Single-Access Fiber-Optic Refractometer Probe for Hot Processes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refractometers require two access points to the process medium, making them unsuitable for applications with small diameters, and temperature-sensitive components face challenges in high-temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A refractometer design featuring a probe unit with a measuring prism and optical fibers that separates temperature-sensitive components from the process medium, allowing for single-sided access and thermal insulation, with optical fibers guiding light to and from the process medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional refractometers are used with integrated light sources and optical detector units, then refractive index measurement function is achieved, but the device dimensions become too large for small-diameter process accesses
Solution Approach 1:
The refractometer is divided into a compact probe unit containing only the measuring prism and optical fibers, while the light source and optical detector unit are separated into a remote operating unit. This segmentation allows the probe unit to have minimal dimensions suitable for small-diameter process accesses, while maintaining full measurement functionality through the separated components.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers serve as intermediaries to transmit light from the remote light source through the measuring prism and back to the detector. This intermediary transmission mechanism enables the separation of functional components while maintaining optical measurement capability, resolving the contradiction between compact probe size and integrated measurement functionality.
2Measurement precision
If temperature-sensitive components are placed near the process medium for measurement, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the components cannot withstand high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The probe unit is segmented to contain only the temperature-resistant measuring prism that can withstand high process temperatures, while the temperature-sensitive light source and optical detector unit are separated into a remotely mounted operating unit that remains outside the high-temperature environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature-sensitive components (light source and optical detector unit) are extracted from the probe unit and placed in a separate operating unit located outside the high-temperature process environment. Only the temperature-resistant measuring prism remains in the probe unit to interface with the hot process medium.
3Ease of operation
If single-sided process access is implemented, then installation flexibility is improved, but optical signal transmission quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber arrangement is designed to dynamically adapt to the single-sided access geometry, with fibers positioned and routed to optimize light transmission paths through the measuring prism while accommodating the constrained installation space from one side only.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables refractometer use in small-diameter process accesses and withstands high temperatures, providing accurate refractive index measurements while protecting sensitive components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical fiber (3) connected to the probe unit (5), configured to guide light from the at least one light source (2) to the probe unit (5) and to guide the at least one optical signal (OS) from the probe unit (5) back to the operating unit (1)
Implementation Method 2
light is irradiated at an interface between the process medium and the measuring prism, formed by a media-contacting surface of the measuring prism. An optical signal is generated by refraction and/or reflection of the light at the interface
Implementation Method 3
an optical detector unit for detecting the optical signal and a control/evaluation unit for controlling and/or evaluating the optical signal and subsequently determining the refractive index of the process medium
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a refractometer for determining the refractive index of a process medium (PM), comprising at least one optical waveguide (3,31,...) for producing an optical connection between an operating unit (1) and a probe unit (5) of the refractometer. The invention further relates to a method for determining the refractive index of a process medium (PM) using a refractometer according to the invention.