What is Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS)?

Distributed Temperature Sensing offers a versatile and efficient solution for monitoring temperature variations across vast distances and numerous locations, with applications spanning from fire detection to industrial process optimization.

In the realm of industrial safety and infrastructure protection, early detection of leaks and fires is paramount. Enter FOTAS, a cutting-edge fiber optic temperature sensing system designed to provide real-time monitoring and detection capabilities, ensuring the safety of pipelines, tunnels, facilities, and electrical cable lines.

DTS Operational Mechanism

DTS devices function by emitting laser light into an optical fiber. A portion of this light undergoes inelastic backscattering, returning to the device for analysis. Inelastic scattering is a phenomenon where light interacts with matter, altering its propagation direction and wavelength. This interaction is temperature-dependent, enabling the characterization of temperature variations within the fiber based on the properties of the backscattered light. The time delay between the emitted light pulse and the returning signal provides spatially resolved temperature data.

DTS Applications

• Fire Detection: Particularly useful in tunnels and buildings where early fire detection is crucial for safety.
• Power Cable Monitoring: Enables continuous monitoring of power cables to detect overheating or potential faults.
• Industrial Equipment Monitoring: Used in ovens, reactors, and other industrial settings to ensure optimal operating temperatures and detect abnormalities.
• Oil and Gas Production: Monitors temperature variations in oil and gas production processes, aiding in efficiency and safety.
• Leak Detection: Helps identify leaks in pipelines and storage tanks by detecting temperature anomalies.

Benefits of DTS

• Simplified Installation: Requires only the installation of standard optical fibers or specialized cables, eliminating the need for individual sensors or external power sources.
• Immunity to Interference: Resistant to electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliable temperature measurements in various environments.
• High Scalability: A single DTS device can monitor thousands of locations over distances of up to 65 km (40 miles), streamlining complex monitoring systems.
• Safety Compliance: Can be configured for use in hazardous environments, providing intrinsically safe monitoring capabilities.
• Robust Fire Detection: Relies solely on heat for fire detection, making it unaffected by dust or other particulate matter.

Furthermore, FOTAS’s scalability makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from small-scale installations to large industrial complexes. Whether it’s monitoring underground tunnels, oil and gas pipelines, or electrical substations, FOTAS provides reliable detection and monitoring, ensuring continuous protection against potential hazards.

Additionally, the proactive nature of FOTAS means that potential risks can be identified and addressed before they escalate into major incidents. By detecting and alerting to abnormal temperature changes or leaks early on, FOTAS enables timely intervention, reducing the likelihood of accidents and minimizing downtime and associated costs.

FOTAS’s versatility extends beyond traditional fire detection applications. Its ability to detect overheating in electrical cable lines makes it an invaluable tool for preventing electrical fires and equipment damage, enhancing overall safety and reliability in critical infrastructure systems.

For more information about how the product works, you can check out the technology section  from here.

For the frequently asked questions see here. 

Still have questions to ask or decided to give FOTAS a try? Please feel free to contact us; we will be glad to be of service.