Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) Systems – CTEMPs

What is the instrumentation or service?

The Center for Transformative Environmental Monitoring Programs (CTEMPs)—supported by the National Science Foundation and jointly operated by Oregon State University and the University of Nevada, Reno—provides short and intermediate term project access to five field-deployable Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) systems. The basis of DTS technology is that the sensor itself is an optical fiber, recording temperature at intervals along the fiber. DTS technology can provide highly accurate (up to 0.01C) temperature measurements in long length profiles and at very high temporal and spatial resolution. Field-deployable DTS can be used in very small spaces and in a wide variety of environmental conditions. CTEMPs DTS have been used in projects investigating freeze/thaw dynamics, soil moisture, groundwater seepage, aquatic habitats and urban stormwater runoff, among others. Wireless meteorological stations to augment thermal data collection are also available. Full descriptions of the instruments are available at ctemps.org/instruments/index.html.

How do I request access?

Access is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Users can request access to the CTEMPs equipment by submitting a request through their instrument access webpage ctemps.org/instruments/instruments_request.php.

What are the costs involved?

CTEMPs aims to provide access to this state-of-the-art equipment at reasonable costs. Depending on the equipment package request, cost range from $100 - $2500/ month plus mobilization costs. Complete lease rates can be found at ctemps.org/instruments/instruments_costs.html.

An advantage to this technology is that aside from the leasing and mobilization costs distributed temperature sensing technology has low system design costs (you do not have to plan the exact location of each sensor) and low installation costs in the field.