Optical hybrid analyzer for online, real-time and continuous measurement and analysis of fluids

Abstract

An optical hybrid analyzer comprising a sample unit and an analyzing unit is devolved to online, real-time and continuously detect at least one fluid. The sample unit comprises at least one cell and at least one thermodynamic control unit and the analyzing unit comprises at least one optical source module, at least one detector module, and at least one processing unit. The optical hybrid analyzer can be detected a group of fluid containing at least one sulfuric component / composition such as sulfur monoxide, sulfur dioxide, sulfur tetraoxide, sulfur trioxide, sulfur heptooxide, and sulfuric acid resulted in prevent a serious damage to the environment.

Description

OPTICAL HYBRID ANALYZER FOR ONLINE, REAL-TIME AND CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS OF FLUIDS

[0001] The present disclosure is related to an optical hybrid analyzer that can analyze online, continuously, and in real-time liquids or gases, especially at least one fluid

[0002] Analysis and measurement amount of the density of gases or liquids in the process or exhaust of stacks of industries or in the air is important to control a process or to maintain the health of the environment. Therefore, controlling the amounts of these fluids reduces energy consumption, and the harmful effects of pollution gases is very important, and it is necessary to detect and control the amount of the plurality of gases in the purification processes by using some methods.

[0003] Gas and liquid analyzer devices are used to detect and measure the amount of toxic and flammable substances in order to maintain the health and safety of the industries and the environment, identify key gases in food industries, monitor the indoor air quality of buildings, identify the release of harmful gases from burning fossil fuels, as well as monitor greenhouse gas in order to protect the environment and diagnose various diseases by identifying potential biomarkers.

[0004] On the other hand, various techniques are used to identify and measure gases and liquids, which include: the use of electrochemical sensors, use of semiconductor sensors, photoionization techniques, piezoelectric and optical techniques and their combinations based on changes in electrical and optical, chemical, and other identification characteristics.

[0005] Most of the online analyzers in the industry use a chromatography method to detect a desired compound in gas compounds and usually use a strip dipped in lead acetate. After exposing the strip to the gas containing the desired compound, brown spots appear on the strip and an amount of these spots is proportional to a concentration of the desired compound. By exposing these brown spots in front of a detector, the concentration of the desired compound is determined. However, this method is time-consuming and in the new generation it takes more than 5 minutes for diagnosis. Furthermore, disposal of the used strips also causes environmental pollution.

[0006] Therefore, to overcome the above-mentioned issues, an optical hybrid analyzer is developed to continuously and in real-time detect at least one fluid.

[0007] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent, and is not intended to identify essential elements or key elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed implementations. The proper scope of this patent may be ascertained from the claims set forth below in view of the detailed description below and the drawings.

[0008] In a general aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an exemplary optical hybrid analyzer. The exemplary optical hybrid analyzer may comprise at least two main units comprising a sampling unit and an analyzing unit. The exemplary optical hybrid analyzer may be configured to continuously and in real-time detect at least one fluid.

[0009] The above general aspect may have one or more of the following features. In an exemplary implementation, the at least one fluid may comprise at least one liquid, at least one gas, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary implementation, the at least one fluid may be selected from a group of sulfur monoxide, sulfur dioxide, sulfur tetraoxide, sulfur trioxide, sulfur heptooxide, sulfuric acid, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary implementation, the at least one fluid may comprise a liquid or a gas composition of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, a plurality of nitrogen oxides, or a combination of thereof. In an exemplary implementation, the sampling unit may comprise at least one cell that may comprise a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet configure to enter and exit the at least one fluid into the at least cell, at least one fiber optic bundle that may configure to transmit an optical beam to the at least one cell and transmit a reflected optical beam from the at least one cell, and at least one thermodynamic control module to control a plurality of thermodynamic parameters. In an exemplary implementation, the sampling unit may further comprise a means for expanding the optical beam and a means for collecting the transmitted or reflected optical beam. In an exemplary implantation, the plurality of thermodynamic parameters may be selected from a group of at least one fluid pressure, at least one fluid temperature, at least one fluid flow rate, and at least one fluid dew point. In an exemplary implementation, the analyzing unit may comprise at least one optical source module, at least one detector module, and at least one data processing module. In some exemplary implementation, the at least one optical source module may comprise at least one laser or at least one broad spectrum optical source. In some exemplary implementation, the at least one detector module may comprise a photodiode with an optical filter or a spectrometer. In one or more exemplary implementations, the analyzing unit may further comprise a signal-to-noise ratio increasing means for synchronizing the at least one optical source module and the at least one detector module. In one or more exemplary implementations, the analyzing unit may further comprise a power source that may configure to supply an electric power for the at least one optical source module, the at least one detector module, and the at least one data processing module. In some exemplary implementation, the analyzing unit may further comprise a control module that may be configured to control a performance of the at least one optical source module. In an exemplary implementation, the control module may be further configured to change a performance of the at least one optical source module to a pulsing performance. In one or more exemplary implementation, the analyzing unit may further comprises a data converter unit that may be configured to convert the spectral data to digits, processing the digits, switching off or on the optical source module utilizing a controller through sending a command to the controller, sending an off-on status of the optical source module to the at least one data processing module, and eliminating a plurality of environmental effects. In an exemplary implementation, the at least one optical source module may be configured to produce the optical bean with a wavelength in a UV range, IR range, UV-visible range, Near IR range, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary implementation, the at least one data processing unit may comprise a computing device for receiving, storing, and analyzing of the at least one detector data.

[0010] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accordance with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.Fig.1

[0011] illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an optical hybrid analyzer to continuously and in real-time detect at least one fluid, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.Fig.2

[0012] illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary sample unit of an optical hybrid analyzer, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.Fig.3

[0013] illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an optical hybrid analyzer to continuously and in real-time detect at least one fluid, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.Fig.4

[0014] illustrates another exemplary block diagram of an optical hybrid analyzer to continuously and in real-time detect at least one fluid, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuitry have been described at a relatively high level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

[0016] The following detailed description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the methods and apparatuses disclosed in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the exemplary implementations will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, an optical hybrid analyzer has been developed. In one or more exemplary embodiments, an optical hybrid analyzer may be configured to continuously and in real time detect at least one fluid.

[0018] illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an optical hybrid analyzer100to detect at least one fluid consciously and in real time, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present discloser. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in, the optical hybrid analyzer100may comprise a sampling unit102and an analyzing unit104.

[0019] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the at least one fluid may comprise at least one liquid, at least one gas, or a combination thereof.

[0020] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the at least one fluid may be selected from a group of fluids containing at least one sulfuric component. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the at least one fluid may be selected from a group of sulfur monoxide, sulfur dioxide, sulfur tetraoxide, sulfur trioxide, sulfur heptooxide, and sulfuric acid.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one fluid may comprise a liquid or a gas composition of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon oxides such as, but not limited to, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, a plurality of nitrogen oxides, or a combination thereof.

[0022] illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the sampling unit102, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present discloser. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrates in, the sampling unit102may comprise at least one cell202, at least one thermodynamic control module204, at least one input fiber optic bundle206, at least one output fiber optic bundle208.

[0023] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the at least one cell202may be configured to provide a space for interacting the light and components of the the at least one fluid as a sample. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the at least one cell may comprise a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet that the fluid inlet may configure to enter the at least one fluid into the at least one cell202and the fluid outlet may configure to exit the at least one fluid from the at least cell202.

[0024] A type and a shape of the at least one cell202can depend on a type of analyte, a temperature of the analyte, a type of the fluid, a detection procedure, and an optical source characteristics.

[0025] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the at least one cell202may be made of, for example, but not limited to, metal, glass, polymer such as PTFE, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, a metal can be, for example, but are not limited to, aluminum, gold, platinum, and / or other metals that are well-known by those experts in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one cell202may be made of a polymer coated with a metal, such as, but not limited to, aluminum, gold, platinum, and / or other metals that are well-known by those experts in the art.

[0026] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the at least one cell202may comprise a first part and a second part such that the first part may be mounted inside the second part. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the at least one fluid may be enter the first part through the fluid inlet and can be exit from the first part through the fluid outlet, when the detection is finished. In one or more exemplary embodiments, a surface of the second part may completely polished. In one or more exemplary embodiments, a type, a size, and dimensions of the at least one cell 202 depend on a type of the at least one fluid and a concentration of the at least one fluid.

[0027] In one or more exemplary embodiment, at least three interaction characteristics of the light and the analyte may be possible that each of the at least three interaction characteristics including absorption, fluorescence, and Raman, separately or together, can be utilized. Furthermore, even a peak of spectrum can be paid attention to a target material, but also a shape of the curve of absorption, Raman, and fluorescence spectra as well as extracted algorithms from these curves illustrate a suitable information to detect the target material. These can provide a reliable and repeatable analyzing process.

[0028] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the sampling unit102may comprise at least one fiber optic bundle that may configure to transmit an optical beam to the at least one cell202and transmit a reflected optical beam from the at least one cell202.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one thermodynamic control module204may be configured to control a plurality of thermodynamic parameters. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the plurality of thermodynamic parameters that are measured utilizing thermodynamic control module204may be selected from a group of at least one fluid pressure, at least one fluid temperature, at least one fluid flow rate, and at least one fluid dew point.

[0030] In one or more exemplary embodiments, at least one thermodynamic control module204may comprise at least three gas control flow meters, at least four gas control pressure regulator, at least one means for measuring a temperature, at least one means for providing heat, at least one means to provide cooling, at least one means to control a size of particles, and at least three valves.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, at least three gas control flow meters may comprise a first gas control flow meter configured to measure a span gas flow-rate, a second gas control flow meter configured to measure a zero gas flow-rate, and a third gas control flow meter configured to measure a flow rate of the at least one fluid.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, at least four gas control pressure regulators may comprise a first gas control pressure regulator configured to regulate the span gas, a second gas control pressure regulator configured to regulate the zero gas, a third control pressure regulator configured to control an input pressure of the at least one fluid, and a fourth control pressure regulator configured to control an output pressure of the at least one fluid.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, at least three valves may comprise a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve configured to connect and / or disconnect the span gas, the zero gas, and at least one fluid flow, respectively.

[0034] In one or more exemplary embodiments, at least one input fiber optic bundle206may be configured to transmit an optical beam to at least one cell and at least one output bundle208may be configured to transmit a reflected optical beam from at least one cell.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one input206and output208optic fiber bundle configuration may be selected based on an operating wavelength.

[0036] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the sampling unit102may further comprise a means for expanding the optical beam210and a means for collecting the transmitted or reflected optical beam212().

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the analyzing unit104may comprise at least one optical source module, at least one detector module, and at least one data processing module.

[0038] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the at least one optical source module may comprise at least one means for producing an optical beam with a suitable wavelength according to a type of desired materials in the substance. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the suitable wavelength may comprise a wavelength in a UV range, visible range, IR range, or a combination thereof. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the optical source module may comprise a broad spectrum optical source or a laser.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one detector module may comprise at least one spectrometer or at least one photodiode with a suitable optical filter. Also, a combination of at least one spectrometer and a photodiode may be configured to remove the noise effects, the environmental and fluctuating noise, and / or the fluctuations in the intensity of the optical source module and detect the desired materials with a high signal-to-noise ratio.

[0040] In one or more exemplary embodiments, a fluid with a certain standard concentration may be used to normalize the values resulted in removing the effects of a reduction in an intensity of the optical source over time

[0041] In one or more exemplary embodiments, at least one processing unit may comprise a computing device for receiving at least one detector data and then storing and analyzing the received detector data.

[0042] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the analyzing unit104may further comprise a signal-to-noise ratio increasing means for synchronizing at least one optical source module and at least one detector module. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal-to-noise ratio increasing means can be a phase locking amplifier.

[0043] In one or more exemplary embodiments, a plurality of offset settings for the optical source module are made in two various ways. In these exemplary embodiments, the plurality of offset settings are done either by using a photodiode that has a feedback from the optical source module or using a spectrometer that is used for detection, in which case the offset settings are based on area that there is no fluid absorption spectrum so the offset is set in that area and applied in every measurement.

[0044] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the analyzing unit104may further comprise a power source that may be configured to supply electric power for the at least one optical source module, the at least one detector module, and the at least one data processing module. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the analyzing unit104may further comprise a control module that the control module may be configured to control a performance of the at least one optical source module as well as change the performance of the at least one optical source module to a pulsing performance.

[0045] In one or more exemplary embodiment, the analyzing unit104may further comprise a data converter unit. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the data converter unit may be configured to convert the spectral data to digits, processing the digits, pulsing or switching off or on the laser module utilizing a controller through sending a command to the controller, sending an off-on status of the optical source module to the at least one data processing module as well as eliminating a plurality of environmental effects.

[0046] Fig .3illustrates another exemplary block diagram of the optical hybrid analyzer100to continuously and in real time detect the at least one fluid, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrates in, the optical hybrid analyzer100may comprise an optical source module302, the at least one optical cell102, the means for expanding the optical beam210,and the means for collecting the reflected or transmitted optical beam212, and a detector306. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the optical source module302may comprise at least two means3022,3024for producing the optical beam such that at least two means3022,3024may be coupled to the input bundle206utilizing a coupler304. In one or more exemplary embodiment, at least two means3022and3024may comprise, for example, but are not limited to, a broadband light and a tunable laser, respectively.

[0047] illustrates another exemplary block diagram of the optical hybrid analyzer100to continuously and in real-time detect the at least one fluid, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in, the optical hybrid analyzer100may comprise the at least one cell202, the at least one thermodynamic control module204, the at least one laser module302, the at least one analyzing module104that may comprise at least one data processing unit402, at least one signal processing unit404, at least one a spectral sampling unit406, a calibration unit408, a local displayer unit410, at least one network communication unit412, at least one control unit414configured to control a local condition and stabilizing environmental and functional conditions. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the analyzing unit104may be connected to at least one memory416and a control room418.

[0048] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the artificial intelligence technology may be used to identify a type of substance based on the received information from a transmitted or reflected beam from the cell202and a database available on the processing unit.

[0049] In one or more exemplary embodiment, the optical hybrid analyzer100that disclosed in the present disclosure may be applicable for inconspicuous monitoring of borders and sensitive areas, intelligent storage, as well as control of docks.

[0050] While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

[0051] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first, second, third, and fourth, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, apparatus, or device that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, apparatus, or device. An element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device that comprises the element. Moreover, “may”, “can”, and other permissive terms are used herein for describing optional features of various embodiments. These terms likewise describe selectable or configurable features generally, unless the context dictates otherwise.

Claims

An optical hybrid analyzer comprising a sampling unit and an analyzing unit wherein at least one fluid is detected continuously and in real-time.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid comprises at least one liquid, at least one gas, or a combination thereof.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid is selected from a group of sulfur monoxide, sulfur dioxide, sulfur tetroxide, sulfur trioxide, sulfur heptoxide, and sulfuric acid.The optic hybrid analyzer of claim1, wherein the at least one fluid comprise a liquid or a gas composition of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, a plurality of nitrogen oxides, or a combination of thereof.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 1, wherein the sampling unit comprises at least one cell comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet configure to enter and exit the at least one fluid into the at least cell, at least one fiber optic bundle configure to transmit an optical beam to the at least one cell and transmit a reflected optical beam from the at least one cell, and at least one thermodynamic control module to control a plurality of thermodynamic parameters.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 5, wherein the sampling unit further comprises a means for expanding the optical beam and a means for collecting the transmitted or reflected optical beam.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 5, wherein the plurality of thermodynamic parameters are selected from a group of at least one fluid pressure, at least one fluid temperature, at least one fluid flow rate, and at least one fluid dew point.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 1, wherein the analyzing unit comprises at least one optical source module, at least one detector module, and at least one data processing module.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 8, wherein the at least one optical source module comprises at least one laser or at least one broad spectrum optical source.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 8, wherein the at least one detector module comprises a photodiode with an optical filter or a spectrometer.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 8, wherein the analyzing unit further comprises a signal-to-noise ratio increasing means for synchronizing the at least one optical source module and the at least one detector module.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 8, wherein the analyzing unit further comprises a power source configure to supply an electric power for the at least one optical source module, the at least one detector module, and the at least one data processing module.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 8 or 11, wherein the analyzing unit further comprises a control module is configured to control a performance of the at least one optical source module.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 11, wherein the control module is further configured to change a performance of the at least one optical source module to a pulsing performance.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 8, wherein the analyzing unit further comprises a data converter unit configured to convert the spectral data to digits, processing the digits, switching off or on the optical source module utilizing a controller through sending a command to the controller, sending an off-on status of the optical source module to the at least one data processing module, and eliminating a plurality of environmental effects.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 8, wherein the at least one optical source module is configured to produce the optical bean with a wavelength in a UV range, IR range, UV-visible range, Near IR range, or a combination thereof.The optical hybrid analyzer of claim 8, wherein the at least one data processing unit comprises a computing device for receiving, storing, and analyzing of the at least one detector data.

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