Gas Analysis Apparatus Subthreshold Component Exclusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gas analysis apparatuses using FTIR methods face challenges in accurately calculating concentrations of measurement target components in sample gases due to interference from unaccounted components, leading to inaccurate calibration curve data and measurement errors.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus and method involve calculating concentrations by excluding subthreshold components from the measurement target components, using pre-stored calibration curve data that correct for the influences of only the components present in the sample gas, and incorporating abnormal value detection to prevent errors from trace amounts of high boiling point compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If all possible compounds are prescribed as measurement target components to correct interference, then measurement coverage is improved, but calibration curve data accuracy deteriorates due to unnecessary interference correction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidcalibration curve data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes subthreshold components (components with concentrations below a predetermined threshold) from the set of measurement target components during concentration calculation. By excluding these trace components that are difficult to detect and quantify accurately, the system avoids using calibration curve data corrected for their interference, thereby improving the accuracy of calibration data for detectable components while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Quantity of substance

If components with trace amounts are included in measurement target components, then measurement completeness is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to interference correction for undetectable components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection completenessVSAvoidconcentration calculation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the concentration calculation results are used to identify subthreshold components (those with concentrations below the threshold). Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the set of measurement target components by excluding subthreshold components from subsequent concentration calculations, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining detection completeness for significant components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If calibration curve data are created without considering interference from unaccounted components, then data processing simplicity is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to uncorrected interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing complexityVSAvoidconcentration measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies partial correction by considering interference only from components that are actually present and detectable in the sample gas, rather than correcting for all possible compounds. This partial action approach creates calibration curve data that corrects for relevant interference while avoiding the complexity and inaccuracy of correcting for unaccounted or trace components, achieving an optimal balance between processing simplicity and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 highly accurate concentration measurements using calibration curve data that correct for the influences of components in the sample gas without accounting for unaccounted components, improving measurement accuracy and preventing errors from trace amounts of high boiling point compounds.

Implementation Method 1

calculate concentrations of measurement target components contained in a sample gas by carrying out a multivariate analysis using an absorption spectrum obtainable by irradiating light to the sample gas. The gas analysis apparatus uses, for example, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) method.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption spectrum: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP3428620B1Gas analysis apparatus, program for gas analysis apparatus, and gas analysis method
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 HORIBA LTD
  • EP3428620B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3428620B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3428620B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To make it possible to analyze using highly accurate calibration curve data obtained by correcting influences of measurement target components contained in a sample gas without correcting an influence of a component not contained in the sample gas, a gas analysis apparatus includes a calibration curve data storage section (21) designed to store N types of calibration curve data which are previously created for N types of measurement target components and obtained by correcting influences of other N-1 types of measurement target components with respect to a concentration of each of the measurement target components, and a concentration calculation section (22) designed to calculate a concentration of each of the measurement target components by using the N types of calibration curve data. When there exists a subthreshold component whose concentration calculated by the concentration calculation section (22) is not more than a predetermined threshold value, the concentration calculation section (22) calculates a concentration of each of the measurement target components other than the subthreshold component by using calibration curve data obtained without correcting an influence of the subthreshold component.