Harsh Environment Resonant optical Sensor (HEROS)

There is a need in the Oil & Gas industry for a reliable method for accurate measurement of pressure and temperature (P&T) down the length of an oil well. The device must be robust enough to withstand the harsh environment with low drift over time. The consortium will develop a sensor head and optical interrogator suitable for downhole measurement of P&T. Electronic instruments have limited lifetime at elevated temperature, therefore this technology represents an enabler allowing a higher percentage of the hydrocarbons in the reservoir to be economically extracted. The project aims to deliver a system demonstrator, which if successful would lead to industrial packaging and field trials. The feasibility of an optical sensor for high-accuracy pressure measurements up to 400°C has been demonstrated at GE Sensing. However, significant innovation is required to deliver a robust and cost-effective solution. Oxsensis will develop a multi-channel interrogator to interrogate the sensor. GE Sensing will develop a chip to optically match the Oxsensis interrogator, packaged for down-hole deployment. Accuracy, stability & lifetime will be tested at representative pressures & temperatures.