SOFO Standard Deformation Sensor
The SOFO Standard Deformation Sensor is a fibre-optic transducer from Smartec that converts a change in distance into a change in optical path unbalance between two fibres, read with a SOFO VII reading unit. It can be surface-mounted or embedded in concrete or mortar for long-term structural deformation monitoring, with a 20-year field track record.
- Range
- 0.5% of active-zone length in shortening; 1% in elongation
- Ingress
- Waterproof to 5 bar (15 bar with extra protection on anchoring points)
- Accuracy
- 0.2% of measured deformation or better
Overview
In detail
How it works
The sensor has an active part, containing the reference and measurement fibres, which measures deformation between its two ends, and a passive part that is insensitive to deformation and connects the sensor to the reading unit. No calibration is required.
Deployment
Standard active (measurement) zone lengths run from 25 cm to 10 m, extendable to 20 m on request, with passive connecting cable lengths from 1 m to 100 m (up to 2000 m custom). Cable protection options include standard, stainless-steel-armoured for harsh conditions, or unprotected for laboratory use. Output is terminated with an E-2000 connector with a built-in protective cover.
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Specifications
Technical specifications
- Range
- 0.5% of active-zone length in shortening; 1% in elongation
- Accuracy
- 0.2% of measured deformation or better
- Resolution
- 2 µm RMS
- Active zone length
- 25 cm to 10 m (standard); up to 20 m custom
- Passive zone (cable) length
- 1 m to 100 m (standard); up to 2000 m custom
- Operating temperature
- -50 to +110°C (active zone); -40 to +80°C (passive zone)
- Ingress
- Waterproof to 5 bar (15 bar with extra protection on anchoring points)
- Connector
- E-2000, with protective cover
Related
Often specified alongside
ESS Earth
Resistance Wire Extensometer RWE
- Application
- Underground hard rock and coal mine displacement monitoring
- Monitoring points
- Pillars, stope walls, roof
Geosystems
JM Series Vibrating Wire Jointmeter
- Range
- 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 mm (200/250/300 mm not available for JM-E)
- Accuracy
Ready to specify?
Add SOFO Standard Deformation Sensor to your enquiry
Build a list, add your site notes, and an ESS engineer will quote the lot — cables, mounting and calibration included.
