Furnace Atmosphere Measurement Using Multi-Wavelength Optical Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring alkali metal species concentration in glass furnace atmospheres are either time-consuming, expensive, or prone to inaccuracies due to cold air ingress and alignment issues, and often require separate background traces for calibration.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the measurement of electromagnetic radiation intensities at multiple wavelengths to determine the concentration of an absorbing species within the furnace atmosphere, which is self-calibrating and does not require a separate background trace, allowing for instantaneous background readings and eliminating the need to accurately determine furnace temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extractive sampling is used to determine sodium level, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but measurement time increases and continuous monitoring is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical extractive sampling system with an optical absorption measurement system. Instead of physically extracting samples for laboratory analysis, the invention uses a light source and detector to measure sodium concentration through optical absorption spectroscopy, enabling continuous real-time monitoring without time-consuming sample extraction and analysis procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements continuous monitoring by maintaining a constant optical measurement path through the furnace atmosphere. The light source continuously emits radiation through the furnace, and the detector continuously measures absorption, providing uninterrupted real-time data on sodium concentration rather than intermittent discrete measurements
2Measurement precision
If laser induced breakdown spectroscopy is used, then measurement capability is achieved, but system cost increases and high power lasers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex laser systems with simpler, lower-cost optical components. Instead of using high-power lasers that require sophisticated safety and control systems, the invention employs conventional light sources and detectors that are more affordable and easier to operate, achieving the same measurement capability through optical absorption rather than laser-induced plasma
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential measurement function from complex spectroscopic systems. By focusing solely on measuring optical absorption at specific wavelengths corresponding to sodium transitions, the system eliminates unnecessary complexity associated with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy while retaining the core capability to determine species concentration
3Measurement precision
If two holes are made in furnace walls for light transmission, then absorption measurement is enabled, but cold air ingress increases and alignment difficulty arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function to a single location rather than requiring transmission through the furnace. By placing both the light source and detector outside the furnace with a single optical access point, the system eliminates the need for two holes in opposing walls, thereby reducing cold air ingress while maintaining absorption measurement capability through a single optical path
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary optical path that allows measurement without direct line-of-sight alignment through the furnace. By using a single hole with appropriate optical coupling elements, the system mediates between the external light source/detector and the internal furnace atmosphere, eliminating alignment difficulties associated with two-hole configurations
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
This approach enables faster, more accurate, and continuous monitoring of alkali metal species concentration, reducing errors and operational complexities while maintaining measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
the species absorbing electromagnetic radiation inside the furnace
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining the concentration of a species in a portion of a furnace atmosphere is described. The method comprises the steps of measuring first, second and third intensities of electromagnetic radiation in the furnace at first, second and third wavelengths respectively. The third wavelength is selected to be representative of absorption of electromagnetic radiation by the species. A fourth intensity of electromagnetic radiation is calculated, being an estimate of the intensity of electromagnetic radiation in the furnace at the third wavelength absent any absorbing species in the furnace atmosphere. The third intensity and the fourth intensities are used to determine a parameter that is proportional to the concentration of absorbing species in the portion of the furnace atmosphere. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.