Down-hole strain gauging technology is getting smaller

Down-hole strain gauging technology is getting smaller � and lower forces can be measured. Patented strain gauge technology enables space saving and well protected force measurement transducers to be directly embedded into custom designed structural components. Towcester � UK � May 2008. A patented technology that allows strain gauges to be mounted directly inside the customers components, saving space, removing extraneous errors and enabling design innovation, is available from Ixthus Instrumentation Ltd. The durable down-hole strain gauge technique from leading USA strain measurement specialist Strainsert Inc, provides an elegant load measurement solution and recent developments now allows the technology to measure forces as low as 100 N. and design miniaturisation also means they can be built into even smaller areas of just 3 mm diameter and within lengths of only 100 mm. The technology is available through Ixthus in Strainsert�s standard load sensing product range that includes flat load cells, load sensing bolts and studs, tension links, and clevis pins but Ixthus are also able to provide OEMs and research organisations with these miniature strain gauges directly assembled into customised load bearing components and structures; either built to design or assembled into free-issued parts with full calibration and certification as required. Unlike strain gauges that are attached on the outside of load bearing components, the down-hole strain gauge, typically bonded into a small hole in the neutral axis of the load sensing path, is insensitive to off-centre loading, bending and extraneous load forces. Furthermore, the sealed and encapsulated miniature assembly is extremely well protected against harsh environments and materials can be selected to comply with application fatigue ratings and international safety standards. Compensation for pressure, temperature and safety redundancy can also be built into customised designs and the technology also lends itself to space restricted precision shear and torque measurement. The typical force measurement range across standard and customised down-hole strain gauges is between 100 N and 5 MN, with 0.1% linearity. Ixthus Instrumentation provides complete technical and sales support for the entire range from Strainsert and are on hand to advise and assist customers with standard products and customised applications. Ixthus have applied and adapted these innovative products over several years in all areas of industry and research for demanding applications in military, aerospace, marine and subsea, oil and gas, mining and quarry, hoist and crane, and automotive.

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