Distributed measurements with optical sensors in the EDF group: experience feedback and perspectives

For the last decade, Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors (DOFS) have gradually played a prominent role in health monitoring of EDF structures. This paper first gives an overview of results obtained in leak detection applications in French hydraulic facilities. Then, it explains how this experience feedback has been transposed to nuclear application with recent experiments : EPR Flamanville 3 where a continuous surveillance is performed since 2013 and VERCORS, a 1/3 mock-up of a containment, where 2 km of OFS have been setup in 2014. Advantages, drawbacks and next challenges of this innovative technology are discussed from a user viewpoint