Optical probe device and optical probe system for analyzing components of substances in water, and method for performing component analysis of substances in water using the same

Abstract

This paper relates to an optical probe device for analyzing the components of substances present in water in an aquatic environment. Such optical probes have a problem in that suspended matter in water, such as organic carbon, adheres to the optical system or glass window of the sensing part equipped with focusing optics, impeding sensing. [Solution] The present invention discloses an optical probe device for analyzing the components of underwater substances, comprising: a light source unit that emits excitation light; a sensing unit that irradiates the excitation light into water and collects scattered light scattered in the water; a spectroscopic unit configured to analyze the scattered light; a light transport unit that connects the light source unit and the sensing unit, and the sensing unit and the spectroscopic unit; and a cap that has an opening on one side and is configured to house the sensing unit inside, and is configured so that when the cap is lowered and immersed in water with the opening positioned to cover the water surface, an internal air layer separates the sensing unit from the underwater environment.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical probe device and an optical probe system for analyzing components of substances present in water in an underwater environment, and a method for performing component analysis of substances in water using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] When analyzing the components of substances in water, an optical probe equipped with a sensing unit is generally used. However, when such an optical probe is used in water, suspended matter in water, such as organic carbon, adheres to the optical system or glass window of the sensing unit equipped with focusing optics, hindering sensing.

[0003] To solve this problem, a conventional method has been to install a mini wiper to wipe the glass window, but this conventional technology makes it difficult to clean the glass window accurately when it comes to heavily contaminated materials, and manual cleaning is impossible, especially in the case of unmanned remotely operated monitoring systems, so a new solution is needed.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a new concept of optical probe that prevents contamination of the glass window of the optical probe. Meanwhile, conventional optical probes are similarly disclosed as prior art in U.S. Patent No. 11946803, Korean Patent No. 10-2595661, and Korean Patent No. 10-2637648. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 11946803 (registered April 2, 2024) [Patent Document 2] Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2595661 (Registered October 25, 2023) [Patent Document 3] Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2637648 (Registered on February 13, 2024) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The first object of the present invention is to provide an optical probe device that can isolate a sensing unit from the underwater environment when analyzing the components of underwater substances, thereby preventing contamination of the sensing unit, and a method for analyzing the components of underwater substances using the same.

[0007] A second object of the present invention is to provide a structure that can stably separate the sensing unit from the underwater environment even in an underwater environment of a certain depth or more, and prevent contamination of the sensing unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the first object of the present invention, the present invention discloses an optical probe device for analyzing the components of underwater substances, comprising: a light source unit that emits excitation light; a sensing unit that irradiates the excitation light into water and collects scattered light scattered in the water; a spectroscopic unit configured to analyze the scattered light; a light transport unit that connects the light source unit and the sensing unit and the sensing unit and the spectroscopic unit; and a cap that has an opening on one side and is configured to house the sensing unit therein, and is configured so that when the cap is lowered and immersed in water with the opening positioned to cover the water surface, an internal air layer separates the sensing unit from the underwater environment.

[0009] The sensing unit may include a collimator configured to convert the excitation light into parallel light and collect the scattered light, and focusing optics arranged in front of the collimator and configured to collect the parallel light converted by the collimator and convert the scattered light scattered in water into parallel light.

[0010] The edge of the cap that defines the opening may be located between the focusing optics and a focal point of light focused by the focusing optics.

[0011] To achieve the second object of the present invention, the optical probe device may further include an air injection device connected to the cap and configured to inject air into the inside of the cap.

[0012] The optical probe device may further include a first moisture detection sensor provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance inward from an end of the cap that protrudes forward more than the focusing optics and configured to detect water that has filled the inside of the cap, and the air injection device may be configured to inject air according to a first set value when moisture is detected by the first moisture detection sensor.

[0013] The optical probe device may further include a second moisture detection sensor provided on an inner wall of the cap located between the focusing optics and the first moisture detection sensor and configured to detect water that has filled up above the water level at which the first moisture detection sensor is located, and the air injection device is configured to inject air according to a second set value greater than the first set value when moisture is detected by the second moisture detection sensor, and the first set value and the second set value may include at least one of an amount of air injected and an injection time.

[0014] The optical probe device may further include a sensing unit moisture detection sensor disposed at a front end of the sensing unit located in front of the focusing optics and configured to detect moisture, and the air injection device may be configured to inject air when moisture is detected by the sensing unit moisture detection sensor.

[0015] The optical probe device may further include a shutter provided on the cap and configured to open and close the opening of the cap, and the shutter may be configured to be closed with an air layer trapped inside the cap before the cap is immersed in water, and to open when the cap is immersed in water and reaches a target point.

[0016] The optical probe device may further include a water pressure sensor provided in the cap and configured to sense water pressure, and an air injection device connected to the cap and configured to inject air into the cap before the shutter opens if the water pressure sensed by the water pressure sensor is greater than a preset value.

[0017] The optical probe device may further include a water surface detection sensor provided at an end of the cap and configured to detect whether the cap has come into contact with the water surface, and the sensing unit may rise a predetermined distance to detect substances on the water surface when the water surface detection sensor detects that the cap has come into contact with the water surface.

[0018] The sensing unit may be provided in plurality, and the focal points of the light focused by the plurality of sensing units may be formed to be different from each other so that each of the plurality of sensing units analyzes the components of underwater substances at different points within one area corresponding to the cap.

[0019] A plurality of the sensing units may be provided, and the focal points of the light collected by the at least two sensing units may be formed to be identical to each other so that each of the at least two sensing units analyzes the components of underwater substances at the same point.

[0020] The present invention also discloses a method for performing component analysis of substances in water using the optical probe device described above.

[0021] The present invention also discloses an optical probe system for analyzing the components of underwater substances, comprising the optical probe device configured to perform component analysis of underwater substances, and an elevator device that moves the optical probe device up and down so as to remove it from water or immerse it in water.

[0022] The lifting device may be configured to rise a predetermined distance when the water surface is detected by the first moisture detection sensor so that the sensing unit can sense a substance on the water surface, and may be configured to descend to reach a target point by being immersed in water after the sensing unit senses the substance on the water surface.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention discloses a method for performing component analysis of substances in water using the above-mentioned optical probe system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The effects of the present invention obtained through the above-mentioned solution are as follows:

[0025] According to the present invention, when the cap is lowered and immersed in water with the opening covering the water surface, an internal air layer separates the sensing unit housed inside the cap from the underwater environment. This separates the sensing unit from the underwater environment when analyzing the components of underwater substances, preventing contamination of the sensing unit. As a result, the component analysis of underwater substances can be performed more precisely and conveniently.

[0026] According to the present invention, the air injection device can be configured to inject air into the cap when the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor is greater than a preset value, thereby preventing contamination of the sensing unit due to air compression caused by an increase in water pressure when the optical probe device is immersed to a certain depth or more. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an optical probe system equipped with a lifting device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an optical probe device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an optical probe device equipped with a shutter. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the movement of an optical probe using an elevator to measure NAPL (Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid) on the water surface. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the movement of the sensing unit 110 when the sensing unit 110 is moved to measure the NAPL on the water surface. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an optical probe that has a plurality of sensing units 110 and measures one point. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a method for measuring the water surface NAPL using an optical probe equipped with multiple sensing units 110. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an optical probe that includes multiple sensing units 110 and measures multiple points. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the drawing reference numerals, identical or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" used in the following description are merely used to facilitate the description and do not have any distinct meanings or functions. Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such a detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical concepts disclosed herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings should be understood to include any modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0029] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0030] When a component is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may also be other components between them. On the other hand, when a component is described as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0031] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context requires otherwise.

[0032] In this application, the use of terms such as "comprise" or "have" is intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof set forth in the specification, but should be understood as not precluding the possible presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] The lenses in the components such as the sensing unit 110 can be replaced with mirrors. That is, a convex lens has the same function as a concave mirror, and a concave lens has the same function as a convex mirror.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an optical probe device 100 equipped with an elevator device 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the optical probe device 100 can be moved in the up and down direction by the elevator device 10, such as being immersed in water 3, or being taken out of water 3 and moved into atmosphere 1. In this case, the up and down direction is defined as the direction toward atmosphere 1 with respect to the water surface 2 as the reference, and the direction toward water 3 with respect to the water surface 2 as the reference, and the up and down directions are unrelated to the moving direction of light transmitted from the light source unit 130.

[0035] The lifting device 10 may include a cable 11, a pulley 12, and a drum 13. One end of the cable 11 may be coupled to the optical probe device 100, and the other end may be coupled to the drum 13. Depending on the length of the cable 11, the position of the optical probe device 100 coupled to one end of the cable 11 may change to the atmosphere 1 or the water 3 (target volume). The pulley 12 may guide the moving position of the cable 11, and the drum 13 may have a semicircular groove to wind and unwind the cable 11. In this case, the length of the cable 11 can be automatically adjusted by supplying electricity to the drum 13, or the length of the cable 11 can be easily adjusted by attaching a handle to the drum 13.

[0036] The cable 11 may be coupled to an air injection line 161 configured to inject air into the cap 150, and the air injection line 161 may be coupled to an air injection device 160 provided outside the cap 150.

[0037] 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an optical probe device 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the optical probe device 100 includes a light source unit 130 that oscillates excitation light, a sensing unit 110 that irradiates the excitation light into water 3 and collects scattered light scattered in the water 3, a spectroscopic unit 140 configured to analyze the scattered light, a light transport unit 120 that connects the light source unit 130 and the sensing unit 110 and also connects the sensing unit 110 and the spectroscopic unit 140, and a cap 150 that has an opening on one side and is configured to accommodate the sensing unit 110 therein, and that is configured so that when the cap 150 is lowered and immersed in the water 3 with the opening positioned to cover the water surface 2, an air layer inside separates the sensing unit 110 from the environment of the water 3.

[0038] Here, the light source unit 130 oscillates excitation light, and the excitation light oscillated from the light source unit 130 is incident on the light transport unit 120 and transported through the light transport unit 120, and the transported excitation light can be incident on the sensing unit 110.

[0039] The sensing unit 110 may include a collimator 111 configured to convert the excitation light into parallel light and collect the scattered light, and focusing optics 112 arranged in front of the collimator 111 and configured to collect the parallel light converted by the collimator 111 and convert the scattered light scattered in the water 3 into parallel light. In this case, the terms "front" and "rear" are described based on the direction of movement of light transmitted from the light source unit 130, and the direction in which incident light moves is defined as "front."

[0040] The collimator 111 and the focusing optics 112 may be fixed by a sensing housing 113, and the sensing housing 113 may be coupled to the light transport unit 120. This allows the excitation light incident from the light transport unit 120 to enter the collimator 111.

[0041] The sensing housing 113 is formed in a shape that surrounds the collimator 111 and the focusing optics 112, and can fix the positions of the collimator 111 and the focusing optics 112. The shape of the sensing housing 113 may vary depending on the shapes of the collimator 111 and the focusing optics 112. Here, in Figures 1 to 8, the dotted lines drawn inside and outside the sensing housing 113 represent the movement of light, and the end of the dotted line extending downward from the focusing optics 112 may represent the focus f of the sensing unit 110.

[0042] The collimator 111 and the focusing optics 112 may be formed with a coating layer to prevent surface contamination. The coating layer may be formed as a hydrophilic coating, which reduces the size of water droplets formed on the surface, making the surface smoother and promoting better absorption and penetration of water into the surface. As a result, even if the underwater environment 3 is disturbed, water droplets do not remain on the surface of the sensing unit 110 but fall off immediately, preventing contamination of the sensing unit 110 and protecting the surface.

[0043] It also has the advantage of preventing oily contaminants from easily adhering to hydrophilic surfaces.

[0044] The excitation light received by the sensing unit 110 may be converted into parallel light by the collimator 111, and the parallel light may be collected by the focusing optics 112 and irradiated into the water 3. Thereafter, the irradiated collected light is scattered in the water 3 and converted into scattered light, and at least a part of the scattered light is incident on the focusing optics 112 and converted into parallel light, and the parallel light may be collected by the collimator 111, and the collected parallel light may be transported by the light transport unit 120 and transmitted to the spectroscopic unit 140.

[0045] The spectroscopic unit 140 can convert the scattered light received by the spectroscopic unit 140 into an electrical signal to disperse the scattered light.

[0046] In one embodiment, the spectroscopic unit 140 generates pre-diffracted radiation generated by scattered light from the test sample in front of the diffraction grating, transmits the pre-diffracted radiation through the diffraction grating to generate post-diffracted radiation behind the diffraction grating, and then analyzes the test sample using the post-diffracted radiation.

[0047] The spectroscopic section 140 may include a slit section (not shown) and a collimating member (not shown) arranged in order along the path of the pre-diffracted radiation light, a focusing member (not shown) and a detecting section (not shown) arranged in order along the path of the post-diffracted radiation light, and a diffraction grating (not shown) positioned between the collimating member and the focusing member.

[0048] The slit portion, the collimating member, the diffraction grating, and the focusing member are mounted on a single plane and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the diffraction grating is formed in the shape of a polygonal plate erected between the pre-diffraction and post-diffraction radiation light on the single plane, and has a plurality of openings in the polygonal plate shape, and the detecting portion is located on the diffraction grating at a distance from the single plane and is formed to cover the diffraction grating along the top surface of the diffraction grating when viewed from above the detecting portion.

[0049] On the other hand, the diffraction grating and the focusing member are mounted on a vertical plane, not on the plane of the slit portion and the collimating member, as in Patent Document 3, thereby enabling high-resolution spectroscopic analysis.

[0050] The light transport portion 120 may be formed from an optical fiber, which has a core with a high refractive index on the inside and a cladding with a low refractive index formed on the outside to surround the core, thereby transmitting light with low loss.

[0051] In one embodiment, the light transport unit 120 may include a transmission optical fiber 121 having one end coupled to the sensing unit 110 and the other end branched in a Y-shape, a light source optical fiber 122 branching in one direction from the other end of the transmission optical fiber 121, and a spectral optical fiber 123 branching in the other direction from the other end of the transmission optical fiber 121.

[0052] The excitation light emitted from the light source unit 130 may be transmitted from the other end to one end of the light source optical fiber 122, and then transmitted from the light source optical fiber 122 to the transmission optical fiber 121. The light incident on the transmission optical fiber 121 may be transmitted from the other end to one end of the transmission optical fiber 121 and received by the sensing unit 110. The light incident on the sensing unit 110 may be irradiated into the water 3, scattered in the water 3, and the scattered light may enter the sensing unit 110.

[0053] The scattered light transmitted from the sensing unit 110 may be transmitted from one end of the transmission optical fiber 121 to the other end thereof, and may be simultaneously transmitted to the light source optical fiber 122 and the spectral optical fiber 123. In this case, a filter may be provided at the branching point where the transmission optical fiber 121 branches into the light source optical fiber 122 and the spectral optical fiber 123, and the filter may allow the scattered light transmitted from the transmission optical fiber 121 to be transmitted only to the spectral optical fiber 123 without being branched to the light source optical fiber 122.

[0054] In another embodiment, the light transport unit 120 may include a light source optical fiber 122 having one end coupled to the sensing unit 110 and the other end coupled to the light source unit 130, and a transmission optical fiber 121 having one end coupled to the sensing unit 110 and the other end coupled to the spectroscopic unit 140, and one end of each of the light source optical fiber 122 and the transmission optical fiber 121 may be simultaneously surrounded by a single clad.

[0055] When the optical probe device 100 is a Raman spectrometer, the sensing unit 110 connected to the light source unit 130 and the spectroscopic unit 140 may be separated, and a bandpass filter may be provided in the light source optical fiber 122, which is the optical fiber on the light source unit 130 side, and a longpass filter may be provided in the spectroscopic optical fiber 123, which is the optical fiber on the spectroscopic unit 140 side. In this case, the bandpass filter and the longpass filter may be disposed between the collimator 111 and the focusing optics 112.

[0056] A bandpass filter is an optical filter that transmits light in a specific wavelength range or band and blocks other wavelength bands, while a longpass filter is an optical filter that absorbs or reflects short wavelengths and transmits long wavelengths.

[0057] As a result, when scattered light is generated and enters, it is converted into parallel light by the focusing optics 112 and then transported in the direction of the light transport unit 120, and the bandpass filter prevents light of a specific wavelength from being transmitted to the light source unit 130, allowing the scattered light to enter only the spectroscopic unit 140. The longpass filter may be configured to remove primary light (excitation light) mixed with secondary light (scattered light), and allow the spectroscopic unit 140 to receive only the scattered light scattered in the water 3.

[0058] The cap 150 is illustrated as having any one shape selected from a bell shape, a cup shape, and a dome shape with an opening on one side, but the shape of the cap 150 is not limited thereto. For example, the cap 150 may be formed in a square box shape with an opening on one side. The sensing unit 110 is housed inside the cap 150, and the cap 150 has an air layer inside, which can prevent floating matter from adhering to the sensing unit 110 housed inside the cap 150.

[0059] The cap 150 is formed of a material, such as metal or plastic, that prevents deformation in an underwater environment or denaturation or corrosion due to contaminants, and the weight of the cap 150 is set to a predetermined value or more, so that the cap 150 descends without shaking, preventing the cap 150 from tipping over or floating matter from adhering to the focusing optics 112. In addition, when the cap 150 is drawn into the water 3, the cap 150 is prevented from being immersed at an angle or from tipping over or collapsing while being immersed, and the air layer inside the cap 150 is prevented from leaking out of the inside of the cap 150 when it is drawn into the water 3.

[0060] In this case, the end of the cap 150 that defines the opening may be formed to protrude beyond the sensing unit 110 so that the sensing unit 110 is located within the air layer. As a result, the focusing optics 112 is located within the air layer, the focus f of light focused by the focusing optics 112 is located underwater 3, and the edge of the cap 150 that defines the opening may be located between the focusing optics 112 and the focus f of light focused by the focusing optics 112.

[0061] If the air layer located inside the cap 150 is reduced by water pressure, the optical probe device 100 can be taken out of the underwater environment 3 using the lifting device 10, and after refilling the cap 150 with air, the optical probe device 100 can be immersed in the underwater environment 3 again.

[0062] Alternatively, the thickness of the air layer can be increased by increasing the distance between the end of the cap 150 and the focusing optics 112. As a result, even if the air layer located inside the cap 150 is reduced by water pressure, the air layer is formed to surround the sensing unit 110, so that it is possible to prevent suspended matter from adhering to the focusing optics 112.

[0063] In another embodiment, at least one or more sensors are attached to the cap 150, and an air injection device 160 is coupled to the cap 150, so that when the air inside the cap 150 leaks, water enters the inside of the cap 150, or the air inside the cap 150 is compressed, air can be injected into the inside of the cap 150 through the air injection device 160 without the need to take the optical probe device 100 to the ground, thereby preventing suspended matter from adhering to the focusing optics 112.

[0064] Specifically, at least one sensor selected from a first moisture sensor 151, a second moisture sensor 152, a water surface sensor 153, a sensing unit moisture sensor, and a water pressure sensor configured to detect moisture may be coupled to the inside or outside of the cap 150. The optical probe device may further include an air injection device 160 connected to the cap 150 and configured to inject air into the cap 150.

[0065] As shown in (a) of Figure 2, a virtual line passing through the focusing optics 112 is referred to as a focusing optics virtual line 112', a virtual line passing through the multiple first moisture detection sensors 151 is referred to as a first moisture detection sensor virtual line 151', a virtual line passing through the multiple second moisture detection sensors 152 is referred to as a second moisture detection sensor virtual line 152', and a virtual line passing through the multiple water surface detection sensors 153 is referred to as a water surface detection sensor virtual line 153'.

[0066] The first moisture detecting sensor 151 may be provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance inward from an end of the cap 150 that protrudes forward from the focusing optics 112, and configured to detect water filling the inside of the cap 150. Specifically, the first moisture detecting sensor 151 may be located between a water surface detecting sensor virtual line 153' and a focusing optics virtual line 112'.

[0067] Thus, when moisture is detected by the first moisture detection sensor 151, the air injection device 160 injects air according to a first set value to increase the thickness of the air layer, and pushes out the water filled inside the cap into the water, so that the water inside the cap is positioned below the first moisture detection sensor virtual line 151'. Alternatively, when moisture is detected by the first moisture detection sensor 151, the lifting device 10 can be used to remove the cap 150 and the sensing unit 110 to the atmosphere 1, thereby replenishing the air layer inside the cap 150.

[0068] The second moisture detecting sensor 152 may be provided on an inner wall of the cap 150 located between the focusing optics 112 and the first moisture detecting sensor 151, and may be configured to detect water that has filled up above the water level at which the first moisture detecting sensor 151 is located. Specifically, the second moisture detecting sensor 152 may be located between the first moisture detecting sensor virtual line 151' and the focusing optics virtual line 112'.

[0069] The air injection device 160 may be configured to inject air according to a second set value greater than the first set value when moisture is detected by the second moisture detection sensor 152. In this case, the first set value and the second set value may include at least one of the amount of air to be injected and the injection time. This allows the water inside the cap to be positioned below the first moisture detection sensor virtual line 151' when injecting air. Alternatively, when moisture is detected by the second moisture detection sensor 152, the lifting device 10 can be used to remove the cap 150 and the sensing unit 110 to the atmosphere 1, thereby replenishing the air layer inside the cap 150.

[0070] When moisture is detected by the first moisture detection sensor 151 or the second moisture detection sensor 152, air is injected from the air injection device 160, increasing the volume of the air layer inside the cap 150, and the water injected inside the cap 150 can move to the outside of the cap 150. When the air layer fills up to the edge of the cap 150, at least a portion of the air in the air layer is discharged from the cap 150, and the bubbled air can push out suspended matter, such as organic carbon, on the surface that was in contact with the air layer. At this time, the first moisture detection sensor 151 and the second moisture detection sensor 152 measure the inflow of water in stages, and when the flow of water increases, air is injected quickly and precisely, thereby preventing suspended matter and water from contacting the focusing optics 112.

[0071] In another embodiment, the optical probe device may further include a sensing unit moisture detection sensor (not shown) coupled to the sensing unit 110 and configured to detect moisture. In this case, the sensing unit moisture detection sensor may be preferably disposed at the front end of the sensing housing 113 located in front of the focusing optics 112. When moisture is detected by the sensing unit moisture detection sensor, the air injection device 160 rapidly injects air according to a preset value to increase the thickness of the air layer inside the cap 150 and pushes the water filled inside the cap into the water, thereby preventing water from contacting the focusing optics 112. In this case, the preset value may include at least one of the amount of air to be injected and the injection time. This pushes the filled water below the first moisture detection sensor virtual line 151′, preventing moisture from penetrating into the sensing unit 110. Alternatively, when moisture is detected by the sensing unit moisture detection sensor, the lifting device 10 may be used to remove the cap 150 and the sensing unit 110 to the atmosphere 1, thereby replenishing the air layer inside the cap 150.

[0072] FIG. 2(a) is a conceptual diagram showing the optical probe device 100 located in the atmosphere 1, and FIG. 2(b) is a conceptual diagram showing the optical probe device 100 located in water 3.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 2(a), when the optical probe device 100 located in the atmosphere 1 is drawn into the water 3, it may be drawn with an air layer inside the cap 150 as shown in Fig. 2(b). At this time, some of the water in the water 3 may enter the inside of the cap 150, and if the entered water is located above the first moisture detection sensor virtual line 151', air can be injected into the inside of the cap 150 using the air injection device 160 to push the water that has entered the inside of the cap 150 out of the cap, and the water can be located below the first moisture detection sensor virtual line 151'.

[0074] The cap 150 may further include a shutter 155 that opens and closes the opening of the cap 150, and a water pressure sensor 154 that is provided on the cap 150 and configured to sense water pressure.

[0075] Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the optical probe device 100 equipped with a shutter 155. Fig. 3(a) is a schematic diagram showing that the shutter 155 closes the cap 150 when the optical probe device 100 is immersed in water 3, and Fig. 3(b) is a schematic diagram showing that the shutter 155 opens the cap 150 when the optical probe device 100 performs measurement in the environment of the water 3.

[0076] The shutter 155 may be provided in the cap 150 and configured to open and close the opening of the cap 150. The shutter 155 may be closed with an air layer trapped inside the cap 150 before immersion in the water 3, and may be configured to open when the cap 150 reaches a target location after immersion in the water 3.

[0077] 3(a), when the optical probe device 100 is immersed in the water 3, the shutter 155 closes the opening of the cap 150 to prevent water and suspended matter in the water from entering the inside of the cap 150 and to prevent air inside the cap 150 from leaking out. As shown in FIG. 3(b), after the immersion in the water 3 is completed, the shutter 155 is opened so that the optical probe device 100 can measure the environment in the water 3, and the focus f focused by the focusing optics 112 can measure the matter in the water 3.

[0078] At least three water surface sensors 153 may be formed on the end of the cap 150, and among the multiple water surface sensors 153, the distance between one water surface sensor 153 and another water surface sensor 153 may be the same as the distance between another water surface sensor 153 and another water surface sensor 153. When three water surface sensors 153 simultaneously detect moisture, it can be determined that the water surface 2 and the cap 150 are positioned parallel to each other and that the end of the cap 150 has contacted the water surface 2. This prevents the cap 150 from being immersed obliquely in the water 3. The water surface sensors 153 may be configured to detect whether the cap 150 has contacted the water surface 2.

[0079] The water surface sensor 153 may be configured as an ultrasonic sensor, and can detect whether the water surface sensor 153 is close to the water surface 2 in a non-contact manner using ultrasonic waves.

[0080] In one embodiment, when the water surface detection sensor 153 detects that the cap 150 has come into contact with the water surface 2, the cap 150 may rise by a preset distance so that the sensing unit 110 senses a substance on the water surface 2. In another embodiment, when the water surface detection sensor 153 detects that the cap 150 has come into contact with the water surface 2, the sensing unit 110 may rise by a preset distance so that the sensing unit 110 senses a substance on the water surface 2.

[0081] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the movement of an optical probe that uses an elevator device 10 to measure suspended solids such as NAPLs on the water surface 2. FIG. 4(a) is a schematic diagram showing the cap 150 being lowered by the elevator device 10, FIG. 4(b) is a schematic diagram showing the water surface sensor 153 detecting that the cap 150 has come into contact with the water surface 2, FIG. 4(c) is a schematic diagram showing that the cap 150 has risen a preset distance, and FIG. 4(d) is a schematic diagram showing that the cap 150 has been immersed in the water 3.

[0082] In one embodiment, the lifting device 10 may be configured to rise a predetermined distance when the water surface 2 is detected by the water surface detection sensor 153 so that the sensing unit 110 detects a substance on the water surface 2, and may be configured to descend after the sensing unit 110 detects a substance on the water surface 2 by immersing it in water 3 and reaching a target location.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the cap 150 is lowered by the lifting device 10. When the cap 150 contacts the water surface 2 as shown in FIG. 4(b), the water surface detection sensor 153 can measure this. At this time, the focal point f of the focusing optics 112 is located underwater 3, and the operation of the lifting device 10 can be temporarily stopped while the water surface detection sensor 153 measures the moisture content. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the cap 150 is raised a predetermined distance, and the focal point f of the focusing optics 112 is located at the water surface 2. As a result, the focal point f and the water surface 2 coincide with each other, and the sensing unit 110 can easily measure suspended matter such as NAPLs (nonaqueous phase liquids, or oil stains) on the water surface 2. At this time, the predetermined distance is the distance between the water surface 2 and the focal point f of the sensing unit 110 and may be formed differently depending on the length of the focal point f of the sensing unit 110. 4(d), after a certain period of time has elapsed, the lifting device 10 is restarted to immerse the sensing unit 110 in the water 3, and the sensing unit 110 can measure the water 3. This allows the position of the cap 150 to be temporarily adjusted when the water surface 2 and the cap 150 come into contact, making it possible to simultaneously measure suspended solids such as NAPL on the water surface 2 and suspended solids in the water 3.

[0084] 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the movement of the sensing unit 110 to measure the NAPL at the water surface 2. FIG. 5(a) is a schematic diagram showing the cap 150 being lowered by the lifting device 10, FIG. 5(b) is a schematic diagram showing the water surface sensor 153 detecting that the cap 150 has contacted the water surface 2, FIG. 5(c) is a schematic diagram showing that the sensing unit 110 has risen a preset distance, FIG. 5(d) is a schematic diagram showing that the sensing unit 110 has descended a preset distance, and FIG. 5(e) is a schematic diagram showing that the cap 150 has been immersed in water 3.

[0085] In another embodiment, the sensing unit 110 may be configured to rise a predetermined distance when the water surface 2 is detected by the water surface detection sensor 153 so that the sensing unit 110 detects a substance on the water surface 2, and after the sensing unit 110 detects a substance on the water surface 2, it may be configured to be immersed in water 3 and descend to reach the target point.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the cap 150 is lowered by the lifting device 10. When the cap 150 contacts the water surface 2 as shown in FIG. 5(b), the water surface detection sensor 153 can detect this. When the water surface detection sensor 153 measures the moisture content, the operation of the lifting device 10 can be temporarily stopped. At this time, the focal point f of the focusing optics 112 can be located underwater 3. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the sensing unit 110 is raised by a predetermined distance, and the focal point f of the focusing optics 112 is located at the water surface 2. This allows the sensing unit 110 to easily measure suspended matter such as NAPLs (nonaqueous phase liquids, or oil stains) on the water surface 2. At this time, the predetermined distance is the distance between the water surface 2 and the focal point f of the sensing unit 110, and may be formed differently depending on the length of the focal point f of the sensing unit 110. 5(d), after the sensing unit 110 has completed measuring suspended solids such as NAPLs on the water surface 2, the sensing unit 110 descends again and can be positioned so that the focus f focused by the focusing optics 112 faces the water 3. After a certain time has passed, as shown in FIG. 5(e), the lifting device 10 operates again to immerse the sensing unit 110 in the water 3, allowing the sensing unit 110 to measure the water 3. As a result, when the water surface 2 and the cap 150 come into contact, the position of the cap 150 can be temporarily adjusted, allowing all of the NAPLs on the water surface 2 and suspended solids in the water 3 to be measured.

[0087] The water pressure sensor 154 may be provided in the cap 150 and configured to detect water pressure. When the optical probe device 100 descends into water with the shutter 155 closed, the water pressure sensor 154 may be configured to inject air into the cap 150 using the air injection device 160 before the shutter 155 opens if the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor 154 is greater than a preset value due to an increase in the surrounding water pressure. This prevents contamination of the sensing unit caused by air being compressed due to an increase in water pressure when the optical probe device is immersed in water above a certain depth.

[0088] In addition, the water pressure sensor 154 can measure the water pressure when the optical probe device 100 is immersed in the water 3 and the shutter 155 is opened, and the water pressure sensor 154 moves up and down within the water 3, moving into water with high water pressure. Accordingly, the air compressed by the water pressure is injected into the cap 150 using the air injection device 160 to increase the thickness of the air layer, and as the water pressure increases, the air is compressed, thinning the air layer, and the sensing unit located underwater 3 can be prevented from being contaminated by suspended matter, etc.

[0089] The air injection device 160 receives a measurement value from one or more sensors selected from the first moisture detection sensor 151, the second moisture detection sensor 152, the water surface detection sensor 153, the sensing unit moisture detection sensor, and the water pressure detection sensor 154, and injects air into the cap according to the measurement value, thereby pushing out air, air bubbles, and other suspended matter that may be penetrating the cap 150. The air injection device 160 may further include an air injection line 161 having one end connected to the air injection device 160 and the other end penetrating the cap 150. Thus, when the measurement value is equal to or greater than a set value, the air injection device 160 compresses air, and the compressed air travels along the air injection line 161 and is injected into the cap 150.

[0090] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an optical probe having multiple sensing units 110 and measuring a single point, Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a method of measuring NAPL at the water surface 2 using an optical probe having multiple sensing units 110, and Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an optical probe having multiple sensing units 110 and measuring multiple points.

[0091] 6 to 8, a plurality of sensing units 110 may be provided. In this case, the plurality of sensing units 110 may be provided, and the lifting device 10, the first moisture sensor 151, the second moisture sensor 152, the water surface sensor 153, the water pressure sensor, the air injection device 160, the shutter 155, etc. may be applied in the same manner as a single sensing unit 110.

[0092] 6, a plurality of sensing units 110 may be provided, and the focal points f of the light collected by the at least two or more sensing units 110 may be formed at a single point so that each of the at least two or more sensing units 110 analyzes the components of substances in the water 3 at the same point. In this way, by having the multiple sensing units 110 measure one focal point f, the measurement sensitivity is increased and the components of substances present in the water 3 can be easily analyzed.

[0093] (a) of Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the cap 150 being lowered by the lifting device 10, (b) of Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing one sensing unit 110 measuring suspended matter such as NAPL on the water surface 2, and (c) of Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the remaining sensing unit 110 measuring underwater 3.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 7, the focus f2 of one of the multiple sensing units 110 may be formed at the same height as the imaginary line 153' of the water surface detection sensor, which is the edge of the cap 150, and the focus f1 of the remaining sensing units 110 may be formed at a single point below the edge of the cap 150.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the optical probe device 100 is lowered by the lifting device 10. When the water surface sensor 153 comes into contact with the water surface 2 as shown in FIG. 7(b), the lifting device 10 can be stopped. At this time, the focal point f2 of one sensing unit 110 is formed at the same height as the imaginary line 153' of the water surface sensor, which is the edge of the cap 150. This allows the single sensing unit 110 to easily measure suspended solids such as NAPLs on the water surface 2 without having to move the optical probe device 100 or the sensing unit 110. After measuring the NAPLs on the water surface 2, the lifting device 10 is operated to pull the optical probe device 100 into the water 3 as shown in FIG. 7(c), allowing the underwater substances to be easily measured.

[0096] This means that when measuring the water surface 2 using the water surface detection sensor 153, one sensing unit 110 can be used to measure suspended matter such as NAPL on the water surface 2, and the sensing unit 110 and cap 150 can be immersed in the water 3, without the need to separately adjust the position of the cap 150 or the sensing unit 110.

[0097] 8, a plurality of sensing units 110 may be provided, and the focal points f of the light collected by the plurality of sensing units 110 may be formed to be different from one another so that each of the plurality of sensing units 110 analyzes the components of substances in the water 3 at different points within one area corresponding to the cap 150. In this way, the plurality of sensing units 110 may measure the water 3 and then average the measured values, thereby making it possible to easily analyze the components of substances present in the water 3 even when the homogeneity of the water 3 has decreased.

[0098] In this case, the focus f of one of the multiple sensing units 110 is formed at the same height as the edge of the cap 150, and the focus f of the remaining sensing units 110 is formed below the edge of the cap 150, so that NAPL at the water surface 2 and underwater 3 can be measured using one sensing unit 110 without the need to separately adjust the position of the cap 150 or the position of the sensing unit 110. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1: Atmosphere 2: Water surface 3: Underwater 10: Lifting device 11: Cable 12: Pulley 13: Drums 100: Optical probe device 110: Sensing unit 111: Collimator 112: Focusing Optics 113: Sensing housing 120: Optical transport section 121: Transmission optical fiber 122: Light source optical fiber 123: Spectroscopic optical fiber 130: Light source section 140: Spectroscopic section 150: Cap 151: First moisture sensor 152: Second moisture sensor 153: Water surface sensor 154: Water pressure sensor 155: Shutter 160: Air injection device 161: Air injection line

Claims

1. a light source unit that oscillates excitation light; a sensing unit that irradiates the excitation light into water and collects scattered light that is scattered in the water; a spectroscopic unit configured to analyze the scattered light; a light transmitting unit connecting the light source unit and the sensing unit, and connecting the sensing unit and the spectroscopic unit; a cap having an opening on one side and configured to accommodate the sensing unit therein, the cap being configured such that when the cap is lowered and immersed in water with the opening positioned to cover the water surface, an air layer inside separates the sensing unit from the underwater environment; The sensing unit a collimator configured to convert the excitation light into parallel light and to collect the scattered light; and focusing optics arranged in front of the collimator and configured to focus the parallel light converted by the collimator and convert the scattered light scattered in the water into parallel light.

2. 2. The optical probe device for analyzing the components of underwater substances as described in claim 1, wherein the edge of the cap that defines the opening is located between the focusing optics and the focal point of the light collected by the focusing optics.

3. The optical probe device for analyzing components of underwater substances according to claim 2 , further comprising an air injection device connected to the cap and configured to inject air into the inside of the cap.

4. a first moisture detection sensor provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance inward from an end of the cap that protrudes forward beyond the focusing optics, the first moisture detection sensor configured to detect water filling the cap; 4. The optical probe device for analyzing components of underwater substances according to claim 3, wherein the air injection device is configured to inject air according to a first set value when moisture is detected by the first moisture detection sensor.

5. a second moisture detection sensor provided on an inner wall of the cap between the focusing optics and the first moisture detection sensor, the second moisture detection sensor configured to detect water that has filled up above a water level at which the first moisture detection sensor is located; the air injection device is configured to inject air according to a second set value greater than the first set value when moisture is detected by the second moisture detection sensor; 5. The optical probe device for analyzing components of substances in water according to claim 4, wherein the first set value and the second set value include at least one of an amount of air to be injected and an injection time.

6. The sensing unit further includes a moisture sensor disposed at a front end of the sensing unit located in front of the focusing optics and configured to sense moisture; 4. The optical probe device for analyzing components of underwater substances according to claim 3, wherein the air injector is configured to inject air when moisture is detected by the moisture sensor of the sensing unit.

7. a shutter provided on the cap and configured to open and close the opening of the cap; 3. The optical probe device for analyzing the components of underwater substances according to claim 2, wherein the shutter is closed with an air layer trapped inside the cap before being immersed in water, and is configured to open when the device is immersed in water and reaches a target point.

8. a water pressure sensor provided on the cap and configured to detect water pressure; 8. The optical probe device for analyzing the components of underwater substances as described in claim 7, further comprising an air injection device connected to the cap and configured to inject air into the inside of the cap before the shutter opens if the water pressure sensed by the water pressure sensing sensor is greater than a preset value.

9. a water surface sensor provided at an end of the cap and configured to detect whether the cap has come into contact with the water surface; 3. The optical probe device for analyzing components of underwater substances according to claim 2, wherein the sensing unit rises a predetermined distance to sense substances on the water surface when the water surface sensor detects that the cap has come into contact with the water surface.

10. 3. The optical probe device for analyzing the components of underwater substances according to claim 2, wherein the sensing unit is provided in plurality, and the focal points of the light collected by the plurality of sensing units are different from each other so that each of the plurality of sensing units analyzes the components of underwater substances at different points within one area corresponding to the cap.

11. 3. The optical probe device for analyzing components of underwater substances according to claim 2, wherein the sensing unit is provided in plurality, and the focal points of the light collected by the at least two sensing units are the same so that each of the at least two sensing units analyzes the components of underwater substances at the same point.

12. A method for performing component analysis of substances in water, using the optical probe device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The optical probe device according to claim 9 , configured to perform component analysis of underwater substances; and an elevator device that moves the optical probe device up and down so as to remove it from the water or immerse it in the water.

14. The lifting device is When the water surface is detected by the water surface detection sensor, the sensing unit is configured to rise by a predetermined distance to detect a substance on the water surface, 14. The optical probe system for analyzing components of substances in water according to claim 13, wherein the sensing unit is configured to sense substances on the water surface, and then immerse the sensing unit in the water and descend to reach a target point.

15. A method for performing component analysis of substances in water using the optical probe system according to claim 13 or 14.

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