{"id":2100,"date":"2018-07-17T09:49:14","date_gmt":"2018-07-17T07:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.blogs.yokogawa.de\/chemical-pharma\/uncategorized\/optical-fiber-temperature-sensing-leads-to-competitive-advantages-thanks-to-integration\/"},"modified":"2022-07-04T06:58:38","modified_gmt":"2022-07-04T04:58:38","slug":"optical-fiber-temperature-sensing-leads-to-competitive-advantages-thanks-to-integration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yokogawa.com\/eu\/blog\/chemical-pharma\/en\/optical-fiber-temperature-sensing-leads-to-competitive-advantages-thanks-to-integration\/","title":{"rendered":"Optical fiber temperature sensing leads to competitive advantages thanks to integration"},"content":{"rendered":"

If the temperature profiles of your processes and assets are key indicators, then you\u2019ve most likely been using a variety of measurement methods in the past, such as spatially distributed sensors or thermal cameras.<\/p>\n

Yokogawa\u2019s optical fiber temperature sensing systems \u2013 in which the data acquisition station (DTSX series) is the central component \u2013 are an attractive alternative. They allow you to capture the temperature profiles of your processes and assets directly and continuously, and integrate the measurement technology into your existing automation environment with just one Ethernet interface. This opens up new opportunities and hence new applications like liquid level measurements via vessel surfaces, temperature monitoring in reactors or monitoring for mechanical component failure.<\/p>\n

Only one fiber required<\/h3>\n

Optical fiber temperature sensors are a central feature of any industrial system alongside the data acquisition station (DTSX series). In the simplest configuration, a single-channel sensing unit is connected to an optical fiber temperature sensor. Only one fiber is required \u2013 and it doesn\u2019t even have to be returned to the sensing unit. To carry out loop measurements, you just connect the two ends of the fiber to an optical switch module. Then, if the temperature sensor is damaged (and the fiber itself is broken), the sensing unit carries on measuring at both ends up to the break.<\/p>\n

So how does the sensing unit work? It generates a continuous laser pulse which is coupled into the temperature sensor. This pulse acts as an excitation signal, which propagates all the way down the fiber. The scattered light \u2013 known as backscatter \u2013 is the relevant signal for measurements: it is generated by the excitation signal on the fiber sheath and guided back to the sensing unit via the modes of the optical fiber cable. The modes serve here as light rows, which direct the light to the data acquisition station. In a multi-mode setup, the light is guided by several of these light rows, which is why we recommend our multi-mode data acquisition station for the majority of applications. We can also supply a single-mode version if necessary. The sensing unit analyzes part of the scattered light according to the Raman scatter principle, then calculates the complete temperature profile along the fiber based on the temperature induced intensity change which is determined there (up to 30,000 temperature measuring points per fiber).<\/p>\n

\"\"Modular design<\/h3>\n

The sensing units have a modular design and can be retrofitted with optical switch modules and \/ or a PLC if desired. Up to 16 fibers with a sampling resolution of 10 to 200 cm can be connected to a sensing unit.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to learn more, we\u2019d be very pleased to welcome you to our\u00a0DTSX seminar<\/strong>\u00a0on November 6th and 7th, 2018 at our Training Center in Ratingen. You can find all essential information here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Do you have any questions, observations or suggestions upfront regarding optical fiber temperature sensing?
\nIf so, feel free to write a comment.<\/p>\n

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Analytical system solutions \u2013 eat without cooking!<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n