Fiber Optic Pressure Sensors
About the fiber optic pressure sensors
In fiber optic pressure sensors, known as microbend sensors, the
refractive index of the fiber and hence the intensity of light
transmitted varies according to the mechanical deformation of the
fibers caused by pressure. The sensitivity of pressure sensors can be
optimized by applying the pressure via a roller chain such that the
bending is applied periodically. The optimal pitch for the chain
varies according to the radius, refractive index and type of cable
involved. Microbend sensors are typically used to measure the small
pressure changes generated in vortex-shedding flowmeters. Vortices can
be detected more simply in the alternative version where a fiber optic
cable is merely stretched across the pipe.
The shutter sensor is a further type of fiber optic device used for
measuring pressure. It is typically used to measure the displacement
of transducers such as Bourdon tubes and diaphragms.
More on
Pressure Measurements
|