Flexible Container Gas Detection via TDLAS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the gas concentration inside closed containers and assessing their integrity are either destructive or lack the speed and accuracy required for real-time monitoring, especially in industrial settings where quality control is critical.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive system utilizing an optical sensor based on Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) that pulls a portion of a flexible container area to create a space for transmitting a light signal, allowing for the detection of gas concentrations and container integrity without damaging the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical force is applied to flexible containers to check gas pressure resistance, then container integrity can be verified, but the method is destructive and cannot provide real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical testing methods with an optical measurement system. A light source transmits light through the flexible container wall, and a detector measures the transmitted light to determine gas concentration and container integrity. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical force application, enabling non-destructive, real-time monitoring while maintaining reliability in verifying container integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to verify container integrity. Instead of directly applying mechanical force to the container, light passes through the flexible wall to indirectly measure gas concentration and detect leaks. This intermediary approach allows non-contact, non-destructive testing that provides real-time feedback on container integrity.
2Productivity
If optical measurements are performed through the container wall, then real-time gas concentration monitoring is achieved, but the flexible wall may absorb or interfere with the light signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology, which utilizes specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by target gases. By tuning the laser wavelength to match the absorption characteristics of the gas being measured, the system achieves high measurement precision despite the presence of the flexible container wall. The selective wavelength approach minimizes interference from the container material while enabling accurate real-time gas concentration monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If a space is created inside the container for light transmission, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a compact optical measurement system. The same light source and detector assembly that measures gas concentration also serves to verify container integrity by analyzing light transmission through the flexible wall. This multi-functional approach creates a space for light transmission without significantly increasing device complexity, as the measurement components serve dual purposes.
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
The system enables fast, accurate, and non-destructive determination of gas concentrations and container integrity, suitable for both at-line and in-line applications, thereby enhancing quality control and reducing the risk of product degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor may be based on detecting an absorption in spectra in a transmitted light signal, for example by using Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology
Implementation Method 2
a suction device arranged for pulling at least one portion of the flexible area a distance to arranging at least the portion of the flexible area in a position to provide a space underneath at least the portion of the flexible area
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to system and method for determining a concentration of at least one gas in a container having at least one side with a flexible area. The system is configured for varying a pressure in a suction device for vibrating the flexible area when a light signal is transmitted through a space obtained beneath the flexible area.