Distributed Fiber Optic Sensor Market Analysis Report By Application, By Technology, By Vertical, By Region And Segment Forecasts From 2019 To 2025

Industry Insights

The globally distributed fiber optic sensor market size was accounted for USD 892.0 million in 2018. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% over the forecast period, 2019 to 2025. Growing optic sensing applications across the sectors such as energy, civil, automotive, aerospace, and others are projected to propel the market growth. In addition, Rayleigh’s, and Raman effect-based sensor technologies offer greater operational capabilities.

The market is projected to grow at a substantial rate owing to rising investment, and research activities for developing optical sensor technologies. The increasing need for a power-efficient and cost-effective monitoring system is projected to boost market growth. In addition, rising awareness regarding distributed fiber optic sensors (DFOS) in developing countries is expected to support the market growth.

With a high reliance on these sensing technologies under difficult surroundings and growing application in the oil & gas sector, the transportation sector is proliferating the demand for DFOS sensors. These sensors are used to measure technical parameters including mechanical, and chemical compositions like temperature, liquid level, and strain sensing. DFOS sensors are lightweight, highly sensitive, and provide electromagnetic interference. These sensors are mainly categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic types.

Technologies like optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) and optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) are used for inspection of resolution, range, and accuracy. Advanced technology trends in the market include an intelligent distributed acoustic sensor and real-time thermal ratings. Growing R & D investment in fiber cables and emphasis on reliable connectivity is gaining momentum in the industry.

Application Insights

Depending on the application, the DFOS market is fragmented into temperature sensing, acoustic/vibration sensing, and others. These sensors generate continuous acoustics, temperature, and strain on the fiber cable. Temperature sensing type application is projected to lead the market with the highest share by 2025.  The acoustic/vibration application segment is projected to grow at a significant CAGR in the next few years.

DFOS sensors are used for long-distance applications for enabling detection accuracy. It also provides critical data while monitoring different conditions. However, factors like high initial investment may hinder market growth.

Technology Insights

Depending on the technology, the distributed fiber optic sensors market is fragmented into Raman Effect, interferometric, Brillouin scattering, Bragg rating, and Rayleigh effect. The Raman Effect technology is estimated to hold the largest market share in the overall market by 2025. Raman scattering-type sensors are used in construction, and oil & gas applications. This method provides greater accuracy while measuring & sensing physical parameters.

Rayleigh scattering-type segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR from 2019 to 2025. Refractive index’s microscopic variations inside fiber core coupled with fluctuations in density & composition of optic fiber produce scattering. Rayleigh’s scattering offers equal sensitivity to parameters like temperature & strain. This scattering is used to reveal & track the propagating effect of parameters.

Vertical Insights

Verticals segment is comprised of power and utility, oil & gas, civil engineering, safety & security, and Industrial. In the oil & gas sector, these sensing technologies are used for the refinement of the gas field outputs for better efficiency.  The oil & gas segment held the highest market share in the overall market.

DFOS are mainly used to monitor continuous & real-time downhole properties in the oil & gas, and utility sectors to improve operational performance.  In the power & utility sector, for monitoring power cable DFOS sensors are used. These sensors help in detecting hotspots for avoiding unwanted accidents. The industrial segment is estimated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecasted period.

Regional Insights

In terms of revenue, North America is projected to lead the market during the forecasted period. The growing adoption of fiber sensing technologies across the oil & gas industries are contributing to regional growth. Shale gas explorations in the U.S. market are primarily driving the demand for DFOS sensors. The U.S. is the highest oil and gas producer in the region.

In the Asia Pacific, safety & security and the infrastructure sector are boosting the growth of the regional market. The rising transportation sector in countries such as India and China is contributing to market growth. Furthermore, the growing need for a fast decision in the power utility, and civil engineering industry is expected to positively impact market growth.  The European market is projected to grow at a substantial rate due to technological development in fiber optical solutions.

Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the globally distributed fiber optic sensing market. Coronavirus outbreak has interrupted the supply chain of the fiber optics industry. Several fiber optic sensor suppliers are located in the Chinese market. The country accounts for around 25.0% of global fiber optic productions. However, manufacturing units in China have resumed at limited capacity, thus, impacting positively the global demand for fiber optic sensors.

In North America, oil prices had dropped massively during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, rising shales gas exploration activities are projected to boost the demand for distributed fiber optical sensors. DFOS sensor helps in enhancing the downhole sensing capabilities of oil & gas companies.

Distributed Fiber Optic Sensor Market Share Insights

Leading players in the market include Schlumberger Limited, Halliburton, Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Qinetiq Group PLC, OFS Fitel, LLC, Omnisens SA, AP Sensing GmbH, Luna Innovations Incorporated, and Brugg Kable AG.

Key players in the market engage in strategic activities such as new product launches, acquisitions to remain competitive in the market. For example, in 2018, Yokogawa Electric Corporation has introduced an optical heat detector namely DTSX1.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For this study, Million Insights has segmented the globally distributed fiber optic sensor (DFOS) market report based on application, technology, vertical, and region:

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
    • Temperature Sensing
    • Acoustic/Vibration Sensing
    • Other

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
    • Rayleigh Effect
    • Brillouin Scattering
    • Raman Effect
    • Interferometric
    • Bragg Grating

• Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
    • Oil & Gas
    • Power and Utility
    • Safety & Security
    • Industrial
    • Civil Engineering

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
    • North America
        • U.S.
        • Canada
        • Mexico
    • Europe
        • Germany
        • U.K.
    • The Asia Pacific
        • China
        • Japan
        • India
    • South America
        • Brazil
    • Middle East & Africa (MEA)