Lxsix Photonics Inc.

Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC

Weatherford Canada Partnership

Weatherford Canada Ltd.

Lxdata Inc.

Paul Lefebvre

Andre R Vincelette

Christopher S Baldwin

Jason Scott Kiddy

John Niemczuk

John B Niemczuk

Hongbo Li

James R Dunphy

Domino Taverner

André R Vincelette

Claude Beaulieu

Gilles L Tourte

André Vincelette

Jean-François Nadeu

Corneliu V Ducra

Remi Charbonneau

Jason S Kiddy

Methods and apparatus to control the acoustic properties of optical cables used as in-well oil and gas probes for acoustic monitoring, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). One example aspect provides a solid path for the acoustic wave to propagate from an outside armor layer of the cable to the sensing optical waveguide embedded therein. Another example aspect offers ways to spatially dispose the optical sensing elements to create response delays indicative of the propagation speed and/or direction of an acoustic wave. Yet another example aspect provides ways to utilize additional spectral interrogation to increase ultimate spatial resolution. Yet another example aspect provides ways to locally vary the acoustic properties along the length of the cable.

Acoustically enhanced optical cables

A sensor arrangement using an optical fiber and methodologies for performing an analysis of a subterranean formation, such as a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon based fluid. The sensor arrangement may be used to measure one or more physical parameters, such as temperature and/or pressure, at a multiplicity of locations in the subterranean reservoir. The sensor arrangement may comprise a sensor array comprising an elongated outer casing for insertion in the subterranean formation and into a fluid in the subterranean formation. The sensor array may comprise an optical fiber defining an optical path that links one or more temperature sensors and one or more pressure sensors and transports measurement data generated by the temperature and pressure sensors. A data processing system may be connected to the sensor array to receive measurements from the sensor array and to compute one or more values of a property of an extraction installation operating on the subterranean formation.

Pressure sensor arrangement using an optical fiber and methodologies for performing an analysis of a subterranean formation

A signal processing apparatus which has an input for receiving a signal conveying a response from first and second optical components to an optical excitation. The first and second optical components are in an optical sensor which is intended to be placed in a sensing zone. The sensing zone contains hydrogen susceptible to migrate into the optical sensor. The signal processing apparatus has a processing entity for processing the response from the first and second optical components to derive information on hydrogen concentration in the optical sensor.

Optical device for measuring a physical parameter in a hydrogen contaminated sensing zone

An optical fiber cable for installation in a subterranean formation, where the temperature could be in excess of 150 degrees C. The optical fiber cable has an outer metallic jacket defining an elongated conduit with an internal elongated channel that receives an optical fiber. The optical fiber has two strands joined by a splice. A splice protector has a body with a passageway receiving the splice. The body has an outer region configured to be joined by a fusion weld to the outer metallic jacket.

Fiber optic splice protector for harsh environments

An apparatus for inducing of the index of refraction of a substrate sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus is capable of generating a first beam of electromagnetic radiation and a second beam of electromagnetic radiation that is different from the first beam. The first and the second beams converge toward a treatment area on the substrate, which is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation. The first beam and the second beam interact to create an interference pattern over a limited portion of the treatment area.

Method and apparatus for inducing an index of refraction change on a substrate sensitive to electromagnetic radiation

An apparatus for inducing a modification of the index of refraction of a substrate sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus is capable of generating a first beam of electromagnetic radiation and a second beam of electromagnetic radiation that is different from the first beam. The first and the second beams converge toward a treatment area on the substrate, which is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation. The first beam and the second beam interact to create an interference pattern over a limited portion of the treatment area.

The invention relates to a line for processing an optical fiber having first and second ends, the line comprising a support for receiving a reel with the fiber wounded thereon; a de-winder for unwinding the fiber without substantial rotation of the reel; and a processing station for receiving the optical fiber from said de-winder to perform a processing on a portion of the optical fiber. The invention also relates to a method for writing a grating on a fiber having first and second ends, the fiber being wounded on a first reel and being capable of being wounded on a second reel, the method comprising connecting the first end of the fiber to a circulator; connecting said circulator to a source of light and to a first measurement means; de-winding the fiber from the first reel without rotation of the reel; writing a grating on the fiber with a source of radiation; and measuring reflection spectra of the grating with said first measurement means. The method also comprises winding the fiber on the second reel without rotation of the reel.

Reel to reel manufacturing line

Apparatus for producing an interference pattern from an input optical beam, including a first optical element for separating the input optical beam into a plurality of divergent optical sub-beams and a second optical element including a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is optically coupled to the first optical element to receive at least two of the plurality of sub-beams. In addition, the second optical element is capable of redirecting via total internal reflection at least one of the sub-beams received at the first surface such that at least two sub-beams emerge from the second surface along respective paths intersecting one another outside the second optical element at a distance from the second surface. Advantageously, the use of total internal reflection in the second optical element for sub-beam redirection removes any requirement for a mirror to perform this function, results in only minimal power losses as the sub-beams reflect internally and the location at which they intersect is easily adjustable.

Apparatus for generating an optical interference pattern

A method and apparatus for aligning an optical waveguide with a radiation source are provided. The waveguide has a longitudinal axis that defines a main optical propagation path. The optical waveguide is illuminated by the radiation source such that the waveguide generates light via photoluminescence, at least a portion of the light generated via photoluminescence being emitted from the waveguide along a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. An output signal is generated at least in part on the basis of light emitted from the waveguide along a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The alignment of the radiation source and the waveguide is varied at least partly in dependence of the output signal.

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Laval, Canada

Paul Lefebvre