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13.1 Introduction
Distributed optical fiber sensors are those sensors which monitor
a single measurand at a large number of locations or continuously over
the path of the optical fiber. The measurand can be a physical or a
chemical quantity. The distributed optical fiber sensor generally consists
of a common light source, optical fiber to carry light to the sensing
probes and a return fiber to carry modulated light to a photodetector.
These sensors can utilize any kind of light modulations described earlier.
The advantages associated with distributed sensing are reduced number
of components and hence the cost, reduced weight and cabling and
electrical passivity. The applications include the measurements of
temperature, pressure, strain, current and chemical concentration.
If
cooling pipes are blocked the temperature will increase and it may
damage the generator.
3. The capacity of high voltage transmission lines depends on their
temperature. If a sensing fiber is installed inside one of the
conductors of the transmission lines their temperature can be
monitored.
4. In thermal power stations high pressure steam pipes are used. The
distributed optical fiber temperature sensor can be used to detect
leakage from these pipes.
For all these applications, the fiber must have correct dielectric
properties, be nonconductive, non-tracking, non-contaminating and
avoid the creation of locally enhanced electric fields. Suitable coatings
are required to achieve these objectives and at the same time protect
the fiber and withstand the temperature and the chemical attacks they
will be subjected to (e.g. transformer oil)
C. Process industry
The distributed optical fiber temperature sensor can be used to
monitor long thermal curing or, drying process industry. It can also
monitor overheating in machines ( e.g. in bearings) before damage to
the equipment has occurred.
D. Buildings, tunnels, transportation
Fires inside the buildings, tunnels ships and planes occur to fault in
cables. A distributed optical fiber temperature sensor installed in these
can detect the outbreak of a fire very quickly wherever it occurs.
E. Construction
Distributed temperature sensors can be used as a temperature
measuring device or as a fire alarm in heating and air conditioning
units in buildings. They can also monitor the exothermic curing of
concrete in dams. This is important because heat weakens the structure.
For this the fiber is buried within the structure. For this fiber is buried
within the structure.