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INNOVATION IN magnetic field measurements


As an innovator in magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility, Bartington Instruments develops a range of sensors and associated test equipment suitable for use in a wide range of industries


F


or 30 years Bartington Instruments has been a consistent innovator


in magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility, developing a range of sensors and associated test equipment. Its instruments are sold to customers worldwide in the fields of defence, aerospace, physics, geosciences, medicine and industry.


MAGNETOMETRY Bartington’s magnetometers are based on the fluxgate principle, a sensitive and reliable non-contact technique for measuring the strength and direction of a magnetic field, first developed during World War II to detect submarines1


. The


main advantage of this technology is the very small variations of magnetic field that can be reliably measured in a broad range of environments, as demonstrated in the following applications. In 2010 the European Space Agency


(ESA) awarded Bartington Instruments a contract to develop a tensor gradiometer for the LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) programme2


. It incorporates sensing


elements able to detect variations in magnetic fields 10 million times smaller than the one generated by the earth. In New Zealand a three axis


magnetometer was installed on the sea bed with other types of sensors in a Diver Signature Evaluation System (DSES)3


in multi-influence mine disposal. Closer to home, low-cost magnetic


field sensors are used in recording studios and sound stages, to diagnose sources of hum caused by stray background magnetic fields.


MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY Bartington’s MS2/MS3 system features a single meter with an interchangeable array of sensors for measuring the degree to which a material can be magnetised in the field or laboratory. This system, and other custom- designed instruments based on the same technology, provide information about a material’s properties and, indirectly, its composition and history. They are primarily used in environmental sciences and more recently for quality control in industry. The US National Science Foundation’s Ocean Drilling Program4


, conducting A three axis


basic research into the history of the ocean basins and the nature of the crust beneath the ocean floor, has integrated a downhole magnetic susceptibility probe into a logging tool on its scientific drilling ship5


. It is used to


magnetometer has been installed on the sea bed with other types of sensors in a Diver Signature Evaluation System (DSES)


analyse minute variations in the magnetic susceptibility of the sedimentation layers, which reveal information about conditions above and below the water at the time the layers were laid down. The China Banknote Printing


and Minting Corporation (CBPMC)6


uses magnetic


susceptibility systems to control the quality of the magnetic ink used to print its banknotes. Modern banknotes have ferrous particles added to the ink that is used to print them, which gives genuine notes a unique magnetic signature. Magnetic susceptibility measurements are also used for quality


10 JUNE 2014 | INSTRUMENTATION designed by AAL to train divers


The US National Science Foundation’s Ocean Drilling Program has integrated a downhole magnetic susceptibility probe into a logging tool on its scientific drilling ship


control during the manufacturing process by monitoring the thickness of ink precipitation. In summary, Bartington Instruments’


sensors are compact, rugged, precise and reliable. A wide range of enclosures and electronics allows magnetometers and susceptometers to be used from cryogenic to very high temperatures, in dry or marine environments, and to sustain vibration levels associated with drilling or rocket launches. Bartington Instruments also offers a range of data acquisition systems7 test equipment8


and , including Helmholtz


Coil System and mumetal shields, to assist with the integration of its sensors in existing installations.


Bartington Instruments T: 01993 706565 E: sales@bartington.com www.bartington.com Enter 650


1 www.latimes.com/science/la-me-vacquier24-2009jan24-story.html 2


lisa.nasa.gov/ 3


www.aal.net.nz/products/diver_signature_evaluation_system/ 4 www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13524 5 www.ldeo.columbia.edu/BRG/ 6 www.cbpm.cn/English


7 www.bartington.com/data-acquisition-and-conditioning-units.html 8 www.bartington.com/test-equipment-and-shielding


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