Optical Flash Point Detection Using UV Sensor Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flash point detection methods, particularly using ionization rings in closed cup testers, suffer from false readings due to sample expansion, high water content, and vapor coating, leading to safety issues and inaccuracies, while open cup methods are affected by the distance of the flame from the substance, causing interference and variability in measurements.
Innovation Solution
An optical flash point detection system using an ultraviolet (UV) detector located in a special housing that scans a wedge-shaped area above the test cup, allowing it to detect flashes without interference from the igniter flame, which is positioned to skim the surface of the substance, ensuring accurate readings by isolating the UV sensor from the igniter's arc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an ionization ring is used to detect flash point in closed cup testers, then automated detection is achieved, but false readings occur due to sample expansion, high water content, and vapor coating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the ionization ring and relocates it to an optical sensor positioned outside the test cup. This removes the sensor from contact with the sample, eliminating false readings caused by sample expansion, water content, and vapor coating while maintaining automated detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary detection method instead of direct electrical contact with the sample. The optical sensor detects flash events through light emission without being contaminated by the sample, serving as a mediator between the ignition source and the detection system.
2Measurement precision
If the flame is positioned close to the substance for effective ignition, then flash point detection sensitivity is improved, but interference from the igniter flame causes measurement variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical sensor as an intermediary that detects the flash event indirectly through light emission rather than direct exposure to the igniter flame. This allows the flame to be positioned close to the substance for effective ignition while the sensor remains unaffected by flame interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the optical sensor to detect light from the flash event while being spatially separated from the igniter flame path. The sensor has a specific field of view that captures the flash region but excludes the flame, creating local quality differentiation in the detection zones.
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 system provides accurate and reliable flash point detection by minimizing interference from the igniter flame and other light sources, ensuring precise measurement of the flash point without false triggers, thus improving the reliability and consistency of flash point determination.
Implementation Method 1
An optical sensor, such as an ultraviolet (UV) sensor, may be used to detect the flash.
Data Source
AI summary
An open cup flash point detector is shown that rapidly increases the temperature of the substance being tested until temperature is close to a theoretical flash point. Thereafter, as temperature is slowly increased, an igniter flame moves in an arc over the upper lip of the test cup while simultaneously a UV sensor senses a wedge-shaped area, also immediately over the upper lip of the test cup. The arc of the igniter flame and the wedge-shaped area do not overlap. By incremental increases in temperature and repeating the arc movement of the igniter flame, the flash point can be detected by the UV sensor.