How FBG Sensors Are Changing the Way We Measure Things

Imagine a fiber optic cable that can precisely sense strain and temperature along its entire length. That's the appeal of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensors. These sensors are written in the core of the optical fiber enabling it to create periodic structures which can reflect specific wavelengths of light. The strains and temperatures experienced by the fiber cause the shifting of the wavelengths that are reflected. This results in usable and accurate measurements.

Uses of FBG Sensors

Optical fiber sensors provide distributed sensing in real time. Here's how they are helping to change industries. 

  • Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) - The civil engineering industry installs Bragg grating sensors embedded in structural components to measure distributed stresses occurring in elements of bridges and tunnels. 
  • Aerospace and Defence - The aerospace industry employs optical fiber sensors to measure strain on components during ground and flight tests for assessment, to assess performance and durability.
  • Energy Sector- Optical fiber sensors reliably monitor power transformers, even in high electromagnetic noise conditions, enabling performance optimization and predictive maintenance. Bragg grating sensors are used to monitor high voltage equipment and wind turbine blades.
  • Oil and Gas Sector- Within the oil and gas sector, FBG sensors are used to monitor strain and temperature in pipelines, ensuring safer operations and preventing leaks. 

Benefits  

There are several benefits of FBG sensors to consider, including: 

 • High precision: It provides exact measurements with excellent spatial resolution. 

• Continual data collection: It can monitor continuous data like abnormal signals which may allow for earlier detection of problems. 

 • Multiplexing: You can have multiple sensors in one fiber which reduces complexity and installation costs. 

 • Immunity to electromagnetic interference: Perfect for applications with significant electromagnetic noise.

• Rugged: Use in harsh or remote environments where other sensor technologies would not be considered durable enough to be appropriate. 

Fiber Bragg Grating sensors are changing the game for Structural Health Monitoring. The capability of these sensors to provide comprehensive real-time monitoring over broad areas creates enormous potential for improving safety and efficiency for critical infrastructure. Reliable monitoring options will continue to be pursued by industries requiring smarter monitoring, and FBG Sensors will be remain in the forefront of sensing technology. 

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