APPLICATION

Characterize, design, model, calculate, simulate, test, demonstrate, this is what distinguishes Phonoptics. A lot of professionals have been looking for a solution for a long time to achieve measurements in the most hostile environments, now with the sensors designed by Phonoptics it is possible.

Phonoptics develops and markets brand new measurement solutions in hostile environments: temperature and pressure control, vibration measurement and acoustic analysis. But it can also design new sensors on demand to meet the customer's exact expectations. Indeed, Phonoptics has the knowledge and means to be able to develop new custom sensors.

This new patented technology is based on a single optical fiber unlike our competitors who need two. Thus, the sensors are simpler and less expensive and more robust. Finally, our sensors are resistant to high temperatures, 1500°C. The microphone is the flagship element at Phonoptics adaptable to all environments, such as:

01.

PRESSURE SENSORS FOR THE AERONAUTICAL MARKET

Pressure measurement, monitoring of engines and metal parts.

Key benefits: EMI/RFI insensitive, withstands temperatures above 150°C and -50°C, insensitive to humidity, miniature and lightweight. We are currently working on new sensors capable of operating up to 1300°C.

02.

MICROPHONES FOR LISTENING AND ANALYSIS IN EMI/RFI ENVIRONMENTS

This EMC measures the amplitude of a device or an electronic system, to operate in its electromagnetic environment satisfactorily, without itself producing annoying electromagnetic disturbances.

03.

SENSORS FOR THE GEOPHYSICAL AND OFFSHORE INDUSTRY

For pressure measurement, monitoring of pipelines over long distances.

Key advantages: optical fiber several kilometers long, sensor inert to abrasions, resistant to high temperatures and pressures, long-lasting.

04.

THE HYDROPHONE FOR GREAT DEPTHS

Continuous listening of the seabed at around 4km depth.

Key advantages: it is currently impossible for a standard hydrophone to go deeper than a kilometer, and in these conditions several repeaters are necessary to amplify the signal, the system cannot be connected to the coast directly... We allow us to free ourselves from these constraints.

05.

MICROPHONES FOR THE RADIOACTIVE ENVIRONMENT

Microphones enable 24/7 monitoring of noise in a radioactive environment with high electromagnetic disturbances.

So this new approach has only advantages: Specific optical fibers capable of resisting high temperatures and nuclear radiation over the long term.

Hydrophone for great depths: to enable 24/7 listening at the seabed (around 4km deep).

KNOW-HOW

Phonoptics has developed unparalleled expertise. Different fibers with various coatings and varied with as many elements as possible from the telecom sector (high-performance and inexpensive) or others are assembled in the company's premises.

The manufacturing of our membranes is subcontracted by an industrial specialist in micro-manufacturing in a clean room, which guarantees the repeatability and consistency of our sensors.

We are committed to providing the best sensors. Each part is carefully assembled with the best products to promote its operation and longevity.

At the heart of our microphones are used ceramic or borosilicate ferrules which provide good chemical and physical resistance. Our membranes are made of silicon. This material provides high stability and long-term chemical resistance.

We have extensive knowledge in terms of bonding which allows us to use the best according to the customer's needs and the type of sensor to be produced.

Thanks to the tests carried out, our sensors can reach very high temperatures without altering their operation in the most hostile environments. Finally, we know that environments are becoming more and more complex, which is why we can adapt to customer demand by offering new sensors by changing the size, thickness, etc. to meet the pressures.

CALIBRATION

All Phonoptics sensors are internally calibrated to certify their performance based on temperature, ambient pressure and humidity.
In particular we qualify the sensors in sensitivity and frequency

We have different calibration tools such as:

- B&K type 4231 acoustic calibrator
Sensitivity calibration at 1kHz at 94dB and 114dB

- Acoustic speaker in anechoic box: B&K type 4232
Free-Field calibration of sensitivity and frequency response between 100Hz and 10kHz.

- GRAS RA0014 electrostatic actuator accompanied by its 14AA amplifier.
Pressure-Field calibration of the frequency response between 100Hz and 200kHz

- IKA 125 control oven
Temperature test up to 300°C

- Carbolite CWF1200 oven
Temperature test up to 1200°C

- Vacuum bell with sealed optical and electrical crossing
Up to 100mBar

- Overpressure box with sealed crossings
Up to 5 bars

- Aaronia Spectran NF-5030 X Spectrum Analyzer
From 1Hz to 1MHz

- Dewesoft acquisition system: Sirius
DAQ 8 channels 16bit 1MHz simultaneous

- Michelson fiber interferometer

As well as all the multimeters, low-frequency generator and essential electronic devices.

We are therefore able to know the exact response of our sensors and the influence of external parameters on their response, as illustrated in the image below

USE CASES

These acoustic measurements, possibly coupled with light measurements, make it possible to characterize the electric arc emission equipment, to measure its evolution over time, the influence of the distance between the 2 ends of the copper wires, in order to establish a usual sound pattern and to compare for example with other equipment or to detect in the case of predictive maintenance if the equipment is going to break down.

USE CASE TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT REFLECTOMETRIC PYROMETER

The ThermoRef can be used to measure temperature in the most particular conditions and on the most difficult materials.
Each case is therefore particular, and Phonoptics has carried out different measurements to demonstrate the capabilities of the sensor.

Here we see that the bichromatic temperature is not reliable. Concerning the measurements before the T and Thermocouple curves meet, the difference is explained by the fact that the thermocouple does not have good contact with the aluminum. This is seen with the great variability of its measurements. Once the temperature of 580°C is reached, the thermocouple penetrates inside the aluminum during fusion which ensures perfect contact and therefore a good temperature reading.

The ThermoRef can be used to measure temperature in the most particular conditions and on the most difficult materials.
Each case is therefore particular, and Phonoptics has carried out different measurements to demonstrate the capabilities of the sensor.

Here we see that the bichromatic temperature is not reliable. Concerning the measurements before the T and Thermocouple curves meet, the difference is explained by the fact that the thermocouple does not have good contact with the aluminum. This is seen with the great variability of its measurements. Once the temperature of 580°C is reached, the thermocouple penetrates inside the aluminum during fusion which ensures perfect contact and therefore a good temperature reading.