EpsilonGraph

DFOS sensor designed for simultaneous measurements of temperature and structural strains.
 
EpsilonGraph – the younger cousin of EpsilonSensor is characterised by improved thermal conductivity thanks to the graphite additive, while maintaining an excellent strain range of up to ±4%. Together with the mon lithic cross-section and low elastelasticity modulus, it reflects precisely the actual deformation of the monitored structure over its entire length while, at the same time, mapping its temperature.
Lightweight, with a small be ding radius and low stiffness, the sensor is easy to install in any shape and does not affect the behaviour of the structure being monitored.
Datasheet

EpsilonGraph Advantages

Precise measurements of axial strain along the entire length of the sensor
Detailed analysis of cracks (identification, localisation, width estimation)
Improved thermal conductivity (high sensitivity to thermal changes)
No sensor influence on the monitored structure (negligible stiffness)
Monolithic core with no intermediate layers disturbing measurements
Easy installation in any shape – lightweight sensor with small bending radius, ready to use when unrolled from the coil
Resistant to environmental conditions, including corrosion, electromagnetic fields and lightning strikes

Physical Quantities Measured

DSS
Strain and crack
DTS
Temperature

Typical Materials

Concrete
Soil
Steel
Composite

EpsilonGraph Application Areas

Structures | Bridges | Piles | Slurry walls | Roads | Dams | Embankments | Pipelines | Tunnels | Railways | Earthworks | Geotechnics | Landslides | Minings | Laboratories… and more

EpsilonGraph during mechanical load tests in the laboratory
EpsilonGraph tied to the existing reinforcement
EpsilonGraph before installation in a bridge slab
Installation of EpsilonGraph in near-to surface groove of prestressed concrete beam

EpsilonGraph Technical Specifications

Strain resolution

1 μɛ

Strain range – both in compression and tension

±4%

Elastic modulus

3 GPa

Sensor diameter1

ø5 mm, ø3 mm, ø2 mm

Bending radius

ø2 mm (non-braided) – 40 mm / 4 kg/km
ø3 mm (braided) – 100 mm / 13 kg/km
ø5 mm (braided) – 200 mm / 30 kg/km

Sensor weight

45 kg/km (for Ø5 mm)

Unidirectional outer braid

braided (ø5, ø3 mm)
non-braided (ø3, ø2)

Operating temperature2

-20 to +80°C

Core material

PLFRP+G (polyester fibers + epoxide + graphite)

Scattering compatibility

Rayleigh, Brillouin, Raman

Number of sensing fibres3

2

Type of the fibre4

single mode SM / multimode MM

Attenuation5

< 0.3 dB/km

Sensor length6

up to 2 km

1 Standard (other diameters available on request)
² Standard (extended temperature range available on request.
3 Standard (more fibres available on request)
4 Standard (other fibres available on request)
5 At 1550 nm wavelenght
6 Sensors can be connected in series

EpsilonGraph Installation

Each installation should be designed individually, taking into account specific requirements and local conditions.

1. Embedding inside new structures (concrete or ground). This approach is best because it ensures optimal bonding properties, natural protection against mechanical damage and direct sunlight influence. It also allows measurements to be taken from a true strain-stress state and offers the best aesthetics (no visible components on the surface).

2. Installation in near-to-surface grooves for existing structures. This method requires the preparation of the surface by cutting the grove, the size of which depends on the sensor diameter. It is then filled with a chemical anchor just before mounting the sensor. This method offers similar advantages like embedding.
3. Bonding directly to the sanded, cleaned and degreased structural surface. This approach is relatively simple, but has several drawbacks in terms of durability, resistance and sensitivity to external conditions. It can therefore only be used for short-term measurements with stable thermal conditions. It is also important to choose a suitable adhesive.
Embedding inside new (or existing) structures (soil)
Installation in near-to-surface grooves for existing structures
Embedding inside new structures (concrete)

EpsilonGraph FAQ

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Datasheet
Brochure

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