Apparatus and method for enhancing remote sensor performance and utility

The current invention pertains to remote sensing devices, and in particular to fibre optic sensors and communication cables used in such sensing devices, more particularly to methods and apparatus for protecting such sensors, communication cables, and conduits containing such sensors and communication cables from damage resulting from the ambient environment at the remote location. Apparatus and methods for sensing one or more physical parameters at a remote location while minimizing or eliminating contact between reservoir fluids and the like at the remote location and the sensor used to sense the physical parameters. In one example arrangement, the apparatus includes a tubing containing a communication cable and a sensor in communication with the cable, the sensor being located within the tubing proximate the remote location. The apparatus is configured to impose a barrier of a fluid between the sensor and the environment at the remote location. A fluid barrier reservoir containing the barrier fluid is also provided in some example arrangements.