FBG Sensing Technology for SHM of Offshore Structures

 Offshore structures, such as oil rigs and wind turbines, play a crucial role in the transportation industry by enabling energy production and exploration in marine environments. However, these structures are subjected to harsh environmental conditions, including strong winds, waves, and corrosion, which can lead to structural damage and failure. Therefore, it is essential to continuously monitor the structural health of offshore structures to ensure their safety and reliability. Fiber grating sensing technology has emerged as a promising solution for structural health monitoring in offshore structures. In this article, we will discuss the problems that fiber grating sensing technology can solve, and how Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS ) can help to do structural health monitoring(SHM) of offshore structures in the transportation industry.

Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Principle:

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are periodic structures that are inscribed in the core of an optical fiber. These structures reflect a specific wavelength of light that is determined by the periodicity of the grating. When the grating is subjected to mechanical or thermal strain, the reflected wavelength changes in a predictable manner. By monitoring the reflected wavelength, changes in strain, temperature, and other parameters can be detected. FBG sensors can be used to monitor a wide range of parameters, including strain, stress, temperature, and vibration.

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Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Principle - FBG Principle - FBG Sensor Principle - FBG Temperature Strain Stress Vibration Shape Sensing Principle

Importance of SHM of Offshore Structures:

Offshore structures are critical components of the transportation industry, and any failure or damage can result in significant economic and environmental consequences. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the structural health of these structures continuously. Structural health monitoring (SHM) involves the use of sensors to measure the structural response and detect any anomalies or damage. The early detection of damage can enable timely repairs, prevent catastrophic failures, and prolong the lifespan of the offshore structures.

Physical Diagram of OFSCN® High-Range Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Strain Sensor (Strain Gauge) - Single-ended, Length 1m­­

Difficulties in SHM of Offshore Structures:

The harsh marine environment poses significant challenges to structural health monitoring of offshore structures. These challenges include high levels of corrosion, harsh weather conditions, limited accessibility, and the need for real-time monitoring. Traditional sensing technologies, such as strain gauges and accelerometers, are not suitable for offshore applications due to their limited lifespan and high maintenance requirements. Therefore, there is a need for a reliable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance sensing technology for offshore SHM.

Physical Diagram of OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Single-ended FBG Strain Sensor/FBG Strain Gauge­­

What Problems can be Solved by FBG Technology:

Fiber grating sensing technology provides a reliable and accurate solution for offshore SHM. The FBG sensors can be embedded in the offshore structures, and their small size and high sensitivity make them ideal for detecting small anomalies and damage. FBG sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference, and they can operate in harsh environments, making them suitable for offshore applications. The sensors can also be multiplexed, allowing for the simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters at different locations on the offshore structure. Moreover, FBG sensors have a long lifespan, and their maintenance requirements are minimal.

Recommended fiber grating strain sensors:

1500με Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor - FBG Strain Gauge - Metal Encapsulation - High Temperature FBG Strain Sensor

The product is a fiber Bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) encapsulated in seamless steel tube, used for strain measurement. In most cases, it is a single-point single-ended structure, or it can be produced as a multi-point single-ended structure. In a few cases, it can also be a double-ended structure. The deployment method of the product depends on the supporting fixtures, which can be directly inserted into the test object, or installed by surface welding with corresponding fixtures, bolted with drilled holes for fixation, adhesive surface mounting, tied with straps for fixation, or fixed with clamps, among various installation methods. This product is a basic structural product, which can be calibrated as a FBG displacement sensor, or used as a FBG stress sensor.

Product Summary:

The OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor (FBG strain gauge) is composed of fiber optic connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), stainless steel seamless tubes, and single-point FBG encapsulation.

It can also be customized as a high-temperature resistant fiber Bragg grating strain sensor.

This product features a small size, lightweight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof, moisture-proof, and fully sealed characteristics. By utilizing the strain characteristics of the FBG, this sensor can be inserted, clamped, surface-mounted, glued, or embedded into the measured structure to perform strain detection and monitoring.

6000με Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor - FBG Strain Gauge - polymer material packaging - metal protection strain sensor - range 6000με/8000με

This product is a high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) used for strain measurement. It can be used in a single-ended structure, where it is inserted into the object to be measured for strain measurement. It can also be used in a double-ended structure, where it is fixed with a fixture or bonded directly to the surface for strain measurement, enabling multi-point strain measurement when connected in series. The structure of this product is the same as that of fiber bragg grating stress sensors.

Product Overview:

The OFSCN® high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) consists of fiber connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), high elastic materials, and single-point FBG encapsulation. Depending on the materials used, it can work at room temperature or a maximum high temperature of 120 degrees Celsius (customizable upon request).

This product is characterized by its small size, light weight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof and moisture-proof properties, and full sealing. By utilizing the strain characteristics of FBG, this sensor can be inserted, welded, bonded, or adhered to the internal or surface of the test structure for strain detection and monitoring.

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.:

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS) is a professional manufacturer of fiber grating sensors, fiber grating demodulators and system software. Specializing in the production of various fiber grating sensors, including temperature, strain, stress, displacement, vibration, shape sensors, etc. DCYS also produces fiber grating demodulators, and can customize and develop related application software.

Recommended fiber grating demodulator:

Fiber Bragg Grating Demodulator - Fiber Optic Grating Interrogator - High-Speed/Frequency FBG Analyzer

This product is produced by DCYS, and it is a high-speed high-frequency fiber Bragg grating demodulator(Interrogator). The fiber grating demodulator is compatible with various specifications and models of OFSCN® fiber bragg grating sensors (temperature, strain, stress FBG sensors, etc.). It features adjustable port density (4, 8, 12, 16 channels) and high-speed high-refresh rate capabilities.

DCYS Helps to do SHM of Offshore Structures:

DCYS can provide reliable and accurate solutions for offshore SHM, helping the transportation industry to ensure the safety and reliability of offshore structures.

大成永盛光纤光栅传感监测系统框图

Other Points Need to Be Clarified:

In conclusion, the application of fiber grating sensing technology in SHM of offshore structures has the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry. FBG sensors offer a reliable and accurate solution for offshore SHM, enabling the early detection of damage and preventing catastrophic failures. Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of FBG sensors and software solutions, providing reliable and customized solutions for offshore SHM.

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