Laser Permeation Detection Device for Diffusion Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining permeation rates through permeation barriers, especially for polymeric materials, are inadequate in terms of measurement accuracy and time, particularly for very low permeation rates, and are costly when determining multiple permeates.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hermetically sealed detection chamber and a permeate chamber, where a permeation barrier element is clamped between them, using laser radiation with a wavelength corresponding to the permeate's absorption wavelength to detect the permeation rate with high sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for continuous or discrete measurements with minimal dead volume and multiple reflections to enhance sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used to determine very low permeation rates, then measurement time becomes excessively long, but measurement accuracy remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical absorption measurement systems with an optical detection system using laser radiation and infrared spectroscopy. This substitution enables direct, real-time detection of permeate concentration in the detection chamber, achieving both high measurement precision for very low permeation rates and significantly reduced measurement times through immediate optical signal detection without requiring long-term accumulation or complex carrier gas transport systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection chamber as an intermediary between the permeate chamber and the detection system. This intermediate chamber with minimal dead volume allows direct optical access to the permeate while isolating the detection system from the permeation barrier, enabling precise real-time measurement without the time delays and accuracy losses associated with conventional direct measurement methods
2Measurement precision
If separate absorption measuring chambers and carrier gas lines are used, then device complexity increases, but measurement sensitivity is reduced due to large distances and dead volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection chamber with the permeate chamber by positioning them in direct optical contact, eliminating the need for separate absorption measuring chambers and carrier gas transport lines. This integration minimizes dead volume and distance between the permeation barrier and detection point, maximizing measurement sensitivity while simplifying the overall device structure through direct optical coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex carrier gas transport systems and separate absorption chambers, creating a streamlined system where optical detection occurs directly at the permeation interface. This extraction eliminates unnecessary intermediate components and dead volumes while maintaining high detection sensitivity for very low permeation rates
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical filters are exchanged for different permeates, then measurement versatility is reduced, but cost increases for multiple permeate determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical detection system using laser radiation with adjustable wavelengths that can detect multiple different permeates (water vapor, organic vapors, gases) without requiring physical exchange of optical filters or detectors. The system achieves multi-permeate detection capability through wavelength tuning and spectral analysis, providing both versatility and cost-effectiveness for determining various permeates through the same barrier element
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 precise and efficient determination of very small permeation rates with high sensitivity and selectivity, reducing measurement time and costs, and allowing for the detection of various permeates without affecting accuracy or sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
Radiation from a laser light source with a wavelength that corresponds to an absorption wavelength of the respective permeate is guided through the detection chamber. The laser beam penetrates the atmosphere in the detection chamber and hits an optical detector for determining an intensity of at least one respective absorption wavelength of a permeate.
Implementation Method 2
determining the permeation rate of at least one permeate through an element forming a diffusion barrier
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for determining the permeation rate of at least one permeate through an element (1) that forms a diffusion barrier. The aim of the invention is to permit extremely low permeation rates to be determined with sufficient measuring sensitivity, accuracy and justifiable time expenditure. In the device according to the invention, at least some sections of the element (1) that produces the permeation rate form a partition between a permeate chamber (2,1) and a detection chamber (2,2), or between a permeate chamber and a connection (10) to a detection chamber (2,2). A gas containing at least one permeate, or a fluid of this type, or a gaseous permeate is fed to the permeate chamber (2.1) or is contained in the latter. Radiation from at least one laser light source (4), with a wavelength corresponding to an absorption wavelength of the relevant permeate, is directed through the detection chamber (2,2) in the form of a laser beam onto at least one optical detector (5) in order to determine the permeation rate at an absorption wavelength of the permeate.