Wertec gmbh, an innovative company presents our patented fiber-optic chemical sensor designed to revolutionize corrosion detection in prestressing strands. This cutting-edge technology works by inserting an optical fiber into the gaps between individual stranded wires. These spaces are filled with a non-flowing gel infused with a sensitive dye. This dye reacts with iron ions, formed during corrosion, creating an iron-dye complex. This reaction triggers a spectral change that can be detected by the optical fiber.

In collaboration with Joanneum Research, we have integrated a sophisticated light source, a mini spectrometer, and advanced optical components into an initial test sample. This pioneering setup has already demonstrated success in initial field measurements on prestressing strands.

We are prepared to scale this breakthrough to an industrial level. Our development efforts have focused on creating stable dyes, ensuring their reliability, and successfully testing their application within the sensor.

Completed Developments

Optical Components:

• Light Source: Advanced broadband LED
• Light Coupling: Precise transmission from the light source into the optical fiber
• Optical Fiber: High-quality PMMA fiber
• Light Decoupling: Efficient transmission from the fiber into the mini spectrometer
• Mini Spectrometer: Compact and powerful for precise detection

Chemical Components:

• Gel with Dye: Multiple stable indicators available for accurate detection of iron ions

Current Developments and Results

Chemical Components: We have advanced our initial concept by coating the PMMA fiber with a polymer that already contains the corrosion-detection dye. This innovative approach, involving a co-polymerization process, applies the dye as a monomer unit to the fiber surface, eliminating the need to mix the dye into the gel.

Mechanical Production: Initial field measurements were conducted with manually inserted fibers. We are currently evaluating two automated concepts for inserting the fiber into the strand structure, both of which are undergoing feasibility testing.

Our journey toward industrializing this groundbreaking sensor promises to transform corrosion detection and monitoring with unparalleled precision and reliability.