Multi-channel fluorometric sensor and method of using same

Abstract

An optical sensor may include multiple optical emitters configured to emit light into a fluid sample via an optical pathway. Light from the emitters can cause fluorescence from the sample and / or scatter off of the sample. Scattered and fluoresced light can be received by an optical detector in the sensor via the optical pathway, and used to determine at least one characteristic of the fluid sample. A second optical detector can provide reference measurements of the amount of light emitted to the sample. In one example, the optical detector can detect scattered and fluoresced light simultaneously. In another example, light is emitted and detected alternatingly. The sensor can be part of a system that includes one or more controllers configured to control the emitting and detecting of light to and from the fluid sample. The controller can use detected light to determine at least one characteristic of the fluid sample.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates to optical measurement devices, and more particularly, to fluorometers for monitoring the concentration of one or more substances in a sample. Background technique [0002] In cleaning and antimicrobial operations, commercial users (eg, restaurants, hotels, food and beverage plants, grocery stores, etc.) rely on the concentration of the cleaning or antimicrobial product for the product to work effectively. If a cleaning or antimicrobial product does not work effectively (for example, due to concentration issues), this may result in perceived lower product quality by commercial users. End consumers may also perceive commercial providers of these products as providing poor quality service. Additionally, commercial users may be investigated and / or sanctioned by government regulatory and health agencies. Accordingly, there is a need for a system that can monitor properties of a fluid solution (eg, determine whether the conc...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In existing systems, accessing the sample optically can be a costly process requiring extensive modifications to the system and significant downtime to perform such modifications

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