New generation deformation sensor with application in civil engineering, traffic, geotechnics, hydrology and soil mechanics

Summary

A Slovak scientific institute has developed a new generation magnetoelastic deformation sensor based on advanced amorphous/ nano (quasi) crystalline materials. The sensor was tested in real conditions such as on a water dam, tunnel and a gas pipeline with excellent results. Application possibilities of the technology are in civil engineering, traffic, geotechnics, hydrology and soil mechanics, etc. The preferred cooperation types is license agreement.

Description

The novel magnetoelastic deformation sensor was developed by an established Slovak scientific research institute. The proposed technology uses the magnetoelastic phenomenon in amorphous metallic ribbons. Real conditions tests with great results have been performed on a water dam flooded with water (in Slovak municipality Gabčíkovo), tunnel (in Višňové) and on a gas pipeline placed 10 meters under the ground (in Posádka pri Hlohovci).

The presented technological principle is unique and has many advantages over currently most used deformation sensing techniques based on resistance, vibration, resonance, string and film sensors. Furthermore, the properties of the sensor predetermine it for use also in demanding and special environment. The institute has the capacity to produce and deliver functional technology fully deployable and usable in practice.

Specific technical characteristics:
• Range > 3000 ppm (0.3 %)
• Resolution better than 10 ppm (0.001 %)
• Non-linearity / temperature drift better than 1 %
• Rate of scanning to 100 Hz
• Simple, inexpensive and reliable collection and record of data
• Simple and quick installation
• High resistance to thermal stress, moisture, corrosion and EMF interference

The presented technology is used for sensing the relative positions of several points, planes and layers, most notably as deformation sensor, and is applicable in a number of areas including civil engineering, traffic, geotechnics, hydrology and soil mechanics and other fields (e.g. placement of buildings in a terrain with unstable geological features).

The institute is looking for an industrial partner for licensing the technology. More details explained in the Partner Sought.

Stage of Development

Prototype available for demonstration

Requested Partner

Type of a partner:
The institute prefers cooperation via license agreement and is seeking an industrial partner for licensing the technology.

Specific area of activity of the partner:
For licensing - no preference

Role of a partner:
License agreement - the Slovak research institute is looking for licensees active in foreign countries, and is ready to provide the presented technology in the Description part. The institute has the capacity to produce and deliver functional technology fully deployable and usable in practice.