Humidity Adjustment Device and Humidity Adjustment Method for Detecting Gas Component Concentration

Abstract

The present invention discloses a humidity control device and humidity control method for detecting gas component concentration. The device includes: a main flow path of the gas to be detected and two branches branched from the main flow path of the gas to be detected, the two branches being a first branch and a second branch; a control unit, provided on the first branch and / or the second branch, the control unit being able to adjust the gas pressure in the corresponding branch; a humidity exchange component, provided between the first branch and the second branch, the humidity exchange component being made of a material that is permeable to water molecules, and when the gas pressure in the first branch is different from the gas pressure in the second branch, the water molecules in the branch can move between the first branch and the second branch through the humidity exchange component; a concentration detection unit, provided at the rear end of the first branch, for detecting the gas concentration after humidity exchange in the first branch. The humidity control device of the present invention will not affect the concentration of the gas component to be detected when performing humidity control, thereby ensuring the accuracy of concentration detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of concentration detection, and in particular to a humidity adjustment device and a humidity adjustment method for detecting gas component concentration. Background Art

[0002] In the detection of gas composition concentration, general gas sensors are more sensitive to the humidity of the inlet gas, especially for electrochemical gas sensors. The humidity of the inlet gas has a great influence on the measurement data. Even if the concentration of the target gas does not change, if the humidity of the inlet gas changes, the output signal or value of the gas sensor will also change accordingly, which will lead to measurement errors.

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, it is necessary to adjust the humidity of the input gas. In the existing technology, humidification is generally adopted, such as passing the input gas into water, or heating liquid water to evaporate into gas and then mixing it into the input gas; passing the input gas into water may cause the target measured gas component to be absorbed by water, thereby causing the component concentration of the target measured gas to change; heating liquid water to evaporate into gas and mix it into the input gas requires ensuring that no liquid water enters the gas pipeline, otherwise the problem of the target measured gas component being absorbed by water will also occur. In addition, both of the above methods require the continuous supply of liquid water, which is difficult to implement in engineering, the equipment structure is complex, and the cost is high.

[0004] Therefore, the existing technology still needs to be improved and developed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a humidity control device and humidity control method for gas component concentration detection, so as to solve the problems in the prior art that when the humidity of the gas to be detected is adjusted, the gas components are absorbed by liquid water, resulting in inaccurate concentration detection, and the need to continuously provide liquid water, which is costly.

[0006] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A humidity regulating device for detecting gas component concentration, comprising:

[0008] a main flow path of the gas to be detected and two branches branching from the main flow path of the gas to be detected, the two branches being a first branch and a second branch;

[0009] a regulating unit, provided on the first branch and / or the second branch, the regulating unit being capable of regulating the gas pressure in the corresponding branch;

[0010] a humidity exchange member disposed between the first branch and the second branch, the humidity exchange member being made of a material permeable to water molecules, such that when the gas pressure in the first branch differs from the gas pressure in the second branch, water molecules in the branches can pass through the humidity exchange member and move between the first branch and the second branch;

[0011] The concentration detection unit is provided at the rear end of the first branch and is used to detect the component concentration of the gas after humidity exchange in the first branch.

[0012] As an optional solution to the above-mentioned humidity regulating device for detecting gas component concentration, a first pipe is provided on the first branch, and the humidity exchange element is a second pipe provided on the second branch, and the second pipe is at least partially provided inside the first pipe.

[0013] As an optional solution of the above-mentioned humidity regulating device for detecting gas component concentration, both ends of the second pipe are passed through the pipe wall of the first pipe, and the middle part of the second pipe is arranged inside the first pipe.

[0014] As an optional solution of the above-mentioned humidity regulating device for detecting gas component concentration, the second pipe is completely arranged inside the first pipe.

[0015] As an optional solution of the above-mentioned humidity regulating device for detecting gas component concentration, the humidity exchange member is a Nafion tube.

[0016] As an optional solution of the humidity regulating device for detecting gas component concentration, both the first branch and the second branch are provided with regulating units.

[0017] As an optional solution of the above-mentioned humidity adjustment device for detecting gas component concentration, a regulation unit is provided on the first branch.

[0018] As an optional solution of the above-mentioned humidity adjustment device for detecting gas component concentration, a regulation unit is provided on the second branch.

[0019] As an optional solution of the above-mentioned humidity regulating device for detecting gas component concentration, the regulating unit is a pressure regulating valve.

[0020] A humidity adjustment method for detecting gas component concentrations comprises the following steps:

[0021] A. Splitting the main flow of the gas to be tested into two branches, namely a first branch and a second branch. The airflow in the first branch is used for concentration detection, and the airflow in the second branch is used to exchange humidity with the airflow in the first branch to adjust the humidity of the gas in the first branch. The airflows in the first branch and the second branch flow through the same humidity exchange element, which is permeable to water molecules, allowing water molecules to move between the first branch and the second branch.

[0022] B. Adjusting the pressure difference between the first branch and the second branch according to the target humidity value of the gas in the first branch so that the concentration of water molecules in the first branch and the second branch are different, and the water molecules move between the first branch and the second branch through the humidity exchange element under the action of the concentration difference.

[0023] The present invention is beneficial in that:

[0024] The main flow of the gas to be detected is divided into two flows, and a pressure difference is created between the gases in the two branches through an adjusting unit. The pressure difference between the gases in the two branches is used to create a difference in the concentration of water molecules in the two branches. A humidity exchange component is provided between the two branches, and the humidity exchange is performed through the humidity exchange component using the concentration difference between the gases in the two branches. There is no need to supplement a water source, which prevents gas components from being absorbed by liquid water, thereby improving the accuracy of component concentration detection. The absence of a water source can make the equipment structure simpler and the cost lower. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first embodiment of a humidity control device for detecting gas component concentrations in the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of a humidity control device for detecting gas component concentrations in the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the humidity adjustment device for detecting gas component concentration in the present invention.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 100, main flow path of the gas to be detected; 110, first branch; 111, first pipeline; 120, second branch; 121, second pipeline; 200, regulating unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It will be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all structures.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0032] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0033] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used to refer to positions or locations based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate description and simplify operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meaning.

[0034] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific implementation methods.

[0035] The present invention provides a humidity regulating device for detecting gas component concentration. Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the humidity control device for gas component concentration detection in the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the humidity adjustment device includes a main flow path 100 of the gas to be detected, a first branch path 110, a second branch path 120, an adjustment unit 200, a humidity exchange element, and a concentration detection unit.

[0036] The first branch 110 and the second branch 120 are two branches branched from the main flow path 100 of the gas to be detected. The front end of the main flow path 100 of the gas to be detected is connected to a gas source for providing the gas to be detected, and the rear end is divided into two flow paths.

[0037] The regulating unit 200 is arranged on the first branch 110 and / or the second branch 120. The regulating unit 200 can adjust the gas pressure in the corresponding branch. Specifically, the regulating unit 200 is set to create a pressure difference between the first branch 110 and the second branch 120 through the regulating unit 200. The regulating unit 200 can be set only on one of the first branch 110 and the second branch 120, or the regulating unit can be set on both the first branch 110 and the second branch 120, because only changing the airflow pressure in any one of the first branch 110 and the second branch 120 can create a pressure difference between the two branches. Of course, in a preferred embodiment, the regulating unit 200 can be set on both branches at the same time.

[0038] The humidity exchange element is disposed between the first branch 110 and the second branch 120. Made of a material permeable to water molecules, the humidity exchange element allows water molecules in the first branch 110 and the second branch 120 to migrate between the first and second branches through the humidity exchange element when the pressure of the gas in the first branch 110 differs. Therefore, by controlling the pressure differential between the first and second branches 110, the movement and amount of water molecules between the two branches can be controlled, thereby regulating the humidity of the gas in the branches. It will be appreciated that the humidity exchange element is permeable only to water molecules, not other molecules, to prevent the migration of other gas components from affecting their concentrations.

[0039] In the present invention, the first branch 110 is used as a branch for detecting gas component concentrations. The second branch 120 is provided to exchange humidity with the first branch 110, so that the first branch 110 reaches the humidity value required for concentration detection. Therefore, a concentration detection unit is provided at the rear end of the first branch 110 and is used to detect the concentration of gas components after the humidity exchange in the first branch 110. The concentration detection unit can be, for example, a concentration sensor, although other concentration detection devices or instruments can also be used.

[0040] In the present invention, two branches leading from the main flow path 100 of the gas to be detected are directly used to carry out humidity exchange, and there is no need to supplement a water source to adjust the humidity of the gas to be detected, thereby avoiding the gas components of the gas to be detected being absorbed by the supplemented liquid water, improving the accuracy of component concentration detection, and the absence of an additional water source can also make the equipment structure simpler and the cost lower.

[0041] It is understandable that the airflow in the first branch 110 and the second branch 120 can exchange humidity by simply flowing through the same humidity exchange element at a certain position in the branch. There is no specific limitation on the shape and structure of the humidity exchange element. For example, the humidity exchange element can be a layer of diaphragm arranged between the first branch 110 and the second branch 120, or the humidity exchange element can be made into a tubular shape. In one embodiment, the present invention makes the humidity exchange element into a tubular shape, such as a Nafion tube. Nafion is a copolymer of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and perfluoro-3, 6-diepoxy-4-methyl-7-decene-sulfuric acid. Like Teflon, Nafion has extremely strong resistance to chemical corrosion, and the presence of sulfonic acid groups gives Nafion unusual properties. Sulfonic acid has strong water permeability. Therefore, Nafion is a good humidity exchange material. Of course, the humidity exchange element can also be made of other materials that are permeable to water molecules. Please refer to Figure 1 A first pipe 111 is provided on the first branch 110, and the humidity exchange component is a second pipe 121. The second pipe 121 is at least partially provided inside the first pipe 111, so that the airflow in the first branch 110 and the airflow in the second branch 120 exchange humidity through the part of the second pipe 121.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, both ends of the second pipe 121 are passed through the wall of the first pipe 111, and the middle part of the second pipe 121 is arranged inside the first pipe 111. This facilitates the installation and fixation of the second pipe 121, while at the same time allowing the middle part of the second pipe 121 to be completely located in the first pipe 111, ensuring effective humidity exchange between the first branch 110 and the second branch 120.

[0043] In other embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the second pipe 121 can also be completely arranged inside the first pipe 111, which can increase the humidity exchange area and improve the humidity exchange efficiency.

[0044] In other implementations, the humidity exchange element may not be configured as a tube. Figure 3 : is a schematic structural diagram of a third embodiment of a humidity control device for detecting gas component concentrations in the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the humidity exchange member can be, for example, a diaphragm arranged between the pipelines of the first branch 110 and the second branch 120, with through holes or openings arranged at corresponding positions on the pipelines, and the through holes or openings can be covered with the diaphragm-shaped humidity exchange member.

[0045] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1Regulating units 200 are provided on both the first branch 110 and the second branch 120 to adjust the air pressure in both branches and improve the efficiency of humidity exchange and regulation. The regulating unit 200 on the first branch 110 is provided at the front end of the first pipe 111, and the regulating unit 200 on the second branch 120 is provided at the front end of the second pipe 121. In other embodiments, the regulating unit 200 may be provided only on the first branch 110, while the regulating unit 200 may not be provided on the second branch 120. Alternatively, the regulating unit 200 may be provided only on the second branch 120, while the regulating unit 200 may not be provided on the first branch 110.

[0046] The regulating unit 200 can be, for example, a pressure regulating valve or other pressure regulating device. Furthermore, it is understood that pressure regulation can also be understood as flow regulation, and regulating flow can change pressure. Therefore, the regulating unit 200 can also be understood as a flow regulating device, such as a flow regulating valve (e.g., solenoid valve). In the present invention, the term "regulating unit 200" generally refers to any pressure regulating or flow regulating device capable of regulating air pressure.

[0047] The working principle of the humidity control device of the present invention is (refer to Figure 1 ):

[0048] After the sample gas is divided into the first branch 110 and the second branch 120, it flows through the first pipe 111 and the second pipe 121 respectively; the gas flow rate and gas pressure in the first pipe 111 and the second pipe 121 are adjusted by the regulating units 200 on the first pipe 111 and the second pipe 121, and the regulating units 200 can increase or reduce the gas pressure; after the gas flow in the two branches is adjusted by the regulating units 200 on each branch, it enters the first pipe 111 and the second pipe 121 respectively; the first pipe 111 and the second pipe 121 are isolated from each other. Except for water molecules that can pass through the wall of the second pipe 121, other gases cannot enter the second pipe 121 from the first pipe 111, nor can they enter the first pipe 111 from the second pipe 121; when the gas pressures in the first pipe 111 and the second pipe 121 are different, water molecules will pass through the wall material of the second pipe 121 and penetrate from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side, thereby increasing the humidity of the gas on the low-pressure side;

[0049] Here, the working process is described using the example of increasing the humidity of the airflow in the first branch 110. The goal is to increase the humidity of the airflow in the first branch 110, that is, to increase the number of water molecules per unit volume of the airflow in the first branch 110. By adjusting the regulating unit 200 on the first branch 110, the pressure P1 in the first pipe 111 is reduced, and the number of water molecules per unit volume is also reduced. By adjusting the regulating unit 200 on the second branch 120, the pressure P2 in the second pipe 121 is increased, and the number of water molecules per unit volume is also increased. When P2 is higher than P1, water molecules penetrate through the pipe wall from the second pipe 121 into the first pipe 111, thereby increasing the humidity of the gas in the first pipe 111.

[0050] vice versa.

[0051] In summary, by adjusting the pressure P1 of the airflow in the first pipe 111 and the pressure P2 of the second pipe 121 by regulating the regulating units 200 in the two branches, the humidity of the airflow in the first pipe 111 can be adjusted. To increase the humidity of the airflow in the first pipe 111, the regulating unit 200 is adjusted to increase P2 above P1. To decrease the humidity of the airflow in the first pipe 111, the regulating unit 200 is adjusted to increase P1 above P2. The degree of humidity increase is related to the pressure difference between P1 and P2. The greater the pressure difference, the more water molecules pass through the wall of the second pipe 121 per unit time. Therefore, the speed of humidification or dehumidification can be adjusted by adjusting the pressure difference between P1 and P2.

[0052] The present invention also provides a humidity adjustment method for gas component concentration detection, comprising the following steps:

[0053] S100: Split the main flow path 100 of the gas to be tested into two paths, namely a first branch 110 and a second branch 120. The airflow in the first branch 110 is used for concentration detection, and the airflow in the second branch 120 is used to exchange humidity with the airflow in the first branch 110 to adjust the humidity of the gas in the first branch 110. The airflows in the first branch 110 and the second branch 120 flow through the same humidity exchange element, which is permeable to water molecules, so that the water molecules move between the first branch 110 and the second branch 120.

[0054] S200. Adjust the pressure difference between the first branch 110 and the second branch 120 according to the target humidity value of the gas in the first branch 110, so that the concentration of water molecules in the first branch 110 and the second branch 120 are different. Under the action of the concentration difference, the water molecules move between the first branch 110 and the second branch 120 through the humidity exchange component.

[0055] The humidity adjustment method of the present invention divides the airflow of the main path of the gas to be detected into two paths. The first branch 110 serves as a branch for detecting the concentration of gas components. The second branch 120 exchanges humidity with the first branch 110, so that the first branch 110 reaches the humidity value required for concentration detection. There is no need to supplement a water source to adjust the humidity of the gas to be detected, which avoids the gas components of the gas to be detected being absorbed by the supplemented liquid water, improves the accuracy of component concentration detection, and the absence of a water source can also make the equipment structure simpler and the cost lower.

[0056] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art would be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A humidity control device for detecting gas component concentration, characterized in that: include: A main flow path (100) of the gas to be detected and two branches branching from the main flow path (100) of the gas to be detected, the two branches being a first branch (110) and a second branch (120); a regulating unit (200), provided on the first branch (110) and / or the second branch (120), wherein the regulating unit (200) is capable of regulating the gas pressure in the corresponding branch; a humidity exchange member disposed between the first branch (110) and the second branch (120); the humidity exchange member being made of a material permeable to water molecules; and when the gas pressure in the first branch (110) and the gas pressure in the second branch (120) are different, the water molecules in the branches can pass through the humidity exchange member and move between the first branch (110) and the second branch (120); a concentration detection unit, provided at the rear end of the first branch (110), for detecting the component concentration of the gas after humidity exchange in the first branch (110); The first branch (110) is provided with a first pipe (111), the humidity exchange element is a second pipe (121) provided on the second branch (120), and the second pipe (121) is at least partially provided inside the first pipe (111); The pressure P1 of the airflow in the first pipe (111) and the pressure P2 in the second pipe (121) are adjusted by adjusting the adjusting unit (200); when the humidity of the airflow in the first pipe (111) needs to be increased, the adjusting unit (200) is adjusted so that P2 is higher than P1; when the humidity of the airflow in the first pipe (111) needs to be reduced, the adjusting unit (200) is adjusted so that P1 is higher than P2.

2. The humidity control device for gas component concentration detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the second pipe (121) are passed through the pipe wall of the first pipe (111), and the middle portion of the second pipe (121) is arranged inside the first pipe (111).

3. The humidity control device for gas component concentration detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second pipe (121) is completely arranged inside the first pipe (111).

4. The humidity control device for gas component concentration detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The humidity exchange component is a Nafion tube.

5. The humidity control device for gas component concentration detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first branch (110) and the second branch (120) are provided with an adjustment unit (200).

6. The humidity control device for gas component concentration detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first branch (110) is provided with an adjustment unit (200).

7. The humidity control device for gas component concentration detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second branch (120) is provided with an adjustment unit (200).

8. The humidity control device for gas component concentration detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The regulating unit (200) is a pressure regulating valve.

9. A humidity control method for gas component concentration detection, characterized in that: The steps include: A. A main flow path (100) of the gas to be detected is divided into two paths, namely a first branch (110) and a second branch (120); the airflow in the first branch (110) is used for concentration detection, and the airflow in the second branch (120) is used to exchange humidity with the airflow in the first branch (110) to adjust the humidity of the gas in the first branch (110); the airflows in the first branch (110) and the second branch (120) flow through the same humidity exchange element, which is permeable to water molecules, so that the water molecules move between the first branch (110) and the second branch (120); B. The pressure difference between the first branch (110) and the second branch (120) is adjusted according to the target humidity value of the gas in the first branch (110), so that the concentration of water molecules in the first branch (110) and the second branch (120) are different, and the water molecules move between the first branch (110) and the second branch (120) through the humidity exchange element under the action of the concentration difference.

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