Sensing the way forward in undersea exploration

Entran miniature sensors supplied exclusively by Northamptonshire-based StrainSense are proving up to the challenge in a highly demanding application in geotechnical surveying

Lincolnshire-based Datem is a leading supplier of electro-mechanical and software based design solutions, with geotechnical survey products forming a major part of its business.

The Entran sensors are fitted into the Datem range of cone penetrometers, aimed at the geotechnical sector of the offshore survey market which primarily comprises companies acquiring data on behalf of the petrochemical and telecommunications industries.

Working at depths in excess of 200 metres, the penetrometers measure the resistance of the seabed to penetration and supply soil strength characteristics which allow the interpretation of sub-sea soil conditions.

The Entran sensor specifically measures pore water pressure, which enables a more reliable determination of stratification - identification of the materials present - and soil type than a standard penetrometer.

These data then provide the results for direct geotechnical design.

Entran sensors, a subsidiary of Measurement Specialties, were specified for this application because of their small size - the penetrometer has less than 4mm diameter available to house the high pressure sensor - and their resolution, to enable the excess pressures generated during penetration to be distinguished from the background hydrostatic pressure.

Martin Steggar of Datem commented: "Our clients need the very highest levels of accuracy as the integrity of the subsequent designs relies to such a large extent on the data provided by the penetrometers during the site investigations".

"The exact stratigraphy of the sub-sea surface provides vital information to our clients, and so having a highly accurate and reliable miniature sensor in the penetrometer is key to the success of the site investigation.

The Entran product has proved to be consistently reliable, robust and highly accurate in these highly demanding conditions.

Using the Entran products has allowed us to significantly strengthen our product range, enabling us to further develop and meet the demands of our business".

Anthony Cross, Managing Director of StrainSense, added: "This application demonstrates very clearly the strengths of the Entran range of miniature sensors - compactness, versatility, robustness and accuracy in a highly pressurised environment".

Established in 2002, StrainSense is the UK's leading solutions provider in the field of strain gauges, transducers, load cells and instrumentation.

The company is an approved distributor for major names such as Measurement Specialties, (Entran, Schaevitz and H L Planar), NMB Minebea, Sensy, HPI and Presens, and also manufactures its own bespoke high temperature strain gauges, force sensors, crane overload sensors and amplifiers for specialist applications.

Measurement Specialties is a global designer and manufacturer of sensors and pressure transmitters who design and manufacture sensors for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and research and development facilities.

Measurement Specialties offers a large variety of sensor products to meet application requirements in many industries including automotive, off-road, medical, industrial, consumer, military, aerospace, rail and traffic applications.

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