Location test method of communication optical fiber cable of oil and gas pipeline

Communication optical fiber cable of oil and gas pipeline is an integral part of modern pipeline integrity system. Its safety is critical. However, due to weak impact resistance, it is prone to be damaged or broken if the site construction is not conducted as specified. Based on the successful practices of pipeline external inspection, a location test method of pipeline communication optical cable is developed. It can effectively and accurately locate the pipeline communication optical cable by using appropriate ground testing technology and appropriate excavation inspection way. With this method, the direction and depth of optical fiber cable are comprehensively understood, and various unsafe factors for the cable are thoroughly investigated. Then, corresponding suggestions are put forward. The results have a realistic signficance on protection and rectification of communication optical cable along the pipeline. The site excavation test results show that this method realizes a horizontal location error less than 1% and vertical location error less than 10%, which satisfy the actual demand of optical cable locating and late rectification.