Real Time Condition Monitoring for Samsung Mobile Display’s New Production Line

Samsung Mobile Display Co., a venture between Samsung Electronics Co. and its sister unit Samsung SDI Co., are building a new plant that produces displays used in phone handsets and small televisions.
The plant in Asan city, 42 kilometres southwest of Seoul, South Korea, will be completed by July next year. Samsung Mobile Display plans to spend 2.5 trillion won (US$2.11 billion) on the plant.
The joint venture will produce active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM OLED) displays, which are used in portable devices such as mobile phones and small TVs.
LIOS Technology recently completed the installation of its real time condition monitoring system supervising three 154kV high voltage cable systems on site. Condition monitoring is based on LIOS’ Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) System OTS20P with a 16 channel fibre switch.
The distributed temperature profiles of the energy transmission systems made by Prysmian Cables & Systems are measured in real time by embedded fibre optics using FIMT . The DTS readings are visualised at the central control and dispatch centre ensuring save operation and allowing exploitation of the high voltage cable routes at full capacity potential.
(with material of Yonhap )

Sistema Óptico de Medición de Temperatura Distribuida (DTS)

Distributed Temperature Sensing

Principios básicos de Sistema Óptico de Medición de Temperatura Distribuida (DTS)
Los sistemas de fibra óptica son adecuados no sólo para la transmisión de información, sino también como sensores distribuidos localmente. Las magnitudes físicas de medida como la temperatura o las fuerzas de compresión y de tracción pueden influir en las fibra de vidrio y modificar localmente las propiedades de los conductores de luz en la fibra. Como resultado de la atenuación de la luz en las fibras de vidrio de cuarzo producida por la dispersión, se puede determinar el lugar de una influencia física externa, de manera que la guía de ondas de luz se puede utilizar como un sensor lineal.
El llamado efecto Raman es especialmente apropiado para la medición de la temperatura con guíaondas de luz de vidrio de cuarzo. En el interior de la fibra de vidrio, la luz se dispersa en fluctuaciones de densidad microscópicas, que son menores que la longitud de onda. En la retrodispersión, junto al coeficiente de dispersión elástica (Dispersión de Rayleigh) en la misma longitud de onda que la luz incidente, también se encuentran componentes adicionales en otras longitudes de onda, que están acoplados a la oscilación molecular y, por tanto, a la temperatura local (Dispersión de Raman).

Procedimiento de medición
El sistema de medición de temperatura por fibra óptica (DTS) se basa en un procedimiento de retrodispersión Raman por fibra óptica. El detector de calor (sensor de temperatura) propiamente dicho, es un cable guíaondas fibroóptico sensible al calor y a la radiación. Por medio de un aparato de evaluación (reflectómetro óptico Raman) se pueden determinar con resolución espacial los valores de temperatura en la fibra de vidrio del cable guíaondas. Las guíaondas de luz tienen atenuaciones mínimas. La atenuación mínima posible de las fibras de vidrio está limitada por la dispersión Rayleigh de la luz, causada por la estructura amorfa de la fibra de vidrio. Además de la dispersión de Rayleigh, si se producen influencias térmicas en el material de fibra de vidrio se origina otra dispersión de la luz, la llamada dispersión de Raman. Los cambios de temperatura inducen vibraciones reticulares en la estructura molecular del vidrio de cuarzo. Si la luz incide en estas oscilaciones moleculares estimuladas térmicamente, se produce una interacción entre las partículas de luz (fotones) y los electrones de la molécula. En el guíaondas de luz tiene lugar la dispersión de luz dependiente de la temperatura (dispersión de Raman) que, a diferencia de la luz incidente, se desplaza espectralmente en una cantidad equivalente a la frecuencia de resonancia de la vibración reticular.
En comparación con la dispersión de Rayleigh, la dispersión de Raman posee un coeficiente de dispersión muy pequeño, prácticamente irrelevante, y no puede medirse con la técnica clásica OTDR. La intensidad de la banda Anti-Stokes depende de la temperatura, mientras que la banda Stokes es prácticamente independiente de ésta. La medición de la temperatura local en un punto cualquiera de la guía de ondas,  resulta de la “proporción de las intensidades de luz Anti-Stokes y Stokes”. Una particularidad de esta técnica de Raman, es la medición directa de la temperatura con una escala Kelvin. Utilizando un procedimiento de retrodispersión óptico Raman, se puede medir la temperatura a lo largo de la fibra de vidrio como una función de lugar y de tiempo. El procedimiento de retrodispersión más conocido es el sistema OTDR (OTDR: Optical Time Domain Reflectometry). Éste trabaja según un procedimiento de eco de impulsos, mediante el que el nivel y el lugar de dispersión se determinan a partir de la diferencia de tiempo de propagación entre la emisión y la detección de los impulsos de luz. En comparación con la luz dispersa de Rayleigh, en la medición de luz dispersa de Raman existe una señal de retrodispersión más pequeña con un factor 1000. Un sensor de temperatura Raman distribuido localmente con la técnica OTDR, por lo tanto, sólo es factible con fuentes de láser pulsado (en láser de estado sólido general) de alta potencia (caras) y con rápidas técnicas de promediación de señal igualmente caras.
El sensor térmico Raman OFDR (OFDR, Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry) desarrollado por la empresa LIOS Technology GmbH, no trabaja como la técnica OTDR en un margen temporal, sino en una gama de frecuencias. El procedimiento OFDR proporciona información sobre el desarrollo térmico local, cuando la señal de dispersión detectada durante el tiempo de medición completo se mide como una función de frecuencia de forma compleja (función compleja de transmisión) y, a continuación, se somete a la transformada de Fourier. Las ventajas fundamentales de la técnica OFDR son el modo prácticamente continuo del láser  y la detección de banda estrecha de la señal óptica de retrodispersión, por lo que se alcanza una relación señal-ruido notablemente más alta que con la técnica por impulsos. Esta ventaja técnica posibilita la aplicación de diodos de láser semiconductorizados económicos y la utilización de módulos electrónicos más económicos para la promediación de señales. Frente a ésta, se encuentra la medición, técnicamente difícil, de la luz dispersa de Raman (medición compleja según cantidad y fase) y un costoso procesado de señal mediante el cálculo de la Transformada rápida de Fourier (FFT), con exigencias más elevadas de linealidad de los módulos electrónicos.

Pipeline Monitoring – Locating leakages at oil and gas pipelines

Leaks occurring in underground pipelines constitute a substantial danger for both, human beings and the environment. Oil escaping from pipelines pollutes the earth and ground water.
Leaking gas creates the danger of fires and explosions. In addition, leaks bring about large economic losses. It is extremely important to locate leaks as soon as they occur and to be able to locate small leaks. Until now, monitoring systems have only reacted to large leaks and have not been able to pinpoint them accurately. Oil leaks cause temperature anomalies below the pipeline, whereas escaping gas induces a temperature decrease above the pipeline due to the easing of pressure.
Efficient leak location and the long-term monitoring of gas and oil pipelines can therefore be achieved by measuring the temperatures along a pipeline and observing how these temperatures vary over time. Optical-fibre, temperature-measuring technology presents new opportunities in this connection.
An optical-fibre, temperature-measuring cable is laid along a pipeline, enabling the temperatures in the ground to be measured simultaneously over long pipeline distances with a high degree of locational accuracy.
The sensor cable is completely passive electrically and can therefore by fitted to pipelines where a high risk of explosions exists.
The leakage-location principle by means of optical-fibre, temperature-measuring technology

Using optical-fibre, temperature measuring to monitor pipelines makes possible:

• The economical location of leakages and the long-term monitoring of pipelines

• The monitoring of pipeline sections up to 30 km long by means of a system

• The opportunity of linking individual systems to form an overall system to monitor longer sections if necessary

• The quantifying of leakage rates using model calculations

• It is not necessary to empty and clean the pipeline before inspecting it

• Shutting-down the pipeline is not necessary

• Small quantities of escaping oil can be exactly detected and located

• Damage can be identified in its early stages

The measuring system enables the temperature along a section of pipeline to be measured by using optical-fibre sensors. Temperature anomalies caused by leakages are identified via this system and the efficient location of leakages and long-term monitoring of gas and oil pipelines are thus made possible.
Read more:

• Distributed Temperature Sensing
• LNG and LPG Containment Integrity Monitoring Solutions

Distributed Temperature Sensing, the Motor for Tunnel Innovation and Safety in Croatia

Tunnels are sensitive traffic bottlenecks and consequently extraordinary vulnerable in case of accidents or fire blasts. Danger for life and enormous economic consequences ask also for technical solutions of prevention and limitation of damage.

LIOS Technology and its Croatian partner Tehnomobil have set a new standard for modern fire safety solutions for the road tunnel network in Croatia.

Croatia is located in South-Central Europe and shows diverse terrain, including: rolling hills in the continental north and northeast, densely wooded mountains and rocky coastlines on the Adriatic Sea. The highlight of Croatia's recent infrastructure developments is its rapidly growing highway network which puts focus on tunnels as well.

Tehnomobil’s excellent engineering and contracting background in traffic infrastructure and fire fighting industries perfectly match with LIOS Technology’s comprehensive experience in fire detection applications for tunnels and special hazard buildings with an impressive track record of more than 2000 installed fibre optic temperature sensing systems worldwide.

Best fire surveillance for more than 90 % of the road tunnels in Croatia

At present an impressive share of more than 90 % of the Croatian road tunnels are equipped with the fibre optic fire detection system by LIOS Technology. In 28 tunnels with in total 55 tunnel tubes the purely passive LIOS fibre optic line sensor cable has been installed by Tehnomobil for reliable and fast fire detection. Those tunnels with tube lengths ranging from 500m to almost 6000m were newly opened in recent years or re-opened after full refurbishments where the conventional line type fire detection system could be replaced by the fibre optic LIOS system. Within LIOS Technology’s long list of tunnel projects in Croatia it is worth to stress the tunnels Veliki Glozac and Brinje which received best scores at recent European tunnel safety rankings.

Read more:

• Optimum Safety in Tunnels and Special Hazard Buildings
• Distributed Temperature Sensing

Introduction to Distributed Temperature Sensing

Distributed Temperature Sensing Systems (DTS) are optoelectronic devices which measure temperatures by means of optical fibres functioning as linear sensors. Temperatures are recorded along the optical sensor cable, thus not at points, but as a continuous profile. A high accuracy of temperature determination is achieved over great distances.

Measuring Principle - Raman Effect
Physical measurement dimensions, such as temperature or pressure and tensile forces, can affect glass fibres and locally change the characteristics of light transmission in the fibre. As a result of the attenuation of the light in the quartz glass fibres through scattering, the location of an external physical effect can be determined so that the optical fibre can be employed as a linear sensor.

Optical fibres are made from doped quartz glass. Quartz glass is a form of silicon dioxide (SiO2) with amorphous solid structure. Thermal effects induce lattice oscillations within the solid. When light falls onto these thermally excited molecular oscillations, an interaction occurs between the light particles (photons) and the electrons of the molecule. Light scattering, also known as Raman scattering, occurs in the optical fibre. Unlike incident light, this scattered light undergoes a spectral shift by an amount equivalent to the resonance frequency of the lattice oscillation.

The light scattered back from the fibre optic therefore contains three different spectral shares:

• the Rayleigh scattering with the wavelength of the laser source used,
• the Stokes line components with the higher wavelength in which photons are generated, and
• the Anti-Stokes line components with a lower wavelength than the Rayleigh scattering, in which photons are destroyed.

The intensity of the so-called Anti-Stokes band is temperature-dependent, while the so-called Stokes band is practically independent of temperature. The local temperature of the optical fibre is derived from the ratio of the Anti-Stokes and Stokes light intensities.

Measuring Principle - OFDR Technology
Latest DTS evaluation units deploy the method of Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) . The OFDR system provides information on the local characteristic when the backscatter signal detected during the entire measurement time is measured as a function of frequency in a complex fashion, and then subjected to Fourier transformation. The essential benefits of OFDR technology are the quasi continuous wave mode employed by the laser and the narrow-band detection of the optical back scatter signal, whereby a significantly higher signal to noise ratio is achieved than with conventional pulse technology (OTDR). This technical benefit allows the use of affordable semiconductor laser diodes and electronic assemblies for signal averaging.

The optical frequency domain reflectometry has been developed as a high-resolution measurement process for the characterisation of optical wave guides with length dimensions of just a few millimetres. In contrast, its application for the Raman backscatter measurement was introduced and patented by the company LIOS Technology.

Schematic system set up
The temperature measuring system consists of a controller (frequency generator, laser source, optical module, HF mixer, receiver and micro-processor unit) and a quartz glass fibre (fibre optic) as line-shaped temperature sensor.

The design is three-channel, since an additional reference channel is required besides the two measurement channels (Anti-Stokes and Stokes). Corresponding to the OFDR system, the power output of the laser runs through the sinus-shaped frequency starting from a starting frequency in the kilohertz range through the ending frequency in the high megahertz range within a measurement time interval with the help of the High Frequency (HF) modulator. The resulting frequency shift is a direct measurement of the local resolution of the reflectometer. The frequency-modulated laser light is connected to the fibre optic-sensor via the optical module.

The continuously back-scattered Raman light is spectrally filtered in the optical module and converted into electrical signals by means of photo detectors. Then the measurement signals are amplified and mixed in the Low Frequency spectral range (LF range). The Fourier transformation of the averaged LF signals results in the two Raman backscatter curves. The amplitudes of these backscatter curves are proportional to the intensity of the Raman scattering of the viewed location. The fibre temperature along the sensor cable results from the amplitude ratio of the two measurement channels.


High Reliability and Industrial Strength

The semiconductor laser diode has been thoroughly type tested according the Telcordia GR-468 standard. It fulfils telecom standards with a medium lifetime of more than 25 years. The entire system was comprehensively evaluated by various independent international bodies (e.g. the VdS, the association of German asset insurers) including EMC tests as well as endurance tests at accelerated aging environments. Field data of the huge installed base prove the exceptional high reliability of the controllers.

Read more...

WETEX Dubai 2010:Green code for building utilities from April

Dubai will launch the green building regulations related to utilities next month and will give contractors of new projects five months to comply with the new rules.
The move will make Dubai the first city in the Middle East that officially applies the green building standards to its residential and commercial buildings.
"In the initial stage, all new buildings will be required to comply with the codes and regulations and incorporate them in their construction designs," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.

Read the full article here

Intelligent Well Completion - Special Focus on "World Oil" magazine

Right from the oil industry’s begin­ning, people wanted to know more about the reservoirs that they were exploiting. This included having a more sound un­derstanding about reservoir behaviour and obtaining knowledge on how to optimize hydrocarbon recovery. As it was, and still is, impossible to look directly into a res­ervoir, other ways to obtain information about it needed to be investigated. Direct surface measurements were helpful and are still required today, but downhole sensing quickly became an important topic for reservoir monitoring.

The first sensors were for pressure measurements and then temperature. Nowadays, micro-sensing images a whole ground section in 3D. A lot of in­formation can be derived from relatively easy temperature measurements along the borehole. The advances in fibre op­tics and packaging, and the experience gained over the last five to 10 years, has enabled the industry to deliver low-cost DTS systems. An additional factor has been further development of industry standards and electronics, enabling per­sonnel to build an architecture that al­lows data flow from the well to the pro­duction technologist’s desk.


Reprinted from: World Oil,  May 2007 issue, pgs 37–44.


Read more:

	Download complete "World Oil" article on permanent downhole temperature sensing
	Oil and gas well optimisation and reservoir performance improvement

On-line registrations for CIGRE 2010 Session are open

International Council on Large Electric Systems

Over 80 years back, and every two years since, CIGRE has brought together electrical engineers from all over the World for a unique event - the CIGRE Session. The reason for the ever growing audience of CIGRE has always been and continues to be the high quality of papers presented and the topical interest of the subjects discussed, of direct concern for the Power Industry. In 2008 the number of attendees increased beyond expectations to reach the record figure of 3000 Delegates.

On-line registrations for CIGRE 2010 Session are open

Session 2010 Paris, France. 22 - 27 August 2010




Should you wish to attend the CIGRE Conference and benefit from early bird rates, you should register before 30/04/2010.

From 01/05 to 31/07/2010 - Registrations: fee 2

From 01/08/2010 - Registrations: fee 3

See for the General Programme, the Technical Programme and Accommodation information CIGRE website.

What you must know about the CIGRE Session?

An event designed to meet the expectations of each and everyone

• Monday dedicated to 2 Panels on broad topics: “The Need for increased Intelligence in Power Systems”; “Large disturbances”.
• Tuesday to Friday: 16 “Discussion Meetings” – 4 parallel sessions each day.
• Tuesday to Thursday: 6 “Poster Sessions” are scheduled for Delegates to meet with paper authors.
• A Technical Exhibition in the same location.
• A unique opportunity to interact with more than 4400 delegates and visitors from all over the world, managers and experts from all sectors of the Power Industry.

Discussion Meetings run on a “Special Reporter” System

• The CD-Rom of Session Papers (approx. 400) is forwarded to the Delegates. For fruitful discussions Delegates are strongly encouraged to read the Papers before the Session as these
• Papers are not presented by their authors, but discussed in Discussion Meetings.
• Discussion Meetings are organized on the basis of a “Special Report” which incorporates the gist of the Session Papers and raises a number of questions for discussion.
• Intended speakers prepare their contributions on the basis of the questions raised (to be sent in a few days in advance or handed in the day before discussion).
• Contributors are required to meet with Chairmen of Discussion Meetings the day before Discussion.
• For each Discussion Meeting a “Daily Summary of Discussions” is issued and available the next day.

To make the most of the Session

• Take a look at the Technical Programme posted on www.cigre.org, links “Events”, “Sessions”
• Register early so as to have time to read the Papers well ahead of the event
• See the Special Reports on the web
• If you plan to present a contribution, prepare it as explained in the “Guide for Discussion Contributors” posted on the web.

What is CIGRE?

CIGRE (International Council on Large Electric Systems) is one of the leading worldwide Organizations on Electric Power Systems, covering their technical, economic, environmental, organisational and regulatory aspects.

A permanent, non-governmental and non-profit International Association, based in France, CIGRE was founded in 1921 and aims to:

• Facilitate and develop the exchange of engineering knowledge and information, between engineering personnel and technical specialists in all countries as regards generation and high voltage transmission of electricity.
• Add value to the knowledge and information exchanged by synthesizing state-of-the-art and world practices.
• Make managers, decision-makers and regulators aware of the synthesis of CIGRE's work, in the area of electric power.

More specifically, issues related to planning and operation of power systems, as well as design, construction, maintenance and disposal of HV equipment and plants are at the core of CIGRE's mission. Problems related to protection of power systems, telecontrol, telecommunication equipment and information systems are also part of CIGRE's area of concern.

TO BE NOTED:

• The general rule is for participants to register with their National Committee (the list of the 22 National Committees handling registrations is available on the CIGRE website, link "What you must know about the registration process").
• As from 1st January 2010 CIGRE is no longer liable to VAT; hence a 0% VAT rate applies for CIGRE services, i.e. Session registrations, publications purchased, membership fees: all tariffs are VAT free, for all countries.
  It is recalled that according to European Union regulations the VAT reference number (when there is one) must be supplied as it is mandatory for it to appear on all invoices.

Thank you in advance for your participation in the CIGRE 2010 Session and we look forward to meeting you in Paris (22 > 27 August).

Please forward this note to your colleagues and all persons who may be interested in the conference subjects.

Integrated Condition Monitoring for High Voltage Cables: Direct link to SCADA / substation automation

The intrinsic temperature measuring system DTS based on LIOS Technology’s design, with fibre optic sensors either installed within the power cable’s cross section (FIMT - Fibre in metal tube ) or attached to the exterior of the cable, makes it possible to record the temperature profile along an entire cable route continuously, and to pinpoint the exact location of hot spots within a metre.

Most commonly the measured temperature profile data is transmitted via standard interfaces from systems of the DTS as required, and be either displayed or further processed by PC, PLC or SCADA systems. As a result of the increasing demands placed on the ability to network and integrate measuring systems into management systems, LIOS offers network components that summarise DTS data from several DTS units and transport or convert it to the required network standards and protocols like Modbus, DNP3, IEC60870-5 or XML based data interfaces (e.g. POSC).

Equipped with the Embedded Communication Module (ECM) the Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) evaluation unit is accessible by Ethernet/ LAN, holds its own IP address and is compatible with DHCP.
The on-board storage facility of measurement data provides automatic buffering of network break downs. It can handle multiple protocols, so the DTS can be directly linked to PLC or SCADA systems and communicates in various industrial protocol standards providing measured data and customised alarm information.
Hereby, the evaluation unit communicates as a TCP /IP server with several clients.

Features of the embedded communication module of the LIOS DTS controller:

• Configuration and operation of the DTS via two independent channels:
  
  
  • RS232
  • Ethernet TCP/IP
  
  
• Onboard storage of measurement data
  
  
  • Buffers up to 72 hours of measurement data and initiates data transfer automatically after communication link was re-established
  • Individual file access to measurement data through CHARON_02 (onboard data storage 1 GB)
  
  
• Allows to operate individual Plug-In-Interfaces for customer specific protocol solutions
  
  
  • The DTS can communicate in parallel with its proprietary protocol and one or more customer specific protocols like DNP3, IEC60870-5-104, IEC61850, POSC WITSML, Modbus (Master/Slave) etc.
  • Individual assignments for protocols and client addresses (IP) possible
  
  
• Ethernet communication to and from clients with high bandwidth
• Module comes with built-in user configurable Firewall and enables reliable operation even in WAN’s
• Secure data transmission and individual authorisation according TLS- Standard (RFC 2246)

The most common industrial protocols used in electrical systems worldwide are introduced in the following section. However, also other protocol standards are available or can be implemented for the ECM. Please contact us in case of questions.

MODBUS
The MODBUS protocol was published by Modicon in 1979. It is a quite simple single master – multiple slave protocol widely used in general purpose SCADA applications. It provides binary (bit) and 16-bit integer data, but no floating point values, polled by the master, i.e. the slave cannot send data spontaneously. The protocol specification is openly published and royalty-free. In the DTS ECM, TCP/IP is used as transport layer.

IEC 60870-5
IEC 60870-5 provides a communication profile for sending basic Telecontrol messages between systems. It was developed by the IEC Technical Committee 57 (Working Group 03) as a protocol standard for Telecontrol, Teleprotection, and associated telecommunications for electric power systems. The result of this work is IEC 60870-5. The protocol provides inter alia bit, integer and floating point data with or without time stamps. Data is transmitted from controlled stations (slaves) either by polling or spontaneously. In the ECM the IEC 60870-5-104 companion standard, defining standard TCP/IP connections as transport layer, is used.

DNP3
DNP3 (Distributed Networking Protocol) is an open standard managed by the DNP User Group. Initially; the DNP3 protocol was developed by Westronic (now GE-Harris) in 1993. It is widely used in electrical systems worldwide, including North and South America, the UK, Southeast Asia, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. It has gained wider use beyond electrical utilities, e.g. for water supply as well. The DNP3 protocol is also referenced in IEEE Std. 1379-2000, which recommends a set of best practices for implementing modern SCADA Master-RTU/IED communication links.
The protocol provides bit, integer and floating point data and time stamps. Data is transmitted from the outstation (slave) either by polling or spontaneously. The ECM uses TCP/IP as transport layer, but even in this mode the DNP3 protocol additionally uses its own protocol stack for synchronisation and error checking. This provides extra security.

Containment Integrity Monitoring Solutions for LNG Carriers

LNG Carrier

LIOS Technology distributed temperature measurement system (DTS-System) is suited ideally to detect reliably and to locate precisely any temperature anomaly caused by an accidental release of LNG. Our innovative and patented OFDR evaluation method enables the determination of a continuous temperature profile along the entire length of an optical fibre offering thousand of data points at a single measurement. Based on our expert knowledge and our impressive record of safety installations we have developed suitable alarm processing algorithm to detect temperature events fast, reliably and precisely. Also multiple temperature events are identified and pinpointed simultaneously allowing the operator to initiate proper counter measures rapidly.
With the capability to use multiple optical channels and a measurement range of  several kilometres per channel the LIOS Technology DTS system is a cost - sensitive solution for an entire cryogenic supervision including containments, foundations, pumps and piping.  The system supplies precise temperature information which facilitates the control of cool-down operations like load- and unload procedures. Additionally an optional loop set-up of the sensor cable enables a redundant operation of the system. Consequently the entire measurement length keeps maintained in case of single fibre break.  Summarized the operator takes the following benefit from using LIOS Technology DTS system:

• Full information of containment integrity – everywhere at any time
• Significantly reduced off-times due to exact pinpointing of leaks
• Enabling effective and automatic counter measures
• Fast detection of slow leaks as well as sudden leaks
• Better control of load and unload procedures (cool-down operations)
• Maximum safety of people, assets and environment
• Redundant operation thanks to loop set-up of the sensor cable
• Reduced installation efforts – additional wiring is not required
• Low maintenance efforts and cost
• Long lifetime

  Read more:

	LNG and LPG Containment Integrity Monitoring Solutions
	Information centre for LNG operations

US Renewable Energy Project Equipped with Real Time Condition Monitoring

For one of the biggest American renewable energy companies LIOS provided its well recognized DTS system for monitoring the temperature of two medium voltage power cables directly buried coming from a wind turbine towards the substation. All asset condition monitoring data from the controller is linked in real time by means of Modbus communication protocol to the operator’s SCADA system. The company is convinced by using DTS it has a better control over the thermal cable conditions thus over the load of the power cables which let it utilize its assets more economically. This is a great step for LIOS Technology to strengthen its position in USA for temperature monitoring of power cables at wind farms together with the recently opened office in Morganville, New Jersey.
 Read more:

	Smart Grid: Real time ampacity predictions of power cable and aerial line installations
	Distributed temperature monitoring of power cables

Condition Monitoring of high voltage cables: Turning information into extra capacity

Increasing demand for power is forcing power utilities to load power cables to their physical limit, and safety and efficiency concerns are making it more and more critical for operators to understand what is happening thermally both inside the cables themselves, and along the cable route.
Real Time Determination of Thermal Conditions along HV Power Cable Systems
During high-load conditions and under emergency circumstances (such as when a failure occurs in a segment of the grid and power must be shifted to other sections to compensate) it often becomes necessary to load cables right up to the limits permitted by the relevant regulations. In these operational situations, it must be ensured that maximum temperature limits are not exceeded. Due to the increasing complexity of the thermal relationships along cable routes, the ability to continuously measure the temperatures along the cable has proven invaluable, providing critical operational data to engineers, especially in the case of a system faults such as a hot spots that could result in cable failure if they are not corrected.
The intrinsic temperature measuring system DTS based on LIOS Technology’s design, with fibre optic sensors either installed within the power cable’s cross section (FIMT – Fibre in metal tube ) or attached to the exterior of the cable, makes it possible to record the temperature profile along an entire cable route continuously, and to pinpoint the exact location of hot spots within a metre. Since the measuring principle employed is purely optical, the presence of electromagnetic influences, which can result in false sensor signals in other technologies, does not affect the DTS unit.
Distributed temperature sensing is a powerful tool that allows the accurate rating of high voltage power cables in real time, and provides the following operating benefits:

• Reduce power outages or blackouts
• Ensure continuity of supply
• Activate hidden capacity reserves of existing assets
• React quickly to overload conditions
• Conduct precisely and in real-time load predictions as new sources of energy are added to the grid

The temperature profile data, in any desired form or format, can be transmitted via standard interfaces from systems of the OTS product series as required, and be either displayed or further processed by PC, PLC or SCADA systems. As a result of the increasing demands placed on the ability to network and integrate measuring systems into management systems, LIOS offers network components that summarise DTS data from several DTS units and transport or convert it to the required network standards and protocols like Modbus, DNP3, IEC60870-5 or XML based data interfaces.
Dynamic Cable Rating
LIOS also provides an integrated Real Time Thermal Rating (RTTR) package via a well defined interface between its DTS data visualisation software and a commercialised – the industry’s de facto standard – cable ampacity program based on IEC standardised methods (mainly IEC 60287 and IEC 60853). Dynamic rating software couples the accurate temperature data provided by the DTS unit to predictive functions of cable ratings, providing engineers with even more information upon which they can base distribution and load decisions. The result is dramatically more efficient transmission of power, fewer “brown-outs”, and decreased operating costs.

The ideal sensor embedded in power cables: Fibre In Metal Tube (FIMT)

The optical fibre serves as the distributed temperature sensor for LIOS DTS systems and is typically surrounded by a protective layer. It is preferably encased in a stainless steel tube which significantly increases the mechanical stability of the sensor. Fibre encapsulated in stainless steel tube or short “Fibre In Metal Tube (FIMT)” is a hermetically sealed rugged construction for very long lengths of optical fibres. Furthermore, it is particularly effective in protecting against the hydrostatic pressures, high temperature effects and corrosive environments.
The inside of the FIMT metallic tube may lined with gel to ensure that the sensor cable remains permanently water-proof. This viscous gel protects the fibres from many environmental concerns, prevents damage from microbending conditions and helps to minimize the forces applied during spooling and deployment.
An important parameter to consider with FIMT is the Excess Fibre Length. It is defined by the percentage of excess fibre loaded into the metal tube during processing to relieve induced stresses directly related to the differing thermal coefficient of expansions of each material contained in the construction. FIMT is exposed to drastic and often rapid changes in temperature and pressure, so the Excess Fibre Length must be considered to ensure continuous, robust performance across all operational conditions.
FIMT constructions contain individual or multiple fibres (single mode or multi mode) and are available in sizes ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm outer diameter, variations in effective wall thickness are possible as well. FIMT serves as the core for various fibre optic sensor cable constructions or may be integrated into high voltage cable designs directly.
The FIMT is manufactured from a special stainless steel strip. During the manufacturing process this strip is formed to a tube and welded along its length. The stainless steel tubes must be hermetically sealed for all applications. For this reason the complete weld seam is subjected to a leak proof test by means of eddy current. By means of a drawing process the desired final diameter is attained on the one hand and an increase in strength through cold conversion on the other. During the manufacturing process the optical fibres are inserted into the tube. They are clearly differentiated by means of a specific colour code. At the end of the production process the tubes are subjected to a complete optical attenuation measurement and then documented for back-tracing. Additionally, each length produced is subjected to a weld penetration test, each weld seam undergoes a leak test, and the Excess Fibre Length is checked.
LIOS offers a variety of FIMT constructions perfectly suitable for distributed temperature sensing applications along power cable transmission systems.

DTS support for Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD)

Accurate, continual, and real-time temperature reading along the well path can give you valuable information about the condition of both the reservoir and downhole completion provided by LIOS distributed temperature sensing (DTS). This enables you to adjust parameters and schedule maintenance for maximum hydrocarbon production and minimize downtime.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="DTS support for Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD)"][/caption]

DTS Temperature readings allow you to:

• Enhance oil and gas recovery
• Increase production yields
• Track well production changes over time
• Reduce frequency of well interventions
• Improve reservoir management strategies
• Supply in-flow distribution along the reservoir
• Detect early water, steam (SAGD), or gas breakthrough and its location
• Observe steam flooding performance
• Verify and allocate cross flow
• Determine skin factor
• Check integrity of casing and completion
• Monitor and optimize gas lift valve operation
• Detect stuck or leaky valves, perforation inflow, porous insulation, wax deposits, hydrate precipitation, etc.

Read more: DTS Condition Monitoring in Oil & Gas Exploration

Superior Technology and Industrial Strength – State of the Art DTS Production

The LIOS' DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensing) technology has been successfully proven in critical applications like fire detection in road and rail tunnels,  power cable and transmission line monitoring, in oil & gas exploration for permanent downhole monitoring and for industrial induction furnaces surveillance, where these systems have been equipped in worldwide projects with more than 2000 permanent installations since 1997.

Key advantages of Raman OFDR distributed temperature sensing (DTS) systems by LIOS Technology:

• Reliable system design with approved key components from the telecom industry
• The OFDR technology enables to provide sophisticated temperature surveillance at commodity prices
• Invariant spatial resolution along the entire sensor length of 1 m or 50 cm even at most remote distances.
• Direct link to SCADA systems and flexible data handling
• International Approvals and Certificates – type tested and accredited
• Impressive track record of more than 2000 installations in permanent operation

At LIOS’ new facilities at Seiler Höfe, Cologne, Germany we experience ideal surrounding conditions as an industrial manufacturer of fiber optic DTS sensor systems. In conscious of the strong requirements being made in the safety market, we provide a highly proven product based on the compliance with international quality standards recognised by impartial and competent partners for type testing our products like the VdS (Association of German Property Insurers), Deloitte or EXAM and is furthermore reflected in our implemented quality management system, certified according to DIN ISO 9001 / Edition 12/2008 and our environmental management system according to ISO 14001.

• Industrial DTS production with impressive track record
• Modern and efficient production procedures
• Comprehensively type tested
• 100 % applied Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)
• Customised Site Acceptance Test (SAT) through experienced staff on site
• High Tech made in Germany

Related information on LIOS DTS technology:

• The technology behind LIOS OFDR distributed temperature sensing systems

Dynamic wind farm load patterns recorded by long range DTS

The biggest Danish utility owner has successfully completed the installation of LIOS' Single Mode DTS equipment to monitor the power cable temperature of an offshore UK wind farm. This wind farm consists of 25 wind turbines and running in total 150.000 hours/year, designed for operational usage for in total 20 years. The high voltage power cable route is approx 20km long and connecting the offshore substation to a substation onshore. The DTS system provides real time distributed temperature sensing of the HV cable sections subsea and those inside the towers and ensures save and stable grid operation. Furthermore it helps activating hidden capacity reserves during dynamic transmission requests.

Read more:

Distributed temperature monitoring of power cables

This post is part of Blog Action Day 2009.

Reliable Energy Supply for the city of Graz, Austria

In order to improve the energy supply for the city of Graz, CCC GmbH Berlin installed new cable connections across the town between the transformer stations of Graz-South and Graz-West. The entire underground engineering, i.e. the joint base installation mand complete trenching construction was built by STEWEAG-STEG GmbH. The new cable installation is one of the city’s main transmission lines and is heavily loaded. In order to optimize the transmission performance and to guarantee its secure reliability, the cable installation has been equipped with large scale cross-bonding systems at its sheath. In addition, by the help of the LIOS Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) system, the level of backup capacity can be assessed. These optical fibres can monitor the cable temperature along the trench and have been integrated into the sheath area of the cable.

Highlights

• 110 kV high-voltage power cables between transformer stations Graz-South and Graz-West
• 3 cable lines with a length of 3,2 km each (total 9,6 km cable),one of which is equipped for the entire distance of 3,2 km with integrated optical fibres in a steel tube integrated in the copper screen of the HV-cable for temperature monitoring (DTS)
• 18 sets of accessories
• Cross-bonding system in order to maximize transmission performance
• During the planning period numerous calculations for currentcarrying capacity were carried out in order to judge the influenceof crossing long-distance heating lines.
• Direct DTS data interface for temperature and operational data into the overall SCADA system of STEWEAG-STEG (Fernwirkanlage STEWEAG-STEG) using protocol IEC 60870-5-104

NKT group to decrease emission of CO2 by 12 percent over three years

“Recycling and the environment have been an integral part of NKT’s working agenda for many years. But our ambition is to be even greener,” says NKT’s CTO Søren Isaksen.

Over the next three years NKT will cut corporate carbon emission by a further 12%. The announcement of this specific target is a direct result of NKT’s decision last year to join the Carbon Disclosure Project.

“When submitting our first report to the Carbon Disclosure Project we could see that we had actually exceeded our own expectations. In the period 2001 to 2008, in our cable business, we reduced CO2 emission relative to output by 48%. So we feel we are already well on the way,” says Søren Isaksen, Chief Technology Officer for the NKT Group.

“However, this does not prevent NKT from setting new targets,” stresses Søren Isaksen. “In future, the ability to document carbon dioxide emission will be an important competitive parameter. Just as we impose demands on our suppliers, our customers impose demands on us. In this way, all players in the supply chain influence the environmental and carbon balance sheets.”

For more information on the Carbon Disclosure Project see:

• Carbon Disclosure Project to assess world business CO2 footprint


• Carbon Disclosure Project


• NKT lowers CO2 emission

Setting Standards for Highly Reliable DTS Performance

LIOS Technology GmbH is the leading manufacturer of industrial DTS systems with an impressive track record of more than 2000 installations in permanent operation. Its current DTS product series was carefully designed and thoroughly tested targeting reliable performance and smooth operation in industrial environments.
This was imposingly endorsed by the latest statistical field analysis in respect of a mean time between failures (MTBF) evaluation. Adapted from field data of our installed base of the current DTS product series an excellent MTBF figure of 28 years was reached.

High reliability is also a result of the unique optical frequency-domain reflectometry (OFDR) technology of the LIOS DTS systems. In contrast to time-domain technology using pulsed lasers with high peak powers, the LIOS OFDR DTS uses a quasi-continuous laser with low peak power resulting in a nonexistent wear out of the laser unit or any other fatigue of other optical components. The exceptional reliability favors the deployment of the LIOS DTS systems in all remote, safety-relevant and industrial applications.

Electricity for all, the smart way – visit LIOS at Power Indonesia 2009

LIOS Technology GmbH- Linear Optical Sensors is pleased to invite you to attend Power Indonesia 2009 - the 14th International Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Exhibition, taking place 14-17 October at the Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran.

Booth number: A340

In cooperation with our partner Anugrah Mitra International & Anugrah Mira Nusantara we proudly present continuous and cost-effective monitoring solutions for the electric transmission and distribution grid, which are the essential success factors of Smart Grid implementations.

The LIOS DTS product line comprises a range of real-time fibre optic based linear temperature measuring devices (Distributed Temperature Sensing, DTS). LIOS offers Real Time Thermal Rating/ Dynamic Cable Rating (RTTR/ DCR) solutions for ampacity predictions of the power cable and overhead transmission line installation transparently integrated with its field proven DTS systems.

The Electric Indonesia Series 2009 provides a one stop shop for the major elements in the development of the country's electrical sector. For power generation, transmission and distribution Power Indonesia is South East Asia‘s most comprehensive exhibition.
This year over 600 companies from 34 countries will participate showing the huge potential in Indonesia’s Power and Electric Industries. Regional & National Pavilions from Taiwan, Korea, Germany, Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Singapore, UK, and China will showcase the latest technology and equipment to help meet the countries huge demand for additional power.
Under its vision "Electricity for all", the Government is currently planning to increase power generation by 35,000MW by 2015 at an investment of over US$40Billion.

We look forward to seeing you in Jakarta!

Read more:

	For more information on Power Indonesia 2009 click here
	Distributed temperature monitoring of power cables

Investments in Smartgrid Technologies encourage LIOS to open US office

LIOS Technology, leading provider of state of the art frequency domain based distributed temperature monitoring solutions (DTS), announced today that it has opened an office in Morganville, New Jersey to service the growing demand for distributed temperature solutions in the United States. The New Jersey office expands LIOS’ ability to offer local sales and support services to its fast growing base of customers and prospects in the North-American market.

Corporations in the United States have been strong adopters of DTS solutions particularly in the power industry where the security, reliability and performance of temperature monitoring systems are critical.

"Especially with the SGIG (Smart Grid Investment Grant Program) we are experiencing growth in market demand and level of interest in our products and solutions," said Konrad Linckh, director of the LIOS New Jersey office. „Our customers are expanding their commitment to ensuring the reliability and performance of the transmission and distribution systems they operate. The continuous and cost-effective grid monitoring solution offered by LIOS supports that commitment and is the essential success factor of Smart Grid implementations.”

The new office is located at:

LIOS Technology Inc.
1400 Campus Drive West
Morganville, NJ 07751, USA

Tel: +1 (732) 970-8062
Fax: +1 (732) 972-4410

Success story for permanent downhole sensing - Maximize your ROI with DTS

Technology is the key driver in the quest for greater efficiency. In the oil and gas industry, there is keen interest and high demand for low-cost, reliable, and easily installable systems to enhance downhole production and recovery.

“Installation of LIOS DTS in the Darat Field in Brunei has proven to increase the value of the wells from our customer significantly because of early detection of faulty gas lift valves, resulting in quick repair and increased production.”

Lt Col (B) Mahmod Yakop (Founder & Managing Director, AMRTUR Corporation Sdn. Bhd)

In a co-operation between Shell International Exploration and Production (SIEP) and LIOS Technology GmbH (LIOS) the feasibility and economical added value of permanent downhole temperature sensing have been successfully demonstrated in a number of recently deployed on- and offshore projects in Brunei BSP. This shows that once certain maturity and robustness in a technology has evolved and an agreement on standards has been implemented low-cost equipment can be designed, manufactured, and deployed even for low-cost wells. The applied design and working practices enable permanent in-well sensing for a large-scale role out. Additionally, a common database has been developed and successfully deployed. The reservoir engineers in BSP have now full access to the low-cost DTS installed wells around the clock, every day of the year.

Offshore Europe 2009 - Meet us in Aberdeen - 8-11 September 2009

LIOS Technology will be exhibiting at Offshore Europe 2009, from 8 till 11 September in Aberdeen, German Pavilion. In this show, we proudly present our full range and latest Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) systems for Oil & Gas applications.

See the latest information about our new HT SAGD application (high temperature steam assisted gravity drainage) for Oil & Gas including our new hydrogen resistant fibre rated 300 degree C and our latest auto calibration system.

Please contact us directly at oil@downhole-monitoring.com for more information or to make an appointment.

Visitors are invited to stop by the LIOS stand  No. 1397 b.
LIOS staff will be on hand to answer questions and discuss particular challenges.

Please register for free admission at  http://www.offshore-europe.co.uk/LIOSTechnology

Read more at our  Downhole Monitoring website.

Join us in Cologne - LIOS Festive Head Office Opening Event

LIOS Technology GmbH – Linear Optical Sensors has inaugurated its new head office building at Seiler Höfe, Cologne, Germany with a festive opening event on 27 May 2009. The Power-GEN / POWERGRID Europe trade fair which was held in Cologne this year served as an appropriate occasion for LIOS’ official launch party. The joyful gathering was well attended by customers and partners of LIOS coming from all parts of Europe, Asia and Oceania.

The 1912/13 built warehouses for cable and wire products were recently refurbished and converted into modern office and production space building the ideal showcase for LIOS’ innovative online condition monitoring solutions utilized in modern power management.