Nonintrusive Cryogenic Mass Flow Rate Sensor

The Stennis Space Center has identified a need to perform continuous facility and test article Health monitoring. Florida Laser Systems proposes the development of an innovative non-intrusive cryogenic mass flow rate sensor. The sensor system is based on the Extrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometric (EFPI) sensor technology being refined at the Florida Institute of Technology. These fiberoptic based sensors are capable of determining several measurands including strain, temperature, pressure, force, vibration and shock. Their advantages include immunity to electromagnetic interference and cross talk, light weight, compact size, large bandwidth, corrosion resistance, ability to operate in hazardous and explosive environments, and remote real-time operation in cryogenic environments. This technology will be combined with an innovative mechanical design that will allow the non-intrusive detection of temperature, pressure, fluid velocity and mass flow rate. There are currently no products available for determining cryogenic mass flow-rate non-intrusively with high dynamic response. During phase I of this program proof of concept tests will be performed utilizing this technique. ~000092 ~