A Survey on Distributed Fibre Optic Sensor Data Modelling Techniques and Machine Learning Algorithms for Multiphase Fluid Flow Estimation

Real-time monitoring of multiphase fluid flows with distributed fibre optic sensing has the potential to play a major role in industrial flow measurement applications. One such application is the optimization of hydrocarbon production to maximize short-term income, and prolong the operational lifetime of production wells and the reservoir. While the measurement technology itself is well understood and developed, a key remaining challenge is the establishment of robust data analysis tools that are capable of providing real-time conversion of enormous data quantities into actionable process indicators. This paper provides a comprehensive technical review of the data analysis techniques for distributed fibre optic technologies, with a particular focus on characterizing fluid flow in pipes. The review encompasses classical methods, such as the speed of sound estimation and Joule-Thomson coefficient, as well as their data-driven machine learning counterparts, such as Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) algorithms. The study aims to help end-users establish reliable, robust, and accurate solutions that can be deployed in a timely and effective way, and pave the wave for future developments in the field.