Fiber–Optic Long-Line Position Sensor

Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration.

Technology Summary (SAND # 2011-4635P)      Sandia has developed a side-emitting fiber optic position sensor and method of determining an unknown position of an object by using the sensor. Non-electrical position sensors like the one developed by Sandia are desirable for use in hazardous environments, e.g., for measuring the liquid level in gasoline or jet fuel tanks. This sensor is an attractive option because it does not introduce electrical energy, is insensitive to electromagnetic interference, has very few moving parts, and could provide continuous measurements.

Large-scale rotary drilling for oil and gas, minerals, and water wells have a need for measuring the depth of drill bits and pipe segments. Measuring the length of a cable played out is often inaccurate because the cable stretches under heavy loads. There is a need for a long-range position sensor that is non-contact, simple, cheap, reliable, compact, non-electrical, and robust. These and other features have been achieved in the present Sandia invention.

Technology Readiness Level    Sandia estimates this technology at approximately TRL 5. Key elements of the technology have been demonstrated in relevant environments.

ElectroniCast Note: Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a measure used to assess the maturity of evolving technologies (materials, components, devices, etc.) prior to incorporating that technology into a system or subsystem. Generally speaking, when a new technology is first invented or conceptualized, it is not suitable for immediate application. Instead, new technologies are usually subjected to experimentation, refinement, and increasingly realistic testing. Once the technology is sufficiently proven, it can be incorporated into a system/subsystem. (TRL 5 means that the basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so that the technology can be tested in a simulated environment).

Benefits:          

• Sensor does not introduce electrical energy and is insensitive to electro-magnetic interference
• Does not require the use of fluorescent dopants
• Can operate over a wide range of wavelengths at a reduced cost
• Has very few moving parts
• Provides continuous Measurement

Potential Market Applications:

• Oil and Gas
• Minerals
• Water Wells
• Fuel Tank measurement
• Hazardous Environments

Intellectual Property: US Patent  #7,329,857; SD# 10001

Source Website: HTTPS://IP.SANDIA.GOV