How Does An Inclinometer Work?
By Bob Jonathan
WHAT IS AN INCLINOMETER AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Also known as Tilt meter or Tilt sensor, the Inclinometer is a tool used for measuring angular tilt. Inclinometers are used for sensing movements, whether it’s embedded in concrete structures, attached to a dam, buried down a tunnel or even for monitoring the volcanoes the Inclinometer is capable of producing very accurate results even at the most irregular surfaces. Inclinometers and tilt sensors date back around half a century. The inclinometer is also known as the clinometer.
Now the inclinometer is available in single and dual axis configurations.
COMMON TECHNOLOGIES USED WITHIN THE INCLINOMETER SENSOR
The most common technology that is used for Inclinometer or the clinometer sensor is the accelerometer, electrolytic, mercury, gas bubble liquid and pendulum.
ELECTROLYTIC INCLINOMETER
The electrolytic tilt sensors are able to produce a very accurate measurement and are able to produce an electric signal to show exactly how much a structure is leaning in reference to gravity. This kind of tilt sensor is generally used in automotive industry, electronics, gyroscopes and satellites. These are also known as the most durable of all the tilt sensors yet avaliable.
MERCURY INCLINOMETER
Inside a mercury type tilt sensor the tilt is determined by a metal or glass can, within which there is a tiny drop of mercury and two electrodes.
GAS BUBBLE LIQUID INCLINOMETER
A gas bubble tilt sensor is comprised of a glass tube filled with liquid. The tube which comprises of the liquid and the bubble is commonly bent. The position of the bubble indicates the angle. This gas bubble inclinometer is also known as a tilt meter, clinometer or a slope indicator.
PENDULUM INCLINOMETER
Pendulum tilt sensor is commonly used to determine the stability of the submarines and the ships. It has generally been used by the navy around the world.
The pendulum is a suspended hollow metal cylinder filled with mercury. Attached to a small shaft, it tends to remain vertical. The movement of the pendulum and hence the object it is attached to is noted by a pointer.
KINDS OF INCLINOMETER
Inclinometer is used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles from vehicles to airplanes, boats and even satellites. There are two basic kinds of Inclinometers that are used:
HORIZONTAL INCLINOMETER
This kind of tilt sensor or clinometer is used for observing deformation on concrete structures and foundations.
VERTICAL INCLINOMETER
The vertical tilt sensor or clinometer is used for monitoring abrupt movements, especially in landslide areas, under water and in tilted areas. They are known to give dynamic performances.
DIGITAL INCLINOMETER
Known for their extraordinary accuracy, the digital inclinometer uses breakthrough technology. They are now very strong, tough and really easy to use. Its signals and data are digital. It is used for the verification of various angles and slopes in the engineering industry. This tilt sensor provides results that are precise and computed with both analog and digital sensors used for single-axis and dual-axis measurements.
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