HBM FiberSensing optical interrogators and sensors

HBM FiberSensing optical interrogators and sensors are based on fibre Bragg grating (FBG) technology, which ensures a suitable solution for long-term structural health monitoring. They are designed for both laboratory testing and field deployment across a range of industries, including civil engineering, energy, R&D, aeronautics and gas pipelines.

They can be used in harsh environments, such as structural monitoring of pipelines and bridges and measuring high strains. Easy to install and electromagnetically safe, they can be used in highly explosive atmospheres.

The optical sensors can determine strain, temperature, acceleration, displacement and tilt in components, structures and environments where conventional technologies have reached their limits. Particular sensors can be used for extreme strains measuring up to ±10,000 µm/m. Others are suited for operating under high temperatures of up to 100°C.

The sensors can be used for the testing of structures and materials with high levels of strain, high numbers of load cycles, high electromagnetic noise or in highly explosive environments. They can also be used for monitoring the condition of large structures in harsh environments using different types of sensors connected in line over long distances and interrogated by a single instrument.

The sensors offer a wide strain measurement range for such applications and are said to provide greater long-term stability and lower installation expenses compared with electrical strain gauges. Steel-reinforced fibre cables and special strain relief make the strain sectors very rugged.