SmartWeld

SmartWeld is an optical fibre strain/temperature sensor attached to a thin gauge stainless steel plate. This configuration allows the sensor to be spot welded directly to a steel structure ensuring long-term, creep-free strain transfer, without fear of bondline deterioration. This robust sensor is suitable for demanding environments including civil structures, ship hulls, offshore structures, pipelines, nuclear power plants, bridges and dams.

Features:

Robust FBG strain and/or temperature sensor
Can be spot-welded to steel girders, pipes, hulls etc
Zero power, EMI immune, intrinsically safe
Multiple km signal integrity
Suitable for long-term SHM applications
All stainless hermetic welded construction available for aggressive environments
Fatigue performance (6 million cycles at +/- 500 µstrain) verified at UKAS testhouse
Developed for and approved by world–class engineering Company

Downloads:

Datasheet (290.02K)

FAQ. What is the warranty period for Smart Fibres' interrogators?

All of our fibre optic interrogators come with a standard one year warranty. This warranty can be increased on a year by year basis. Extended warranty is available at the time of initial purchase on request.

FAQ. How do I compensate for the thermal effect on the strain measuring FBG?

We recommend that a second FBG, which is completely isolated from strain, is fitted close to the strain measuring FBG. Temperature compensation can be achieved in 2 methods, loose FBG or a strain isolated coupon with a known CTE. Our SmartSoft software includes a utility to automate this temperature compensation process.

FAQ. How do I calculate which wavelength to use for my FBGs to maximise the number of sensors on a particular channel?

Smart Fibres has created a wavelength budget calculation tool for FBG wavelength selection.

Please Email Us or call +44 1344 484111 with details of your application and we can help you create a wavelength budget.

FAQ. What fibre type is used in your systems?

Single mode fibre with a 9 µm core, 125 µm cladding, and a 155 µm Polyimide or 245 µm Acrylate coating. Optical Fibers with pure silica core, bend tolerant and small core e.g. 6/125 or 4/125, can also be used but with some optical power losses. Multi mode fibre cannot be used.

FAQ. Can we put different sensor types on the same fibre?

Yes, Smart Fibres’ WDM products allow the user to combine different sensors types, e.g. temperature, strain and vibration all on a single fibre.