Flow calibration device for gas monitoring system

Abstract

Flow calibration devices and methods for gas monitoring systems are provided. The flow calibration device includes, but is not limited to: an inlet configured to facilitate an inflow of a gas flow sample from a nose handle of a gas monitoring system; an outlet configured to facilitate outflow of the gas flow sample to a port manifold of the gas monitoring system; a flow channel defined between the inlet and the outlet; a pressure sensor configured to calibrate at least one sample pressure sensor of the gas monitoring system; and a valve between the inlet and the outlet configured to adjust a flow rate of the gas flow sample between the first reference flow rate and the second reference flow rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to flow calibration apparatus for gas monitoring systems and, in some examples, more particularly to apparatus and methods for calibrating gas monitoring systems. Background Art

[0002] Applicants have discovered a number of technical challenges and difficulties associated with calibrating gas monitoring systems. Through the application of effort, ingenuity and innovation, Applicants have solved the problems associated with accelerating the calibration process by developing the solutions embodied in the present disclosure, which are described in detail below. Summary of the invention

[0003] Various embodiments described herein relate to assemblies, devices, and systems for measuring fluid turbidity and fluid composition.

[0004] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a flow calibration device for a gas monitoring system is provided. The flow calibration device includes, but is not limited to: an inlet configured to facilitate the inflow of an airflow sample from a nose grip of a gas monitoring system; an outlet configured to facilitate the outflow of the airflow sample to a port manifold of the gas monitoring system; a flow channel defined between the inlet and the outlet; a pressure sensor configured to calibrate at least one sample pressure sensor of the gas monitoring system; and a valve located between the inlet and the outlet, configured to adjust the flow rate of the airflow sample between a first reference flow rate and a second reference flow rate.

[0005] In some embodiments, the valve is a needle valve configured to adjust the flow rate of the air flow sample.

[0006] In some embodiments, the flow calibration device further comprises a resistor inserted in the flow channel to limit the flow rate of the air flow sample.

[0007] In some embodiments, the flow calibration device further comprises a first terminal located upstream of the resistance device and a second terminal located downstream of the resistance device, and the pressure sensor is configured to measure the flow rate of the airflow sample by monitoring the pressure difference between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the nose stem includes a bypass mechanism configured to divert the gas flow sample from the gas monitoring system to an inlet of the flow calibration device, and the inlet is configured to facilitate flow of the gas flow sample from the nose stem of the gas monitoring system.

[0009] In some embodiments, the bypass mechanism is a three-way valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, the outlet is configured to facilitate outflow of the gas flow sample to a port manifold of the gas monitoring system.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one sample pressure sensor is configured to measure a flow rate of the airflow sample.

[0012] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to measure a flow rate of the airflow sample.

[0013] In some embodiments, calibrating the at least one sample pressure sensor includes: controlling the flow rate of the airflow sample at a first reference flow rate by adjusting the valve; calibrating the at least one sample pressure sensor based on the first reference flow rate; controlling the flow rate of the airflow sample at a second reference flow rate by adjusting the valve; and calibrating the at least one sample pressure sensor based on the second reference flow rate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first reference flow rate is 200 cc / min and the second reference flow rate is 0 cc / min.

[0015] In some embodiments, the gas monitoring system further comprises an optical block and a medium located between the optical block and the nose stem, and the optical block is configured to collect data by sensing changes in the medium exposed to the gas flow sample.

[0016] In some embodiments, the gas monitoring system further includes a controller assembly electrically coupled to the optical block and configured to determine a concentration of the gas flow sample based on data collected on the optical block.

[0017] In some embodiments, the medium is a chemcassette that changes color when a chemcassette is exposed to the airflow sample.

[0018] According to another embodiment, a method for calibrating a gas monitoring system by a controller assembly is provided. The method includes but is not limited to: facilitating the flow of an airflow sample from a nose handle of the gas monitoring system into an inlet of a flow calibration device; facilitating the flow of the airflow sample from an outlet of the flow calibration device to a port manifold of the gas monitoring system; controlling the flow rate of the airflow sample at a first reference flow rate by adjusting a valve of the flow calibration device; calibrating at least one sample pressure sensor of the gas monitoring system based on the first reference flow rate; controlling the flow rate of the airflow sample at a second reference flow rate by adjusting a valve of the flow calibration device; and calibrating at least one sample pressure sensor of the gas monitoring system based on the second reference flow rate.

[0019] The foregoing illustrative summary and other exemplary objects and / or advantages of the present disclosure, as well as the manner in which the same are achieved, are further explained in the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The description of the illustrative embodiments may be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise described. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements unless otherwise described. Embodiments incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the drawings presented herein, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 An exemplary diagram depicting an example flow calibration apparatus for a gas monitoring system is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 An exemplary diagram depicting an example flow calibration apparatus integrated with a gas monitoring system is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 shows an exemplary diagram depicting an example pressure sensor integrated with at least one analyzer module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 An exemplary diagram depicting a block diagram depicting the flow of gas flow samples in a gas monitoring system is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 An exemplary diagram depicting controller components according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0026] Figure 6 An exemplary flow chart depicting an exemplary method for calibrating a gas monitoring system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Indeed, these disclosures may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0028] As used herein, terms such as "front", "rear", "top", etc. are used for explanation purposes in the examples provided below to describe the relative positions of certain components or parts of components. In addition, based on this disclosure, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" mean that the referenced element or related description is accurate within applicable engineering tolerances.

[0029] As used herein, the term "comprising" means including, but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner in which it is commonly used in a patent context. The use of broader terms such as "including," "comprising," and "having" should be understood as support for narrower terms such as "consisting of," "consisting essentially of," and "consisting substantially of."

[0030] The phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," etc. generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0031] The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0032] If the specification states that a component or feature "may", "can", "might", "should", "will", "preferably", "likely", "typically", "optionally", "for example", "often" or "may" (or other such language) be included or have a property, the particular component or feature does not have to be included or have that property. Such a component or feature may optionally be included in some embodiments, or may be excluded.

[0033] Various exemplary embodiments solve exemplary technical problems associated with calibrating a gas monitoring system. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, for example, a gas monitoring system may be calibrated with additional or further external devices. For example, additional equipment may include pumps, vacuum gauges, flow meters, valves, and the like. In some examples, pumps, flow meters, and valves may control and / or measure the flow rate of a gas flow sample, enabling the gas monitoring system to be calibrated with a flow meter. However, in some examples, additional equipment such as vacuum pumps, vacuum gauges, and flow meters may be bulky, making them difficult to manipulate and set up with a gas monitoring system.

[0034] To address at least these exemplary issues and other issues, in some examples, the example devices, systems, and methods described herein improve the calibration of a gas monitoring system by using a flow calibration device. For example, a flow calibration device for a gas monitoring system may include an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being configured to facilitate the flow of an airflow sample from a nose handle of the gas monitoring system, and the outlet being configured to facilitate the flow of the airflow sample out to a port manifold of the gas monitoring system. In some examples, the flow calibration device may also include a pressure sensor and a valve, the pressure sensor being configured to measure the flow rate of the airflow sample, and the valve being located between the inlet and the outlet and configured to adjust the flow rate of the airflow sample. In some examples, the pressure sensor may be configured to calibrate at least one sample pressure sensor of the gas monitoring system.

[0035] Reference now Figure 1 , provides an exemplary diagram illustrating an example flow calibration device 100 for a gas monitoring system according to some example embodiments described herein. Figure 1 As shown, the example flow calibration device 100 may include an inlet 101 , an outlet 102 , and a flow channel 103 defined between the inlet 101 and the outlet 102 .

[0036] In some embodiments, inlet 101 can be configured to facilitate the flow of an airflow sample from a gas monitoring system (not shown) into 110. In some examples, inlet 101 can be configured to facilitate the flow of an airflow sample from a nosepiece (not shown) of a gas monitoring system into 110. Figure 4 Describe further details of the nose handle of the gas monitoring system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the outlet 102 can be configured to facilitate the outflow 111 of the gas flow sample, back to the gas monitoring system. In some examples, the outlet 102 can be configured to facilitate the outflow 111 of the gas flow sample, back to the port manifold (not shown) of the gas monitoring system. Figure 4 Describe further details of the port manifold for the gas monitoring system.

[0038] In some embodiments, flow channel 103 may be a cylindrical channel defined between inlet 101 and outlet 102. Alternatively, flow channel 103 may take the form of other shapes. In some examples, an inflow 110 of an airflow sample may pass through flow channel 103 and exit flow calibration device 100 via outlet 102 to facilitate an outflow 111 of an airflow sample.

[0039] In some embodiments, Figure 1As shown, the example flow calibration device 100 may further include a resistance device 104 located in the flow channel 103. In some examples, the resistance device 104 may be an inline flow restrictor. For example, the resistance device 104 may be inserted in the flow channel 103 to restrict the flow of the gas flow sample in the flow channel 103.

[0040] In some embodiments, the example flow calibration device 100 may further include a pressure sensor 105. In some examples, the example flow calibration device 100 may include a first terminal 104a located upstream of the resistance device 104 and a second terminal 104b located downstream of the resistance device 104. For example, the pressure sensor 105 may be connected between the first terminal 104a and the second terminal 104b. In some examples, the pressure sensor 105 may be configured to measure the flow rate of the airflow sample in the flow channel 103. In some examples, the pressure sensor 105 may be configured to measure the flow rate of the airflow sample in the flow channel 103 by monitoring the pressure difference between the first terminal 104a and the second terminal 104b.

[0041] In some examples, pressure sensor 105 can be electrically connected and / or coupled to a controller assembly (not shown), and the controller assembly can be configured to determine a flow rate of the airflow sample.

[0042] In some embodiments, the example flow calibration device 100 may further include a valve 106 located between the inlet 101 and the outlet 102. In some examples, the valve 106 may be configured to adjust the flow rate of the airflow sample in the flow channel 103. In some examples, the valve 106 may be a needle valve. For example, the valve 106 may include a control element 106a to adjust the flow rate of the airflow sample in the flow channel 103. For example, the control element 106a may be a knob that controls the channel (not shown) of the valve 106 by adjusting the position of the needle 106b of the valve 106, so that the flow rate of the airflow sample in the flow channel 103 can be accurately controlled.

[0043] Reference now Figure 2 , provides an exemplary diagram illustrating an example flow calibration device 100 integrated with a gas monitoring system 200 according to some example embodiments described herein.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the gas monitoring system 200 may receive one or more gas flow samples from one or more sampling sources and may include at least one analyzer module 201 that generates data associated with the sampling source. Examples of the at least one analyzer module 201 may include but are not limited to Modules and / or other modules that provide physical evidence of gas events. Such analyzer modules may include mechanical and electronic components that are configured to react to or process certain gases and generate sample data. In some examples, the gas monitoring system 200 may be a multi-point gas monitoring system configured with more than one analyzer module. In some examples, each of the at least one analyzer module 201 may have at least one detection point for a gas flow sample.

[0045] In some embodiments, the example flow calibration device 100 can be integrated with the gas monitoring system 200 by connecting with at least one analyzer module 201. For example, as shown in a close-up view 202 of at least one analyzer module 201, the inlet 101 can be connected to a nose stem (not shown) of the at least one analyzer module 201, and the outlet 102 can be connected to a port manifold (not shown) of the at least one analyzer module 201, so that the example flow calibration device 100 can provide a bypass for the flow channel between the nose stem and the port manifold.

[0046] In some embodiments, a pressure sensor 105 (not shown) can be located and / or integrated on at least one analyzer module 201. In some examples, the first / second terminals 104a / b are electrically connected and / or coupled to the pressure sensor 105. In some examples, the pressure sensor 105 can be configured to monitor a pressure difference between the first / second terminals 104a / b. Figure 3 Further details of pressure sensor 105 are described.

[0047] Reference now Figure 3 , an exemplary diagram 300 is provided, which shows an example pressure sensor 105 integrated with at least one analyzer module 201 according to some example embodiments described herein. Figure 3 At the top of the , an orthographic projection view of at least one analyzer module 201 is provided. Figure 3 A perspective view of at least one analyzer module 201 is provided at the bottom.

[0048] In some embodiments, the example pressure sensor 105 can be located and / or integrated on at least one analyzer module 201. In some examples, the pressure sensor 105 can include a first terminal 105a and a second terminal 105b. For example, the first terminal 105a of the pressure sensor 105 can be electrically connected and / or coupled to the first terminal 104a of the example flow calibration device 100. For example, the second terminal 105b of the pressure sensor 105 can be electrically connected and / or coupled to the second terminal 104b of the example flow calibration device 100.

[0049] In some examples, pressure sensor 105 may be configured to measure a flow rate of an air flow sample in flow channel 103 by monitoring a pressure difference between first terminal 104a and second terminal 104b.

[0050] In some embodiments, at least one analyzer module 201 may include at least one sample pressure sensor 301. For example, at least one sample pressure sensor 301 may be configured to measure a flow rate of a gas flow sample in the gas monitoring system 200.

[0051] Reference now Figure 4 , which shows an exemplary diagram depicting a block diagram depicting the flow of a gas flow sample in a gas monitoring system 400 employing the flow calibration device 100 according to example embodiments described herein.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, a gas flow sample 402 including one or more target gases may flow into a sample tube 404 of the gas monitoring system 400 .

[0053] In some embodiments, the medium 406 may be exposed to the gas flow sample 402 as the gas flow sample 402 flows into the sample tube 404 of the gas monitoring system 400 .

[0054] In some examples, the medium 406 may be a chemical cartridge. For example, the chemical cartridge may operate like a "color change indicator" that changes its color when exposed to a target gas present in the gas flow sample 402. For example, the color of the chemical cartridge changes due to a chemical reaction between a coating of the chemical cartridge and the target gas present in the gas flow sample 402. In some examples, the chemical cartridge may be selected based on the type of target gas to be detected or monitored by the gas monitoring system 400.

[0055] In some examples, the gas monitoring system 400 may also include an optical block 408 and a nose handle 410. In some examples, the medium 406 may be supported by the nose handle and positioned so that the surface of the medium 406 is exposed to the optical block 408. For example, the optical block 408 may include a light source and an optical sensor (not shown). In some examples, the optical block 408 may be electrically connected and / or coupled to a controller component 412 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)) that controls operations performed by the optical block 408. The optical block 408 may be configured to collect data by, for example, sensing a color change of the medium 406 when the medium 406 is exposed to the gas flow sample 402. In some examples, the concentration of the target gas may be determined by the controller component 412 based on the data collected by the optical block 408.

[0056] In some embodiments, the airflow sample may flow further after the nose stem 410 into the port manifold 414 .

[0057] In some examples, the gas monitoring system 400 can also include at least one sample pressure sensor 416 configured to monitor a pressure differential across one or more sections of the gas monitoring system 400. In some examples, the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 can be electrically connected and / or coupled to a controller component 412 that determines a flow rate based on the at least one sample pressure sensor 416. For example, the controller component 412 can determine a flow rate based on a pressure differential across one or more sections of the gas monitoring system 400. In some examples, the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 described herein can correspond to, for example, Figure 3 At least one sample pressure sensor 301 as described in.

[0058] In some examples, gas flow sample 402 may further flow through other components 418 of gas monitoring system 400. For example, other components 418 may include a pump to control the flow rate of gas flow sample 402 in gas monitoring system 400.

[0059] In some examples, while the concentration of the target gas is measured by the gas monitoring system 400 , the gas flow sample 402 may be exhausted from the exhaust port 420 of the gas monitoring system 400 .

[0060] In some embodiments, the nose stem 410 may include a bypass mechanism (e.g., a three-way valve) configured to mechanically engage with the example flow calibration device 100 to facilitate the flow of the gas flow sample 402 to the example flow calibration device 100, or to mechanically engage with the port manifold 414 to facilitate the flow of the gas flow sample 402 to the port manifold 414. For example, the bypass mechanism can divert the gas flow sample 402 from the gas monitoring system 400 to the inlet 101 of the flow calibration device 100.

[0061] In some examples, with the nose stem 410 mechanically engaged with the example flow calibration device 100 , the airflow sample 402 may flow through the example flow calibration device 100 to the port manifold 414 , such that the example flow calibration device 100 may be used to perform a calibration process on at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400 .

[0062] For example, Figure 1 As shown, the inlet 101 can be configured to engage with the nose stem 410 so that the gas flow sample 402 can be directed to the example flow calibration device 100. For example, the outlet 102 can be configured to engage with the port manifold 414 so that the gas flow sample 402 can flow back to the gas monitoring system 400.

[0063] In some examples, the pressure sensor 105 can be configured to calibrate at least one sample pressure sensor 416. For example, a calibration card can be inserted between the optical block 408 and the nose handle 410 to replace the medium 406 during the calibration process. For example, the calibration card can have the same effect on the flow rate of the airflow sample 402 as the medium 406. Replacing the medium 406 with the calibration card can prevent the waste of the medium 406 during the calibration process.

[0064] In some examples, pressure sensor 105 can be electrically connected and / or coupled to controller assembly 412 , and controller assembly 412 can be configured to determine a flow rate of airflow sample 402 based on pressure sensor 105 .

[0065] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the valve 106 can be adjusted to control the flow rate of the airflow sample 402. For example, the flow rate of the airflow sample 402 can be controlled at a first reference flow rate. For example, the first reference flow rate can be 200cc / min.

[0066] In some examples, the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400 can be calibrated based on the first reference flow rate. For example, the controller component 412 can determine the first test flow rate based on the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400. For example, if the magnitude of the first test flow rate is higher or lower than the magnitude of the first reference flow rate, the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400 can be calibrated so that the magnitude of the first test flow rate can be equal to the magnitude of the first reference flow rate.

[0067] For example, the flow rate of the airflow sample 402 may be controlled at a second reference flow rate. For example, the second reference flow rate may be 0 cc / min.

[0068] In some examples, the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400 can be calibrated based on the second reference flow rate. For example, the controller component 412 can determine the second test flow rate based on the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400. For example, if the magnitude of the second test flow rate is higher or lower than the magnitude of the second reference flow rate, the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400 can be calibrated so that the magnitude of the second test flow rate can be equal to the magnitude of the second reference flow rate.

[0069] Reference now Figure 5, provides a schematic diagram depicting a controller component 500 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the controller component 500 may include a processing circuit 501, a communication module 503, an input / output module 505, a memory 507, and / or other components configured to perform various operations, processes, functions, etc. described herein. In some examples, the controller component 500 described herein may correspond to Figure 4 Controller component 412 described in.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, the controller assembly 500 (such as the processing circuit 501, the communication module 503, the input / output module 505, and the memory 507) can be electrically coupled to and / or electronically communicate with the example flow calibration device 100, the at least one sample pressure sensor 416, the optical block 408, and other elements in the gas monitoring system 400. As shown, the example flow calibration device 100, the at least one sample pressure sensor 416, the optical block 408, and other elements in the gas monitoring system 400 can exchange (e.g., transmit and receive) data with the processing circuit 501 of the controller assembly 500. For example, the example flow calibration device 100, the at least one sample pressure sensor 416, the optical block 408, and other elements in the gas monitoring system 400 can generate data and transmit the data to the processing circuit 501.

[0071] The processing circuit 501 may be implemented as, for example, various devices including one or more microprocessors with accompanying digital signal processors; one or more processors without digital signal processors; one or more coprocessors; one or more multi-core processors; one or more controllers; processing circuits; one or more computers; and various other processing elements (including integrated circuits, such as ASICs or FPGAs, or some combination thereof). In some embodiments, the processing circuit 501 may include one or more processors. In an exemplary embodiment, the processing circuit 501 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 507 or otherwise accessible to the processing circuit 501. When executed by the processing circuit 501, these instructions may enable the controller component 500 to perform one or more functions described herein. Whether configured by hardware, firmware / software methods, or a combination thereof, the processing circuit 501 may include an entity capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present invention when configured accordingly. Therefore, for example, when the processing circuit 501 is implemented as an ASIC, FPGA, etc., the processing circuit 501 may include specially configured hardware for implementing one or more operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processing circuit 501 is implemented as an actuator of instructions (such as those that may be stored in the memory 507), the instructions may specifically configure the processing circuit 501 to perform one or more algorithms and operations described herein.

[0072] Memory 507 may include, for example, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or some combination thereof. Figure 5 507 is shown as a single memory, but the memory 507 may include multiple memory components. In various embodiments, the memory 507 may include, for example, a hard disk drive, a random access memory, a cache memory, a flash memory, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk read-only memory (DVD-ROM), an optical disk, a circuit configured to store information, or a specific combination thereof. The memory 507 may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions, etc., so that the controller component 500 can perform various functions according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in at least some embodiments, the memory 507 may be configured to cache input data for processing by the processing circuit 501. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some embodiments, the memory 507 may be configured to store program instructions executed by the processing circuit 501. The memory 507 may store information in the form of static and / or dynamic information. When performing the functions, the stored information may be stored and / or used by the controller component 500.

[0073] The communication module 503 can be implemented as any device included in a circuit, hardware, a computer program product, or a combination thereof, which is configured to receive and / or transmit data from / to another component or device. The computer program product includes a computer-readable program instruction stored on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory 507) and executed by a controller component 500 (e.g., a processing circuit 501). In some embodiments, the communication module 503 (as other components discussed herein) can be at least partially implemented as a processing circuit 501, or otherwise controlled by the processing circuit 501. In this regard, the communication module 503 can communicate with the processing circuit 501, for example, via a bus. The communication module 503 can include, for example, an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a network interface card, and / or supporting hardware and / or firmware / software, and is used to establish communication with another device. The communication module 503 can be configured to receive and / or transmit any data that can be stored by the memory 507 by using any protocol that can be used for communication between devices. The communication module 503 may additionally or alternatively communicate with the memory 507 , the input / output module 505 , and / or any other components of the controller assembly 500 , such as via a bus.

[0074] In some embodiments, the controller assembly 500 may include an input / output module 505. The input / output module 505 may communicate with the processing circuit 501 to receive instructions input by a user and / or provide an auditory, visual, mechanical or other output to the user. Therefore, the input / output module 505 may include a support device, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a touch screen display and / or other input / output mechanisms. Alternatively, at least some aspects of the input / output module 505 may be implemented on a device used by a user to communicate with the controller assembly 500. The input / output module 505 may communicate with the memory 507, the communication module 503 and / or any other components, for example, via a bus. One or more input / output modules and / or other components may be included in the controller assembly 500.

[0075] Reference now Figure 6 , provides an exemplary flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for calibrating a gas monitoring system through a controller assembly according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Note that each block of the flow chart and combinations of blocks in the flow chart can be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, circuits, and / or other devices associated with the execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, Figure 6One or more steps / operations described in the present disclosure may be implemented by computer program instructions, which may be stored by a non-transitory memory of a device employing an embodiment of the present disclosure and executed by a processor component in the device (such as, but not limited to, a controller component, a programmable processor, a mobile device, a remote computing server, etc.). For example, these computer program instructions may direct the processor component to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage memory produce an article of manufacture, the execution of which implements the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).

[0076] As described above and based on the present disclosure, it will be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure may include various means, including any combination of hardware or software and hardware. In addition, the embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and the at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium has computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium. Similarly, the embodiments may take the form of a computer program code stored on at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including a non-transitory hard disk, a CD-ROM, a flash memory, an optical storage device, or a magnetic storage device.

[0077] like Figure 6 , an exemplary method 600 for calibrating a gas monitoring system according to some exemplary embodiments described herein is shown. The exemplary method 600 may be performed by a processor including a processing circuit and a memory (e.g., as described above in conjunction with at least Figure 5 The processing circuit 501 and memory 507 shown and described above) of the controller component (e.g., as described above in conjunction with at least Figure 5 The controller assembly 500 shown and described above is executed by a computing device associated with the controller assembly 500).

[0078] At step / operation 602 , the controller assembly 500 may facilitate the flow of the gas flow sample 402 from the nose stem 410 of the gas monitoring system 400 into the inlet 101 of the flow calibration device 100 .

[0079] In some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, nose handle 410 may include a bypass mechanism (e.g., a three-way valve) configured to mechanically engage with example flow calibration device 100 to facilitate airflow sample 402 flowing to example flow calibration device 100, or to mechanically engage with port manifold 414 to facilitate airflow sample 402 flowing to port manifold 414.

[0080] In some examples, the nose stem 410 can be mechanically engaged with the example flow calibration device 100 and the gas flow sample 402 can flow through the example flow calibration device 100 to the port manifold 414 so that the example flow calibration device 100 can be used to perform a calibration process on at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400.

[0081] In some examples, a calibration card may be inserted between optical block 408 and nose stem 410 to replace medium 406 during the calibration process.

[0082] At step / operation 604 , the controller assembly 500 may facilitate the flow of the gas flow sample 402 from the outlet 102 of the flow calibration device 100 to the port manifold 414 of the gas monitoring system 400 .

[0083] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, flow channel 103 may be defined between inlet 101 and outlet 102. In some examples, inflow 110 of airflow sample 402 may pass through flow channel 103 and exit flow calibration device 100 via outlet 102 to facilitate outflow 111 of airflow sample 402.

[0084] In some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown in , the outlet 102 may be configured to engage with a port manifold 414 so that the gas flow sample 402 may be directed back to the gas monitoring system 400 .

[0085] At step / operation 606 , the controller assembly 500 may control the flow rate of the gas flow sample 402 to a first reference flow rate by adjusting the valve 106 of the flow calibration device 100 .

[0086] In some embodiments, the valve 106 may be a needle valve configured to adjust the flow rate of the gas flow sample 402 in the flow channel 103. Figure 1 As shown, the valve 106 may include a control element 106a to adjust the flow rate of the airflow sample 402 in the flow channel 103. For example, the control element 106a may be a knob that controls a channel (not shown) of the valve 106 by adjusting the position of the needle 106b, so that the flow rate of the airflow sample 402 in the flow channel 103 can be accurately controlled.

[0087] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 105 can be electrically connected and / or coupled to the controller component 412 , and the controller component 412 can be configured to determine the flow rate of the airflow sample 402 based on the pressure sensor 105 .

[0088] For example, the flow rate of the airflow sample 402 may be controlled at a first reference flow rate by adjusting the valve 106. For example, the first reference flow rate may be 200 cc / min.

[0089] At step / operation 608 , the controller assembly 500 may calibrate at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400 based on the first reference flow rate.

[0090] In some embodiments, the controller component 412 can determine the first test flow rate based on the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400. For example, if the magnitude of the first test flow rate is higher or lower than the magnitude of the first reference flow rate, the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400 can be calibrated so that the magnitude of the first test flow rate can be equal to the magnitude of the first reference flow rate.

[0091] At step / operation 610 , the controller assembly 500 may control the flow rate of the gas flow sample 402 at a second reference flow rate by adjusting the valve 106 of the flow calibration device 100 .

[0092] For example, the flow rate of the airflow sample 402 may be controlled at a second reference flow rate by adjusting the valve 106. For example, the second reference flow rate may be 0 cc / min.

[0093] At step / operation 612, the controller assembly 500 may calibrate at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400 based on the second reference flow rate.

[0094] For example, the controller component 412 can determine the second test flow rate based on the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400. For example, if the magnitude of the second test flow rate is higher or lower than the magnitude of the second reference flow rate, the at least one sample pressure sensor 416 of the gas monitoring system 400 can be calibrated so that the magnitude of the second test flow rate can be equal to the magnitude of the second reference flow rate.

[0095] As described above and based on the present disclosure, it will be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure may include various devices, including being composed entirely of hardware or any combination of software and hardware. In addition, the embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and the at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium has computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium. Similarly, the embodiments may take the form of a computer program code stored on at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including a non-transitory hard disk, a CD-ROM, a flash memory, an optical storage device, or a magnetic storage device.

[0096] It should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A flow calibration device for a gas monitoring system, comprising: an inlet configured to facilitate inflow of a gas flow sample from a nose handle of a gas monitoring system; an outlet configured to facilitate outflow of the gas flow sample to a port manifold of the gas monitoring system; a flow passage defined between the inlet and the outlet; a pressure sensor configured to calibrate at least one sample pressure sensor of the gas monitoring system; as well as A valve, located between the inlet and the outlet, is configured to adjust a flow rate of the air flow sample between a first reference flow rate and a second reference flow rate.

2. The flow calibration device according to claim 1, wherein: The valve is a needle valve configured to adjust a flow rate of the gas flow sample.

3. The flow calibration device according to claim 1, further comprising: A resistance device is inserted in the flow channel to limit the flow rate of the air flow sample.

4. The flow calibration device according to claim 3, further comprising: A first terminal is located upstream of the resistance device and a second terminal is located downstream of the resistance device, and the pressure sensor is configured to measure the flow rate of the air flow sample by monitoring the pressure difference between the first terminal and the second terminal.

5. The flow calibration device according to claim 1, wherein: The nose stem includes a bypass mechanism configured to divert the gas flow sample from the gas monitoring system to an inlet of the flow calibration device, and the inlet is configured to facilitate flow of the gas flow sample from the nose stem of the gas monitoring system.

6. The flow calibration device according to claim 5, wherein: The bypass mechanism is a three-way valve.

7. The flow calibration device according to claim 1, wherein: The outlet is configured to facilitate outflow of the gas flow sample to a port manifold of the gas monitoring system.

8. The flow calibration device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one sample pressure sensor is configured to measure a flow rate of the air flow sample.

9. The flow calibration device according to claim 8, wherein: The pressure sensor is configured to measure a flow rate of the air flow sample.

10. The flow calibration device according to claim 9, wherein: Calibrating the at least one sample pressure sensor comprises: Controlling the flow rate of the air flow sample to a first reference flow rate by adjusting the valve; calibrating the at least one sample pressure sensor based on a first reference flow rate; controlling the flow rate of the air flow sample to a second reference flow rate by adjusting the valve; and The at least one sample pressure sensor is calibrated based on a second reference flow rate.

11. The flow calibration device according to claim 10, wherein: The first reference flow rate is 200cc / min, and The second reference flow rate is 0 cc / min.

12. The flow calibration device according to claim 1, wherein: The gas monitoring system also includes an optical block and a medium located between the optical block and the nose stem, and the optical block is configured to collect data by sensing changes in the medium exposed to the gas flow sample.

13. The flow calibration device according to claim 12, wherein: The gas monitoring system also includes a controller assembly electrically coupled to the optical block and configured to determine a concentration of the gas flow sample based on data collected on the optical block.

14. The flow calibration device according to claim 12, wherein: The medium is a chemical cartridge that changes color when the chemical cartridge is exposed to the airflow sample.

15. A method for calibrating a gas monitoring system via a controller assembly, comprising: facilitating the flow of an airflow sample from a nose handle of the gas monitoring system into an inlet of a flow calibration device; facilitating flow of the gas flow sample from the outlet of the flow calibration device to a port manifold of the gas monitoring system; controlling the flow rate of the air flow sample to a first reference flow rate by adjusting a valve of the flow calibration device; calibrating at least one sample pressure sensor of the gas monitoring system based on a first reference flow rate; controlling the flow rate of the air flow sample to a second reference flow rate by adjusting a valve of the flow calibration device; and At least one sample pressure sensor of the gas monitoring system is calibrated based on a second reference flow rate.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: The flow calibration device also includes a flow channel defined between the inlet and the outlet, and The valve is located between the inlet and the outlet and is configured to adjust a flow rate of the air flow sample.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: The flow calibration device further includes a resistance device inserted in the flow channel to limit the flow rate of the air flow sample.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The flow calibration device further includes a first terminal located upstream of the resistance device and a second terminal located downstream of the resistance device, and the pressure sensor is configured to measure the flow rate of the air flow sample by monitoring the pressure difference between the first terminal and the second terminal.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein: The nose stem includes a bypass mechanism configured to divert the gas flow sample from the gas monitoring system to an inlet of the flow calibration device, and the inlet is configured to facilitate flow of the gas flow sample from the nose stem of the gas monitoring system.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein: The first reference flow rate is 200cc / min, and The second reference flow rate is 0 cc / min.

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