Let There Be Light! Creating Value from Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing

By Richard Tøndel, Equinor

Abstract
Distributed fiber optic sensing transforms a standard fiber optic cable into a sensor that provides an array of real-time temperature or acoustic measurements along the entire length of the fiber. When interrogators are connected to fibers in wells, along flexible risers, pipelines, power cables and more, these continuous and rich datasets will improve operational insight. Such measurements are commonly referred to as DTS (distributed temperature sensing) and DAS (distributed acoustic sensing).

This presentation will illustrate how the technology works, demonstrate it using animations and sounds, and discuss the benefits of real-time data logistics and visualization. The introduction will be followed by five recent data examples that illustrate the technology’s diversity, and show how DTS & DAS monitoring can create value for our industry:

1. Monitoring of dynamic flexible risers

2. In-well production monitoring

3. Gas lift valve monitoring

4. Annuli liquid level tracking

5. Support during well interventions

Real data examples will be presented as images and sound clips. For these five examples, value is created through improved safety, increased production, enhanced regularity, and reduced need for inspections and repairs. A holistic cost overview will be discussed, and key challenges will be addressed. The five examples show only a small part of the value potential that can be achieved through DTS & DAS monitoring. This presentation will motivate the audience to reflect on how this technology can contribute, and hopefully inspire new use cases for how operations can be made safer, more prolific, and more cost efficient through the use of real-time DTS & DAS monitoring.

The adequate and proportionate understanding of the role of Geological CO2 Storage Regulations and Technical Standards is highlighted, as they are frequently perceived as the primary enablers of the CCS industry.

This lecture will explore the crucial importance of selecting suitable geological sites for CO2 storage. It will also address operational challenges in managing fluids with unique thermodynamic properties and examine how existing legacy wells, whether repurposed or not, can affect the risk and cost aspects of CO2 storage projects.

Adequate site selection, operational considerations and the impact of legacy wells are essential aspects associated with successful implementation of CCS at scale. Furthermore, the discussion concludes with reflections on Value generation beyond direct economic revenue, highlighting scalability and maturation time as key performance indicators for CO2 storage projects.

Biography
Richard Tøndel received his M.Sc. in Petroleum Geoscience from Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and holds more than 25 years of industry experience. He has managed several research activities involving time-lapse seismic, permanent sensor systems, and in-well measurements. During the last 15 years, the fiber optic element of his work has become more pronounced, and he is now responsible for Equinor’s R&D fiber optic activities within subsurface. Tøndel was member of EAGE’s Distinguished Lecturer Program in 2007 and has received internal and external awards for his presentations. He has co-chaired annual European SPE fiber optic workshops in the period 2022 – 2026.