Mar 6, 2018

In focus: Silent segments

Tyler Morency
7 years ago

In focus: Silent segments

A closer look at one of the innovations that make SAAV, Measurand’s most advanced ShapeArray model.

What are silent segments?:
Silent segments are rigid steel tubes that are mechanically identical to typical SAAV segments but have no sensors inside. Silent segments offer the flexibility to control the location of the sensorized zone by increasing the length of the SAAV at the far, non-cable end to increase the total length of the array.

Strings of 500 mm length silent segments can be pre-configured at the time of order and arrive on the reel, ready to install. Alternatively, unattached silent segments strings can be ordered to attach in the field prior to bore-hole installation.

“The big benefit of silent segments to SAAV is that clients can have the reassurance that they have the flexibility to get any length ShapeArray they want, without needing to send it back to Measurand to get retrofitted,” Measurand’s director of sales, Chris Gairns said.

Why are silent segments used?:
Optional silent segments were developed to offer the flexibility to control the location of the sensorized zone by increasing the length of the ShapeArray at the far-end. For example, if the last 10 metres of a borehole does not require monitoring, 10 metres of silent segments can be added, lifting the ShapeArray to a useful point without additional grouting or ruining the inclinometer casing.

For more detailed instructions on how to attach silent segments, visit Measurand’s support page.

  • 1993

    The Beginning

    Measurand is established in Fredericton, New Brunswick
  • 1994

    Bend sensor development

    Measurand develops and patents fiber optic bend and position sensors for the medical and automotive sectors

    U.S. Patent 5,321,257

  • 1995

    Canadian Space Agency

    Receives funding from the CSA to develop sensor technology that ultimately leads to invention of ShapeTape

    U.S. Patent 5,633,494

  • 1999

    Patent on fiber optic sensor

    Measurand receives patent for "Fiber Optic Bending and Positioning Sensor" issued June 29, 1999

    Canadian Patent 2,073,162

  • 2001

    ShapeTape & ShapeHand debut

    Measurand designs and develops innovative motion capture technology

    U.S. Patent 6,127,672, 6,563,107

  • 2002

    Measurand Attends the ICPMG

    First contact with the geotechnical sector at the International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG)
  • 2004

    ShapeArray

    Design patent application sent about a new product designed to meet the specific needs of the geotechnical industry

    U.S. Patent 6,127,672, 6,563,107

  • 2005-08

    ShapeWrap

    Measurand debuts ShapeWrap motion capture technology for the film and animation industry

    U.S. Patent 7,296,363

  • 2006

    Malibu installation

    ShapeAccelArray installed for ground monitoring for the first time​ in Malibu, CA

    Canadian Patent 2,472,421

  • 2007

    ShapeMRI

    Suite of instrumentation developed for motion capture within Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines

    U.S. Patent 7,296,363

  • 2011

    SAAScan launched

    Built for rapid deployment and repeated use

    Canadian Patent 2,472,421

  • 2014

    SAAX launched

    Purpose-built for heavy-duty horizontal installation

    Canadian application 2,815,199 & 2,815,195

  • 2017

    SAAV launched

    The only geotechnical instrument with a patented cyclical installation method

    Cyclical Sensor Array, Canadian application 2,815,199 & 2,911,175