Exhibitor Product Announcements

26 October 2011: Fiber Optic Fault Finders

OZ Optics is now offering the Fiber Optic Fault Finder, a simplified version of an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR). These Fault Finders can continuously monitor an active fiber optic link without interfering with the communications signal. It does this by transmitting a different wavelength than that used by the network. By transmitting an optical pulse into a fiber and monitoring the returned signals, the Fault Finder can identify the positions of reflections and losses. Unlike an OTDR, which displays the entire waveform, the Fault Finder simply reports attenuating events or reflective events, with a corresponding distant from the Fault Finder for each event. This minimizes the amount of information that needs to be transmitted from the unit to a host computer. Multiple events can be detected and reported within a single link.

Fault Finders can transmit data via either a USB link, a wireless link, or via custom configurations. The wireless link allows the Fault Finder to be installed in a remote location that might otherwise be difficult to access. The wireless link allows the Fault Finder to automatically report problems back to a central office. They can also speed up the work of field technician, as the location of problems can be immediately sent to a laptop computer or smart cell phone, without having to physically connect to the device. Contact OZ Optics for further information.

Find out more or contact OZ Optics Ltd.

26 October 2011: Fiber Optic Distributed Strain and Temperature Sensors

OZ Optics now offers the Foresightä series of fiber optic distributed strain and temperature sensors. The new sensor system provides high resolution and accurate strain and temperature monitoring over very long distances. The sensor uses standard optical telecommunications fiber, thereby leveraging the enormous economies of scale from fiber optic communication networks. The new system is ideal for temperature and strain monitoring of oil & gas pipelines, bridges, dams, security fences and power lines. Brillouin sensors are excellent for detecting corrosion, buckling and micro cracks in large structures.

The new Fiber Optic Distributed Strain and Temperature Sensor (DSTS) uses Brillouin scattering in optical fibers to measure changes simultaneously in both temperature and strain along the length of a standard, low-cost optical fiber. By wrapping or embedding a fiber inside a structure such as an oil pipeline or dam, users can detect when the structure is being strained or heated/cooled and allow the problem to be corrected before failure occurs. Such monitoring capability is invaluable in critical structures where failure could represent loss of lives or millions of dollars. The sensing fiber can also be used for telecommunications.

The sensing technology gives both temperature and strain readings along the length of the fiber, with spatial resolution as short as 5cm. Being able to monitor both temperature and strain changes is a key advantage, as it allows one to identify which changes in the strain on the fiber are temperature related, and which are caused by outside stresses. Depending on the configuration selected, the sensor range is up to 40km.

The system is fully compatible with the communications and monitoring solutions found in OZ Optics’ Optical Network Safeguard™ (OZ-Guard) system. This provides wireless communication options for remote installations, automated monitoring, and real-time alerts with GPS coordinates via text message, email, instant message and the web. Escalating alarms, starting with the field engineer and rising to any level specified by the system operator, are a standard feature of the system.

Find out more or contact OZ Optics Ltd.