Elastisense Q&A Session with Elastisense CTO - Benjamin Thomsen

Summary

The Elasa Sense DS Sensor is a versatile, flexible displacement sensor designed for structural health monitoring in challenging environments. With no moving parts, an IP68 rating, and high accuracy, it is ideal for use in applications like crack detection, vibration monitoring, and heavy vehicle monitoring. Its ability to be installed in non-linear configurations and reused across multiple projects makes it highly adaptable. The sensor is easy to install and integrates seamlessly with various data logging systems, offering options like analog and digital outputs. Dynamo, as an official partner, provides full support for sensor selection and project integration.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ElastaSense sensor is a flexible displacement sensor that measures both positive and negative displacement, offering versatility in installation compared to traditional sensors like LVDTs or crack gauges.
• 😀 The sensor is IP68 rated, meaning it is resistant to water, dust, and high-pressure washing, making it suitable for harsh environmental conditions, including offshore and industrial applications.
• 😀 Unlike traditional sensors with moving parts, the ElastaSense sensor has no moving components, which eliminates maintenance issues related to wear, dirt ingress, and degradation.
• 😀 The sensor is easy to install with minimal technical knowledge, featuring simple mounting points and requiring no on-site calibration, making it ideal for quick deployment in multiple projects.
• 😀 ElastaSense supports both static and dynamic monitoring, capable of measuring slow structural shifts or rapid movements up to 1 kHz, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, from bridge monitoring to machinery diagnostics.
• 😀 The sensor can measure displacement in non-linear positions, which is not possible with traditional LVDTs or crack gauges. It can be installed at various angles, adding to its flexibility.
• 😀 The ElastaSense sensor offers high accuracy (0.5% full scale) and can be used in installations with varying displacement angles, though accuracy decreases slightly as the installation angle becomes more extreme.
• 😀 It is available in five different measurement ranges (5mm, 20mm, 50mm, 100mm, and 250mm) and offers analog (4-20mA, 0-5V, 0-10V) and digital (RS232, RS485) output options for easy integration with different data logging systems.
• 😀 The sensor has a long lifecycle, rated for up to 1 million dynamic cycles, ensuring durability and reusability for multiple projects without compromising performance.
• 😀 ElastaSense is particularly suited for structural health monitoring applications such as bridges, tunnels, dams, and heavy vehicle monitoring, as well as industrial environments where traditional sensors face challenges, such as high vibration or complex motion.

Q & A

What is the key advantage of the Elasa Sense DS sensor over other sensors like LVDTs or crack gauges?

The Elasa Sense DS sensor is highly flexible and can be installed in non-linear positions, unlike LVDTs or crack gauges which require absolute linear installation. This flexibility allows it to be used in challenging environments with high accuracy and no issues from dirt ingress or maintenance requirements.

How does the Elasa Sense DS sensor handle dynamic displacement measurements?

The Elasa Sense DS sensor is capable of measuring dynamic displacements up to 1 kHz. It can monitor rapid movements such as vibrations, similar to how a trampoline moves. The sensor provides real-time data on both positive and negative displacements, making it ideal for dynamic applications.

What types of outputs are available from the Elasa Sense DS sensor?

The Elasa Sense DS sensor supports both analog and digital outputs. Analog options include 0-5V, 0-10V, and 4-20mA, while digital options include RS232 and RS485.

What is the accuracy of the Elasa Sense DS sensor?

The sensor has a high accuracy of 0.5% of full scale, which makes it reliable for a wide range of applications, from structural monitoring to dynamic measurements.

Can the Elasa Sense DS sensor be reused across multiple projects?

Yes, the Elasa Sense DS sensor is designed for reusability. It can be easily moved from one project to another with minimal maintenance, offering a long lifespan and flexibility in various applications.

What environmental conditions can the Elasa Sense DS sensor withstand?

The Elasa Sense DS sensor is IP68 sealed, which means it can withstand dust, dirt, and water ingress. It is also capable of functioning in submerged conditions, even in saltwater, although an upgraded stainless steel version is recommended for harsh offshore environments.

How flexible is the installation of the Elasa Sense DS sensor?

The Elasa Sense DS sensor can be installed at various angles and does not need to be positioned in a straight line. While accuracy may slightly decrease if installed at extreme angles, it remains highly flexible compared to other sensors, which require linear installation.

What is the maximum displacement the Elasa Sense DS sensor can measure?

The Elasa Sense DS sensor can measure up to 120 Newtons of force, allowing it to operate effectively in environments with significant displacement and strain, without failure.

Can the Elasa Sense DS sensor detect displacement in multiple directions?

The sensor measures displacement between two mounting points along a single axis. If displacement in multiple directions is needed, additional sensors can be added to measure movement in the X, Y, and Z axes, allowing for accurate 3D displacement analysis.

What is the typical lifespan of the Elasa Sense DS sensor?

The Elasa Sense DS sensor is rated for up to 1 million cycles of dynamic movement, meaning it can be used for a long time in applications with frequent displacement. In static applications, such as monitoring structural movements in bridges, the sensor can be used for several years without degradation.