Gas Analysis Apparatus with Switchable Reflector Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas analysis apparatuses of the probe type face challenges in achieving accurate component concentration analysis and zero correction due to wavelength dependence of optical couplers, individual differences in light receiving units, and increased size and heating issues, which lead to reduced durability and higher maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A gas analysis apparatus with a probe tube, light-emitting and receiving units, a first reflector inside the flue, a second reflector and known substance unit outside the flue, and a switching unit that allows for selective placement of the second reflector into the light path for calibration, reducing exposure to high temperatures and enabling accurate analysis with fewer parts and lower manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical coupler and splitter are used to branch measurement light into two beams for analysis and zero correction, then both functions can be performed, but the wavelength dependence of the optical coupler causes inaccurate zero correction and component analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical coupler and splitter from the system, extracting the problematic wavelength-dependent component. Instead of branching light through these components, the invention uses a single beam that is directly reflected by a reflector to perform both analysis and zero correction functions, eliminating the source of measurement error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single light receiving unit perform multiple functions - both component concentration analysis and zero correction - by using the same optical path for both purposes. The reflector is used in both modes, allowing one beam and one light receiving unit to serve dual functions, thereby eliminating the need for separate systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different light receiving units and signal processing units are used for the two branched beams, then analysis and zero correction can be performed independently, but individual differences among components accumulate and reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate light receiving units and signal processing units into a single integrated system. One light receiving unit receives the reflected beam for both analysis and zero correction, and one signal processing unit processes both types of measurements, eliminating individual differences among multiple components while maintaining independent processing capability through software control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems with different light receiving units are used for analysis and zero correction, then both functions can be performed, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal light receiving unit that handles both component analysis and zero correction functions. The same optical path, reflector, and light receiving unit are used for both purposes, with the system switching between functions via control logic. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate physical systems, thereby reducing apparatus size while maintaining functional completeness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light receiving units and signal processing units are employed, then both analysis and zero correction can be performed, but the heating value of the apparatus increases and circuit durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light receiving units and signal processing units into a single integrated system. By using one light receiving unit and one signal processing unit for both analysis and zero correction functions, the total heat generation is reduced, lowering the apparatus heating value and improving circuit durability while maintaining dual function capability through intelligent control.
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 solution enables compact, accurate, and cost-effective gas analysis with reduced maintenance needs by minimizing part exposure to high temperatures and eliminating the need for multiple light receiving units, thus improving analytical precision and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a gas analysis apparatus that analyzes concentration of certain components in the sample gas using an optical absorption method
Implementation Method 2
the measurement light is reflected by a first reflector arranged at a tip end portion of the probe tube
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas analysis apparatus (100) includes: one light emitting unit (2) arranged outside a gas flue wall (la); a first reflector (3) that reflects measurement light that has been emitted from the light emitting unit (2) and has been transmitted through the sample gas (Sg); a light receiving unit (4) arranged outside the gas flue wall (1a) that receives the measurement light that has been reflected by the first reflector (3); a second reflector (5) arranged outside the gas flue wall (1a) that reflects the measurement light toward the light receiving unit (4); a known substance containing unit (6) arranged in a space along the light path between the light emitting unit (2) and the second reflector (5) that contains the known substances, a computing unit (7) that analyzes sample gas (Sg) by allowing the measurement light emitted from the light emitting unit (2) to be reflected by the first reflector (3) and performs correction or calibration of the gas analysis apparatus (100) using the known substances by allowing the measurement light emitted from light emitting unit (2) to be reflected by the second reflector (5); and a switching unit (8) arranged outside the gas flue wall (1a) that removes the second reflector (5) from the light path when performing the component concentration and places the second reflector (5) into the light path when performing the correction or calibration.