Metrohm NIRS XDS Process Analyzer – SingleFiber - Manual (Page 37)

▪▪▪▪▪▪▪ 35
6
Installation of Single Fiber Optic Cable
Single fiber optic cables are quite rugged, and are jacketed to protect the delicate optical fibers
within. While protected, the fiber bundles are still somewhat fragile when not handled correctly.
Always use care when routing and installing fibers.
The fibers are not installed on the instrument. They must be installed
before use.
Handle very gently when moving and lifting, to avoid damage.
Follow these guidelines:
1. Never bend in a radius of less than 6” (153mm).
2. Never pull on the fiber bundle, as this can stress the fiber and cause breakage.
3. Avoid any impact or abuse of the fiber.
4. Do not leave the fiber optic cable unsupported. Any motion in the cable during scanning may
cause minor variations in spectral response, due to slight differences in the internal reflection
at different bend angles. While this effect is quite small, it can cause the error of prediction to
increase slightly.
5. Never scratch or mar the polished ends of the fibers.
Cable Tray:
Due to the intrinsic safety and resistance to inductance of the fiber bundles,
these fibers can be installed in commercially available cable trays. This method
of fiber installation is preferable due to the fact that the fiber is not exposed to
a constrictive environment, as is the case with conduit. Therefore, it is less
likely that an individual fiber will break when being installed in a cable tray.
The fiber may be installed in a “ladder tray” with supports every 4-6 inches (100-150mm). Note the
minimum fiber bend radius as mentioned above. A solid-bottom tray may also be used. Tray material
may be metal, fiberglass, or any other material that does not react with the jacketing material.
Cable Puller
A cable puller is supplied to assist in pulling cable through inaccessible spots. Use only when
necessary. Follow directions:
The cable puller is shown above. The “strength members” are taped to the single fiber optic cable(s)
and the metal eyelet is used to pull the fibers.