Monitoring of inhomogeneous flow distributions using fibre-optic Bragg grating temperature sensor arrays

Knowledge of the gas flow distributions, their mass velocity and turbulences, in chemical reactors, thermodynamic engines, pipes, and other industrial facilities may help to achieve a more efficient system performance. In our novel approach, optical fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been used for measuring the temperature of a heated element, adapting the principles of conventional hot-wire-anemometers. Because of the multiplexing capability of FBG sensors, the gas mass flow distribution can be measured along the sensor array. The length of the heated and sensor-equipped element can be easily adapted to the cross section of the gas flow, from <10 cm up to several metres. The number and distances of FBGs distributed over this length defines the spatial resolution and is basically limited by the sensor signal processing. According to FBG sensor lengths < 5 mm, spatial resolutions of gas flow measurements of less than 1 cm can be achieved.