High-precision turbidity sensor

Abstract

The utility model discloses a high accuracy turbidity sensor, include: casing is equipped with sample inlet and sample outlet, and sample inlet and sample outlet intercommunication form sample flow channel, detection module is located in casing and includes light source and optical receiver, and light source is used for emitting light, and optical receiver is used for receiving light, wherein, when detecting the turbidity of sample, the sample flow channel has sample, and the light passes through the sample, and the sample flow channel forms the angle with the optical window surface of light source and the optical window surface of optical receiver respectively. The high accuracy turbidity sensor provided by the application makes the sample flow channel with the optical window surface of light source and the optical window surface of optical receiver be angular design through the sample of the sample flow channel of light, thereby the sample flow channel has sample pressure, can wash the surface of light source and optical receiver, makes the high accuracy turbidity sensor have the function of self -cleaning and preventing bubble adhesion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of sensor technology, and specifically relates to a high-precision turbidity sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Turbidity is a key indicator of water clarity and is widely used in drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, industrial process control, and environmental monitoring. As a core online monitoring device, the accuracy and stability of turbidity sensors are crucial. Currently, most mainstream online turbidity sensors on the market employ optical principles. A light beam emitted from a light source passes through the water sample, and a light receiver detects the change in light intensity after scattering or absorption by suspended particles in the water, thereby calculating the turbidity value. However, in actual long-term operation, traditional turbidity sensors generally suffer from several insurmountable technical defects: The optical window is easily contaminated, leading to severe measurement accuracy drift. The sensor's light source and light receiver are usually isolated from the water sample through an optical window, such as a protective lens. Pollutants, grease, and biological slime in the water gradually adhere to the surface of the optical window, forming a layer of dirt. This dirt layer severely interferes with the propagation of the light path, blocking incident light and causing light intensity attenuation, and also generating scattered light, creating significant background noise, resulting in significantly higher and inaccurate measurements. To ensure accuracy, frequent manual disassembly and cleaning by operators is required, resulting in a large maintenance workload, and measurements cannot be taken during maintenance. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, the primary objective of this invention is to provide a high-precision turbidity sensor that solves the technical problem of inaccurate turbidity measurement caused by sample contamination of the optical window of the optical structure in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0005] This utility model provides a high-precision turbidity sensor, comprising:

[0006] The shell is provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the inlet and outlet are connected to form a sample flow channel;

[0007] The detection module, located in the housing, includes a light source and a light receiver. The light source emits light, and the light receiver receives the light.

[0008] When detecting the turbidity of a sample, the sample channel contains the sample, the light passes through the sample, and the sample channel forms angles with the optical window surfaces of the light source and the light receiver, respectively.

[0009] The high-precision turbidity sensor provided in this application utilizes a sample flow channel. The light passes through the sample, with the light rays angled to the optical window surfaces of the light source and the light receiver. This creates sample pressure within the flow channel, which washes over the light source and light receiver, giving the high-precision turbidity sensor self-cleaning and anti-bubble adhesion functions. Preferably, the sample is a water sample. The sample flow channel forms angles with the optical window surfaces of the light source and the light receiver. The optical windows, i.e., the protective lenses of the light source and light receiver, are inclined rather than parallel to the sample flow channel. When the pressurized sample flows through, it creates a direct washing force on the inclined optical window surfaces, continuously removing contaminants such as particulate matter and biofilm that may adhere to the optical windows, keeping them clean. This ensures high accuracy and stability for long-term measurements and achieves the self-cleaning function. Traditional light sources or receivers are typically designed with parallel optical surfaces, which easily trap air bubbles. This application employs a tilted design, altering the dynamic characteristics of the liquid flow. This makes it difficult for air bubbles to stably adhere to the tilted surfaces of the light source or receiver. Even if bubbles are present, they are quickly washed away by the flowing sample, significantly reducing measurement errors caused by air bubbles and effectively preventing bubble adhesion. This high-precision turbidity sensor eliminates the need for complex and potentially malfunction-inducing active cleaning devices such as additional mechanical scraping or ultrasonic cleaning, reducing costs, improving sensor reliability and lifespan, and simplifying the structure while enhancing reliability. Therefore, this high-precision turbidity sensor, through its unique sample flow channel, light source, and receiver design, utilizes the flow and pressure of the sample itself to flush the optical windows of the light source and receiver, fundamentally solving the problem of measurement inaccuracies caused by contamination and air bubble adhesion in traditional sensors.

[0010] Furthermore, the included angle is an acute angle; the sample inlet is located at the bottom of the housing, and the extension direction of the sample inlet forms an acute angle with the optical window surface of the light source and the optical window surface of the light receiver, respectively.

[0011] The sample flow channel forms acute angles with the optical window surfaces of the light source and the light receiver, respectively. The sample inlet is located at the bottom of the housing, and the extension direction of the sample inlet forms acute angles with the optical window surfaces of the light source and the light receiver, respectively. This upgrades the cleaning method from "showering" to "high-pressure water gun rinsing" and the anti-bubble mechanism from "reducing adhesion" to "fundamental repulsion and active removal". Ultimately, this has resulted in a qualitative improvement in the long-term measurement stability, accuracy and reliability of the sensor.

[0012] Furthermore, the housing and the detection module are enclosed to form a sealed structure to withstand the sample pressure.

[0013] By enclosing the housing and detection module to form a sealed structure, this high-precision turbidity sensor is a hermetically sealed structure, capable of withstanding a certain water pressure when the sample is water. Furthermore, this hermetically sealed structure prevents sample leakage, protecting the internal components of the sensor and avoiding potential environmental or process contamination.

[0014] Furthermore, the housing is equipped with an inlet valve and an outlet valve for adjusting the sample pressure inside the housing.

[0015] By incorporating an inlet valve and an outlet valve into the housing—the inlet valve acting as a water inlet valve and the outlet valve as a water outlet valve—users can control the inflow and outflow rates of the sample by adjusting these valves. This allows for precise control of the internal pressure and flow rate of the sensor, enabling active internal pressure and flow regulation. When the optical window is heavily contaminated, the pressure or flow rate can be increased for powerful flushing. During measurement, the flow rate can be adjusted to the optimal level to obtain stable readings, thus optimizing cleaning and anti-bubble effects. By adjusting the inlet valve and / or outlet valve to alter the flow field, trapped bubbles can be actively flushed away or expelled, thereby specifically eliminating bubbles.

[0016] Furthermore, the detection module is detachably connected to the housing.

[0017] By making the detection module and housing detachable, the detection module can be easily disassembled, cleaned, and maintained. If the light source or light receiver is damaged, or if optical components need to be upgraded, only the detection module needs to be replaced, without replacing the entire sensor. This modular design reduces lifecycle costs.

[0018] Furthermore, the housing is connected to a drain outlet.

[0019] The high-precision turbidity sensor is easy to clean and maintain by providing a drain port at the bottom of the housing.

[0020] Furthermore, the detection module also includes: a mounting cover, detachably connected to the housing, wherein the light source and the light receiver are disposed on the mounting cover and extend into the housing.

[0021] Furthermore, the detection module also includes a foolproof structure, which is located on the side of the mounting cover facing the housing and engages with the housing to ensure that the light source and the light receiver are aligned with the sample inlet.

[0022] The detection module has a foolproof structure to ensure that the position of the light source and light receiver of the detection module is accurately aligned with the position of the sample inlet.

[0023] Mistake-proof structures, such as asymmetrical snap-fits and positioning pins, ensure that the light source and light receiver are accurately and repeatedly aligned with the core detection area of ​​the sample flow channel, i.e., near the inlet, after each disassembly and reassembly, avoiding measurement errors caused by installation deviations. Operators do not need to perform complex calibration and debugging; simple alignment installation is sufficient, reducing the skill requirements and preventing human error.

[0024] Furthermore, the detection module also includes a housing, disposed on the side of the mounting cover away from the housing, and the housing is detachably connected to the mounting cover.

[0025] Furthermore, a flow meter is provided outside the housing, and the flow meter is connected to the housing.

[0026] The flow meter can monitor the sample flow rate through the sensor in real time and correlate the flow rate data with the turbidity data to achieve flow monitoring and linkage control; it ensures that the flow rate is within the optimal measurement range, and can trigger an alarm when the flow rate is abnormal (too high or too low), prompting the user to adjust the valve or check the system, thereby ensuring the validity and reliability of the measurement data; in some application scenarios, the flow rate data can be used to compensate and correct the turbidity measurement value, making the data more accurate.

[0027] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The high-precision turbidity sensor includes a housing and a detection module; the housing has a sample inlet and a sample outlet, which are connected to form a sample flow channel; the detection module, located in the housing, includes a light source and a light receiver, the light source for emitting light and the light receiver for receiving light; when detecting the turbidity of a sample, the sample flow channel contains a sample, and light passes through the sample, with the sample flow channel forming angles with the optical window surfaces of the light source and the light receiver, respectively. This high-precision turbidity sensor, by having light pass through the sample in the sample flow channel, creates angles between the sample flow channel and the optical window surfaces of the light source and the light receiver, thus creating sample pressure within the sample flow channel. This pressure can wash over the light source and the light receiver, giving the high-precision turbidity sensor a self-cleaning function and preventing air bubble adhesion. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the high-precision turbidity sensor provided by this utility model.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection module of the high-precision turbidity sensor provided by this utility model.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the detection module after removing its outer casing.

[0031] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the housing of the high-precision turbidity sensor provided by this utility model.

[0032] In the diagram: 10. Housing; 11. Sample inlet; 12. Sample outlet; 13. Sample flow channel; 14. Sample inlet valve; 15. Sample outlet valve; 16. Drain outlet; 17. Mounting plate; 20. Detection module; 21. Light source; 22. Photodetector; 23. Mounting cover; 231. Thread; 24. Foolproof structure; 25. Outer shell. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0034] It should be added that existing turbidity sensors also have the following technical shortcomings:

[0035] Bubble adhesion interference: Water samples inevitably contain tiny bubbles. In traditional sensors, bubbles readily adhere to horizontally or vertically placed optical windows. Bubbles have a strong light-scattering effect, and their adhesion mechanics can cause sensors to misinterpret them as high-turbidity particles, leading to drastic jumps and significant errors in measurement results. Existing technologies often lack effective mechanisms for bubble removal and prevention of adhesion.

[0036] Maintenance inconvenience: Sensors employ integrated or complex sealed structures, making disassembly cumbersome when the optical window needs cleaning. This can require specialized tools and technicians, increasing downtime and maintenance costs. While some sensors are designed with cleaning functions, they typically rely on additional mechanical brushes or ultrasonic devices, which not only increases structural complexity and manufacturing costs but also introduces new potential points of failure.

[0037] Poor adaptability to pressurized environments: Some sensors are not well sealed and cannot withstand the pressure of the pipeline system, or cannot use water pressure to achieve self-cleaning function, thus limiting their application scenarios.

[0038] To address these issues, various improvement technologies have been proposed, such as adding cleaning brushes and using ultrasonic vibrations. However, none of these have fundamentally solved the essential problems of contamination and bubble adhesion, and they often lead to complex structures, high costs, and reduced reliability. Therefore, a high-precision turbidity sensor is urgently needed.

[0039] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0040] See Figures 1-4As shown, this utility model provides a high-precision turbidity sensor, including: a housing 10, with a sample inlet 11 and a sample outlet 12, the sample inlet 11 and the sample outlet 12 being connected to form a sample flow channel 13; a detection module 20, disposed in the housing 10, including a light source 21 and a light receiver 22, the light source 21 being used to emit light, and the light receiver 22 being used to receive light; wherein, when detecting the turbidity of a sample, the sample flow channel 13 contains a sample, the light passes through the sample, and the sample flow channel 13 forms an angle with the optical window surface of the light source 21 and the optical window surface of the light receiver 22 respectively.

[0041] The high-precision turbidity sensor provided in this application utilizes a sample flow channel 13 designed to be angled to the optical window surfaces of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22. This creates sample pressure within the flow channel, which washes over the optical windows of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22, giving the high-precision turbidity sensor self-cleaning and anti-bubble properties. Preferably, the sample is a water sample. Because the sample flow channel 13 is angled to the optical window surfaces of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22, and the optical windows (i.e., the protective lenses of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22) are inclined rather than parallel to the flow channel, when a pressurized sample flows through, it creates a direct washing force on the inclined optical window surfaces, continuously removing contaminants such as particulate matter and biofilm that may adhere to the optical windows, keeping them clean, thus ensuring high accuracy and stability for long-term measurements and achieving a self-cleaning function. The light source 21 or the light receiver 22 is generally designed with parallel optical surfaces, which easily trap air bubbles. In this application, the parallel optical surfaces of the light source 21 or the light receiver 22 are designed with an angle, altering the dynamic characteristics of the liquid flow. This makes it difficult for air bubbles to stably adhere to the angled surfaces of the light source 21 or the light receiver 22. Even if air bubbles are present, they are quickly washed away by the flowing sample, greatly reducing measurement errors caused by air bubbles and effectively preventing air bubble adhesion. This high-precision turbidity sensor eliminates the need for complex and potentially malfunction-inducing active cleaning devices such as additional mechanical scraping or ultrasonic cleaning, reducing costs, improving sensor reliability and lifespan, and simplifying the structure while enhancing reliability. Therefore, this high-precision turbidity sensor, through the unique angled design of the optical window surfaces of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22, and the angle formed between the sample flow channel and the optical windows of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22 respectively, utilizes the flow and pressure of the sample itself to flush the optical windows of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22, fundamentally solving the problem of measurement inaccuracies caused by contamination and air bubble adhesion in traditional sensors.

[0042] Furthermore, the included angle is an acute angle; the sample inlet 11 is located at the bottom of the housing 10, and the extension direction of the sample inlet 11 forms an acute angle with the optical window surface of the light source 21 and the optical window surface of the light receiver 22, respectively.

[0043] When the sample flow channel 13 forms an acute angle with the optical window surface of the light source 21 and the optical window surface of the light receiver 22, respectively; and when the sample inlet 11 is located at the bottom of the housing 10, and the extension direction of the sample inlet 11 forms an acute angle with the optical structure, namely the optical window surface of the light source 21 and the optical window surface of the light receiver 22, the sample water pumped from the bottom of the housing 10 will directly and frontally impact the inclined optical window of the light source 21 and the optical window of the light receiver 22. This design makes the direction of the water flow form an optimal mechanical angle with the surface to be cleaned, which can most effectively convert the kinetic energy of the water flow into shear force and scouring force on the window surface. Compared with other angles such as vertical or obtuse angles, the acute angle impact can produce a stronger "scraping" effect, which can more efficiently remove stubborn contaminants such as sticky particles, oil film or nascent biofilm attached to the optical window.

[0044] Furthermore, since bubbles naturally move upward in the liquid due to buoyancy, by setting the inlet 11 at the bottom of the housing 10, that is, fresh samples enter from the lowest point, the upward water flow actively counteracts the natural upward trend of the bubbles, forcing the newly entered bubbles to be discharged upward along the main flow channel to the outlet, instead of stagnating near the optical window.

[0045] Furthermore, even if a bubble manages to attach to the tilted optical window, the water flow rushing in at high speed from the bottom of the housing 10 at an acute angle will directly impact the contact surface between the bubble and the optical window, easily prying up and carrying the bubble away, making it difficult for the surface of the optical window to become a stable attachment point for the bubble.

[0046] Therefore, the sample flow channel 13 forms acute angles with the optical window surfaces of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22, respectively. Furthermore, the sample inlet 11 is located at the bottom of the housing 10, and the extension direction of the sample inlet 11 forms acute angles with the optical window surfaces of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22, respectively. This design ensures that the fluid dynamics within the sample flow channel 13 are optimally matched with the optical measurement path. The upward flow formed by the sample entering from the bottom of the housing 10 creates a stable, continuously updated, and stagnant sample flow field in front of the optical window. The water sample being tested is always the freshest, avoiding measurement deviations caused by local concentration changes or old sample residue. Simultaneously, the strong turbulence generated by the impact ensures uniform particle distribution in the sample, making the turbidity measurement more accurate. This effectively prevents solid particles from depositing at the bottom of the housing 10 and the lower edge of the optical window. By allowing high-speed water to enter from the bottom of the shell 10, a region with a high flow velocity is formed at the very bottom of the shell 10. This makes it difficult for heavier particles to settle and accumulate here. Instead, they are immediately swept up by the water flow and carried to the outlet 12, making cleaning and maintenance more thorough.

[0047] Furthermore, the housing 10 and the detection module 20 enclose each other to form a sealed structure to withstand sample pressure.

[0048] The high-precision turbidity sensor is a sealed structure formed by the enclosure 10 and the detection module 20, allowing it to withstand a certain water pressure when the sample is water. Furthermore, the sealed structure prevents sample leakage, protecting the internal components of the sensor and avoiding potential environmental or process contamination.

[0049] Furthermore, the housing 10 is provided with an inlet valve 14 and an outlet valve 15 for adjusting the sample pressure inside the housing 10.

[0050] By equipping the housing 10 with an inlet valve 14 and an outlet valve 15, the user can control the flow rate of the sample by adjusting the inlet valve 14 and / or the outlet valve 15. This allows for precise control of the internal pressure and flow rate of the sensor, enabling active internal pressure and flow regulation. When the optical window is heavily contaminated, the pressure or flow rate can be increased for powerful flushing. During measurement, the flow rate can be adjusted to the optimal level to obtain a stable reading, thereby optimizing the cleaning and anti-bubble effect. By adjusting the inlet valve 14 and / or the outlet valve 15 to change the flow field, trapped bubbles can be actively flushed away or discharged, thus specifically eliminating bubbles.

[0051] Furthermore, the detection module 20 is detachably connected to the housing 10.

[0052] By making the connection between the detection module 20 and the housing 10 detachable, the detection module 20 can be easily disassembled and cleaned and maintained. If the light source 21 or the light receiver 22 is damaged, or if the optical components need to be upgraded, only the detection module 20 needs to be replaced, without replacing the entire sensor. The modular design reduces the life cycle cost.

[0053] Furthermore, the housing 10 is connected to a drain outlet 16.

[0054] The high-precision turbidity sensor is convenient to clean and maintain by providing a drain port 16 at the bottom of the housing 10.

[0055] Furthermore, the detection module 20 also includes: a mounting cover 23, which is detachably connected to the housing 10, and a light source 21 and a light receiver 22 disposed on the mounting cover 23 and extending into the housing 10. A thread 231 is provided on a portion of the outer periphery of the mounting cover 23, and the mounting cover 23 is connected to the inner periphery of the housing 10 through the thread 231 to realize the detachable connection between the mounting cover 23 and the housing 10.

[0056] Furthermore, the detection module 20 also includes a foolproof structure 24, which is located on the side of the mounting cover 23 facing the housing 10 and is matched with the housing 10 to ensure that the light source 21 and the light receiver 22 are aligned with the sample inlet 11.

[0057] The detection module 20 features a foolproof structure 24 to ensure that the light source 21 and photodetector 22 of the detection module 20 are precisely aligned with the sample inlet 11. The foolproof structure 24, including asymmetrical latches and positioning pins, ensures that after each disassembly and reassembly, the light source 21 and photodetector 22 can be accurately and repeatedly aligned with the core detection area of ​​the sample flow channel, i.e., near the sample inlet 11, avoiding measurement errors caused by installation deviations. Operators do not need to perform complex calibration and debugging; simple alignment installation is sufficient, reducing the skill requirements and preventing human error.

[0058] Furthermore, the detection module 20 also includes a housing 25, which is disposed on the side of the mounting cover 23 away from the housing 10, and the housing 25 is detachably connected to the mounting cover 23.

[0059] Furthermore, the housing 10 is provided with a mounting plate 17 on its exterior, and the high-precision turbidity sensor is assembled with the external structure through the mounting plate 17.

[0060] Therefore, this high-precision turbidity sensor includes: a housing 10 and a detection module 20; the housing 10 is provided with a sample inlet 11 and a sample outlet 12, which are connected to form a sample flow channel 13; the detection module 20 is located in the housing 10 and includes a light source 21 and a light receiver 22, the light source 21 is used to emit light, and the light receiver 22 is used to receive light; when detecting the turbidity of the sample, the sample flow channel 13 contains the sample, and when the light passes through the sample, the sample flow channel 13 forms angles with the optical window surfaces of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22, respectively. This high-precision turbidity sensor, through the sample passing through the sample in the sample flow channel 13, makes the sample flow channel 13 form angles with the optical window surfaces of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22, especially acute angles, thus creating sample pressure within the sample flow channel 13, which can wash the optical windows of the light source 21 and the light receiver 22, giving the high-precision turbidity sensor a self-cleaning and bubble-prevention function. This high-precision turbidity sensor can fundamentally suppress contamination and bubble adhesion, has self-cleaning capabilities, and is simple in structure, stable in operation, and easy to maintain.

[0061] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A high-precision turbidity sensor, characterized in that, include: The shell is provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the inlet and outlet are connected to form a sample flow channel; The detection module, located within the housing, includes a light source and a light receiver. The light source emits light, and the light receiver receives the light. When detecting the turbidity of a sample, the sample channel contains the sample, the light passes through the sample, and the sample channel forms angles with the optical window surfaces of the light source and the light receiver, respectively.

2. The high-precision turbidity sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The included angle is an acute angle; the sample inlet is located at the bottom of the housing, and the extension direction of the sample inlet forms an acute angle with the optical window surface of the light source and the optical window surface of the light receiver, respectively.

3. The high-precision turbidity sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing and the detection module form a sealed structure to withstand the pressure of the sample.

4. The high-precision turbidity sensor as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The housing is equipped with an inlet valve and an outlet valve for adjusting the sample pressure inside the housing.

5. The high-precision turbidity sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection module is detachably connected to the housing.

6. The high-precision turbidity sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shell is connected to a drain outlet.

7. The high-precision turbidity sensor as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The detection module also includes: The mounting cover is detachably connected to the housing, and the light source and the light receiver are disposed on the mounting cover and extend to the housing.

8. The high-precision turbidity sensor as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The detection module also includes: A foolproof structure is provided on the side of the mounting cover facing the housing and is matched with the housing to ensure that the light source and the light receiver are aligned with the sample inlet.

9. The high-precision turbidity sensor as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The detection module also includes: The outer casing is disposed on the side of the mounting cover away from the housing, and the outer casing is detachably connected to the mounting cover.

10. The high-precision turbidity sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A flow meter is provided outside the housing, and the flow meter is connected to the housing.

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