M. Sai Shankar

Temperature compensated liquid level sensor using FBGs and a bourdon tube

A temperature compensated liquid level sensor using FBGs and a bourdon tube that works on hydrostatic pressure is presented. An FBG (FBG1) is fixed between free end and a fixed end of the bourdon tube. When hydrostatic pressure applied to the bourdon tube FBG1 experience an axial strain due to the movement of free end. Experimental result shows, a good linearity in shift in Bragg wavelength with the applied pressure. The performance of this arrangement is tested for 21metre water column pressure. Another FBG (FBG2) is included for temperature compensation. The design of the sensor head is simple and easy mountable external to any tank for liquid level measurements.

Single fiber Bragg grating for the measurement of liquid level and temperature

In this work half the length of the single FBG is chemically etched and the un-etched half is glued on a cantilever. The response of the grating is investigated as a function for buoyancy force on the cantilever due to liquid level and temperature. Simultaneous measurement of liquid level and temperature is achieved from the coefficients of liquid level and temperature sensitivities obtained from the experimental results.

High sensitive FBG pressure sensor using metal bellows

A fiber-optic sensor scheme, capable of the simultaneous measurement of pressure and temperature using two in-line Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) is reported. Sensor head is configured by embedding the two FBGs with metal bellows, such that FBG1 is sensitive to both pressure and temperature, whereas FBG2 is only sensitive to temperature. High pressure sensitivity is achieved because of the lower spring rate in longitudinal direction to that of the large elastic modulus in transverse direction of the metal bellows. Pressure and temperature measurement is made by monitoring the shift of Bragg wavelengths of the FBGs corresponds to variation in pressure and temperature. From the test results, the obtained pressure and temperature sensitivities are 86 pm/psi and 9.17 pm/°C, over a dynamic range of 0-40 psi pressure, and 25-110°C temperature measurements respectively. The experimental results well agreed with the theoretical results and show good linearity. This simple design, economical and all fiber optic sensors can be used for liquid and gas pressure measurements, and under-water applications.

Diaphragm based high sensitive FBG pressure sensor

A high sensitive pressure sensor based on Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) integrated with a thin metal diaphragm was designed and demonstrated. To enhance the pressure sensitivity FBG is firmly glued across the diameter of the diaphragm. Under pressure, the diaphragm deforms and produces an induced strain along the length of the fiber causes shift in Bragg wavelength of the FBG. Pressure measurement is made by measuring the Bragg wavelength shift against change in pressure. The sensor was tested up to the maximum pressure of 140 psi and the corresponding pressure sensitivity was found to be 0.0204 nm/psi, which is approximately 970 times higher than that can be achieved with a bare FBG. The experimental results show good agreement with the theoretical results and possess good linearity and repeatability. This sensor can be used for the measurement of medium pressure, liquid level and depth of underwater.A high sensitive pressure sensor based on Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) integrated with a thin metal diaphragm was designed and demonstrated. To enhance the pressure sensitivity FBG is firmly glued across the diameter of the diaphragm. Under pressure, the diaphragm deforms and produces an induced strain along the length of the fiber causes shift in Bragg wavelength of the FBG. Pressure measurement is made by measuring the Bragg wavelength shift against change in pressure. The sensor was tested up to the maximum pressure of 140 psi and the corresponding pressure sensitivity was found to be 0.0204 nm/psi, which is approximately 970 times higher than that can be achieved with a bare FBG. The experimental results show good agreement with the theoretical results and possess good linearity and repeatability. This sensor can be used for the measurement of medium pressure, liquid level and depth of underwater.

An FBG based hydrostatic pressure sensor for liquid level measurements

A small and simple hydrostatic pressure sensor using fiber Bragg grating sensor for liquid level sensing is reported. The working principle of the sensor head design is based on transferring hydrostatic radial pressure to axial strain to the FBG. An FBG written in a fiber of diameter 50μm has been used for the measurement. The experimental result shows that sensitivity of the sensor can reach 23pm/cm of liquid column. The sensor can be useful in applications that involved with less hydrostatic pressure, like a tank with inflammable liquid in a fuel gas station.

FBG sensor for temperature-independent high sensitive pressure measurement with aid of a Bourdon tube

A temperature independent high sensitive pressure sensing system using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and ‘C’ shaped Bourdon tube (CBT) is demonstrated. The sensor is configured by firmly fixing the FBG (FBG1) between free and fixed ends of the CBT. Additional FBG (FBG2) in line to the FBG1 is introduced which is shielded from the external pressure, tend to measure only the ambient temperature fluctuations. The CBT has an elliptical cross section where its free end is sealed and the fixed end is open for subjecting the liquid or gas pressure to be measured. With the application of pressure, the free end of CBT tends to straighten out results in an axial strain in FBG1 causes red shift in Bragg wavelength. The pressure can be determined by measuring the shift of the Bragg wavelength. The experimental pressure sensitivity is found to be 66.9 pm/psi over a range of 0 to 100 psi. The test results show that the Bragg wavelength shift is linear corresponds to change in applied pressure and well agreed with the simulated results. This simple and high sensitive design is capable of measuring static/dynamic pressure and temperature simultaneously which suits for industrial applications.

A simple underground liquid level sensor using FBG

In this paper a packaged sensor using fiber Bragg grating for under water level measurement is presented. The sensor is configured by fixing one end of a fiber Bragg grating with a diaphragm made up of polymer kept inside a hollow cylinder and the other end to the cylinder. As the level of water increases in the tank hydrostatic pressure at the bottom also increases. The diaphragm used in is to transfer this pressure to the axial strain on the grating. By utilizing the unique diaphragm‐based grating packaging method, the level sensing range has been effectively enhanced. The results obtained indicate that this packaged sensor have long range, rugged and can be customized depending on the requirement. The sensitivity of the sensor is 6.057×10−6 per cm within the range 0 to 30 cm.

pH-responsive hydrogel coated fiber Bragg grating-based chemo mechanical sensor bioreactor applications

This paper describes a fiber optics based pH sensor by using wavelength modulated techniques. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is functionalized with a stimulus responsive hydrogel which induces a strain on FBG due to mechanical expansion of the gel in response to ambient pH changes. The gel is synthesized from the blends of Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Poly (acrylic acid). The induced strain results in a shift of FBG reflected peak which is monitored by an interrogator. The sensor system shows a good linearity in acidic pH range of 3 to 7 with a sensitivity of 12.16pm/pH. Besides that it shows good repeatability which proves it to be fit for pH sensing applications.This paper describes a fiber optics based pH sensor by using wavelength modulated techniques. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is functionalized with a stimulus responsive hydrogel which induces a strain on FBG due to mechanical expansion of the gel in response to ambient pH changes. The gel is synthesized from the blends of Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Poly (acrylic acid). The induced strain results in a shift of FBG reflected peak which is monitored by an interrogator. The sensor system shows a good linearity in acidic pH range of 3 to 7 with a sensitivity of 12.16pm/pH. Besides that it shows good repeatability which proves it to be fit for pH sensing applications.

Hydrostatic pressure based liquid level sensing using FBG: a comparative study

The performances of two liquid level sensors based on Fiber Bragg grating are studied. The Fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) are sensitive to strain and temperature. We investigate on enhancement of strain sensitivity of the FBG for liquid level measurement. Two different sensor heads arrangement are fabricated to exploit the strain sensitivity of FBG and use it for the liquid level measurement. The measurement sensitivity of a FBG based fiber optic liquid level sensor can be improved by controlling the parameter such as diameter of the FBG.The performances of two liquid level sensors based on Fiber Bragg grating are studied. The Fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) are sensitive to strain and temperature. We investigate on enhancement of strain sensitivity of the FBG for liquid level measurement. Two different sensor heads arrangement are fabricated to exploit the strain sensitivity of FBG and use it for the liquid level measurement. The measurement sensitivity of a FBG based fiber optic liquid level sensor can be improved by controlling the parameter such as diameter of the FBG.

Fiber optic liquid level sensor using multimode fused coupler

An intensity based fiber optic liquid level sensor for continuous measurement is described. The sensing principle is based on intensity of reflected light which is disturbed by the change in proximity of the fiber probe and the reflector. A Mechanical CAM is used in the sensing arrangement. It converts the rotatory motion into a linear displacement. As the liquid level raises, rotation of the CAM takes place and the CAM follower connected to it moves linearly. A reflector which is attached to the end of the CAM follower reflect the incident light. As the displacement of reflector occur the intensity of reflected light also changes and is a measure of change in liquid level. The prototype designed sensor can sense liquid level upto 17cm. The proposed sensor can find potential applications in transportation and process industries.An intensity based fiber optic liquid level sensor for continuous measurement is described. The sensing principle is based on intensity of reflected light which is disturbed by the change in proximity of the fiber probe and the reflector. A Mechanical CAM is used in the sensing arrangement. It converts the rotatory motion into a linear displacement. As the liquid level raises, rotation of the CAM takes place and the CAM follower connected to it moves linearly. A reflector which is attached to the end of the CAM follower reflect the incident light. As the displacement of reflector occur the intensity of reflected light also changes and is a measure of change in liquid level. The prototype designed sensor can sense liquid level upto 17cm. The proposed sensor can find potential applications in transportation and process industries.