Patent — available for licensing
Streamlined Liquid Level Sensing Using Fiber Optics
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
Innovators at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center have developed a highly accurate method for measuring liquid levels and other tank gauging applications using optical fibers. Unlike liquid level gauges currently on the market that rely on discrete measurements to give broad approximations of liquid levels, Armstrong's innovative fiber optic method provides precise and accurate measurements. Specifically, Armstrong's novel method is capable of providing measurements at 1/4-inch intervals within a tank. This significant leap forward in precision and accuracy in liquid level sensing offers significant benefits to many industries. Originally designed by NASA to monitor a rocket's cryogenic fuel levels, this technology—part of NASA's patented fiber optic sensing system (FOSS)—can be used in many tank gauging applications.