Fiber Optic Clearance and Identification Sensor (FOCIS™), is a multi-function optical system providing industry leading performance for the measurement of:

• Blade Tip Timing and Blade Vibration Monitoring
• Blade Tip Clearance
• Rotor Speed
• Blade Twist
• Blade Crack and Blade Damage Detection

The system can be configured to measure one or several of the components above.

System Architecture

The main elements of the system are:

Elements of the FOCIS System

Optical Probes

The optical probes are sensors which are installed on the rotor casing.  Prime Photonics manufactures the widest selection of probes available today, with many unparalleled advantages.  More...

Sensor Interface Unit (SIU)

The Sensor Interface Unit (SIU) generates a laser beam which is transmitted through the optical probes.  The blade reflects the light back into the probe at each blade passage, generating a pulse.  The Sensor Interface Unit captures the waveform of the reflected light and converts it into an analog voltage.  More...

Data Capture Unit (DCU)

The voltage from the Sensor Interface Unit is transmitted to the Data Capture Unit (DCU) which digitizes the waveform, acquires relevant data, and processes the data into measured quantities such as time of arrival, blade vibration, distance, or speed of rotation.  More...

Software Suite

The DCU is loaded with our complete FOCIS™ Software Suite for test setup, verification of data collection, real-time monitoring, and post-processing of the data.  More...

Advantages At A Glance

Ease of Use

Usability is paramount.  All of our hardware and software is designed with the user in mind with comprehensive graphical interface.  From the setup of test parameters to real-time visualization of the test data and to building a post-processed analysis, users are consistently delighted with intuitive tools and a low learning curve.

Real-Time Monitoring

Test operators can visualize test data in real time and are alerted to abnormal test conditions via a set of configurable alarms.

Deep Post-Processing Tools

Test analysts use our best-in-class post-processing analysis for in-depth comprehension of blade vibration characteristics of their rotating machinery.

Superior Performance

With 100 MHz sample rates on all channels simultaneously and best-in-class optical amplifier designs, FOCIS™ Sensor Interface Units and Data Capture Units provide superior frequency response and low noise performance, resulting in the highest quality blade tip timing measurements available today.

High Temperature

FOCIS™ offers the best quality optical probes available today.  A variety of our optical probes are qualified to 700 deg C (1300 F) without cooling.  Cooled probes are also available for operation in turbine environments at higher temperatures.

Multifunction

FOCIS™ multi-function blade tip timing / blade tip clearance probes measure both timing and clearance simultaneously, allowing both measurements to be made with only one casing penetration and cable.

No Metal, No Problem

FOCIS™ optical clearance sensors work with all types of blades regardless of material: metallic, ceramic, composite, plastic, and more.

More information

For more information about the FOCIS™ system or to request a price quotation please use the contact form below.