In what situations (e.g., strong microwave environments) must we abandon steel tubes for ceramic or polymer packaging?
Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors inherently possess immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), including strong microwave environments, due to their optical operating principle. This characteristic is intrinsic to the fiber itself, regardless of the packaging material.
Therefore, the choice to use ceramic or polymer packaging over steel tubes is generally driven by factors other than EMI. These factors typically include:
- Temperature Range: For moderate temperatures (e.g., up to 85°C), OFSCN® Polymer-encapsulated Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensors are often preferred for their ease of installation (e.g., adhesive bonding) and flexibility. For higher temperatures (e.g., up to 300°C), OFSCN® Alloy Tube Packaged Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensors are more suitable, offering robust physical and thermal protection. For even more extreme temperatures beyond the capabilities of alloy tubes, specialized ceramic-packaged sensors would be considered, although they are not explicitly detailed in the provided RAG for strain sensors.
- Installation Method: Polymer-encapsulated or bare FBGs are ideal for surface applications requiring adhesive bonding or four-point spot welding. Alloy tube sensors are typically fixed via welding or clamping.
- Mechanical Protection & Chemical Resistance: Steel tubes offer superior mechanical protection and chemical resistance in harsh industrial environments. Polymer packaging can offer electrical insulation and sometimes specific chemical compatibility where metals might react.
Here are some examples of our products with different packaging:
OFSCN® Alloy Tube Packaged Fiber Bragg Grating strain sensor:
OFSCN® Polymer-encapsulated Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor:
This type is designed for applications where robust metallic encapsulation is not required, focusing on ease of bonding and flexibility. Specific image links are not available in the provided RAG for this product.
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