Colibrys MEMS Motion Sensors and Microsystems

Colibrys is a world-leading supplier of standard and semi-custom MEMS-based motion sensors and actuators for high precision and high reliability applications in harsh environments, including energy, military, aerospace and industrial markets.

Colibrys designs, manufactures and sells a range of proprietary, high-performance MEMS motion sensors and microsystems for the hydrocarbon market. Our motion sensors use variable capacitive detection techniques for measuring the acceleration or rotation of an object.

Colibrys’ motion sensors are suitable for use in sub-surface seismic imaging for hydrocarbon (oil / gas) exploration and down bore-hole drilling for petroleum production.

Accelerometers for hydrocarbon exploration

The measurement of a motion through acceleration, tilt or vibration is extremely important and widely used in oil /gas and mining-related markets. Colibrys’ accelerometers are based on MEMS capacitive sensors with integrated bulk micro-machined silicon elements. Examples of applications requiring accelerometers include:

• Sub-surface seismic imaging
• Reservoir monitoring
• Structural monitoring for rigs, platforms or any construction
• Platform stabilization
• Downhole directional drilling
• Horizontal or surface directional drilling
• Measurement while drilling
• Downhole monitoring or downhole survey

MEMS motion sensors for harsh environments

Colibrys’ commitment to the application requirements of the energy and mining markets is shown through its accelerometers’ products and services, which are well beyond automotive specifications. Every single sensor from Colibrys is designed for high-end specifications.

Colibrys produces a few hundred thousand accelerometers per year, which differentiate themselves through their technical specifications: high stability, low noise, low power, low weight and size, as well as high reliability for safety critical applications under harsh environments. Colibrys standard accelerometers are qualified for temperatures between -55°C to +125°C, but some customers regularly use these products up to 150°C.

Capacitive accelerometers for directional drilling

The long-term stability, low vibration rectification error and reliability of our MEMS capacitive accelerometers are continuously improved to meet the increasing needs of inertial requirements. Colibrys’ capacitive accelerometers are used in in a broad spectrum of markets and applications, including guidance for directional drilling (downhole or surface drilling).

Tilt sensors for drilling and monitoring

Due to their high resolution, high temperature stability and low power consumption, low g inertial sensors are extremely good products for tilt measurements. Colibrys’ tilt sensors have demonstrated extremely high reliability under harsh environments and are therefore well regarded worldwide for downhole survey and monitoring applications, providing very precise inclination information.

Colibrys’ tilt sensors are ideal in a large panel of markets and applications, including directional downhole and surface drilling, offshore platform monitoring and stabilization, pipeline structural integrity monitoring, and more.

Inertial sensing motion sensors

The new MS9000 and the MS8000 product families from Colibrys are the best candidates for inertial sensing as our SF1500 and SF2005 seismic sensors can be used for very low signal measurements in seismic applications.

A selection of products is available for inertial measurements in hydrocarbon oil and gas exploration. Colibrys offers a full range of products from ±2g to ±200g with some dedicated products for harsh environment applications, including high shock, rough vibrations or high temperatures. All our products are extensively qualified and available for temperatures between -55°C and +125°C.

Vibration sensing products for offshore monitoring

Variable capacitance sensors from Colibrys offer benefits as a replacement for traditional piezo-resistive products in some specific applications. For a given acceleration range and bandwidth, the capacitive sensor offers a lower noise floor and a much better stability over temperature and over time.

Hydrocarbon variable capacitance sensors

Colibrys’ variable capacitance sensors are extensively used for applications in the hydrocarbon market, including platform monitoring, HUMS, structural monitoring, pipeline monitoring, downhole vibration monitoring, pipeline health and structure integrity monitoring, and more.

Colibrys’ new VS9000 products are best adapted for vibration sensing, which requires small size and weight, wide bandwidth and an extended g range over a large temperature band, combined with the stability and reliability required for safety-critical applications.