Patent ID: 6913079

Claim:
A system for monitoring physical parameters distributed in a structure, comprising: a. a distributed optical sensing device ( 30 ), comprising a fiber optic cable ( 20 , 22 ), deployed proximate a predetermined structure, the fiber optic cable ( 20 , 22 ) being encapsulated in a jacket; b. a light source ( 18 a ) operatively in communication with the fiber optic cable ( 20 , 22 ); c. a light detection device ( 18 b ), operatively in communication with the fiber optic cable ( 20 , 22 ), for measuring the light received at the light detection device ( 18 b ) from the fiber optic cable ( 20 , 22 ); and d. a data processor ( 18 ) operatively connected to the light detection device ( 18 b ); e. wherein: (i) the data processor ( 18 ) uses light measured at the light detection device ( 18 b ) to calculate a desired physical parameter distributed in the structure; (ii) the structure is a downhole structure comprising at least one of (a) a wellbore ( 10 ), (b) production tubing, (b) casing ( 12 ), and (d) non-production tubing; (iii) the physical parameter comprises parameters of at least one of (a) the wellbore ( 10 ), (b) production tubing, (c) non-production tubing, (d) a geological formation, and (e) casing ( 12 ); and (iv) the distributed optical sensing device ( 30 ) is integrated within a downhole component deployed permanently or temporarily in the wellbore ( 10 ) to measure at least one of (a) a physical parameter of the well, (b) drilling of and production from the well, or (c) geological formation parameters.