Measuring Lance Agitation for Optical Gas Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical in-situ gas analysis apparatuses face challenges with condensate formation due to temperature fluctuations and particulate loads in exhaust gases, leading to measurement interference and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a gas-permeable filter and an agitating mechanism, such as a fan, within the measuring lance to enhance gas mixing and temperature equalization, preventing condensate formation and reducing the need for complex heating and condensate outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gas-permeable filter is used to keep out particulates, then measurement accuracy is improved, but condensate formation increases due to temperature fluctuations at the filter wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an agitating apparatus (such as a fan or vibration element) to create mechanical movement within the measuring lance. This agitation prevents temperature stratification and reduces condensate formation by continuously mixing the gas and equalizing temperature distribution, thereby resolving the contradiction between filter usage and condensate prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters by introducing active heating elements or cooling mechanisms within the measuring lance to maintain the filter wall temperature above the dew point. This parameter change prevents condensate formation while preserving the measurement accuracy benefits of the filter
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ring-type heating devices are added to prevent condensate, then condensate formation is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive thermal management strategies where the measuring lance structure itself serves as the heating element through conductive heating from the gas flow or ambient temperature. The system uses natural convection and thermal equilibrium principles to prevent condensate without requiring complex active heating devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into existing components - the measuring lance structure serves both as the measurement chamber and as a thermal management system. The agitating apparatus simultaneously improves gas mixing, temperature equalization, and condensate prevention, eliminating the need for separate heating devices
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the measuring lance is designed with condensate outlets, then condensate management is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation position dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condensate management problem by preventing condensate formation in the first place through agitation and temperature equalization. By eliminating the harmful condensate rather than providing outlets for its removal, the system becomes independent of installation position and significantly easier to operate
4Productivity
If gas exchange speed is increased, then measurement response time is improved, but condensate formation increases due to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The agitating apparatus creates continuous mechanical disturbance that accelerates both gas exchange and thermal equilibrium. The agitation ensures rapid mixing of incoming gas with the existing gas volume while simultaneously preventing temperature stratification, thus achieving fast response without condensate formation
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 agitated gas mixture accelerates temperature equalization and gas exchange, reducing condensate formation, improving measurement accuracy, and simplifying maintenance by eliminating the need for complex condensate management systems.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the agitation of the gas in the measuring lance in accordance with the invention, a fast temperature equalization and a brisk mixture or exchange of the gas in the different regions are achieved
Implementation Method 2
a gas-permeable filter through which the gas to be measured moves into the measuring lance; Depending on the pore size, the gas to be measured can move into the measurement path; however, particulates such as smoke, dusts or aerosols can be kept out
Implementation Method 3
a light transmitter arranged in the housing whose light is conducted into the measuring lance
Implementation Method 4
the light is reflected onto a light receiver by a reflector arranged at the second end
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for the optical in-situ gas analysis that comprises a housing; a measuring lance whose one, first end is connected to the housing and whose other, second end projects into the gas to be measured; a light transmitter arranged in the housing whose light is conducted into the measuring lance and is reflected onto a light receiver by a reflector arranged at the second end, wherein the optical path defines an optical measurement path within the measuring lance; a gas-permeable filter through which the gas to be measured moves into the measurement path; and an evaluation device for evaluating received light signals of the light receiver. To provide an improved apparatus with which the problem of the condensate formation can be counteracted better, provision is made that the measuring lance has an agitation apparatus for agitating the gas in the measuring lance.