Fiber-Optic Sensing is the Technology of Choice for Permanent Reservoir Monitoring Applications

Abstract

Abstract Fiber-optic sensing technology is the right technology for Permanent Reservoir Monitoring (PRM) applications due to significant advantages in reliability, system design and installation flexibility, and enhanced compatibility with future field development trends. It is well known that fiber-optic technology is inherently a more reliable technology choice for underwater applications. This has been proven by long-term use within military applications and the telecommunications industry. The application of fiber-optic technology for PRM offers the proven reliability benefits long recognized by the telecommunications industry to the oil and gas industry. The use of fiber-optic sensing technology removes the electronics and electrical power requirements from the seabed and replaces it with completely electrically passive components, which can be interrogated from a platform, FPSO or from shore, using only optical signals. This eliminates the potential for electrical leakage and decreases the potential for mechanical water leak-induced failures in the underwater equipment. The improved reliability drives down the through-life operations and maintenance costs for PRM applications. It is less well known that the inherent flexibility available with fiber-optic PRM systems generates significant additional value beyond the reliability advantage. Fiber-optic systems enable more flexible system design and layout solutions compared to electrical based alternatives. Greater design and layout flexibility translates into significant advantages during system installation, which can reduce the cost and risk of PRM projects. Advanced optical architectures and proprietary system design techniques generate an expanded range of layout and connection options, which can be used to optimize the system supply and installation solutions during an integrated PRM project planning process. The authors conclude that PRM systems based on fiber-optic technology offer a better platform for the future due to a number of key advantages. Fiber-optic systems offer greater potential for cost-effective expansion, technology upgrade and cost reduction moving forward. The very low propagation loss intrinsic to fiber-optic technology makes it ideally suited to address a number of developing trends in offshore field development. In this paper, the authors present examples of clear advantages in reliability, flexibility, expandability and suitability to address future trends for operators to consider when selecting a PRM system for 4D seismic monitoring. Based on these examples and evidence, the authors conclude that fiber-optic sensing is the technology of choice for PRM.