to being placed in the longitudinal channel 94 of the grooved structure 54b containing the optical fiber.

[00105] Referring now to FIG. 16-18, which refer to block 100 in accordance with FIG. 11, and as respectively shown in FIG. 16-18, a thin polymer layer 56 may be extruded over the embodiments of FIG. 13-15 structures 54b with a groove accommodating an optical fiber. The thin polymeric layer 56 may include an optical fiber groove structure 54b for maintaining the position of one or more optical fibers 50 in the longitudinal channel 94 of the optical fiber groove structure 54b.

[00106] FIG. 19 is a method 110 for assembling an optical fiber accommodating C-shaped structure 54c constituting an optical fiber accommodating reinforcing wire carrier 52. A C-shaped structure 54c containing an optical fiber and various embodiments thereof are shown in FIG. 21-26. Block 116 refers to FIG. 20. The C-shaped structure 54c containing the optical fiber may include a formed steel wire 112 in which a hollow region 114 extends in the longitudinal direction along the length of the formed steel wire 112. One or more optical fibers 50 may be located in the hollow region 114 formed steel wire 112. The formed steel wire 112 may be galvanized tempered stainless steel, stainless steel, high carbon steel, or any suitable alloy.

[00107] Referring now to FIG. 21-23, which refer to block 118 in accordance with FIG. 19, when one or more optical fibers 50 are located within the hollow region 114, and a gap 68 may be formed between them. UV radiation, which can be cured using UV radiation 76, as shown in FIG. 21-23 respectively. Additionally or alternatively, gap 68 may be filled with any other suitable filling material. One or more optical fibers 50 may be enclosed in a filler material (e.g., air 70, soft silicone polymer 72, UV curable polymer 74) prior to placement within the hollow region 114 of the formed steel wire 112.

[00108] Referring now to FIG. 24-26, which refer to block 120 in accordance with FIG. 19, and as respectively shown in FIG. 24-26, a thin polymer layer 56 may be extruded over the embodiments of FIG. 21-23 of a C-shaped structure 54c containing an optical fiber. The thin polymer layer 56 may include a C-shaped optical fiber accommodating structure 54c for maintaining the position of one or more optical fibers 50 in a hollow region 114 of the C-shaped optical fiber accommodating structure 54c.

[00109] FIG. 27 is a method 130 for assembling an optical fiber accommodating multi-channel structure 54d included in the reinforcing wire support member 52 accommodating the optical fiber. An optical fiber accommodating multi-channel structure 54d and various embodiments thereof are shown in FIG. 29-34. Block 132 refers to FIG. 28. The multi-channel carrier structure 54d containing the optical fiber may be a channeled steel wire 134, with the channels 136 extending longitudinally along the length of the channeled steel wire 134. Although three channels 136 are shown in the illustrated embodiment, the channeled steel wire 134 may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more channels 136. One or more optical fibers 50 may be located in the channels 136 of the channeled steel wire 134. . The channeled steel wires 134 may be galvanized tempered stainless steel, stainless steel, high carbon steel, or any suitable alloy.

[00110] Referring now to FIG. 29-31, which refer to block 138 in accordance with FIG. 27, when one or more optical fibers 50 are located within channels 136, and gaps 68 may be formed between them. Gaps 68 may remain empty (eg, filled with air 70), filled with soft silicone polymer 72, or filled with UV curable polymer 74. radiation that can be cured using UV radiation 76 as shown in FIG. 29-31 respectively. Additionally or alternatively, gaps 68 may be filled with any other suitable filling material. One or more optical fibers 50 may be enclosed in a filler material (eg, air 70, soft silicone polymer 72, UV curable polymer 74) prior to placement in the channels 136 of the multichannel structure 54d containing the optical fiber.

[00111] Referring now to FIG. 32-34, which refer to block 140 in accordance with FIG. 27, and as respectively shown in FIG. 32-34, a thin polymer layer 56 may be extruded over the embodiments of FIG. 29-31 of a multi-channel structure 54d containing an optical fiber. The thin polymer layer 56 may include a multi-channel optical fiber accommodating structure 54d for maintaining the position of one or more optical fibers 50 within the channels 136 of the multi-channel optical fiber accommodating structure 54d.

[00112] FIG. 35 is a method 150 for assembling an optical fiber accommodating cap structure 54e included in the reinforcing wire support member 52 accommodating the optical fiber. A capped structure 54e accommodating an optical fiber and various embodiments thereof are shown in FIG. 37-45. Block 152 refers to FIG. 36. The cap structure 54e containing the optical fiber may be a cap 154 and a channeled steel wire 156, in which the channel 158 extends longitudinally along the length of the channeled steel wire 156. One or more optical fibers 50 may be located in the channel 158 of the steel wire 156 with a channel. The cap 154 may subsequently be attached to the channeled steel wire 156. Cap 154 and/or channeled steel wires 154 may be galvanized tempered stainless steel, stainless steel, high carbon steel, or any suitable alloy.

[00113] Referring now to FIG. 37-39, which refer to block 160 of FIG. 35, when one or more optical fibers 50 are located within the channel 158, and a gap 68 may be formed between them. The gap 68 may remain empty (for example, filled with air 70), filled with soft silicone polymer 72, or filled with UV curable polymer 74. radiation that can be cured using UV radiation 76 as shown in FIG. 37-39 respectively. Additionally or alternatively, gap 68 may be filled with any other suitable filling material. One or more optical fibers 50 may be encapsulated in a filler material (eg, air 70, soft silicone polymer 72, UV curable polymer 74) before being placed in the channel 158 of the capped carrier 54e containing the optical fiber. Once the desired filler material has been applied, cap 154 can be placed on steel wire 156 with a channel to encapsulate one or more optical fibers 50.

[00114] Referring now to FIG. 40-42, which refer to block 162 in accordance with FIG. 35, and as respectively shown in FIG. 40-42, a thin polymer layer 56 may be extruded over the embodiments of FIG. 37-39 of structure 54e with a cap containing an optical fiber. The thin polymer layer 56 may include a capped carrier structure 54e enclosing an optical fiber to maintain the position of the cap 154 with respect to the channeled steel wire 156.

[00115] Referring now to FIG. 43-45, which show additional embodiments of the capped structure 54e accommodating the optical fiber shown in FIG. 37-39, respectively, wherein the cap 154 may be bonded directly to the channeled steel wire 156 by means of an adhesive 164 (eg, bonding adhesive, welding, or other) as shown in FIG. 43-45. In this embodiment, the thin polymer layer 56 is irrelevant so that the overall size of the capped structure 54e accommodating the optical fiber can be reduced.

[00116] FIG. 46 is a method 170 for assembling a structure 54f with an optical fiber accommodating plug included in the reinforcing wire support member 52 accommodating the optical fiber. A plug structure 54f accommodating an optical fiber and various embodiments thereof are shown in FIG. 48-59. Block 172 refers to FIG. 47. The plug structure 54f accommodating the optical fiber may be a wire plug 174 and a take-up wire 176 in which a channel 178 extends longitudinally along the length of the take-up wire 176. The take-up wire 176 may include an upper end portion 156 that can accommodate a plug wire 174, and a lower end portion 182 which may receive one or more optical fibers 50. One or more optical fibers 50 may be positioned in the lower end portion 182 of the take-up wire 176, and a wire plug 174 may be positioned in the upper end portions 156 of the take-up wire 176 so that the wire plug 174 and the take-up wire 176 can encapsulate one or more optical fibers 50. The take-up wire 176 may include a flat portion 184 that can facilitate the manufacture of this embodiment. Plug wire 174 and/or take-up wire 176 may be zinc plated tempered stainless steel, stainless steel, high carbon steel, or any suitable alloy.

[00117] Referring now to FIG. 48-50, which refer to block 186 of FIG. 46 when one or more optical fibers 50 are positioned within conduit 178, and a gap 68 may be formed between them. Gap 68 may remain empty (eg, filled with air 70), filled with soft silicone polymer 72, or filled with UV curable polymer 74. radiation that can be cured using UV radiation 76 as shown in FIG. 48-50 respectively. Additionally or alternatively, gap 68 may be filled with any other suitable filling material. One or more optical fibers 50 may be encapsulated in a filler material (eg, air 70, soft silicone polymer 72, UV curable polymer 74) prior to placement in channel 178 of structure 54f with an optical fiber enclosing plug. Once the desired filler material has been applied, a plug wire 174 may be positioned on the top end portion 156 of take-up wire 176 to seal one or more optical fibers 50.

[00118] Referring now to FIG. 51-53, which refer to block 188 in accordance with FIG. 46, and as respectively shown in FIG. 51-53, a thin polymer layer 56 may be extruded over the embodiments of FIG. 48-50 of structure 54f with a plug housing an optical fiber. The thin polymer layer 56 may include a plug structure 54f accommodating the optical fiber to maintain the position of the wire plug 174 with respect to the take-up wire 176.

[00119] Referring now to FIG. 54-56, which show further embodiments of the fiber accommodating plug structure 54f shown in FIG. 48-50, respectively, wherein the wire plug 174 can be pressed into the take-up wire 176 by a crimp force 190. The crimp force 190 can compress the upper end portion 156 of the channel 178 within the take-up wire 176 so that the wire plug 174 can be permanently connected to the take-up wire. 176. In this embodiment, the thin polymer layer 56 may be obsolete so that the overall size of the structure 54f with the fiber accommodating plug can be reduced.

[00120] Referring now to FIG. 57-59, which show further embodiments of the fiber accommodating plug structure 54f shown in FIG. 48-50, respectively. The plug wire 174 may be directly connected to the take-up wire 176 with the adhesive 192 (eg, by welding, gluing, or other). In this embodiment, the thin polymer layer 56 is irrelevant, so that the overall size of the fiber-receiving plug structure 54f can be reduced.

[00121] Referring now to FIG. 60-65, which show various embodiments of the reinforcing wire carriers 52 accommodating the optical fiber in accordance with FIG. 2 (52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e, 52f, respectively). Auxiliary support structures may be coupled to the fiber accommodating structures 54 to provide additional strength, protection, and/or rigidity to various embodiments of the optical fiber accommodating structures 54. Fig. 60-65 refer to embodiments of, respectively, a circular optical fiber accommodating structure 54a, a grooved optical fiber accommodating structure 54b, a C-shaped optical fiber accommodating structure 54c, a multi-channel optical fiber accommodating structure 54d, a cap structure 54e, containing the optical fiber, and structures 54f with a plug containing the optical fiber. Each embodiment may be encapsulated in a thin polymer layer 56. In addition, the thin polymer layer 56 of each embodiment may be circumferentially enclosed in a welded tube 58a that can fit snugly around the thin polymer layer 56. The welded tube 58a can physically protect the thin polymer a layer 56, a structure 54 containing an optical fiber, and/or one or more optical fibers 50 located inside the welded tube 58a.

[00122] Referring now to FIG. 66, which shows another embodiment of a reinforcing wire carrier 52g housing an optical fiber. In this embodiment, the welded tube 58a may be loosely positioned around the thin polymer layer 56 and the circular structure 54a containing the optical fiber. An annular gap 202 may exist between the welded tube 58a and the thin polymer layer 56. Although the illustrated embodiment includes a circular structure 54a enclosing the optical fiber, the welded tube 58a may also be positioned loosely relative to any other embodiment of the core 54, such as grooved structures 54b. , an optical fiber accommodating C-shaped structure 54c, a multi-channel optical fiber accommodating structure 54d, an optical fiber accommodating cap structure 54e, and an optical fiber accommodating plug structure 54f, or others.

[00123] Referring now to FIG. 67-72, which show various embodiments of the reinforcing wire carriers 52 accommodating the optical fiber in accordance with FIG. 2 (52h, 52i, 52j, 52k, 52l, 52m, respectively). Auxiliary support structures may be coupled to the fiber accommodating structures 54 to provide additional strength, protection, and/or rigidity to various embodiments of the optical fiber accommodating structures 54. Fig. 67-72 refer to embodiments of, respectively, a circular optical fiber accommodating structure 54a, an optical fiber accommodating groove structure 54b, a C-shaped optical fiber accommodating structure 54c, a multi-channel optical fiber accommodating structure 54d, a cap structure 54e, accommodating the optical fiber, and structures 54f with a plug accommodating the optical fiber. Each embodiment may be enclosed in a thin polymer layer 56. In addition, the thin polymer layer 56 of each embodiment may be circumferentially enclosed in a thick polymer shell 58b. The thick polymer shell 58b may be pressure-extruded over the thin polymer layer 56 in various embodiments. The thick polymeric jacket 58b may physically protect the thin polymeric layer 56, the optical fiber housing structure 54, and/or the one or more optical fibers 50 located within the thick polymeric jacket 58b.

[00124] Referring now to FIG. 73-78, which show various embodiments of the reinforcing wire carriers 52 accommodating the optical fiber in accordance with FIG. 2 (52n, 52o, 52p, 52q, 52r, 52s, respectively). Auxiliary support structures may be coupled to core 54 to provide additional strength, protection, and/or rigidity to various embodiments of optical fiber housing structure 54. Fig. 73-78 refer to embodiments of, respectively, a circular optical fiber accommodating structure 54a, an optical fiber accommodating groove structure 54b, a C-shaped optical fiber accommodating structure 54c, a multi-channel optical fiber accommodating structure 54d, a cap structure 54e, containing the optical fiber, and structures 54f with a plug containing the optical fiber. Each embodiment may be encased in a thin polymer layer 56. In addition, the thin polymer layer 56 of each embodiment may be circumferentially encased in one or more metal wires 58c (eg, wire armour). The metal wires 58c may be wrapped (eg, spirally) over the thin polymer layer 56. In another embodiment, the metal wires 58c may extend longitudinally along the outer surface of the thin polymer layer 56 or in any suitable manner to cover the outer surface of the thin polymer layer 56. The metal wires 58c can physically protect the thin polymer layer 56, the optical fiber enclosing structure 54, and/or the one or more optical fibers 50 located within the metal wire protective housing 58c.

[00125] The specific embodiments described above have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments may be subject to various modifications and alternative forms. The disclosed embodiments are suitable for any cable application that requires fiber optic sensors near the outer circumference of the cable, such as logging cables, logging cables with partially or fully sheathed support elements, and marine seismic cables. It is further to be understood that the claims are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims (31)

1. Cable containing: cable core and a plurality of reinforcing wire carrier elements that surround the cable core, wherein the first reinforcing wire carrier element of the plurality of reinforcing wire carrier elements comprises a grooved interior housing a first optical fiber, the grooved interior being disposed in a channel in the first reinforcing wire carrier, and the grooved interior being isolated in the channel by a cap formed to be inserted into said channel and defining that the first reinforcing wire carrier has a circular cross section. 2. The cable according to claim. 1, characterized in that the first reinforcing wire carrier element is located among the most distant from the center of the periphery of the set of reinforcing wire carrier elements. 3. The cable according to claim. 1, characterized in that the cable is a cable for marine operations, and while the set of reinforcing wire bearing elements is located inside the shielding layer that surrounds the cable core. 4. The cable according to claim. 1, while the inner space with a groove is filled with gas. 5. Cable according to claim 4, characterized in that the gas is air. 6. Cable according to claim 1, wherein the grooved interior is filled with silicone polymer. 7. Cable according to claim 1, wherein the grooved interior is filled with a UV curable polymer. 8. Cable according to claim 1, wherein the grooved interior comprises a first longitudinal channel in the first reinforcing wire carrier. 9. Cable according to claim. 8, characterized in that the first reinforcing wire carrier element contains a second inner space in which the second optical fiber is placed, while the second inner space contains a second longitudinal channel in the wire. 10. Cable according to claim. 1, while the internal space with a groove is located inside a single wire containing a channel. 11. The cable according to claim. 1, characterized in that it further comprises a second reinforcing wire carrier element from a plurality of reinforcing wire carrier elements, which does not contain an internal space with a groove. 12. A method for assembling an optical cable, including: the placement of the first optical cable in the material, and the material contains air, a silicone polymer or a polymer cured by ultraviolet radiation, or combinations thereof, inserting a first optical fiber into a space formed in one or more wires; closing said space to close the first optical fiber in the optical fiber housing structure; and extruding the first polymer tube over the structure containing the optical fiber. 13. The method of claim. 12, characterized in that the insertion of the first optical fiber in the specified space includes: inserting a first optical fiber between two semicircular wires; inserting the first optical fiber into the longitudinal channel of the grooved wire; inserting a first optical fiber into a hollow region of the C-shaped wire; or inserting the first optical fiber into one of the plurality of circumferential channels in the wire; or some combination of them. 14. The method of claim 12, comprising filling said space with a material, wherein the material is air, a silicone polymer, or a UV curable polymer, or some combination thereof. 15. The method of claim 12, comprising extruding a second polymeric tube over the first polymeric tube to provide additional rigidity, or winding a plurality of wires over the first polymeric tube to provide additional rigidity, or a combination thereof. 16. The method of claim. 12, including laying the structure containing the optical fiber around the cable core in a cable suitable for use downhole in the wellbore. 17. Cable containing: the first set of reinforcing wire carrier elements located around the circumference at a first radial distance from the center of the cable; wherein at least one of the first plurality of reinforcing wire carrier elements comprises a first grooved interior space in which the first optical fiber is placed, wherein the grooved interior space is located in a channel in the first reinforcing wire carrier element, and the grooved interior space is insulated in channel by means of a cap formed to be inserted into said channel and determining that at least one first reinforcing wire carrier element has a circular cross section, and a second set of reinforcing wire elements located circumferentially at a second radial distance from the center of the cable, wherein the second radial distance is greater than the first radial distance, and at least one wire element of the second set of reinforcing wire elements contains a second inner space with a groove, in which the second optical fiber.

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