Abstract: To optimize the efficiency and reliability of downhole data transmissions, an optical splash communication system may be utilized. A downhole tool may include an optical splash communication system that comprises multiple electrical elements where the electrical elements communicate with each other by transmitting and receiving via free space an optical splash signal through an inner space of the downhole tool. The electrical elements may comprise or be coupled to a light source and a detector. Multiple optical splash communication systems may be deployed in multiple downhole tools such that each downhole tool may communicate with another downhole tool via an opening, for example, a transparent sealed window, between the downhole tools. The opening is sufficient to permit transmissions to occur even when the downhole tools are rotated independently of each other.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method and apparatus, as well as an article, may operate to determine downhole properties based on detected optical signals. An optical detection system can include a fiber optic cable having a sensing location to generate a reflected measurement signal representative of measurement parameters. The optical detection system can further include a light source to transmit a measurement signal to cause the sensing location to provide the reflected measurement signal. The optical detection system can further include an optical detector comprising a single-photon detector (SPD) for detecting the reflected measurement signal received over the fiber optic cable. The optical detection system can further include a housing for enclosing the optical detector and to optically shield the optical detector, the housing including an aperture for passage of the fiber optic cable. Additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method and apparatus, as well as an article, may operate to determine downhole properties based on detected optical signals. An optical detection system can include a fiber optic cable having a sensing location to generate a backscattered Rayleigh signal representative of measurement parameters. The optical detection system can further include a light source to transmit a measurement signal to cause the sensing location to provide the backscattered Rayleigh signal. The optical detection system can further include an optical detector comprising a single-photon detector (SPD) for detecting the backscattered Rayleigh signal received over the fiber optic cable. The optical detection system can further include circuitry to produce an acoustic signal representative of a downhole property based on the phase of the backscattered Rayleigh signal. Additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: To optimize the efficiency and reliability of downhole data transmissions, an optical splash communication system may be utilized. A downhole tool may include an optical splash communication system that comprises multiple electrical elements where the electrical elements communicate with each other by transmitting and receiving via free space an optical splash signal through an inner space of the downhole tool. The electrical elements may comprise or be coupled to a light source and a detector. Multiple optical splash communication systems may be deployed in multiple downhole tools such that each downhole tool may communicate with another downhole tool via an opening, for example, a transparent sealed window, between the downhole tools. The opening is sufficient to permit transmissions to occur even when the downhole tools are rotated independently of each other.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method and apparatus, as well as an article, may operate to determine downhole properties based on detected optical signals. An optical detection system can include a fiber optic cable having a sensing location to generate a reflected measurement signal representative of measurement parameters. The optical detection system can further include a light source to transmit a measurement signal to cause the sensing location to provide the reflected measurement signal. The optical detection system can further include an optical detector comprising a single-photon detector (SPD) for detecting the reflected measurement signal received over the fiber optic cable. The optical detection system can further include a housing for enclosing the optical detector and to optically shield the optical detector, the housing including an aperture for passage of the fiber optic cable. Additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a pig tracking and locating system that is able to pinpoint the exact location of a pig so that if the pig becomes stuck, it can be more efficiently located and retrieved without excessive searching. A representative system includes an unmanned underwater vehicle that travels with or very near the pig as it progresses through a pipeline, and gathers and stores information transmitted by the pig. This information may include location data that can be transmitted in the event the pig becomes stuck.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method and apparatus, as well as an article, may operate to determine downhole properties based on detected optical signals. An optical detection system can include a fiber optic cable having a sensing location to generate a backscattered Rayleigh signal representative of measurement parameters. The optical detection system can further include a light source to transmit a measurement signal to cause the sensing location to provide the backscattered Rayleigh signal. The optical detection system can further include an optical detector comprising a single-photon detector (SPD) for detecting the backscattered Rayleigh signal received over the fiber optic cable. The optical detection system can further include circuitry to produce an acoustic signal representative of a downhole property based on the phase of the backscattered Rayleigh signal. Additional apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a pig tracking and locating system that is able to pinpoint the exact location of a pig so that if the pig becomes stuck, it can be more efficiently located and retrieved without excessive searching. A representative system includes an unmanned underwater vehicle that travels with or very near the pig as it progresses through a pipeline, and gathers and stores information transmitted by the pig. This information may include location data that can be transmitted in the event the pig becomes stuck.

Abstract: A method for establishing a detection map of a dynamically configurable sensor network. This method determines an appropriate set of locations for a plurality of sensor units of a sensor network and establishes a detection map for the network of sensors while the network is being set up; the detection map includes the effects of the local terrain and individual sensor performance. Sensor performance is characterized during the placement of the sensor units, which enables dynamic adjustment or reconfiguration of the placement of individual elements of the sensor network during network set-up to accommodate variations in local terrain and individual sensor performance. The reconfiguration of the network during initial set-up to accommodate deviations from idealized individual sensor detection zones improves the effectiveness of the sensor network in detecting activities at a detection perimeter and can provide the desired sensor coverage of an area while minimizing unintentional gaps in coverage.