For Immediate Release

Fiber Optic Distributed Strain and Temperature Sensors

FINAL RELEASE - Version 3.0

Ottawa, Canada - April 18, 2007

OZ Optics now offers the Foresight™ series of fiber optic distributed strain and temperature sensors. The new sensor system provides high resolution and accurate strain and temperature monitoring over very long distances. The sensor uses standard optical telecommunications fiber, thereby leveraging the enormous economies of scale from fiber optic communication networks. The new system is ideal for temperature and strain monitoring of oil & gas pipelines, bridges, dams, security fences and power lines. Brillouin sensors are excellent for detecting corrosion, buckling and micro cracks in large structures.

The new Fiber Optic Distributed Strain and Temperature Sensor (DSTS) uses Brillouin scattering in optical fibers to measure changes simultaneously in both temperature and strain along the length of a standard, low-cost optical fiber. By wrapping or embedding a fiber inside a structure such as an oil pipeline or dam, users can detect when the structure is being strained or heated/cooled and allow the problem to be corrected before failure occurs. Such monitoring capability is invaluable in critical structures where failure could represent loss of lives or millions of dollars. The sensing fiber can also be used for telecommunications.

The sensing technology gives both temperature and strain readings along the length of the fiber, with spatial resolution as short as 5cm. Being able to monitor both temperature and strain changes is a key advantage, as it allows one to identify which changes in the strain on the fiber are temperature related, and which are caused by outside stresses. Depending on the configuration selected, the sensor range is up to 40km.

The system is fully compatible with the communications and monitoring solutions found in OZ Optics’ Optical Network Safeguard™ (OZ-Guard) system. This provides wireless communication options for remote installations, automated monitoring, and real-time alerts with GPS coordinates via text message, email, instant message and the web. Escalating alarms, starting with the field engineer and rising to any level specified by the system operator, are a standard feature of the system.

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