Calibration system and method for a gas detector

Abstract

A calibration system and method for a gas detector are provided. The calibration system includes a diffusion chamber having a first side coupled to the gas detector and a second side coupled to a filter. A container is coupled to the diffusion chamber via a valve and includes an absorbent configured to retain a gas and a heating element configured to heat the absorbent to release the gas from the absorbent through the valve to the diffusion chamber. At least one processor is configured to: adjust the valve to release the gas; determine a change in a signal reading of the gas detector associated with diffusion of the gas from the filter; determine a sensitivity drift coefficient based on the change in the signal reading; determine a concentration change of the gas based on the sensitivity drift coefficient; and calibrate the gas detector based on the concentration change.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to a calibration system, and more particularly to a calibration system for a gas detector. Background Technology

[0002] The accuracy of gas detectors is crucial for ensuring reliable measurements in a wide range of applications. To maintain accuracy, gas detectors must be calibrated regularly. However, the calibration process presents several challenges, particularly for stationary gas detectors compared to portable ones. Stationary gas detectors are typically immobile and therefore cannot be transported to a calibration laboratory. Furthermore, the fixed location of such detectors hinders operational efficiency during calibration and introduces safety risks, especially in hazardous environments.

[0003] The inventors have identified many areas for improvement in the prior art and processes, which are the subject of the embodiments described herein. Through the application of effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these deficiencies, challenges, and problems have been addressed by developing solutions, which are included in the embodiments of this disclosure, some examples of which will be described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of this disclosure. This summary is not a broad overview and is not intended to identify key or important elements, nor to define the scope of these elements. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the described features in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description that will follow.

[0005] In an example embodiment, a calibration system for a gas detector is disclosed. The calibration system includes: a diffusion chamber having a first side coupled to the gas detector and a second side coupled to a filter; and a container coupled to the diffusion chamber via a valve. Furthermore, the container includes an absorbent and a heating element, the absorbent being configured to retain the gas, and the heating element being configured to heat the absorbent to release the gas from the absorbent through the valve into the diffusion chamber. The calibration system also includes at least one processor communicatively coupled to the valve and the heating element. Furthermore, the at least one processor is configured to: adjust the valve to release the gas into the diffusion chamber; determine a change in the signal reading of the gas detector associated with the diffusion of gas from the filter; determine a sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector based at least on the change in the signal reading; determine a change in the concentration of the gas based at least on the sensitivity drift coefficient for calibrating the gas detector; and calibrate the gas detector based at least on the concentration change.

[0006] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is further configured to adjust the valve for a predetermined time interval based on the activation of the heating element to release the gas into the diffusion chamber.

[0007] In some embodiments, the change in the signal reading of the gas detector corresponds to the difference between a final signal reading and an initial signal reading. In some embodiments, the final signal reading corresponds to the signal reading of the gas detector after a predetermined time interval, and the initial signal reading corresponds to the signal reading of the gas detector during the predetermined time interval.

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is further configured to determine the sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector based at least on the initial signal reading, the final signal reading, and an exponent. In some embodiments, the sensitivity drift coefficient corresponds to the amount by which the measurement sensitivity of the gas detector changes with environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the change in gas concentration is the product of the current signal reading of the gas detector and an updated exponent. Furthermore, the updated exponent is the exponent plus the sensitivity drift coefficient.

[0009] In some embodiments, the filter is configured to reduce the concentration of the gas in the diffusion chamber by allowing the gas to diffuse out of the diffusion chamber. In some embodiments, the valve corresponds to, but is not limited to, a solenoid valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, the filter is made of at least one of a breathable membrane such as an ePTEF (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane and a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) membrane. In some embodiments, the absorbent is made of at least one of a material such as activated carbon, a metal-organic framework, zeolite, activated alumina, molecular sieve, or silica gel.

[0011] In another example embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: adjusting the valve via at least one processor communicatively coupled to a valve and a heating element to release gas into a diffusion chamber, wherein the diffusion chamber has a first side coupled to a gas detector and a second side coupled to a filter; furthermore, a container is coupled to the diffusion chamber via the valve; the container includes an absorbent and a heating element, the absorbent being configured to retain the gas, and the heating element being configured to heat the absorbent to release the gas from the absorbent through the valve into the diffusion chamber; determining, via the at least one processor, a change in the signal reading of the gas detector associated with gas diffusion from the filter; determining, via the at least one processor, a sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector based at least on the change in the signal reading of the gas detector; determining, via the at least one processor, a change in the concentration of the gas for calibrating the gas detector based at least on the sensitivity drift coefficient; and calibrating the gas detector via the at least one processor based at least on the concentration change.

[0012] The above summary is provided only to outline some exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of this disclosure. Accordingly, it will be understood that the embodiments described above are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of this disclosure in any way. It will be understood that, in addition to the embodiments summarized herein, the scope of this disclosure covers many potential embodiments, some of which will be further described below. Attached Figure Description

[0013] After a general description of certain exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0014] Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a calibration system for a gas detector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 The illustration shows a graph representing the concentration change of a gas determined by a gas detector, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] Figure 3 A flowchart is illustrated, which shows a method for calibrating a gas detector according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Some embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. In fact, various embodiments 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 this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0018] The components illustrated in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in the various embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Thus, embodiments may include fewer or more components than those shown in the figures without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For the sake of visibility of lower-level components, some components may be omitted from one or more figures or shown with dashed lines.

[0019] As used herein, the term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted as it is typically used in the patent context. The use of broad terms such as including, comprising, and having should be understood to support narrower terms such as constituting, essentially constituting, and substantially consisting of.

[0020] The phrases “in various embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” etc., generally mean that the specific feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of this disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0021] As used herein, the words “example” or “exemplary” mean “as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other implementations.

[0022] If a component or feature described in this specification is included or has a characteristic by words such as “may,” “can,” “possibly,” “should,” “will,” “preferably,” “capable,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “maybe” (or other such language), then it is not required that a particular component or feature be included or have that characteristic. Such a component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

[0023] This disclosure provides various embodiments of a calibration system for a gas detector. Embodiments of this disclosure may include a diffusion chamber having a first side coupled to the gas detector and a second side coupled to a filter. Embodiments of this disclosure may include a container coupled to the diffusion chamber via a valve. The container may include an absorbent configured to retain the gas, and the heating element configured to heat the absorbent to release the gas from the absorbent through the valve into the diffusion chamber. Embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one processor communicatively coupled to the valve and the heating element. The at least one processor may be configured to: adjust the valve to release the gas into the diffusion chamber; determine a change in a signal reading of the gas detector associated with gas diffusion from the filter; determine a sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector based at least on the change in the signal reading; determine a change in the concentration of the gas based at least on the sensitivity drift coefficient for calibrating the gas detector; and calibrate the gas detector based at least on the concentration change.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a calibration system 100 for a gas detector 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 The figure shows a graph 200 illustrating the change in gas concentration determined by gas detector 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] In some embodiments, the calibration system 100 may include a diffusion chamber 104, a container 106, a heating element 108, and at least one processor 110. In some embodiments, the diffusion chamber 104 may be coupled to a filter 112. In some embodiments, the gas detector 102 may be installed at a specific location. In some embodiments, the specific location may include industrial facilities and plants, manufacturing equipment, laboratories and research centers, mining enterprises, wastewater treatment facilities, commercial buildings, warehouses, etc. In some embodiments, the gas detector 102 may correspond to a fixed gas detector. In some embodiments, the fixed gas detector may be permanently installed in a fixed position at a specific location to monitor the presence of harmful gases or gas leaks and emissions near the specific location.

[0026] like Figure 1As illustrated, the gas detector 102 may include a housing 114, a mounting bracket 116, and a gas sampling inlet 118. Furthermore, the gas detector 102 may include at least one sensor 120, an electronic module (not shown), and a display screen 122. In some embodiments, the housing 114 may be configured to house one or more components (e.g., at least one sensor 120, an electronic module, a display screen 122, etc.). In some embodiments, the housing 114 of the gas detector 102 may be configured to protect one or more components from damage by various hazards. These hazards may include, but are not limited to, extreme temperatures, humidity, mechanical stress, vibration, etc. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 116 of the gas detector 102 may be configured to allow the gas detector 102 to be mounted on a fixed surface (e.g., a wall, ceiling, panel, door, etc.).

[0027] In some embodiments, the gas sampling inlet 118 of the gas detector 102 may be configured to receive a target gas present in the vicinity of the gas detector 102. Furthermore, the gas sampling inlet 118 may be integrated with at least one sensor 120. Additionally, the at least one sensor 120 may be configured to interact with the target gas present in the vicinity of a specific location, resulting in a change in electrical properties such as voltage or current. The change in electrical properties may be measured by an electronic module of the gas detector 102. The electronic module may include one or more electronic components. Furthermore, the electronic module may be configured to convert the change in electrical properties into a gas concentration value or reading. The electronic module may process signals from at least one sensor 120 and convert the signals into a gas concentration value or reading. In some embodiments, the display screen 122 of the gas detector 102 may be configured to display the gas concentration value or reading.

[0028] In some embodiments, the gas detector 102 may also include a communication port 124. Furthermore, the communication port 124 of the gas detector 102 may be configured to allow the gas detector 102 to connect to various external systems (not shown). In one example, the gas detector 102 may be connected to an energy source (not shown). Additionally, the gas detector 102 may be hardwired to the energy source for energy backup. In some instances, the gas detector 102 may be calibrated periodically to maintain accuracy. Furthermore, the calibration system 100 may be configured to perform calibration of the gas detector 102.

[0029] like Figure 1As illustrated, the calibration system 100 may include a diffusion chamber 104. In some embodiments, the diffusion chamber 104 may be coupled to at least one side of the gas detector 102. In an example, the diffusion chamber 104 may be mounted on the bottom side of the gas detector 102. In an example, the diffusion chamber 104 may be coupled to the gas sampling inlet 118 of the gas detector 102. In some embodiments, the diffusion chamber 104 may serve as a controlled space in which a target gas and / or other gases interact with the gas detector 102. In one example, the diffusion chamber 104 corresponds to a controlled space that may be isolated from external environmental factors for measurement and calibration purposes.

[0030] In some embodiments, the diffusion chamber 104 may be constructed from various materials. The material used to construct the diffusion chamber 104 ensures that the inner surface of the diffusion chamber 104 remains isolated from the external environment. In some embodiments, the diffusion chamber 104 may include a first side 132 and a second side 134. In one example, the first side 132 of the diffusion chamber 104 may correspond to the top side of the diffusion chamber 104. In some embodiments, the first side 132 of the diffusion chamber 104 may be coupled to a gas detector 102. In another example, the second side 134 of the diffusion chamber 104 may correspond to the bottom side of the diffusion chamber 104. In some embodiments, the second side 134 of the diffusion chamber 104 may be coupled to a filter 112. In some embodiments, the filter 112 may be configured to allow gas to diffuse from the diffusion chamber 104 to the external environment.

[0031] In some embodiments, the calibration system 100 may include a container 106. In some embodiments, the container 106 may be coupled to a diffusion chamber 104. In some embodiments, the container 106 may include an absorbent 126. In some embodiments, the absorbent 126 may be configured to retain a gas. The absorbent 126 may be composed of various materials capable of retaining and gradually releasing a gas. In some embodiments, the absorbent 126 is made of at least one of materials such as activated carbon, metal-organic frameworks, zeolites, activated alumina, molecular sieves, silica gel, etc. In examples, the gas may include, but is not limited to, methane, isobutylene, NO2, or other gases used in the calibration.

[0032] In some embodiments, container 106 may be connected to diffusion chamber 104 via valve 128. In some embodiments, valve 128 may include, but is not limited to, a solenoid valve, a solenoid valve, etc. In some embodiments, valve 128 may be electronically controlled to regulate the flow rate of gas released from absorbent 126. Furthermore, the released gas may travel from container 106 to diffusion chamber 104 via valve 128. In an example, valve 128 may include a solenoid and a plunger. The solenoid can move the plunger to open or close valve 128. In an example, when an electric current flows through the solenoid, a magnetic field is generated, which moves the plunger to open or close valve 128.

[0033] In some embodiments, the calibration system 100 may include at least one processor 110. In some embodiments, the at least one processor 110 may be configured to control the self-calibration process of the gas detector 102. The at least one processor 110 may include suitable logic, input / output circuitry, and communication circuitry operable to execute one or more instructions stored in memory to perform a predetermined operation. The at least one processor 110 may be configured to execute one or more computer-readable program instructions, such as program instructions for performing any of the functions described in this specification. Furthermore, the at least one processor 110 may be implemented using one or more techniques known in the art. Examples of the at least one processor 110 include, but are not limited to, one or more general-purpose processors and / or one or more special-purpose processors.

[0034] In some embodiments, a heating element 108 may be mounted within a container 106. Furthermore, the heating element 108 may be communicatively coupled to at least one processor 110. In an example, the heating element 108 may be positioned in contact with an absorbent 126 inside the container 106. In an example, the heating element 108 may correspond to a resistance wire heater, a box heater, an infrared heater, an induction heater, etc. In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may be configured to activate the heating element 108. Since the heating element 108 is positioned in contact with the absorbent 126, once the heating element 108 is activated, the temperature of the absorbent 126 increases. The increase in temperature of the absorbent 126 causes an increase in the kinetic energy of the gas molecules retained in the absorbent 126. Furthermore, due to the increase in kinetic energy, the intermolecular forces between the gas molecules weaken, resulting in the desorption or release of gas from the absorbent 126. Once the gas is released from the absorbent 126, the gas can flow to the diffusion chamber 104. In some embodiments, the absorbent 126 is made of at least one of the following materials: activated carbon, metal-organic framework, zeolite, activated alumina, molecular sieve, silica gel, etc.

[0035] In some embodiments, the heating element 108 may be powered by the gas detector 102 via the power cable 130. In some embodiments, the valve 128 may be powered by the gas detector 102 via the power cable 130. In the example, the heating element 108 and the valve 128 may each be powered by the gas detector 102 via the power cable 130, drawing energy from one or more internal energy sources of the gas detector 102. In the example, one or more internal energy sources of the gas detector 102 may correspond to a rechargeable battery, a capacitor, or a lithium-ion battery.

[0036] In some embodiments, valve 128 may be communicatively coupled to at least one processor 110. Furthermore, once heating element 108 is activated, at least one processor 110 subsequently regulates valve 128 for predetermined time intervals to release a certain concentration of gas from container 106 into diffusion chamber 104. At least one processor 110 is also configured to regulate valve 128 for predetermined time intervals based on the activation of heating element 108 to release gas into diffusion chamber 104.

[0037] In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may be configured to activate gas detector 102 for a predetermined time interval once gas is released into diffusion chamber 104. Furthermore, gas detector 102 may be configured to determine an initial reading of the gas concentration released from container 106 into diffusion chamber 104. In one example, at least one processor 110 may be configured to deactivate gas detector 102 once an initial reading of the gas concentration is received.

[0038] In some embodiments, filter 112 may be coupled to a second side 134 of diffusion chamber 104. In an example, filter 112 may be coupled to the bottom side of diffusion chamber 104. In some embodiments, filter 112 may allow gas to diffuse out of diffusion chamber 104 when gas arrives at diffusion chamber 104. In some embodiments, filter 112 may be configured to allow target gas to move between diffusion chamber 104 and the external environment. In one example, filter 112 may include a plurality of pores that allow target gas to diffuse out of diffusion chamber 104. In some embodiments, the plurality of pores may be configured to allow molecules of target gas to pass through while potentially filtering out larger particles.

[0039] In some embodiments, the filter is made of at least one of a ventilate film (e.g., ePTEF (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) membrane). In some embodiments, the absorbent is made of at least one of a material (e.g., activated carbon, metal-organic framework, zeolite, activated alumina, molecular sieve, silica gel, etc.). Furthermore, the gas concentration inside the diffusion chamber 104 may vary due to the diffusion of gas through the filter 112. In some embodiments, the filter 112 may be configured to reduce the gas concentration inside the diffusion chamber 104 by allowing gas to diffuse out of the diffusion chamber 104. In some embodiments, gas diffuses out of the diffusion chamber 104 through the filter 112, which provides a controlled environment inside the diffusion chamber 104 to measure different gas concentrations for calibration purposes.

[0040] In some embodiments, after gas diffuses from diffusion chamber 104 to the external environment, at least one processor 110 may be configured to activate gas detector 102. Furthermore, at least one processor 110 may be configured to determine a final reading of the gas present inside diffusion chamber 104 after the gas diffuses through a filter. Additionally, at least one processor 110 may be configured to measure changes in the concentration of the gas inside diffusion chamber 104. In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may activate gas detector 102 to determine changes in the signal reading of gas detector 102 associated with the diffusion of gas from diffusion chamber 104 through filter 112. In some embodiments, the change in the signal reading of gas detector 102 may correspond to the difference between a final signal reading and an initial signal reading. In some embodiments, the final reading may correspond to the signal reading of gas detector 102 after a predetermined time interval. Furthermore, the initial signal reading may correspond to the signal reading of gas detector 102 during the predetermined time interval.

[0041] like Figure 2 As illustrated, graph 200 represents the concentration change of one or more gases within diffusion chamber 104. Furthermore, each gas filling diffusion chamber 104 may include different concentration levels. In some embodiments, graph 200 may include an X-axis 202 representing diffusion time (0-T(S)) and a Y-axis 204 representing different concentration values. Furthermore, graph 200 may include one or more trends. Each of the one or more trends may be associated with one or more gases. In some embodiments, trend 206 may be associated with a first gas, trend 208 may be associated with a second gas, and trend 210 may be associated with a third gas. Furthermore, the diffusion time may include a first time interval (0-T1). Furthermore, the first time interval may represent the concentration value of one or more gases as they are released into diffusion chamber 104.

[0042] Furthermore, the filter 112 coupled to the diffusion chamber 104 may be configured to allow one or more gases to diffuse from the diffusion chamber 104 to the external environment. In some embodiments, once the one or more gases have diffused, the concentration value of each of the one or more gases decreases. Additionally, the diffusion time may include a second time interval (T(S)-T1). As illustrated in graph 200, the concentration value of one or more gases decreases during the second time interval. In some embodiments, graph 200 may illustrate that the change in gas concentration is proportional to the derivative of the difference in gas concentration between the first time interval and the second time interval.

[0043] In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may determine the sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector 102 based at least on changes in the signal readings of the gas detector 102. In one example, at least one processor 110 is configured to determine the sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector 102 based at least on an initial signal reading, a final reading, and an index. In some embodiments, the sensitivity drift coefficient may correspond to the amount by which the measurement sensitivity of the gas detector 102 changes with environmental conditions. In various examples, environmental conditions may include temperature variations, humidity variations, etc. In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may determine the sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector 102 based at least on an index (i.e., a base sensitivity index) of the gas detector 102, an initial signal reading associated with the gas concentration inside the diffusion chamber 104 within a predetermined time interval, and a final signal reading associated with the gas concentration inside the diffusion chamber 104 after a predetermined time interval.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may be configured to determine an updated index once the sensitivity drift coefficient is determined. Furthermore, the updated index may correspond to the sum of the index and the sensitivity drift coefficient. In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may determine a gas concentration change based at least on the sensitivity drift coefficient for calibrating the gas detector 102. In some embodiments, the gas concentration change may be the product of the current signal reading of the gas detector 102 and the updated index. In one example, the gas detector 102 may detect a gas concentration change and display the gas concentration measurement on the display screen 122. In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may be configured to calibrate the gas detector 102 based at least on the concentration change.

[0045] Figure 3 A flowchart 300 is illustrated, which shows a method for calibrating a gas detector 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] In operation 302, at least one processor 110 may be configured to regulate valve 128 to release gas into diffusion chamber 104. Furthermore, diffusion chamber 104 may have a first side 132 coupled to gas detector 102 and a second side 134 coupled to filter 112. In some embodiments, container 106 may be coupled to diffusion chamber 104 via valve 128. Furthermore, container 106 may include absorbent 126. Furthermore, absorbent 126 may be configured to retain gas. In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may be configured to regulate valve 128 for predetermined time intervals based on activation of heating element 108 to release gas into diffusion chamber 104. Furthermore, heating element 108 is configured to heat absorbent 126 to release gas from container 106 through valve 128 into diffusion chamber 104. In some embodiments, valve 128 may include a solenoid valve, a solenoid valve, etc. In one example, a pressure change between container 106 and diffusion chamber 104 may facilitate gas transfer from container 106 to diffusion chamber 104.

[0047] Furthermore, once gas is released from container 106 into diffusion chamber 104, at least one processor 110 may be configured to activate gas detector 102. Gas detector 102 may also be configured to determine an initial signal (i.e., a gas concentration measurement) reading at a predetermined time interval. Furthermore, diffusion chamber 104 may be coupled to filter 112. Filter 112 may be configured to allow gas released through valve 128 to diffuse. The gas concentration may decrease after diffusion through the filter. Furthermore, once gas has diffused from container 106 through filter 112, at least one processor 110 may reactivate gas detector 102. Gas detector 102 may also be configured to determine a final signal reading (i.e., a gas concentration measurement) after a predetermined time interval.

[0048] In operation 304, at least one processor 110 may be configured to determine a change in the signal reading of the gas detector 102 associated with the diffusion of gas from the filter 112. In some embodiments, the change in the signal reading of the gas detector 102 may correspond to the difference between a final signal reading and an initial signal reading. Furthermore, the final signal reading may correspond to the signal reading of the gas detector 102 after a predetermined time interval, and the initial signal reading may correspond to the signal reading of the gas detector 102 during the predetermined time interval.

[0049] In operation 306, at least one processor 110 may be configured to determine a sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector 102 based at least on changes in the signal readings of the gas detector 102. In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may be configured to use a gas detector algorithm to determine the sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector 102. In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may determine the sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector 102 based at least on an initial signal reading, a final signal reading, and an exponent. Furthermore, the sensitivity drift coefficient may correspond to the amount by which the measurement sensitivity of the gas detector 102 changes with environmental conditions. Furthermore, at least one processor 110 may be configured to evaluate an updated exponent once the sensitivity drift coefficient is determined. Furthermore, the updated exponent may correspond to the sum of the exponent and the sensitivity drift coefficient.

[0050] In operation 308, at least one processor 110 may be configured to determine a gas concentration change based at least on a sensitivity drift coefficient for calibrating gas detector 102. In some embodiments, the gas concentration change may be the product of the current signal reading of gas detector 102 and an updated index. Furthermore, the updated index is the index plus the sensitivity drift coefficient. Additionally, at least one processor 110 may determine the updated index of the gas based at least on the determined sensitivity drift coefficient. In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may determine the updated index of gas detector 102 based at least on the determined sensitivity drift coefficient of gas detector 102 and the base sensitivity index of gas detector 102.

[0051] In operation 310, at least one processor 110 may be configured to calibrate gas detector 102 at least based on concentration changes. In some embodiments, at least one processor 110 may be configured to calibrate gas detector 102 using an updated index. In one example, gas detector 102 may be configured to provide an accurate gas concentration after successful calibration.

[0052] The embodiments can be configured to calibrate the gas detector 102 in the event of a change in its measurement sensitivity. The embodiments can be configured to determine the sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector 102 and an updated calibration index. The embodiments can be configured to update the base sensitivity index in the gas detector 102 algorithm with the updated calibration index to accommodate changes in the measurement sensitivity of the gas detector 102.

[0053] Many modifications and other embodiments of this disclosure will arise to those skilled in the art, benefiting from the teachings in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that this 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. Furthermore, although the foregoing description and associated drawings have described exemplary embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations different from those explicitly described above, such as those set forth in some of the appended claims, are also contemplated. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used only in a general and descriptive sense and is not intended for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A calibration system for a gas detector, the calibration system comprising: A diffusion chamber having a first side connected to the gas detector and a second side connected to a filter; A container connected to the diffusion chamber via a valve, wherein the container includes an absorbent and a heating element, the absorbent being configured to retain the gas, and the heating element being configured to heat the absorbent to release the gas from the absorbent through the valve into the diffusion chamber; and At least one processor is communicatively coupled to the valve and the heating element, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Adjust the valve to release the gas into the diffusion chamber; and Determine the changes in the signal readings of the gas detector associated with the diffusion of gas from the filter; The sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector is determined at least based on the change in the signal reading of the gas detector; The concentration change of the gas is determined at least based on the sensitivity drift coefficient for the purpose of calibrating the gas detector; and The gas detector is calibrated based at least on the concentration change.

2. The calibration system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is also configured to adjust the valve for a predetermined time interval based on the activation of the heating element to release the gas into the diffusion chamber.

3. The calibration system as described in claim 1, wherein, The change in the signal reading of the gas detector corresponds to the difference between the final signal reading and the initial signal reading.

4. The calibration system as described in claim 3, wherein, The final signal reading corresponds to the signal reading of the gas detector after a predetermined time interval, and the initial signal reading corresponds to the signal reading of the gas detector during the predetermined time interval.

5. The calibration system as described in claim 3, wherein, The at least one processor is also configured to determine the sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector based at least on the initial signal reading, the final signal reading, and the exponent.

6. The calibration system as described in claim 5, wherein, The sensitivity drift coefficient corresponds to the amount by which the measurement sensitivity of the gas detector changes with environmental conditions.

7. The calibration system as described in claim 5, wherein, The change in gas concentration is the product of the current signal reading of the gas detector and an updated exponent, wherein the updated exponent is the exponent plus the sensitivity drift coefficient.

8. The calibration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The filter is configured to reduce the concentration of the gas in the diffusion chamber by allowing the gas to diffuse out of the diffusion chamber.

9. The calibration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The valve corresponds at least to a solenoid valve.

10. The calibration system of claim 1, wherein, The filter is made of at least one of a breathable membrane, such as an ePTEF (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane or a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) membrane.

11. The calibration system of claim 1, wherein, The absorbent is made of at least one of the following materials: activated carbon, metal-organic framework, zeolite, activated alumina, molecular sieve, or silica gel.

12. A method for calibrating a gas detector, the method comprising: The valve is regulated via at least one processor communicatively connected to the valve and a heating element to release gas into a diffusion chamber, wherein the diffusion chamber has a first side connected to the gas detector and a second side connected to a filter, wherein a container is connected to the diffusion chamber via the valve, wherein the container includes an absorbent and a heating element, the absorbent being configured to retain the gas and the heating element being configured to heat the absorbent to release the gas from the absorbent through the valve into the diffusion chamber; The at least one processor determines the change in the signal reading of the gas detector associated with the diffusion of gas from the filter; The sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector is determined by the at least one processor based at least on the change in the signal reading of the gas detector; The concentration change of the gas is determined by the at least one processor, based at least on the sensitivity drift coefficient, for the purpose of calibrating the gas detector; and The gas detector is calibrated via the at least one processor, based at least on the concentration change.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising adjusting the valve for a predetermined time interval based on the activation of the heating element via the at least one processor to release the gas into the diffusion chamber.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein, The change in the signal reading of the gas detector corresponds to the difference between the final signal reading and the initial signal reading.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The final signal reading corresponds to the signal reading of the gas detector after a predetermined time interval, and the initial signal reading corresponds to the signal reading of the gas detector during the predetermined time interval.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining the sensitivity drift coefficient of the gas detector via the at least one processor based at least on the initial signal reading, the final signal reading, and the exponent.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The sensitivity drift coefficient corresponds to the amount by which the measurement sensitivity of the gas detector changes with environmental conditions.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein, The change in gas concentration is the product of the current signal reading of the gas detector and an updated exponent, wherein the updated exponent is the exponent plus the sensitivity drift coefficient.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising reducing the concentration of the gas in the diffusion chamber by diffusing the gas from the diffusion chamber via the filter.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein, The filter is made of at least one of a breathable membrane such as ePTEF (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) membrane, and the absorbent is made of at least one of a material such as activated carbon, metal-organic framework, zeolite, activated alumina, molecular sieve or silica gel.

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