University of Pittsburgh and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) researchers have developed a novel method to monitor the health of key infrastructure including pipelines and civil infrastructure (e.g., bridges). Based on a single-mode-multimode-single-mode (SMS) fiber structure in combination with ultrasonic guided acoustic wave monitoring, this technology has the potential to provide highly accurate remote monitoring of infrastructure.
Description
Given the safety implications of infrastructure failure (e.g., oil or gas leaks, bridge collapses etc.), there is a great need for accurate, real-time, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques to monitor structural integrity. Recently, distributed and quasi-distributed optical fiber sensing has been used in the petrochemical industry to monitor pipelines. Combining this established technology with guided wave acoustic NDE to excite selected guided modes on surfaces and monitor acoustic response, together with advanced data analytics and machine learning, could allow for more comprehensive monitoring of a variety of parameters, including temperature and strain in real-time.
Applications
• Civil infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges, water pipelines)
• Petrochemical industry
• National security
Advantages
Fiber optic sensors and acoustic-guided wave technology are both widely used independently in various industries. This novel approach integrates both technologies using a magnetostrictive collar to transmit long-range high-frequency acoustic waves down the pipe and can act as a receiver of reflective signals. This design can be easily fabricated, is low in cost, is flexible and highly sensitive, and could be a feasible NDE approach for infrastructure monitoring.
Invention Readiness
A prototype sensor has been developed using a multimode fiber sandwiched between two single-mode fibers (SMFs). The sensors were coupled with a collar providing long-range acoustic signal transmission. In a laboratory setting, the sensor could detect a wide range of vibration frequencies from 10 Hz to 400 Hz. Field testing using an 8.5” diameter 50-foot long X65 steel pipe demonstrated the potential application of this sensor to accurately monitor pipeline health for structural issues. Further work is required to optimize these sensors including exploring compatibility with other optical fiber sensing configurations. The potential to combine these novel sensors with artificial intelligence to enhance pipeline monitoring indicates these sensors demonstrate much promise for applications in pipeline and infrastructure monitoring.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2024206298A1
