Some popular science knowledge about sensor optical cables

Sensing optical cables are used in combination with plastic or glass optical fiber cables for applications with limited installation space or high temperatures. This article can help you learn more about sensor optical cables.

What is a sensing optical cable?

Sensing optical cables are a type of optical cable that can be used for high-speed data transmission and can measure temperature, strain, vibration and acoustic signals even in harsh environments. The sensing optical cable monitors the optical cable from a single position through light pulses propagating along the optical fiber. It offers long-distance continuous 24/7 monitoring. Optical fibers themselves are sensors, so there are thousands of sensing points on any line. Optical fibers are passive and thus do not require power.

Sensing optical cables can be used for single-mode (SM) and multi-mode (MM) optical fibers or a combination of both. SM optical fibers are used for distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and distributed strain sensing (DSS), while MM optical fibers are used for distributed temperature sensing (DTS).

The sensing optical cables are available in metal tube, non-metal, tube-in-tube or armored stainless steel configurations. Metal-free optical cables reduce the risk of induced voltage and are usually flexible, while metal armored optical cables have high rat-proof performance, are sturdy and durable, and are the right choice for harsh environments. In addition, various suitable sheaths are also provided, such as flame-retardant non-corrosive (FRNC) sheaths, waterproof high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheaths, etc.

Features and advantages:

The sensing optical cable provides precise positioning for event, temperature, strain, vibration and acoustic measurements, is resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI), suitable for explosive hazardous areas, has a small diameter, is lightweight, has a low cost, is flexible to use, and does not require electricity to operate.

Application

Sensing optical cables are used in temperature monitoring (tunnels, roads, airport runways, buried environments), fire detection, leakage detection, thermal mapping, telecommunications, structural health monitoring (SHM), oil and gas, power and public utilities, safety and security, industrial automation, transportation, etc.

Summary

Sensing optical cables offer a unique combination of size, robustness and strength, making them the preferred choice for temperature, strain or vibration applications. This optical cable is suitable for tunnels, highways, airport runways, buried environments, oil and gas, and any industrial applications that require pressure resistance, high-temperature performance and rapid thermal response.