Flame Photometer Wavelength Filtering for Reliable Flame Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flame atomic absorption photometers face issues with inaccurate flame detection due to stray light interference, unstable combustion leading to backfire, incomplete combustion, and soot accumulation, which affect the stability and safety of the analysis process.
Innovation Solution
The photometer employs specific wavelength filters and sensors to distinguish flame light from stray light, detects backfire through C2 swan band light intensity ratios, monitors incomplete combustion via bright flame light intensity ratios, and uses a two-dimensional image sensor to assess soot accumulation on the burner head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical sensor is used to monitor flame light intensity, then flame cessation can be detected, but stray light causes erroneous determination that the flame is burning normally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from broad-spectrum light intensity to specific wavelength intensity (290-330 nm). By using an optical sensor that selectively detects only this wavelength range, the system maintains sensitivity to flame cessation while rejecting stray light interference, thus resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and stray light susceptibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength-selective optical filter as an intermediary between the flame and the optical sensor. This filter mediates the detection process by allowing only light in the 290-330 nm range to reach the sensor, effectively blocking stray light while preserving flame signal detection capability
2Reliability
If combustion gas flow rate is increased to prevent backfire, then flame stability improves, but incomplete combustion may occur due to excessive dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical sensor continuously monitors flame light intensity and the system adjusts combustion parameters accordingly. When backfire is detected (light intensity drops), the system increases combustion-assisting gas flow to stabilize the flame. When incomplete combustion is detected (soot accumulation), the system adjusts gas ratios to maintain complete combustion, thus resolving the contradiction through closed-loop control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the combustion system dynamic by allowing real-time adjustment of gas flow rates and ratios based on flame conditions. The system transitions from static fixed-flow combustion to dynamic adaptive combustion, where combustion parameters are continuously optimized to prevent both backfire and incomplete combustion
3Ease of operation
If user manually checks soot accumulation on burner head, then soot detection is simple, but accumulation status cannot be appropriately grasped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection mechanism with an optical detection system. The optical sensor measures light intensity and the system calculates soot accumulation status based on light absorption principles, providing objective and accurate measurements without requiring user intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own combustion state through optical detection. The photometer independently assesses soot accumulation on the burner head without external intervention, enabling the device to self-evaluate its combustion efficiency and alert users when maintenance is needed
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
Accurately detects flame cessation, prevents backfire, ensures complete combustion, and monitors soot accumulation, enhancing the stability and safety of the analysis process.
Implementation Method 1
the flame light detection unit is configured to selectively detect light having a wavelength of 290 nm or more and 330 nm or less
Implementation Method 2
a burner configured to form a flame by burning a mixture of a mixed gas of a fuel gas and a combustion-assisting gas
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a flame atomic absorption photometer including a burner 110 configured to form a flame by burning a mixture of a mixed gas of a fuel gas and a combustion-assisting gas and a nebulized sample liquid, flame light detection units 181 and 182 configured to detect light radiated from the flame, and a ceased flame determination unit 162 configured to determine that the flame has ceased when the intensity of the light detected by the flame light detection unit is lower than a predetermined threshold value, wherein the flame light detection unit is configured to selectively detect light having a wavelength of 290 nm or more and 330 nm or less.