The thing is that human hearing is actually limited. Nonetheless, the technology of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) allows for detecting ground vibrations that are difficult to hear. Therefore, DAS systems perform analysis of seismic signals produced by people, animals, or even vehicles, etc.
To be more precise, DAS technology collects acoustic data with the help of fiber optic cables. Herewith, distributed acoustic sensing records signals and the backscatter pattern that can be analyzed later. For instance, distributed acoustic sensors can detect various environmental conditions – earthquake and hydrological activity, wind and weather events, and more.
It should be noted that virtually any fiber cable can be used as an acoustic sensor thanks to DAS technology. The thing is that it needs limited power, and the DAS is immune to electromagnetic and radiofrequency interference. This is the reason why distributed acoustic sensors can be applied for long-term, persistent monitoring in difficult-to-reach places.
The most popular DAS applications include the oil and gas industry where acoustic sensors are used to monitor pipeline leakage and seismic activities. Additionally, DAS systems perform perimeter security and smart city applications and control traffic and assets.
A company-manufacturer of fiber optic solutions from the U.S. has presented a new project for existing fiber cables. They test DAS technology to improve its sensitivity and resolution. Thus, new DAS applications would appear to offer a greater understanding of acoustic signals.
Thus, DAS helps to detect cattle movement in an agricultural experimental station. The existing fiber optic cables record four main signal types: cattle movement, earthquake and wind activities, and human traffic. Herewith, the researchers claim that it is very easy to turn existing cables into acoustic sensors of high efficiency.
In the nearest future, distributed acoustic sensors can be used for the detection of geological, hydrological, meteorological, and biological (human and animal) activity. During the tests, DAS systems have provided a greater understanding of the movements of cattle and people in the land.
Distributed acoustic sensing demonstrates a high level of efficiency. “DAS using fiber optic cables could prove to be an effective solution for monitoring the movement of livestock and wildlife and weather events such as high winds, storms, and lightning in remote locations.” Moreover, the same technique can be useful for other applications mentioned above. Even though DAS technology still needs to be improved, it is planned to be used to test new analytical techniques and devices.
Optromix is a DAS system manufacturer that provides top of the line distributed acoustic sensing systems suitable for monitoring of commerce networks. If you have any questions or would like to buy a DAS system, please contact us at info@optromix.com