Fiber optic strain and temperature sensor for power plant applications

Nadarajah Narendran; Joseph M. Weiss

doi:10.1117/12.229225

3 January 1996 Fiber optic strain and temperature sensor for power plant applications

Nadarajah Narendran, Joseph M. Weiss

Proceedings Volume 2594, Self-Calibrated Intelligent Optical Sensors and Systems; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.229225
Event: Photonics East '95, 1995, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Abstract

The applicability of fiber-optic strain and temperature sensors to monitor power plant structures was evaluated on a super-heated steam pipe operating at 1000 degree(s)F at the Tennessee Valley Authority power plant in Kingston, Tennessee. The potential applications of these fiber-optic sensors include health monitoring of high-temperature structures such as boilers, tube headers, and steam pipes, as well as many other power plant structures exposed to less severe environments. The sensor selected for this application is based on a white-light interferometric technique. The key features of this sensor include its ability for absolute measurements that are not affected by light loss along the fiber cable due to, for example, microbending effects and coupler loss, its compatibility with off-the-shelf fiber-optic components, and its low cost. The glass fiber-optic strain sensors were packaged in a rugged metal housing and were spot welded to the high-temperature steam pipe. Another set of gages was placed inside a thermowell for steam temperature measurement. Data collected during a routine start-up is very encouraging and the details are presented in this manuscript.

Citation Download Citation

Nadarajah Narendran and Joseph M. Weiss "Fiber optic strain and temperature sensor for power plant applications", Proc. SPIE 2594, Self-Calibrated Intelligent Optical Sensors and Systems, (3 January 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.229225

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available