Accelerometers survive tough drilling applications

Inertial Aerosystems has released rugged, high-temperature accelerometers designed primarily for downhole measurement while drilling (MWD) in the oil and gas industries.

The QAT160 and T185 units, produced by Honeywell, both use the Q-Flex etched quartz proof flexure seismic system, modified for harsh environments.

The integrated high-temperature electronics hybrid develops an output current proportional to acceleration providing both static and dynamic acceleration measurements up to +/-20G.

With an appropriately scaled output resistor, the output current can be converted into voltage.

The QAT160 has an operating temperature of -40 to 160C (175C intermittent), while the QAT185 has an operating temperature of 140 to 185C (200C intermittent).

Both have a shock resistance of over 1000G and a vibration tolerance of 30G peak sine 50/800Hz.

Weighing only 55g with a diameter of 25.4mm and a length of 18.5mm, they are suitable where space and weight are at a premium.