Membrane Gas Sensor Optical Paths for Multi-Range IR Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas measurement technologies struggle with accurately measuring a wide range of gas concentrations, particularly in fluid environments, and are limited in their ability to detect multiple gases simultaneously without interference.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs multiple optical paths of different lengths within an enclosed space, using infrared radiation sources and detectors to measure gas concentrations by analyzing infrared radiation absorption at specific wavelengths, allowing for the detection of multiple gases and extending the measurable concentration range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single optical path is used in the infrared detection apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and ability to detect multiple gases is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple optical paths of different lengths, allowing the detection apparatus to measure different gas concentrations simultaneously. Each optical path length is optimized for detecting gases at specific concentration ranges, enabling precise multi-gas detection without requiring a single complex optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of optical path length variation to enhance measurement capability. By creating optical paths with different lengths (e.g., 10cm, 1m, 10m), the system can detect gases across a wide concentration range (ppm to percent levels) using the same detector, effectively adding a dimensional parameter to the detection process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the measurable concentration range is extended to cover both low and high concentrations, then the versatility of the detection apparatus is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple optical paths
Solution Approach 1:
The detection apparatus achieves universality by using a single infrared detector that can measure gases across the entire concentration range through multiple optical paths. Different path lengths serve different concentration ranges, allowing one device to perform multiple measurement functions that would otherwise require separate specialized instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical path length parameter to adapt the detection sensitivity for different gas concentrations. By varying the path length (from short for high concentrations to long for low concentrations), the system maintains optimal measurement conditions across the full concentration spectrum without changing the detector or other core components.
3Productivity
If multiple gases are detected simultaneously at different wavelengths, then the productivity of gas analysis is improved, but the measurement precision may be affected by interference between gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using optical paths of specifically designed different lengths to pre-condition the measurement for different gas concentrations. This allows the system to simultaneously detect multiple gases at different wavelengths without interference, as each gas concentration range is optimally handled by the appropriate optical path length, eliminating the need for sequential measurement.
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 precise measurement of gas concentrations across a wide range and in complex mixtures, facilitating applications such as pipeline leakage detection, hydrocarbon analysis, and environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inlet to the internal space comprising a gas-permeable membrane separating the internal space from surrounding fluid while allowing gases to diffuse from the surrounding fluid into the internal space
Implementation Method 2
allowing gases to diffuse from the surrounding fluid into the internal space
Implementation Method 3
at least one infrared radiation source to send infrared radiation into the internal space, at least one infrared radiation detector with connected circuitry to receive and measure the intensity of infrared radiation from the at least one source
Implementation Method 4
the at least two optical paths comprise first and second optical paths which have different path lengths through the internal space... operable to measure the intensity of radiation at a specific wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
The concentration of one or more gases in a surrounding fluid is measured using apparatus having a gas-permeable membrane separating an enclosed internal space within the apparatus from the surrounding fluid while allowing gases to diffuse from the surrounding fluid into the internal space. One or more sources sends infrared radiation along optical paths to one or more infrared detectors measuring intensity of radiation after absorption by gas(es) in the internal space and concentrations are determined from measured absorptions. The apparatus has more than one optical path through the internal space, enabling measurements of concentration over a greater range or enabling measurements of more than one gas present in very different concentrations or having very different infrared absorptivities.