Development of 2 µm fiber-based solution for sub-soil detection of CO2 gas

Purpose and goal

The duration of our project carried out at RISE Acreo funded by Vinnova was synchronized with the Brazilian project of Ouro Negro and PUC Rio, funded by Petrobras, which ran until November 2018. The hollow core fiber manufacturing process for applications in different wavelength ranges was optimized by installing a pressurizing system in the Hudiksvall fiber draw tower. This made it possible to get much more control over the manufacturing parameters. Fiber guiding light at 2 m wavelength was manufactured and the results are being evaluated.

Expected results and effects

The pressure setting system installed in the Hudiksvall fiber draw tower to carefully adjust fiber parameters is used daily. The results became very positive after many failed tests. Manufacturing hollow fibers for use in different wavelength ranges is now possible. This opens up opportunities for new research projects and possibly a market for special fibers from Hudiksvall. Acreo RISE is one of a few labs in the world that can make such fibers now, and other groups show interest in cooperation.

Planned approach and implementation

1- Hollow core fibers for measuring CO2 gas with transmission at 2 m wavelength were manufactured, with a pressure system in the drawing tower. 2- Lab test of gas sensing system was performed with carbon dioxide gas at 1.5 m. A solution for connecting filtered CO2 gas and light into the fiber worked and the results were very positive. 3- Lab test of gas sensing system was carried out in Brazil using CO2 and 2 m wavelength optics. Responses at different concentrations were studied. 4- Discussion of a fiber optic solution for gas monitoring in future field trials.