Applications of optical fiber sensors in the oil refining and petrochemical industries

Optical fiber distributed sensing technologies, consisting of many sensors in one single fiber, present unique and cost-effective solutions for the oil refining and petrochemical industries to optimize process operations and improve reliability and safety. In addition, optical fiber sensors do not require electrical power at the sensing locations, reducing the need for explosion-proof electronic packaging. This paper reviews state-of-the-art commercial optical fiber distributed temperature and strain sensing technologies, and presents challenges and opportunities for these technologies in the oil refining and petrochemical industries. Attention is drawn to the fundamental understanding of optical fiber materials and development of reliable sensor protection and installation methods for harsh environments.