The Lenterra Flow Sensor (LFS) System consists of a Drag Force Flow (DFF) sensor and an Optical Interrogator (LOI). The system offers in-line, real-time flow measurement to a number of industries looking to enhance process understanding, and improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.
How it works
The DFF sensor consists of a hollow pillar mounted on a stationary base, containing two optical strain gauges, Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBGs). The LOI is connected to the FBGs via a fibre optic cable and continuously monitors the FBG spectra. When the pillar is deflected by flow, one FBG becomes extended and the other one is compressed, leading to a shift in wavelength spectra. A larger deflection results in a greater shift.
When the probe is immersed in a moving powder or material, the DFF sensor bends under the force of the flow. The magnitude of the deflection is continuously measured and quantifies the drag force flow in real-time, which is a function of material properties such as size, density, adhesion and strength, allowing operators to assess material properties in-process.