HBM optical strain sensor can handle a wide temperature range

The HBM OL-LT optical strain sensor, available in Canada from Durham Instruments

Durham Instruments teams up with many major manufacturers of test and measurement instruments, and one of the biggest producers is HBM Test and Measurement. HBM makes a line of optical strain gauges that are useful in a variety of industries – including the OL-LT optical strain sensor, suitable for all climate conditions.

The OL-LT gauge is designed for measuring high strain in a broad temperature range, with a wide strain-measurement spectrum.

For extreme material stress

This optical strain sensor not only functions in extreme heat and freezing cold; it also enables users to investigate extreme material stress – a common application in the aerospace industry, for example. Durham Instruments recommends this device for use in other sectors, including general manufacturing, automation, food processing, forestry, education, the medical field, the military, mining, packaging, power generation, transportation, and research and development.

Based on fibre Bragg grating, the OL-LT is designed with an Optimet OMF glass fibre symmetrically embedded in modified acrylic resin and potted in plastic material. It perfectly complements HBM’s OL optical strain gauge, which offers highly accurate measurement in terms of sensitivity and is designed specifically for continually alternating load at high strain.

Key features of this optical strain sensor include the following: temperature range from -40 to 100 degrees Celsius; ability to measure plus or minus two per cent strain; protection from signal disturbances; multiple usage (up to 13 per glass fibre); installation similar to that for electrical strain gauges; all relevant data determined and provided; extremely robust Bragg signal in comparison to the inhomogeneous strain and mechanical interference effects; insusceptibility to electromagnetic interference; potential use in Ex-areas; wiring outlay lower than that of electrical gauges; and lower glass fibre mass compared to conventional connecting cables.

Measuring 40 by 12 by two millimetres, the OL-LT includes the following specifications:

• Gauge factor of 0.76;
• Gauge factor tolerance of plus or minus four per cent;
• Maximum degree of reflection of 15 per cent;
• No transverse sensitivity;
• Reference temperature of 23 degrees Celsius; and
• Thirteen available Bragg wavelengths, from 1520 to 1580.

To learn more, contact Durham Instruments.

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