Distributed Sensing
3-Sci’s CCDS (coaxial cable distributed sensing) is a revolutionary new monitoring system. A series of sensing sites along the length of robust coaxial cable enables a variety of continuous, accurate measurements to be obtained cost-effectively, over long distances or large surface areas. A large number of measurement types are enabled by this technology breakthrough - stress, strain, temperature, vibration, pressure and more.
This information allows 24/7 monitoring of remote assets and events such as fatigue, bend radius, overheating, leakages, anomalous vibrations etc to be rapidly identified. The progress of events such as downhole injection, electrical power transfer, gas lift, or perforations’ performance can be monitored. The new CCDS is a highly versatile innovation that can be adapted for a variety of distributed sensing applications.
Key Features
- Robust, simple and cost-effective coaxial cable–based distributed sensing.
- Real-time measurements 24/7.
- Distributed monitoring over distances of several kilometres.
- Can be ‘wrapped’ around equipment to provide areal mapping.
- Highly versatile technology with a wide range of applications.
- Earliest possible detection of unwanted events.
- Automatic reporting and historical trending with easy-to-use software.
Key Benefits
- Provides cost savings through reduction in deployment of inspection teams.
- Reduces the need to repeatedly work in locations with difficult or hazardous acess.
- Enables proactive planning of maintenance activities.
- Provides an early warning of any potential safety issue.
- Enables proactive optimisation of operations through accurate and up to date reporting.
How it works
3-Sci’s CCDS comprises coaxial cable with a large number of passive sensing sites distributed along the length of the cable. The sensing sites can be grouped in specific regions of interest, or more uniformly dispersed along the cable. Radio frequency signals, transmitted and returned along the cable, are used to monitor the sensing sites to track changes. The CCDS processing automatically assigns the sensors’ responses accurately to their locations along the cable and asset under interrogation.
Data are transmitted back to the user and displayed on a user-friendly interface. The interface automatically provides sensor information from the locations on the cable, forming a ‘map’ of sensor responses along, or around, the asset being monitored. Warning thresholds will trigger alerts if sensed limits such as strain, temperature or vibration are breached. Long-term historical trends can also be examined.
This innovative alternative to other distributed sensing technologies – such as distributed fibre optic or arrays of discrete sensors - offers the following advantages: cables are more robust and less prone to breakages, they provide a more cost-effective solution, cables provide improved interconnection splice capability, increased longevity, configuration flexibility and are more resilient to humidity and liquid ingress.
Applications
3-Sci’s CCDS is a highly versatile technology that can be readily designed to meet specific requirements. Robust cables and simple installation processes, coupled with easily-configurable, cost-effective interrogation, means it is suitable for a wide range of applications. It can be applied in a single length over long distances or wrapped around equipment to provide information such as a thermal or vibrational map.
Some examples of where CCDS can apply include:
- Cable health monitoring
- Long term monitoring of underwater activities near green or blue-energy devices
- Downhole pipe lines or wells
- Boreholes for CO2 storage
- Overground pipelines and tunnels
- Transportation tunnels, conveyor belts and escalators
- Storage tanks and vessels
- Wind turbine gear box