FBG Sensing Technology for the SHM of Underwater Pipelines in Marine Industry

The marine industry plays a vital role in global trade and economic development. Subsea pipelines are critical components in offshore oil and gas production, delivering hydrocarbons from offshore wells to onshore processing facilities. Structural health monitoring of underwater pipelines is essential to ensure the safe and reliable operation of these pipelines. Fiber grating sensing technology is a promising solution for structural health monitoring in the marine industry due to its high accuracy, reliability, and robustness. In this article, we will discuss the problems that fiber grating sensing technology can solve, and how Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS ) can support the structural health monitoring of underwater pipelines in the marine industry.

Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Principle:

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are periodic structures that are inscribed in the core of an optical fiber. These structures reflect a specific wavelength of light that is determined by the periodicity of the grating. When the grating is subjected to mechanical or thermal strain, the reflected wavelength changes in a predictable manner. By monitoring the reflected wavelength, changes in strain, temperature, and other parameters can be detected. FBG sensors can be used to monitor a wide range of parameters, including strain, stress, temperature, and vibration.

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Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Principle - FBG Principle - FBG Sensor Principle - FBG Temperature Strain Stress Vibration Shape Sensing Principle

Demand Analysis for SHM of Underwater Pipelines in the Marine Industry:

Subsea pipelines are subject to various environmental and operational conditions that can cause mechanical and structural degradation over time. Corrosion, fatigue, and external damage are common problems that can affect the integrity of subsea pipelines. The consequences of a pipeline failure can be catastrophic, including environmental damage, economic losses, and even loss of human life. Therefore, structural health monitoring of underwater pipelines is critical to detect and prevent potential failures and ensure the safe and reliable operation of subsea pipelines.

Physical Diagram of OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Single-ended FBG Strain Sensor/FBG Strain Gauge

Why SHM of Underwater Pipelines is Needed?

Subsea pipelines are critical components in offshore oil and gas production. The failure of a pipeline can cause significant environmental damage and economic losses. Structural health monitoring of subsea pipelines can provide early warning of potential problems and enable proactive maintenance and repair. By monitoring the structural health of subsea pipelines, operators can ensure the safety and reliability of their operations, minimize downtime, and reduce costs.

Difficulties in SHM of Underwater Pipelines in the Marine Industry:

Structural health monitoring of subsea pipelines presents significant challenges due to the harsh and complex underwater environment. The limited access to subsea pipelines makes it challenging to install and maintain monitoring systems. The high hydrostatic pressure and extreme temperature and humidity conditions can also affect the performance and reliability of monitoring systems. In addition, the underwater environment is subject to various external factors such as waves, currents, and marine life that can cause interference and damage to monitoring systems.

Physical Diagram of OFSCN® High-Range Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Strain Sensor (Strain Gauge) - Single-ended, Length 1m

What Problems can be Solved by FBG Sensing Technology:

Fiber grating sensing technology offers several advantages for structural health monitoring of subsea pipelines. FBG sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference and can operate in harsh environments. They are also small, lightweight, and can be easily embedded into the structure of the pipeline. FBG sensors can detect multiple physical parameters simultaneously, including strain, temperature, and pressure. By using a network of FBG sensors, operators can obtain a detailed picture of the structural health of the pipeline and detect potential problems at an early stage.

Recommended fiber grating strain sensors:

2500με Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor - FBG Strain Gauge - Metal Encapsulation - High Temperature FBG Strain Sensor

The product is a fiber Bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) encapsulated in seamless steel tube, used for strain measurement. In most cases, it is a single-point single-ended structure, or it can be produced as a multi-point single-ended structure. In a few cases, it can also be a double-ended structure. The deployment method of the product depends on the supporting fixtures, which can be directly inserted into the test object, or installed by surface welding with corresponding fixtures, bolted with drilled holes for fixation, adhesive surface mounting, tied with straps for fixation, or fixed with clamps, among various installation methods. This product is a basic structural product, which can be calibrated as a FBG displacement sensor, or used as a FBG stress sensor.

Product Summary:

The OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor (FBG strain gauge) is composed of fiber optic connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), stainless steel seamless tubes, and single-point FBG encapsulation.

It can also be customized as a high-temperature resistant fiber Bragg grating strain sensor.

This product features a small size, lightweight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof, moisture-proof, and fully sealed characteristics. By utilizing the strain characteristics of the FBG, this sensor can be inserted, clamped, surface-mounted, glued, or embedded into the measured structure to perform strain detection and monitoring.

6000με Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor - FBG Strain Gauge - polymer material packaging - metal protection strain sensor - range 6000με/8000με

This product is a high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) used for strain measurement. It can be used in a single-ended structure, where it is inserted into the object to be measured for strain measurement. It can also be used in a double-ended structure, where it is fixed with a fixture or bonded directly to the surface for strain measurement, enabling multi-point strain measurement when connected in series. The structure of this product is the same as that of fiber bragg grating stress sensors.

Product Overview:

The OFSCN® high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) consists of fiber connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), high elastic materials, and single-point FBG encapsulation. Depending on the materials used, it can work at room temperature or a maximum high temperature of 120 degrees Celsius (customizable upon request).

This product is characterized by its small size, light weight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof and moisture-proof properties, and full sealing. By utilizing the strain characteristics of FBG, this sensor can be inserted, welded, bonded, or adhered to the internal or surface of the test structure for strain detection and monitoring.

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.:

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS) is a professional manufacturer of fiber grating sensors, fiber grating demodulators and system software. Specializing in the production of various fiber grating sensors, including temperature, strain, stress, displacement, vibration, shape sensors, etc. DCYS also produces fiber grating demodulators, and can customize and develop related application software.

Recommended fiber grating demodulator:

Fiber Bragg Grating Interrogator - Fiber Optic Grating Demodulator - High-Speed/Frequency FBG Analyzer

Product Alias: Fiber Bragg Grating Interrogator, FBG Interrogator, FBG Sensor Interrogator, Fiber Optic Grating Interrogator, Fiber Bragg Grating Demodulator, FBG Demodulator, Fiber Optic Grating Demodulator

This product is produced by DCYS, and it is a high-speed high-frequency fiber Bragg grating demodulator(Interrogator). The fiber grating demodulator is compatible with various specifications and models of OFSCN® fiber bragg grating sensors (temperature, strain, stress FBG sensors, etc.). It features adjustable port density (4, 8, 12, 16 channels) and high-speed high-refresh rate capabilities.

DCYS Helps to do the SHM of Underwater Pipelines in Marine Industry:

With our expertise in fiber grating sensing technology, DCYS can help solve some of the challenges in structural health monitoring of underwater pipelines in the marine industry. DCYS's products are reliable, accurate, and suitable for harsh environments, making them ideal for subsea pipeline monitoring.

大成永盛光纤光栅传感监测系统框图

Other Points Need to Be Clarified:

It is worth noting that while fiber grating sensing technology offers many advantages for structural health monitoring of subsea pipelines, it is not a standalone solution. Effective structural health monitoring of subsea pipelines requires a comprehensive approach that combines various technologies and techniques, including acoustic monitoring, visual inspection, and corrosion monitoring. Operators must also consider factors such as data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation, as well as the cost and feasibility of implementing monitoring systems.

In conclusion, structural health monitoring of subsea pipelines is essential for the safe and reliable operation of offshore oil and gas production. Fiber grating sensing technology is a promising solution for subsea pipeline monitoring, offering high accuracy, reliability, and robustness in harsh environments. With the expertise of Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd., operators can leverage the benefits of fiber grating sensing technology and enhance their structural health monitoring capabilities. However, it is important to note that subsea pipeline monitoring requires a holistic approach that considers various factors, and fiber grating sensing technology is only one piece of the puzzle.

 

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