Fibre-optic photoacoustic spectrometer and method for dissolved gas analysis

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of technologies using photoacoustic spectrometry to measure concentrations of elements present in gaseous media and, more specifically, relates to a fibre-optic photoacoustic spectrometer for dissolved gas analysis comprising: an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, including an infrared light generation unit, UGIR; at least one photoacoustic gas analysis and conditioning unit, UAFAGC, including at least one photoacoustic gas analysis unit, UAFAG; and a data processing and communication unit; wherein the UGIR is connected to the at least one UAFAGC by means of an optical fibre that transmits, via a main fibre-optic link, a beam of light with a selected wavelength from the UGIR to the at least one UAFAG. The present invention also relates to a method for dissolved gas analysis comprising: transmitting a beam of light with a selected wavelength from an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, to at least one photoacoustic gas analysis and conditioning unit, UAFAGC; bringing about communication of signals containing data relating to the concentrations of elements or components of dissolved gases collected from the at least one UAFAGC to the UGIRC; and generating one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the analysed gases from the signals received from the UGIRC.

Description

FIBER OPTIC PHOTOACOUSTIC SPECTROMETER AND METHOD FOR DISSOLVED GAS ANALYSIS Field of invention

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of technologies that use photoacoustic spectrometry to measure concentrations of elements present in gaseous media and, more specifically, refers to a fiber optic photoacoustic spectrometer for analyzing the compositions of multiple gas mixtures present in different locations in the same installation. Fundamentals of the invention

[0002] Photoacoustic spectrometry is a calorimetric technique based on the photoacoustic effect, an effect found in solids, liquids, and gases. Basically, according to photoacoustic spectrometry, the energy emitted from a radiation source is first converted into sound and then into an electrical signal.

[0003] The technique related to photoacoustic spectrometry can be implemented for the measurement of residual gases in various applications, such as: monitoring of particular molecules that make up gases present in the atmosphere; medical diagnosis by respiratory analysis; control of industrial processes in the pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical sectors, etc.; analysis of gases dissolved in transformer oil; among other applications.

[0004] Using photoacoustic spectrometry, a gas mixture can be analyzed multiple times continuously, as it is a non-destructive method that consumes no gas. Furthermore, there is no need to separate the gas mixture before analysis, which reduces sample preparation time.

[0005] Other advantages of using photoacoustic spectrometry techniques include high sensitivity and selectivity, which ensures that multicomponent gas analysis will be performed with high precision, and a wide dynamic range for measuring low and high gas concentrations.

[0006] Currently, photoacoustic spectrometry-based systems used in laboratories or in the field to measure the concentrations of elements present in gas composition require that samples of the gas to be analyzed be collected and transported to the analysis equipment, where they can then circulate to a photoacoustic chamber or cell through ideally short pipes. This avoids problems such as leaks, environmental contamination, and increased time between analyses. This problem poses an even greater limitation in cases where it is necessary to analyze multiple gases from different points in the same plant, as samples would need to be collected and transported to the photoacoustic spectrometry system, making the concentration monitoring process time-consuming and, therefore, preventing the system from operating in real time.

[0007] Currently, there are some photoacoustic spectrometry systems capable of measuring gas concentrations in a sample. Through a system of communication elements within these systems, for example via an intranet, the measurement results can be made available to a centralized database.

[0008] However, the more sophisticated photoacoustic spectrometry systems, which perform measurements of Several components present in gas mixtures have very high costs, which in practice makes their use unfeasible in installations where there are several points to be monitored simultaneously and continuously.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the state of the art for the development of a system capable of using a single equipment based on photoacoustic spectrometry to simultaneously measure gas concentrations in multiple samples, periodically, continuously and simultaneously, collected in various locations in the same installation, and that makes use of fiber optic communication and multiplexing techniques, seeking to make its cost accessible and obtain results with high precision and reliability. State of the art

[0010] The search for the history of the invention in question led to some documents that reveal matters within the technological field of the present invention.

[0011] Document KR 102159650 BI refers to a transformer gas monitoring device that extracts oil gas contained in the transformer's insulating oil to diagnose equipment abnormalities and analyzes the components and foreign objects present in real time to understand the abnormal state. However, installing the transformer flow gas analyzer device individually on all transformers is expensive and makes system management difficult. The document provides a technique for monitoring the insulating oil of two or more transformers using a single transformer gas flow analyzer to solve this problem. This technology uses a single photoacoustic measurement device unit to monitor the gas flow status of multiple transformers, resulting in a cost-effective reduction in installation costs. However, the aforementioned document does not reveal or suggest the use of fiber optics to connect the infrared light generation unit to the photoacoustic chamber, let alone an apparatus to perform multiplexing and enable analysis of the various devices in the system.

[0012] In turn, document US 20030038237 A1 discloses an amplifier-enhanced optical analysis system and method for optically analyzing a molecular component of a gas, liquid, or solid. The amplifier-enhanced optical system comprises a laser, a light amplifier, and an optical analysis means, all optically coupled such that light at a predetermined wavelength in the near-infrared spectrum is transported from the laser, through the light amplifier, and to the optical analysis means, wherein the predetermined wavelength corresponds to an absorption characteristic of the molecular component. The optical analysis means preferably comprises photoacoustic analysis equipment.However, the multiplexer revealed by the aforementioned document is used to combine more than one light emitting source into a single optical fiber, and the light from each laser must have a wavelength within the operational range of the fiber amplifier.

[0013] Finally, the paper "Highly sensitive photoacoustic multi-gas analyzer combined with mid-infrared broadband source and near-infrared laser" discusses a highly sensitive photoacoustic (PA) multi-gas analyzer that was developed in combination with a mid-infrared broadband source and a near-infrared laser. A cylindrical multi-pass PA cell was designed to efficiently couple the two PA excitation sources. Mid-infrared thermal radiation light was transmitted longitudinally through the cell to detect CO, CO, CH, C, H, and H, and the generated PA signal. The fundamental frequency intensity modulation (LF-IM) technique was used to measure the generated PA signal. A collimated near-infrared laser beam was incident from the side hole of the cell to detect C. H. The second-harmonic wavelength modulation spectroscopy (2f—WMS) technique was used to extract the laser-excited PA signal.The equivalent noise (Io) detection limits were achieved at 27 ppb, 10 ppb, 94 ppb, 24 ppb, 20 ppb, and 37 ppb for C2H2, CO, CO2, CH4, C2H6, and C2H4 with an averaging time of 60 s, respectively. The proposed method takes full advantage of the multicomponent gas measurement capability of broadband mid-infrared source-based PA spectroscopy and the high accuracy of laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy. However, the aforementioned document uses a complex combination of first and second laser emitting sources, with the second being a near-infrared laser source with coupled optical fiber. Furthermore, this document also does not suggest or teach how to use one. single photoacoustic spectrometer to analyze gases from different equipment through a multiplexing apparatus.

[0014] Thus, the state of the art fails to reveal or suggest a system of equipment and a methodology that enable the performance of concentration measurements at multiple distinct points using a single photoacoustic spectrometer system. Brief description of the invention

[0015] The present invention relates to a system that aims to measure concentrations of elements or chemical compounds present in gaseous media based on a single photoacoustic spectrometer (EFA) connected to optical fibers (FO), which can be equipped with an optoelectronic multiplexer (MOE) that allows the system to be used for simultaneous measurement of concentrations of contaminants in samples of gaseous media at several different points in the same installation.

[0016] Particularly, the system composed of the photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention comprises a photoacoustic spectrometer with fiber optic link (EFA-FO) between an Infrared Light Generation Unit (UGIR) and a Photoacoustic Gas Analysis Unit (UAFAG), wherein the UGIR is located in an Infrared Light Generation and Control Unit (UGIRC) and the UAFAG is located in a Photoacoustic Gas Analysis and Conditioning Unit (UAFAGC).

[0017] Therefore, the present invention provides the development of equipment to perform the detection of multiple gases simultaneously, and for this purpose it has a broadband light source, with wavelengths of wave in the mid-infrared spectrum.

[0018] Furthermore, the photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention provides a fiber optic link between the photoacoustic chamber and the broad spectrum infrared light generation system, with wavelengths within the spectral region of approximately 2 pm to approximately 14 pm.

[0019] The photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention, based on its distinctive technical characteristics, also provides the addition of an optical multiplexing system, which allows the light source to be communicated to several photoacoustic chambers sequentially.

[0020] Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fiber optic photoacoustic spectrometer for dissolved gas analysis comprising: an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, including an infrared light generation unit, UGIR; at least one photoacoustic gas analysis and conditioning unit, UAFAGC, including at least one photoacoustic gas analysis unit, UAFAG; and a data treatment and communication unit; in which the UGIR is connected to the at least one UAFAGC by means of an optical fiber that transmits, by means of a main fiber optic link, a light beam with a wavelength selected from the UGIR to the at least one UAFAG; in which at least one secondary link is used to perform a communication of signals containing data on the concentrations of elements or components of dissolved gases collected from the at least one UAFAGC to the UGIRC;and the data processing and communication unit being configured to generate one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components; of the gases analyzed from the signals received from UGIRC.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for analyzing dissolved gases comprising: transmitting, by means of a main fiber optic link, a light beam with a wavelength selected from an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, to at least one photoacoustic gas analysis and conditioning unit, UAFAGC; performing, by means of a secondary link, a communication of signals containing data on the concentrations of elements or components of dissolved gases collected from the at least one UAFAGC to the UGIRC; and generating, by means of a data processing and communication unit, one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the gases analyzed from the signals received from the UGIRC.

[0022] Additionally, the present invention provides a fiber optic photoacoustic spectrometer for dissolved gas analysis comprising: an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, including an infrared light generation unit, UGIR; a multiplexer unit including an optical multiplexing unit; a plurality of photoacoustic gas analysis and conditioning units, UAFAGCs; and a data treatment and communication unit; in which the UGIR is connected to the optical multiplexing unit by means of an optical fiber that transmits, by means of a main fiber optic link, a light beam with a wavelength selected from the UGIR to the optical multiplexing unit, which distributes and transmits an optical signal from a plurality of optical signals associated with the light beam emitted from the UGIR to each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs by means of a respective fiber optic link; in which the communication of analog signals and digital signals conditioned and treated in the respective signal conditioning units of each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs with the multiplexer unit is carried out by means of secondary links; the data treatment and communication unit being configured to generate one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the gases analyzed from the signals received from the UGIRC or the multiplexer unit.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for analyzing dissolved gases comprising: transmitting, by means of a main fiber optic link, a light beam with a wavelength selected from an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, to a multiplexer unit; distributing, by means of a respective fiber optic link, an optical signal from a plurality of optical signals associated with the light beam emitted from the UGIRC to a respective UAFAGC of a plurality of UAFAGCs; performing, by means of secondary links, communication of analog signals and digital signals, conditioned and treated in respective signal conditioning units of each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs, with the multiplexer unit;and generate, by means of a data processing and communication unit, one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the gases analyzed from the signals received from the UGIRC or the multiplexer unit.; Brief description of the figures

[0024] The previous brief description, as well as the description The detailed below, of the preferred embodiments of the invention in question, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present invention, embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention in question is not limited to the precise arrangements and instruments shown.

[0025] Thus, the present invention will be described below with reference to typical embodiments thereof and also with reference to the attached drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of part of the photoacoustic spectrometer with fiber optic link, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of the photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention, in a first non-multiplexed version, according to an exemplary configuration of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a schematic block diagram of the photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention, in a second, non-multiplexed version, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 shows a schematic block diagram of the photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention, in a third non-multiplexed version, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 shows a schematic block diagram of the photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention, in a first multiplexed version, according to an exemplary configuration of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 shows a schematic block diagram of the photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention, in a second multiplexed version, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 shows a schematic block diagram of the photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention, in a third multiplexed version, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 shows a schematic block diagram of the photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention, in a fourth multiplexed version, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 presents an example of the results obtained with the spectrometer of the present invention through the presentation of measurements of concentrations of elements or compounds in gas samples. Detailed description of the invention

[0035] In the following, reference is made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar features. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale, so that slight variations are anticipated.

[0036] The present invention aims at the development and construction of an apparatus capable of simultaneously monitoring multiple equipment containing dissolved gases through the use of a single system based on Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) by photoacoustic spectrometer (EFA) communicated to optical fibers (FO).

[0037] The photoacoustic spectrometer developed by the present invention can be used in the most diverse types of industrial systems containing dissolved gases in which the objective is to simultaneously monitor in real time the compositions of various gas mixtures, present in different locations in the same installation, whether in the energy generation, chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, etc. sectors.

[0038] Therefore, the present invention is based on a photoacoustic spectrometer with optical fiber link (EFA-FO) between an Infrared Light Generation Unit (UGIR) and a Photoacoustic Gas Analysis Unit (UAFAG).

[0039] Through the fiber optic link of the spectrometer developed by the present invention, it is possible to establish communication between the UGIR and a photoacoustic chamber (CFA) arranged in the UAFAG and also to develop a multiplexing unit that will enable the measurement of component concentrations in different gas mixtures by the same equipment based on EFA-FO.

[0040] Furthermore, the light transmission technology through special optical fiber links of the present invention is composed of light focusing and coupling systems in diffractive and / or refractive optics to connect a UGIR to a UAFAG, in order to allow remote measurement of component concentrations in various gas mixtures in a safe and economical manner.

[0041] Thus, reference is made to Figure 1, which provides, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a representation of a fiber optic photoacoustic spectrometer (EFA-FO) with its main components.

[0042] The fiber optic photoacoustic spectrometer (EFA-FO) comprises: an Infrared Light Generation Unit (UGIR) 01, a main optical fiber 08 and at least one Photoacoustic Gas Analysis Unit (UAFAG) 02, in which the main optical fiber 08 is configured to connect the UGIR 01 to at least one UAFAG 02.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the UGIR 01 comprises a light generation unit 03, an optical pulsing element 05, an optical filtering element 06 and an optical coupling unit 07.

[0044] The light generating unit 03 of the present invention is configured to emit a broad-spectrum (broadband) light beam in the mid-infrared region, having a selectable wavelength within a range ranging from about 2 pm to about 14 pm. Furthermore, the light beam, emitted in the form of a focused light beam 04, is pulsed upon passing through the optical pulsing element 05, which is therefore responsible for modulating the light beam. The optical pulsing element 05, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is a chopper or any other suitable modulated pulsing means.

[0045] Furthermore, the optical filtering element 06 is configured to filter the pulsed beam around a wavelength of interest to identify each gas to be detected. The filtered beam is then transmitted to the optical coupling unit 07, which is coupled to a transmitting end of the main optical fiber 08. The optical fiber 08 is then configured to transmit with low losses, through a main fiber optic link, the light beam at any selected wavelength up to at least one UAFAG 02.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the UAFAG 02 comprises an optical coupling unit 09, a photoacoustic chamber 12, two or more acoustic transducers 13, and an infrared photodetector 16. Thus, the light coming from the optical fiber 08 is expanded and focused into a beam 10 after passing through the optical coupling unit 09 coupled to a receiving end of the optical fiber 08. The focused beam 10 is directed to the interior of the photoacoustic chamber 12 of the UAFAG 02 by means of a transparent window 11, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, in an exemplary manner.

[0047] Additionally, a gas sample to be analyzed for measuring concentrations of elements or compounds of interest is admitted into the photoacoustic chamber 12 through a first access 14, as indicated in Figures 2 to 4 by the gas inlet EG. Upon being admitted into the photoacoustic chamber 12, the gas sample circulates within it, being exhausted through a second access 15, as also indicated in Figures 2 to 4 by the gas outlet SG.

[0048] The focused light beam 10 that falls into the chamber 12 is then absorbed by certain elements or chemical compounds present in the gas sample inside the chamber 12, thus producing pressure fluctuations by the photothermal effect. The periodic fluctuations produced by the elements or chemical compounds of interest, in turn, give rise to photoacoustic waves created by the photoacoustic effect. Finally, the photoacoustic waves propagate until they are detected by the transducers 13 arranged in the photoacoustic chamber 12.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the acoustic transducers 13 produce acoustic signals SAI, SA2, from which the desired concentration measurements are obtained, after appropriate signal treatment and processing.

[0050] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the remaining intensity of the pulsed light beam, after passing through the chamber 12, is detected by the infrared photodetector 16, producing an analog signal SO proportional to the residual optical power, which can be used to assist in controlling the operation of the photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention.

[0051] Furthermore, the fiber optic photoacoustic spectrometer of the present invention, in its preferred embodiments, further includes units and components for performing command, control, and signal processing functions. In this sense, it is noteworthy that the signal conditioning and processing units, the command and control units, as well as other units of the present invention, which will be described below, are used to perform signal processing (analog and / or digital), being configured to exchange, transmit, and / or receive signals, in operations referred to herein as "communications," performing one or more of the functions of conversion, linearization, amplification, filtering, or a combination thereof, according to convenience and design applicability.

[0052] It should also be noted that in the modalities of 2 to 8, the photoacoustic spectrometer comprises an Infrared Light Generation Analysis and Control Unit (UGIRC) 100, which includes the UGIR 01, and at least one Photoacoustic Gas Analysis and Conditioning Unit (UAFAGC) 200, which may be more than one, in which each UAFAGC 200 includes an associated UAFAG 02. Furthermore, according to the present invention, at least one secondary link, which may be one or more secondary links, is used to carry out the communication of signals containing data on the concentrations of elements or components of the analyzed gases collected from the at least one UAFAGC 200 directly to the UGIRC 100 or to a multiplexer unit 300 and subsequently to the UGIRC 100.

[0053] Particularly, as shown in Figure 2, the photoacoustic spectrometer further comprises a command and control unit 18 and a communication interface unit 26 associated with the UGIR 01, forming an Infrared Light Generation Analysis and Control Unit (UGIRC) 100. Additionally, the spectrometer further comprises a signal conditioning unit 17 associated with the UAFAG 02, forming a Photoacoustic Gas Analysis and Conditioning Unit (UAFAGC) 200.

[0054] In this embodiment of the present invention, the acoustic analog signals SAI, SA2 coming from the transducers 13 of the chamber 12 and the residual optical power analog signal SO coming from the infrared photodetector 16 are treated in the signal conditioning unit 17 of the UAFAGC 200, generating an output signal to be sent to the command and control unit 18 of the UGIRC 100. Command and Digital control signals SCCa, SCCb are communicated, respectively, between the command and control unit 18 and the UGIR 01 in the UGIRC 100, and between the command and control unit 18 of the UGIRC 100 and the signal conditioning unit 17 of the UAFAGC 200, with signal communication being carried out between the UGRIRC 100 and the UAFAGC 200 by means of an electrical cabling link 19.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the exemplary embodiment described by Figure 2, the communication interface unit 26 of the UGIRC 100 is connected to the command and control unit 18, the communication interface unit 26 being configured to communicate SD digital signals from the command and control unit 18 to a data processing and communication unit 400 via an SD digital signal link. The data processing and communication unit 400 being configured to generate one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the gases analyzed from the signals received from the UGIRC 100.

[0056] Figures 3 and 4 further describe other embodiments of the present invention in which different ways are used to perform signal communication between the UGIRC 100 and the UAFAGC 200.

[0057] In relation to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 3, it is noted that the communication of the analog acoustic signals SAI, SA2 associated with the digital command and control signals SCCb is made between the UGIRC 100 and the UAFAGC 200 by means of a fiber optic link 19a. More particularly, a signal conditioning unit 21 comprised of the UAFAGC 200 receives the analog signals SAI, SA2 coming from the transducers 13 and the analog signals SO coming from the infrared photodetector 16 and, after conditioning and digital conversion thereof, communicates them in an associated manner through digital command and control signals SCCb to an optical communication interface unit 27a of the UAFAGC 200. In this embodiment, the UGIRC 100 further comprises a command and control unit 18 and a signal conditioning unit 28 connected to each other and both connected to an optical communication interface unit 26a of the UGIRC 100, the optical communication interface unit 26a of the UGIRC 100 being configured to communicate digital optical signals SOD with the optical communication interface unit 27a of the UAFAGC 200 by means of a fiber optic link 19a, and with a data processing and communication unit 400 by means of a digital signal link SD.Furthermore, in this embodiment, the command and control unit 18 of the UGIRC 100 is connected to the UGIR 01 and configured to communicate digital command and control signals SCCa with it. The signal conditioning unit 28 of the UGIRC 100 communicates analog signals SA with the optical interface unit 26A and digital signals SADI with the command and control unit 18.

[0058] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which the communication of the digital command and control signals SCCa, SCCb and analog signals SA, SAI, SA2, SO, associated and converted into radio frequency signal SRF by wireless communication interface units 26b, 27b, is made by means of a wireless link between the UGIRC 100 and the UAFAGC 200, using radio frequency emitting / receiving antennas 29, 30.

[0059] In the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 4, the command and control unit 18 and the signal conditioning unit 28 are connected to each other, both being further connected to a wireless communication interface unit 26b, which communicates SRF radio frequency signals with a wireless communication interface unit 27b contained in the UAFAGC 200 by means of radio frequency transmitting / receiving antennas 29, 30. Furthermore, the wireless communication interface unit 26b of the UGIRC 100 is further configured to transmit a digital SD signal by means of a digital signal link to a data processing and communication unit 400 to generate one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the analyzed gases.

[0060] It should be noted that the operations of the present invention in the non-multiplexed modalities, as previously described, can, suggestively, be described by the following sequence: a sample of the gas to be analyzed is inserted into the photoacoustic chamber, CFA 12, of the UAFAGC 200; a filter (or optical filtering element 06) is positioned in the path of the optical beam coming from the infrared light source (or infrared light generation unit 03) to select a specific wavelength (previously chosen according to the chemical element whose concentration is desired to be measured in the sample); the optical pulsing element 05 (inserted in the path of the optical beam coming from the infrared light source 03) is activated (to produce light modulation at a convenient frequency); the light source 03 is activated for the minimum time necessary for the analysis; the light generated by the source is collected by the focusing optical element (lens, mirror, etc.) and, after passing through the filter and the pulsation element, is focused on the input face of at least one special optical fiber 08; the light coupled to the optical fiber 08 is transmitted by it to the UAFAGC 200 and upon leaving its output face is directed to the input window of the photoacoustic camera, CFA 12; the incidence of the modulated light on the gas sample produces an acoustic wave inside the CFA 12; the acoustic wave is captured by the acoustic transducers 13 (microphones) coupled to the CFA 12; the microphones 13 produce analog electrical signals (SA) proportional to the amplitude of the acoustic waves; the remaining light, not absorbed when passing through the CFA 12, is collected by an optical sensor (infrared photodetector 16), which generates an analog electrical signal proportional to the remaining optical power collected (SO);the acoustic (SA) and optical (SO) signals are collected by an electronic signal conditioning, control and communication unit (UCC), being digitized and transmitted to a measurement analysis and processing unit, where their information is stored; a new filter 06 is positioned, selecting a new wavelength of light; all the steps previously described are repeated; after all filters 06 are selected and all the information is collected, a photoacoustic signal processing algorithm calculates the concentrations of the chemical elements of interest present in the gas sample inserted in the CFA 12; the measurements of concentrations of chemical elements present in the gas sample are transmitted by a digital communication link SD to a data processing and communication unit 400; finally, the concentration measurements are made available; for presentation (by a specific human-machine interface or by some other visualization resource embedded in another computing environment, local or remote.

[0061] Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 present embodiments of the present invention in which the UGIRC Fiber Optic Photoacoustic Spectrometer 100 is connected to a multiplexer unit 300 to continuously measure the concentrations of the components of various gas mixtures present in a plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, ..., 200n.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, described by Figure 5, the photoacoustic spectrometry system comprises a multiplexer unit 300 connected to an infrared light generation and control unit (UGIRC) 100, a data treatment and communication unit 400, and a plurality of photoacoustic gas analysis and conditioning units (UAFAGCs) 200a, 200b, . . ., 200n. In this embodiment, the multiplexer unit 300 comprises an optical multiplexing unit 301 connected to the UGIR 01 of the UGIRC 100 via the fiber optic link 08. The optical multiplexing unit 301 distributes and transmits an optical signal from a plurality of optical signals SO2a, SO2b, . . . , SO2n associated with the light beam emitted from the UGIR 01 to each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, ..., 200n through a respective fiber optic link 307a, 307b, ..., 307n.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described from Figure 5, the communication of the analog signals and the digital signals conditioned and treated in the respective signal conditioning units of each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, ..., 200n with the multiplexing unit 300 is carried out by means of an electrical wiring link 308a, 308b, . . . , 308n. The multiplexer unit 300 further comprising an analog multiplexing unit 302, a signal processing unit 303 and a digital multiplexing unit 304, the communication of the analog signals SA associated with the digital command and control signals SCCb between the UGIRC 100 and the multiplexer unit 300 also being carried out by means of an electrical wiring link 19.

[0064] Additionally, in this embodiment of the present invention, the analog signals SA and digital signals SD1 coming from the communication interface unit 26 of the UGIRC 100 through the electrical wiring link 19, are directed, respectively, to the analog multiplexing unit 302 and to the signal processing unit 303. The signal processing unit 303 is further configured to receive digital signal SD2 coming from the digital multiplexing unit 304, which receives digital command and control signals SCCba, SCCbb, ..., SCCbn from each respective link 308a, 308b, ..., 308n, and generate two control signals: an optical switching control signal SCO for the optical multiplexing unit 301; and an analog switching control signal SCA to the analog multiplexing unit 302.

[0065] It is worth noting that the simultaneous switching sequence of the optical multiplexing unit 301 , the analog multiplexing unit 302 and the digital multiplexing unit 304 connects the signals of each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, . . . , 200n to the UGIRC 100 , the simultaneous switching sequence being controlled by data processing and communication unit 400 via an SD digital signal link with the digital multiplexing unit 304.

[0066] The optical multiplexing unit 301 can be constructed using a variety of different optomechanical technologies (such as, telecontrolled micropositioners, micro optical-electro-mechanical systems - MOEMS, electro-optical switches in integrated optics, etc.) that perform the technique of optical multiplexing in the time domain ("Time Domain Optical Multiplexing" - TDOM) of multiple optical fiber channels.

[0067] Likewise, the analog multiplexing unit 302 may be constructed using a variety of different electronic technologies to also perform Time Domain Analog Multiplexing (TDAM) of multiple channels of analog signals.

[0068] In turn, the digital multiplexing unit 304 includes a microcontroller with an embedded computer program (firmware) and which has several accesses that send and receive the various digital command and control signals SCCba, SCCbb, ..., SCCbn, which are communicated simultaneously to each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, ..., 200n.

[0069] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which analog and / or digital signal communications between the UGIRC 100 and the multiplexer unit 300 and between the plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, ..., 200n and the multiplexer unit 300 are carried out from optical fiber links 19a; 309a, 309b, ..., 309n.

[0070] Particularly, according to this embodiment of the present invention, a command and control unit 18 of the UGIRC 100 and a signal conditioning unit 28 of the UGIRC 100 are connected to each other and both connected to an optical communication interface unit 26a included in the UGIRC 100. The optical communication interface unit 26a associates the analog signals SAI from the signal conditioning unit 28 with the command and control signals SCCb from the command and control unit 18 to generate digital optical signals SOD and communicate the digital optical signals SOD with the multiplexer unit 300 via a fiber optic link 19a. The command and control unit 18 is further configured to transmit command and control signals SCCa to the UGIR 01.

[0071] Still according to this embodiment of the present invention, each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, . . . , 200n is configured to communicate, via a respective fiber optic link of a plurality of fiber optic links 309a, 309b, . . . , 309n, digital optical signals SODa, SODb, . . . , SODn to a digital multiplexing unit with optical outputs 304a included in the multiplexer unit 300. Furthermore, the digital multiplexing unit with optical outputs 304a transmits an electrical digital signal SD2 to a signal processing unit 303 included in the multiplexer unit 300.

[0072] In this embodiment of the present invention, the multiplexer unit 300 further comprises an optical communication interface unit 27 for converting the digital optical SOD signals communicated with the optical communication interface unit 26a of the UGIRC 100 via the link a optical fiber 19a into electrical digital signals SD1, the electrical digital signals SD1 being communicated with a signal processing unit 303 included in the multiplexer unit 300. It is worth noting that the optical communication interface unit 27 is also configured to perform the reverse path, that is, to convert the electrical signals SD1 coming from the signal processing unit 303 into digital optical signals SOD and to communicate these signals to the optical communication interface unit 26a of the UGIRC 100 through the optical fiber link 19a.

[0073] Additionally, the electrical digital signals SD1 from the optical communication interface unit 27 and the electrical digital signals SD2 from the optical output digital multiplexing unit 304a are both directed to the signal processing unit 303 which generates a switching control signal SCO and transmits it to the optical multiplexing unit 301.

[0074] Further, the simultaneous switching sequence of the optical multiplexing unit 301 communicating optical signals SO2a, SO2b, . . . , So2n to each respective UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, . . . , 200n via a respective optical link of a plurality of optical links 307a, 307b . . . , 307n, and of the digital multiplexing unit with optical outputs 304a communicating digital optical signals SODa, SODb, . . . , SODn to each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, . . . , 200n via a respective optical link of a plurality of optical links 309a, 309b. . . , 309n to UGIRC 100, is controlled by the data processing and communication unit 400 through the digital signal link SD connected to the multiplexing unit digital with optical outputs 304a.

[0075] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the analog signals SAI from the signal conditioning unit 28 are associated with the digital command and control signals SCCb from the command and control unit 18 in a wireless communication interface unit 26a included in the UGIRC 100. The wireless communication interface unit 26a of the UGIRC 100 generates a radio frequency signal SRF that is communicated to another wireless communication interface unit 27a included in the multiplexer unit 300 through a wireless link, using radio frequency transmitter / receiver antennas 29, 30.

[0076] In this embodiment of the present invention, the multiplexing unit also comprises an optical multiplexing unit 301, a signal processing unit 303 and a digital multiplexing unit with optical outputs 304a. Thus, the wireless communication interface unit 27a converts the radio frequency signals SRF communicated with the wireless communication interface unit 26a of the UGIRC 100 via the wireless link into electrical digital signals SD1, the electrical digital signals SD1 being communicated with the signal processing unit 303. It is worth noting that the wireless communication interface unit 27a is also configured to perform the reverse path, that is, convert the electrical signals SD1 from the signal processing unit 303 into radio frequency signals SRF and communicate these signals to the wireless communication interface unit 26a of the UGIRC 100 via the wireless link.

[0077] Furthermore, the electrical digital signals SD1 from the wireless communication interface unit 27a and the electrical digital signals SD2 from the optical output digital multiplexing unit 304a are both directed to the signal processing unit 303, which generates a switching control signal SCO and transmits it to the optical multiplexing unit 301.

[0078] Finally, also in this embodiment of the present invention, each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, . . . , 200n is configured to communicate, via a respective fiber optic link of a plurality of fiber optic links 309a, 309b, . . . , 309n, digital optical signals SODa, SODb, . . . , SODn to the digital multiplexing unit with optical outputs 304a included in the multiplexer unit 300.

[0079] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention, similar to the previous embodiment, in which the analog signals SA from the signal conditioning unit 28 are associated with the digital command and control signals SCCb from the command and control unit 18 in a wireless communication interface unit 26a included in the UGIRC 100, and the wireless communication interface unit 26a of the UGIRC 100 generates a radio frequency signal SRF that is communicated to another wireless communication interface unit 27a included in the multiplexer unit 300 through a wireless link, using radio frequency emitting / receiving antennas 29, 30.

[0080] Furthermore, it should be noted that in this embodiment of the present invention, both data communication between the wireless communication interface unit 26a of the UGIRC 100 and the wireless communication interface unit 27a of the multiplexer unit 300, as for data communication between the wireless communication interface unit 26a of the UGIRC 100 and the data processing and communication unit 400, are carried out by means of wireless links, using the radio frequency emitting / receiving antennas 29, 30, 31.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the present invention, each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, ..., 200n is configured to communicate, via a respective wireless link, signals to the signal processing unit 303 of the multiplexer unit 300 using radio frequency transmitter / receiver antennas 204a, 204b, ..., 204n.

[0082] It should be noted that the operations of the present invention in the multiplexed modalities can, suggestively, be described by the following sequence: the samples of the gases to be analyzed are inserted, one in each of the respective photoacoustic chambers, CFAs 12, of the UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, ..., 200n; the first gas sample to be analyzed is chosen; a filter (or optical filtering element 06) is positioned in the path of the optical beam coming from the infrared light source (infrared light generating unit 03) to select a specific wavelength (previously chosen according to the chemical element whose concentration is desired to be measured in the sample); the optical pulsing element 05 (inserted in the path of the optical beam coming from the infrared light source) is activated (to produce light modulation at a frequency convenient); the light source 03 is activated for the minimum time necessary for the analysis; the light generated by the light source 03 is collected by the focusing optical element (lens, mirror, etc.) and, after passing through the filter and the pulsation element, is focused on the input face of at least one special optical fiber belonging to the multiplexer unit 300; the multiplexer unit 300 directs the received light, by appropriate means (optomechanical, acousto-optic, etc.), to at least one special optical fiber 08 associated with the previously determined UAFAGC 200; the light coupled to the optical fiber 08 is transmitted by it to the chosen UAFAGC 200 and upon leaving its output face is directed to the input window of the photoacoustic chamber, CFA 12, which contains the gas sample previously chosen to be analyzed; the incidence of modulated light on the gas sample produces an acoustic wave inside the CFA 12; the acoustic wave is captured by the acoustic transducers 13 (microphones) coupled to the CFA 12;the microphones 13 produce analog electrical signals (SA) proportional to the amplitude of the acoustic waves; the remaining light, not absorbed when passing through the CFA 12, is collected by an optical sensor (infrared photodetector 16), which generates an analog electrical signal proportional to the remaining optical power collected (SO); the acoustic (SA) and optical (SO) signals are collected by an electronic signal conditioning, control and communication unit (UCC), being digitized and transmitted to a measurement analysis and processing unit, where their information is stored in a register associated with the UAFAGC 200 (and therefore with the gas sample) previously chosen; a new filter 06 is positioned, selecting a new wavelength; light; all the steps previously described are repeated; after all filters 06 are selected and all the information is collected, a photoacoustic signal processing algorithm calculates the concentrations of the chemical elements of interest present in the initially chosen gas sample; a new gas sample is defined to be analyzed and, therefore, its respective UAFAGC 200 is defined as the one to be interrogated; all the steps previously described are repeated; then all the steps previously described are repeated for all gas samples available for analysis; finally, the measurements of concentrations of chemical elements present in all the analyzed gas samples are transmitted by a digital communication link, SD, to a data processing and communication unit 400;the concentration measurements are made available for presentation (by a specific human-machine interface or by some other visualization resource embedded in another computing environment, local or remote), being identified by UAFAGC 200 .;

[0083] It is worth highlighting that each of the embodiments of the present invention comprises a power supply 20, 500, configured to provide the power supply voltages necessary for the operation of all the units described.

[0084] Figure 9 shows, by way of example, an interface for presenting measurements of concentrations of elements or compounds in gas samples generated from the data treatment and communication unit 400.

[0085] The data processing and communication unit 400 being a computer or suitable computing device to receive and communicate data from signals sent and received by the units developed by the present invention.

[0086] It should be noted that the present invention also provides methods for analyzing dissolved gases associated with the characteristics of each modality described above. By means of the methods of the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously measure the concentrations of elements or compounds present in several samples of gaseous media, existing at different points of the same installation.

[0087] Thus, in one embodiment, the method for analyzing dissolved gases comprises: transmitting, by means of a main fiber optic link, a light beam with a wavelength selected from an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, 100 to at least one photoacoustic gas analysis and conditioning unit, UAFAGC, 200; performing, by means of a secondary link, a communication of signals containing data on the concentrations of elements or components of dissolved gases collected from the at least one UAFAGC 200 to the UGIRC 100; and generating, by means of a data processing and communication unit 400, one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the gases analyzed from the signals received from the UGIRC 100.

[0088] The operation, in this embodiment of the present invention (non-multiplexed), can suggestively be described by the following sequence: by means of a sequence of commands from a data processing and communication unit 400, a sample of the gas to be analyzed is inserted into the photoacoustic chamber, CFA, 12, of the photoacoustic analysis unit gases and conditioning, UAFAGC, 200; an optical filtering element, 06, is positioned in the path of the optical beam coming from the infrared light generation unit, 03, to select a specific wavelength (previously chosen according to the chemical element whose concentration is desired to be measured in the sample); the optical pulsing element 05 (inserted in the path of the optical beam coming from the infrared light source) is activated (to produce light modulation at a convenient frequency); the light generation unit 03 is activated for the minimum time necessary for the analysis; the light generated by the source is collected by the focusing optical element (lens, mirror, etc.) that makes up the optical coupling unit, 07, and, after passing through the filtering and pulsing elements, is focused on the input face of at least one main special optical fiber, 08;the light coupled to the optical fiber 08 is transmitted by it to the UAFAGC 200, and upon leaving its output face is directed to the input window of the photoacoustic camera, CFA 12; the incidence of the modulated light on the gas sample produces an acoustic wave within the CFA 12; the acoustic wave is captured by the acoustic transducers 13, coupled to the CFA 12; the acoustic transducers 13 produce analog electrical signals (SAI and SA2) proportional to the amplitude of the acoustic waves; the remaining light, not absorbed when passing through the CFA, is collected by an infrared photodetector 16, which generates an analog electrical signal proportional to the remaining optical power collected (SO); the acoustic (SAI and SA2) and optical (SO) signals are collected by an electronic signal conditioning unit (UCS), 17, being digitized and; transmitted through a specific link, 19, to a command and control unit (CCU), 18, where their information is stored; a new filtering element 06 is positioned, selecting a new wavelength of light; all the steps previously described are repeated; after all filtering elements 06 are selected and all the information is collected, a photoacoustic signal processing algorithm present in the CCU 18 calculates the concentrations of the chemical elements of interest present in the gas sample inserted in the CFA; the measurements of concentrations of chemical elements present in the gas sample are transmitted by a digital communication link, SD, to a data processing and communication unit, 400;finally, the concentration measurements are made available for presentation (by a specific human-machine interface or by some other visualization resource embedded in another computing environment, local or remote);

[0089] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, with multiplexing, the method for analyzing dissolved gases comprises: transmitting, by means of a main fiber optic link, a light beam with a wavelength selected from an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, 100 to a multiplexer unit 300; distributing, by means of a respective fiber optic link 307a, 307b, ..., 307n, an optical signal of a plurality of optical signals SO2a, SO2b, ..., SO2n associated with the light beam emitted from the UGIRC 100 to a respective UAFAGC of a plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, ..., 200n; carrying out, by means of secondary links, communication of analog signals and digital signals, conditioned and treated in respective signal conditioning units of each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, ..., 200n, with the multiplexing unit 300; and generate, by means of a data processing and communication unit 400, one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the gases analyzed from the signals received from the UGIRC 100 or the multiplexing unit 300.

[0090] The operation of the present invention in this other modality, with multiplexing, can suggestively be described by the following sequence: by means of a sequence of commands from a data processing and communication unit 400, the samples of the gases to be analyzed are inserted, one into each of the respective photoacoustic chambers, CFAs 12, of a plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, ..., 200n; the first gas sample to be analyzed is chosen; an optical filtering element, 06, is positioned in the path of the optical beam coming from the infrared light generating unit, 03, to select a specific wavelength (previously chosen according to the chemical element whose concentration is desired to be measured in the sample); the optical pulsing element 05 (inserted in the path of the optical beam coming from the infrared light source) is activated (to produce light modulation at a convenient frequency); the light source 03 is activated for the minimum time necessary for the analysis; the light generated by the light source 03 is collected by the focusing optical element (lens, mirror, etc.) that makes up the optical coupling unit, 07, and, after passing through the filtering and pulsing elements, is focused on the input face. at least one special optical fiber belonging to the multiplexer unit 300; the multiplexer unit 300 directs the received light, by appropriate means (optomechanical, acousto-optic, etc.), to at least one main special optical fiber 08, associated with the previously determined UAFAGC 200; the light coupled to the main optical fiber 08 is transmitted by it to the chosen UAFAGC 200 and upon leaving its exit face is directed to the entrance window of the photoacoustic chamber, CFA 12, which contains the gas sample previously chosen to be analyzed; the incidence of the modulated light on the gas sample produces an acoustic wave inside the CFA 12; the acoustic wave is captured by the acoustic transducers 13 coupled to the CFA 12; the acoustic transducers 13 produce analog electrical signals (SAI and SA2) proportional to the amplitude of the acoustic waves;the remaining light, not absorbed when passing through the CFA 12, is collected by an infrared photodetector 16, which generates an analog electrical signal proportional to the remaining optical power collected (SO); the acoustic (SAI and SA2) and optical (SO) signals are collected by an electronic signal conditioning unit (UCS), 17, being digitized and transmitted through a specific link, 19, to a command and control unit (UCC), 18, where their information is stored in a register associated with the UAFAGC 200 (and therefore with the gas sample) previously chosen; a new filtering element 06 is positioned, selecting a new wavelength of light; all the steps previously described are repeated; after all filtering elements 06 are selected and all the information is collected, a signal processing algorithm; photoacoustic present in UCC 18 calculates the concentrations of the chemical elements of interest present in the gas sample initially chosen; a new gas sample is defined to be analyzed and, therefore, its respective UAFAGC 200 is defined as the one to be interrogated; all the steps previously described are repeated; then all the steps previously described are repeated for all the gas samples available for analysis, that is, for the entire plurality of UAFAGCs 200a, 200b, . . ., 200n; finally, the measurements of concentrations of chemical elements present in all the gas samples analyzed are transmitted by a digital communication link, SD, to a data processing and communication unit, 400; the concentration measurements are made available for presentation (by a specific human-machine interface or by some other visualization resource embedded in another computing environment, local or remote), being identified by UAFAGC.

[0091] Some features of the present invention have been presented. However, the invention is not limited by the examples shown herein. It should be understood that omissions, substitutions, changes in form and details of the system and method may be made by those skilled in the art, who will appreciate the knowledge presented herein and may reproduce the invention in the embodiments presented and in other variants, covered by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Fiber optic photoacoustic spectrometer for dissolved gas analysis, characterized by the fact that it comprises: an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, (100) including an infrared light generation unit, UGIR, (01); at least one photoacoustic gas analysis and conditioning unit, UAFAGC, (200) including at least one photoacoustic gas analysis unit, UAFAG, (02); and a data treatment and communication unit (400); in which the UGIR (01) is connected to at least one UAFAGC (02) by means of an optical fiber (08) that transmits, by means of a main fiber optic link, a light beam with a wavelength selected from the UGIR (01) to the at least one UAFAG (02); wherein at least one secondary link is used to perform a communication of signals containing data on the concentrations of dissolved gas elements or components collected from the at least one UAFAGC (200) to the UGIRC (100);and the data processing and communication unit (400) being configured to generate one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the gases analyzed from the signals received from the UGIRC (100).; 2. Photoacoustic spectrometer, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the UGIR (01) comprises a light generation unit (03), an optical pulsing element (05), an optical filtering element (06) and an optical coupling unit (07), in which the light generation unit (03) is configured to emit a broad spectrum light beam in the mid-infrared region, having a selectable wavelength within a range ranging from 2 pm to 14 pm.

3. Photoacoustic spectrometer, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the optical pulsing element (05) is configured to modulate the emitted light beam and the optical filtering element (06) is configured to filter the pulsed beam around a wavelength of interest to identify each gas to be detected.

4. Photoacoustic spectrometer, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the at least one UAFAG (02) comprises an optical coupling unit (09), a photoacoustic chamber (12), two or more acoustic transducers (13), and an infrared photodetector (16), in which the photoacoustic transducers (13) detect the photoacoustic waves that propagate inside the chamber (12) and produce acoustic signals (SAI, SA2) and the infrared photodetector (16) detects the remaining intensity of the pulsed light beam that passes through the chamber (12) and produces an analog signal SO proportional to the residual optical power.

5. Photoacoustic spectrometer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the UGIRC (100) further comprises a command and control unit (18) and the UAFAGC (200) further comprises a signal conditioning unit (17, 21).

6. Photoacoustic spectrometer, according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the signals acoustic analog signals (SAI, SA2) coming from the transducers (13) of the chamber (12) and the analog signal of residual optical power (SO) coming from the infrared photodetector (16) are treated in the signal conditioning unit (17, 21) of the UAFAGC (200), which generates an output signal to be communicated with the command and control unit (18) of the UGIRC (100) through at least one secondary link.

7. Photoacoustic spectrometer, according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the output signal generated by the signal conditioning unit (17, 21) for communication with the command and control unit (18) is a digital signal (SCCb).

8. Photoacoustic spectrometer, according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the at least one secondary link is an electrical cabling link. (19) , or a fiber optic link (19a) , or a wireless link utilizing radio frequency transmitting / receiving antennas (29, 30) , or a combination thereof.

9. Method for analyzing dissolved gases characterized by the fact that it comprises: transmitting, by means of a main fiber optic link, a light beam with a wavelength selected from an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, (100) to at least one photoacoustic gas analysis and conditioning unit, UAFAGC, (200); carrying out, by means of a secondary link, a communication of signals containing data on the concentrations of elements or components of dissolved gases collected from the at least one UAFAGC (200) to the UGIRC (100); and generate, by means of a data processing and communication unit (400), one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the gases analyzed from the signals received from the UGIRC (100).

10. Fiber optic photoacoustic spectrometer for dissolved gas analysis, characterized by the fact that it comprises: an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, (100) including an infrared light generation unit, UGIR, (01); a multiplexer unit (300) including an optical multiplexing unit (301); a plurality of photoacoustic gas analysis and conditioning units, UAFAGCs, (200a, 200b, ..., 200n); and a data processing and communication unit (400); wherein the UGIR (01) is connected to the optical multiplexing unit (301) by means of an optical fiber (08) that transmits, by means of a main link to the optical fiber, a light beam with a wavelength selected from the UGIR (01) to the optical multiplexing unit (301), which distributes and transmits an optical signal from a plurality of optical signals (SO2a, SO2b, ..., SO2n) associated with the light beam emitted from the UGIR (01) to each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs (200a, 200b, ..., 200n) by means of a respective fiber optic link (307a, 307b, ..., 307n); in which the communication of analog signals and digital signals conditioned and treated in the respective signal conditioning units of each UAFAGC of the plurality. of UAFAGCs (200a, 200b, . .., 200n) with the multiplexer unit (300) is carried out by means of secondary links; the data processing and communication unit (400) being configured to generate one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the gases analyzed from the signals received from the UGIRC (100) or from the multiplexer unit (300).

11. Photoacoustic spectrometer, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the signal communication between the UGIRC (100) and the multiplexing unit (300) is carried out by means of a tertiary link of the group consisting of: an electrical cabling link (19), or an optical fiber link (19a), or a wireless link using radio frequency transmitting / receiving antennas (29, 30).

12. Method for analyzing dissolved gases characterized by the fact that it comprises: transmitting, by means of a main fiber optic link, a light beam with a wavelength selected from an infrared light generation and control unit, UGIRC, (100) to a multiplexer unit (300); distributing, by means of a respective fiber optic link (307a, 307b, ..., 307n), an optical signal from a plurality of optical signals (SO2a, SO2b, ..., SO2n) associated with the light beam emitted from the UGIRC (100) to a respective UAFAGC of a plurality of UAFAGCs (200a, 200b, ..., 200n); carrying out, by means of secondary links, communication of analog signals and digital signals, conditioned and treated in respective units of conditioning signals from each UAFAGC of the plurality of UAFAGCs (200a, 200b, . . . , 200n), with the multiplexer unit (300); and generating, by means of a data processing and communication unit (400), one or more measurements of the concentrations of the elements or components of the gases analyzed from the signals received from the UGIRC (100) or the multiplexer unit (300).

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