Networking

Fiber optics make sense

By // August 24, 2006, 10:16 PM PST // billdetwiler

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  • A Fox-Tek sensor on an elbow in a refinery pipe in Alberta, Canada. The sensor employs optical techniques to measure the rate of internal corrosion in the pipe. The liquids inside are at 260 degrees Celsius. Elbow joints are notorious for corroding. A leak or explosion, though, could lead to injuries or environmental problems.

    Fox-Tek

  • Is it an anti-smoking patch for a pipe? Nope, it a sensor for measures stress and strain. The sensors sell for $1,000 a pop and a station for collecting data runs about $45,000. But Fox-Tek CEO Gary Jolly asserts that's a bargain compared to cleanup costs of a leak or explosion. Saudi Aramco has tested out the company's sensors and is planning on announcing soon on how it plans to expand its use of the sensors, Jolly said.

    Fox-Tek

A Fox-Tek sensor on an elbow in a refinery pipe in Alberta, Canada. The sensor employs optical techniques to measure the rate of internal corrosion in the pipe. The liquids inside are at 260 degrees Celsius. Elbow joints are notorious for corroding. A leak or explosion, though, could lead to injuries or environmental problems.

Fox-Tek

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By Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and Tech Pro Research and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager, database administrator, and desktop supp...