Data Transfers Using Laser Technology

Ok,

You've got a guy on a rope inside a tank. And a guy somewhere else. What will the laser replace? Does the inside guy yell out some value to the outside guy? Or, is there some reason why the data is needed instantly?

Remember, it's light. It stops for almost everything except clear air.

What will the laser beam buy you?

I have never come across such a product you describe - portable wireless line-of-site data communications using a laser, suitable for Zone 1 (given the application of inspecting emptied gas storage vessels). How about a portable hazardous area rated wireless transmitter/receiver instead?

Can you supply more information as a quick search of the internet produced no helpful results.

I think that they are probably using Bluetooth for data transmittal...

Re-reading your post, I am not sure if you are referring to coating thickness, or steel plate thickness. For coating thickness, both Elcometer and Delfesko, make bluetooth gauges that can transmit data as you describe

http://www.defelsko.com/

www.elcometer.com

not sure what blue tooth gauges there are for Ultrasonic wallthickness

The laser technology is probably involved in measurement rather than data transfer. Applications for assessing steel in the tanks (warpage, gap widths, etc) are probably being assessed at close range by the rope crew. http://www.keyence.ca/products/vision/laser/laser.php for example.

If there's visible laser being shot to the bottom of the tank, that is probably to document the exact height and position of the readings being taken, rather than a data transfer.

The RAT crew will be using wireless to transfer electronic clipboard data.

I have to agree with all the other posters here.

Laser would be line of site, and you would spend more time setting system up than measuring.

More likely is laser measuring then transfer data via bluetooth.