Gas Analyzer Flow Path Blockage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas analysis devices face challenges in analyzing dust-laden gases due to dust clogging the gas flow path, leading to impaired functionality and unreliable analysis.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of pressure measuring devices to monitor gas flow characteristics by measuring pressure differences along the gas flow path, using piezoresistive pressure sensors and a gas pump, with data processing to determine functionality and control the device based on measured data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gas analysis device is used for dust-laden gases, then gas analysis capability is maintained, but dust clogs the gas flow path leading to impaired functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas analysis functionalityVSAvoiddust clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary monitoring of gas flow characteristics using pressure measuring devices before dust accumulation severely impairs functionality. By continuously measuring pressure differences along the gas flow path, the system detects early signs of dust clogging and can take preventive actions such as triggering cleaning mechanisms or alerting operators, thus maintaining reliable gas analysis functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If pressure measuring devices are added to monitor gas flow, then functionality determination is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow path blockage detectionVSAvoidnumber of measuring devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure measuring devices serve multiple functions: they monitor gas flow characteristics, detect dust accumulation, determine overall device functionality, and trigger preventive maintenance actions. By making the measurement system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise blockage detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring of gas flow is implemented, then operational failures are prevented, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational failure preventionVSAvoidenergy for continuous monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback-based monitoring where pressure measurements are continuously taken and compared against reference values to detect deviations indicating dust accumulation. The monitoring intensity can be adjusted based on operational conditions, and preventive actions are triggered only when thresholds are exceeded, thereby preventing operational failures while optimizing energy consumption through intelligent control rather than constant high-energy operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables easy and reliable determination of gas analysis device functionality by detecting flow path blockages, preventing operational failures and ensuring consistent gas analysis performance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one measuring device by which the gas flow can be measured; and a gas pump arranged fluidically between the gas sampling probe and the gas analyzer, by which the gas flow can be conveyed along the gas flow path; characterized in that the at least one measuring device comprises at least one pressure measuring device by which the gas pressure in the gas flow path between the gas sampling probe and the gas pump can be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4033244B1Gas analysis apparatus and method for determining the functionality of a gas analyzer
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 M&C TECHGROUP GERMANY GMBH
  • EP4033244B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Gas analysis device comprising: a gas sampling probe (10) for taking gas from a gas volume (V); a gas analyzer (50) for analyzing gas; a gas flow path (70) along which a gas flow can be directed from the gas sampling probe (10) to the gas analyzer (50); and at least one measuring device (80) by which the gas flow can be measured.