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.