Intelligent Solutions

Distributed Temperature Sensing - DTS

Enabling fast, reliable and cost-effective sensing through highly integrated
optical measurement systems

• Fire detection
• Power cable monitoring
• Oil & Gas downhole performance monitoring
• Pipeline leakage detection
 Advantages of fiber based distributed
temperature sensing over electrical
probes

We have tested the AP Sensing DTS instrument

in a special hazard application and are very im-
pressed. AP Sensing rigorously designed the
quality into the product. The level of integration
and unique optical assembly technology ensures
repeatable, accurate measurements and easy de-
ployment.

Dr. Grosswig, CEO GESO

If you strive for increased productivity or safety in The DTS instrument utilizes the Raman effect to
a variety of application areas, you can gain insight measure temperature. An optical laser pulse prop-
into your processes by using an optical fiber as agating through the fiber gets scattered light back
a sensing element. The fiber is the only sensing to the transmitting end, where it is analyzed. The
solution that leaves no area unmonitored and is intensity of the Raman scattering is a measure for
intrinsically safe (EMI). the temperature along the fiber. The position of the
temperature reading is determined by measuring
the arrival timing of the returning light pulse similar
to a radar echo.

• Worry-free permanent monitoring

• Reduced cost of operation
• Increased efficiency

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Reservoir performance monitoring

Today’s Oil & Gas reservoir management requires real time, continuous downhole monitoring
to optimize the economic and operational performance of the assets (intelligent well). Through
real-time understanding of the production and injection dynamics, the reservoir engineer is able
to optimize production and maximize recovery, helping to improve profit.

Analysis of DTS data and geothermal gradient gives deep insight into the well behavior allow-
ing the determination of flow volume and changes per sections.
This next-generation DTS technology provides economical solutions even for low-producing
wells. This allows to enables the move from retrievable temperature measurement services to
permanent installations.

Features Benefits

Cost effective deployment, no extra cooling or

Outdoor housing (IP66 /~ NEMA 4)
buildings required
Operating temp. range of -40° to 60°C (-40° to 140°F)
Withstands rain, dust, heat, shock and vibration

Suitable for solar panel operation

Ultra low power consumption (~ 15 W)
Cost effective power source

Sensitive well analysis over long periods

Real-time measurement with high temperature and spatial
Detecting water breakthroughs and reservoir
resolution (up to 0.1 °C; 1 m) Extremely high measurement
trends more effectively than intervention-based
repeatability for indoor and outdoor environments.
monitoring

Integrated switch and autonomous scheduling functionality Multiple well monitoring

Very cost effective network solution and easy

Standard interfaces, integrated trace memory
integration

Industry-leading quality and long life-time Reduces cost of service and support

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 • Liquefied Natural
Gas (LNG)
• Natural gas
• Hydrocarbon gas
• Sulphur
• Steam
• Refinery
• Umbilicals
Pipeline leakage detection

Modern pipeline management needs to assure pipeline The continuous sensor element (fiber) leaves no area unmo-
integrity, immediate leakage detection and risk mitiga- nitored, for the maximum level of coverage.
tion. AP Sensing´s DTS provides the capability to mo-
nitor the entire downstream process at once, identifies
and localizes leakages even in hazardous processes.

In case of a gas pipeline leakage a cold spot occurs

(Joule Thomson effect). Leaks in a chemical pipe are
typically recognized by a hot spot.

Features Benefits

Reliable detection of smallest leakages

Real-time leakage detection, high temperature and spatial mea-
Identification of changes in the process environment, resulting in
surement resolution (0.1 °C; 1 m) Extremely high measurement
process optimizations, increased production and process efficiency
repeatability
Protects employee safety, reduces downtime and minimizes loss

Outdoor housing (IP66 /~ NEMA 4)

Cost effective deployment no extra cooling or buildings required
Operating temp. range of -40° to 60°C (-40° to 140°F)

Solar panel operation suitable

Ultra low power consumption
Cost effective power source

Integrated switch and autonomous scheduling functionality Dual direction measurement or multiple pipeline coverage

Effective network solution and easy integration into pipeline manage-

Standard interfaces, integrated trace memory
ment control systems

Industry-leading quality and long life-time Reduces cost of service and support

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 • Power cable tunnels
• Underground power
cables
• Submarine power cables
• Substation equipment
• Overhead lines

Power cable monitoring

Distributed temperature monitoring provides continuous The sensing fiber is either embedded in the power cable,
monitoring of high power cable temperatures, detecting close to the conductors or deployed along the outside of
hot spots, delivering operational status, condition assess- the cable. It is intrinsically immune to electromagnetic inter-
ment and power circuit rating data. This helps operators ference and provides reliable temperature measurements,
to optimize the transmission and distribution networks, and ideal for use in a high voltage environment.
reduce cost of operation and capital.

Features Benefits

Monitoring of the alarm conditions protects power cable investment, by

The operator can define alarm conditions, structure the
insuring “in limit” operation, avoiding unplanned network failures and
cable into zones and set corresponding actions
assisting in contingency planning

Insight into utilization level, for example, resulting in deferment of capi-

Real-time data, high temperature and spatial measure-
tal expenditure or even higher utilization
ment resolution (0.1 °C; 1 m)
Hotspot detection, localization and display on the connected PC for
High measurement repeatability
optimization and confirmation of cable design and installation

EMI proof, no electrical or moving parts, easy deployment to existing

Optical fiber
and new assets

Integrated switch and autonomous scheduling functio-

Multiple power cable coverage
nality

Easy system integration into power cable control systems The online-
Standard interfaces generated data can also be integrated into a real-time thermal rating
system or database

Industry-leading quality and long life-time Reduces cost of service and support

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 • Tunnels
• Mining
• Cable Trays / Bundles
• Conveyer belts
• Warehouses

Fire Detection
Safety systems demand highly reliable and extremely quick Fiber-based linear heat detection is especially suitable for
heat detection. Especially in hazardous environments, solu- fire detection as it leaves no area unmonitored and displays
tions need to be immune from interference or false alarms. the real-time temperature development and heat transport of
They also have to continue monitoring irrespective of the the entire area at once. It can even automatically actuate the
enormous heat generated and the rapid spread of smoke. protective systems in the affected zones.

Features Benefits

Highest security and lowest downtime. Reduced number of deceptive

Fast, accurate and reliable fire detection
alarms, even in hazardous environments, as well as reduced
Industry-leading quality and life-time
service and support costs

Fast, accurate and reliable fire detection Precise and selective activation of fire distinguishing systems, addres-
Industry-leading quality and life-time sing only the effected area

Fiber / Cable: Easy deployment also in cable routes, underground conveyor belts and
- very robust, resistant to moisture, corrosion, other environmental storage facilities
influences, immune to electrical interference Reduced cost periodic sensor tests and maintenance
- maintenance-free

Valuable information to emergency services indicating how best to deal

Easy system integration and standard interfaces allow online visuali-
with any situation. Instruments can also be accessed simultaneously
zation of fire and heat detection
from different locationse

Autonomous system with integrated permanent system health check Worry-free monitoring

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AP Sensing’s Distributed Temperature Sensing Solutions

Our superior DTS Series targets people like you: reservoir engineers, pipeline operators, high
voltage power cable experts and fire detection system installers. We listened to your application-
driven requirements, challenges, and your observations with existing DTS solutions. We applied
your experiences and requirements to create two innovative complementary sensing solutions.

AP Sensing’s DTS architecture uses a pro- The outdoor version is designed for rough
prietary code correlation technique, which environment (IP66 /~NEMA 4), withstand-
drives high temperature resolution by ing rain, dust, heat, shock and vibration. The
meeting the 1M Laser Class requirements ultra low power consumption of both series
and avoiding the severe Laser safety impli- enables solar panel powering.
cations for each installer and operator that
apply to 3B instruments. An incorporated switch with a flexible
The heart of the DTS instrument is based scheduling functionality, trace memory and
on a highly integrated optical building block, inside alarm analysis support autonomous
hermetically sealed and filled with inert gas, sensing and a cost effective e.g. wireless
enabling extended operating conditions and network solution.
preventing condensation on the sensitive
optical components. Using industry standards for the fiber, com-
puting and programming interface ensures
Long-term measurement stability is pow- easy integration into existing solutions and
ered by an innovative single receiver de- infrastructure.
sign, eliminating tracking issues.
The PC software is easy to handle and
The integrated temperature reference de- intuitive. In a few minutes the user is in a
sign and the temperature stabilized opto- position to perform the first measurements
electronics ensure insensitivity to changing and does not require days of training. The
operating conditions, superior repeatability visualization software features set up and
over the entire operating temperature range. calibration, alarm parameterization, tracking
and real-time temperature trace display.

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 AP Sensing is your
strategic business partner for success.

AP Sensing inherits more than 20 years of With strong commitment and dedication
OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometry) to the DTS technology and the addressed
expertise. Instruments are based on key tech- markets we are constantly optimizing our
nologies and IP from Agilent Technologies solution package to enable reliable asset
(former Hewlett Packard), the global leader in protection, optimizing process perform-
optical measurement and innovator in optical ance, even in challenging environments.
assembly techniques. AP Sensing’s leader- We co-operate with well known and highly
ship in quality, ruggedness and reliability is recognized partners to complete our offer-
based on intelligent design, proven compo- ing and to prove the system capabilities in
nents and decades of experience. a wide range of monitoring scenarios – for
one purpose:
AP Sensing is offering specific solution pack-
ages for the various markets. Including stand-
ard and speciality sensor cables, application Providing intelligent solutions.
specific software and analysis tools as well as
interface modules to feed the DTS data into
management and SCADA systems.

Our Offering:

• Distributed Temperature Sensing

• Visualization and Analysis Software

• Interface to Management Systems

• Sensor Cables and Accessories

• Global Service & Support

• Training

For more information on Distributed Temperature Sensing

products, applications or services, please contact:
AP Sensing world wide: Product specification and descriptions in this document subject
[email protected] to change without notice and are not binding to AP Sensing.
Germany: + 49 ( 07031 ) 435-5910 © AP Sensing GmbH, 2009
America: + 1 ( 214 ) 550-0677 Printed in Germany
China: + 86 ( 21 ) 616-00-150 www.apsensing.com