Fiber optic sensors are structural health monitoring (SHM) and industrial monitoring solutions that provide significantly safer, more stable, and long-distance measurement capabilities compared to conventional electrical sensors. Because the fiber optic line serves as both the signal carrier and the sensing element, it delivers reliable, long-life measurements in explosive atmospheres, strong electromagnetic fields, and harsh environmental conditions.

As Barnar Global, we bring Sylex’s FBG-based fiber optic sensor solutions to the Turkish market and to projects across the region, while providing engineering support from system design through commissioning.

Fiber Optic Sensor : What Is an FBG-Based sensor ?

FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) refers to periodic refractive index variations inscribed inside an optical fiber. Light at a specific wavelength is reflected back along the fiber; this reflected wavelength is sensitive to strain and temperature changes acting on the fiber. In this way, the fiber itself becomes a high-precision strain and temperature sensor.

Sylex builds automated monitoring systems used in infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, roads, dams, mining, energy, rail systems, and industrial facilities on modernized FBG technology.

Fiber Optic Sensors : Advantages of Sylex FBG

1) Intrinsic Safety and ATEX Compatibility

In FBG-based systems, the field sensor network is completely passive; there is no electricity in the field—only light is transmitted. Therefore:

  • The risk of sparking is eliminated in environments containing explosive gas or dust.
  • Measurements can be taken safely even in high-voltage electrical environments.
  • The technology is suitable for use within explosive-atmosphere standards such as ATEX.

2) EMI / RFI Immunity

In fiber optic sensors, the signal carrier is light, not electricity. As a result:

  • They are not affected by electrostatic, electromagnetic, or RF interference.
  • They provide stable data even near powerful motors, inverters/VFDs, high-current busbars, and radar/communication lines.
  • They deliver critical reliability in aviation, defense, and high-voltage infrastructure.

3) Long Distance and Low Loss

Data transmission is performed over single-mode optical fiber, the telecommunications industry standard. This infrastructure:

  • Offers high bandwidth and low attenuation.
  • Enables measurements over kilometers without the need for repeaters.
  • Is ideal for large dams, long bridges, tunnels, pipelines, and road/bridge monitoring projects.

4) Long-Term Stability and Easy Calibration

FBG sensing elements are materially stable and exhibit very little drift over time. This:

  • Reduces the need for frequent calibration.
  • Lowers operating costs in long-term infrastructure monitoring projects (SHM systems that run for years).
  • Allows embedded or surface installation with minimal intervention thanks to compact sensor size.

5) Multiplexing: Dozens of Measurement Points on a Single Fiber

While electrical sensors typically require a separate cable and channel for each sensor, Sylex FBG sensors can host dozens of FBG gratings on a single optical fiber, each acting as an independent sensor.

  • Many measurement points (strain, temperature, displacement, etc.) on one fiber
  • Significant savings in cabling, channels, and field labor
  • A simpler system architecture, since all fibers can be connected to a single interrogator unit

6) Measurement of Multiple Physical Quantities

FBG sensors directly measure strain and temperature; with suitable mechanical converters (transducers), the following can also be monitored:

  • Pressure and displacement
  • Force and load
  • Acceleration and vibration
  • Tilt, settlement, and structural movements

Fiber Optic Sensors : Typical Application Areas for Sylex FBG Sensors

Sylex FBG-based fiber optic sensors are used in critical infrastructure and industrial facilities in many countries:

  • Structural Health Monitoring (SHM): Bridges, tunnels, dams, viaducts, high-rise structures, stadiums
  • Geotechnical Applications: Slope stability, piles, foundation systems, fill and ground movements
  • Energy and Infrastructure: Line tension monitoring, pipelines, wind turbines, road and rail infrastructure
  • Aerospace and Defense: Composite structures, wing and fuselage strain monitoring, specialized test structures
  • Industrial Monitoring/Automation: Machine and process monitoring in high-EMI environments

FBG Projects with Sylex and Barnar Global

As Barnar Global, we are the Turkey distributor of Sylex’s FBG-based fiber optic sensor and monitoring solutions. Together with Sylex’s Europe-based team, we support your bridge, tunnel, dam, mining, energy, and defense projects across the following steps:

  • Application analysis and sensor architecture design
  • Sensor layout design, cabling, and interrogator selection
  • Pilot installation, field testing, and commissioning
  • Data analysis, definition of alarm thresholds, and reporting
  • Long-term technical support and system expansion planning

Technical Information and Quotation Requests

If you would like to use Sylex FBG-based fiber optic sensors in your project and implement SHM, geotechnical, or industrial monitoring solutions, you can contact us.

For detailed technical information, demos, or quotation requests:www.sylex.sk