Optical Gas Sensor Pressure Compensation via Spectral Broadening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical gas measuring systems struggle to accurately determine the concentration of measuring gases with a line spectrum due to ambient pressure variations, as they require a pressure sensor to compensate for pressure-induced errors, which increases costs and can lead to corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
The process involves receiving measurement signals at different wavelengths, calculating a determination value based on these signals, and comparing it to pre-determined comparison information to estimate the ambient pressure without the need for a pressure sensor, utilizing the effect of pressure broadening on the line spectrum of gases like methane and carbon dioxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is provided to compensate for pressure-induced errors in concentration determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the measured gas itself as an intermediary to determine ambient pressure. By measuring the absorption characteristics of the gas at two different wavelengths, the system indirectly determines pressure without requiring a separate pressure sensor. This resolves the contradiction by using the target substance as a mediator to obtain pressure information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensor with an optical measurement approach. Instead of using a physical sensor to detect pressure, the system uses optical absorption measurements at different wavelengths to infer pressure based on pressure-dependent absorption characteristics. This substitution eliminates the need for additional mechanical components while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is provided to compensate for pressure-induced errors, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing optical measurement system perform multiple functions: it measures both the gas concentration and the ambient pressure using the same optical path and detectors. By utilizing the absorption measurements at two different wavelengths for dual purposes, the system eliminates the need for separate pressure sensing components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measured gas serves as an intermediary that provides information about both concentration and pressure through its absorption characteristics. This approach eliminates the need for separate pressure sensor components, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is used for pressure compensation, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to corrosion and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the measured gas's absorption characteristics as an intermediary to determine pressure, replacing the physical pressure sensor that is susceptible to corrosion. This indirect measurement approach through optical absorption eliminates the reliability issues associated with physical sensors exposed to corrosive gases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensor with an optical measurement system that determines pressure through absorption characteristics. This substitution eliminates the reliability problems of physical sensors in corrosive environments, as the optical components are not directly exposed to the corrosive gas in the same manner.
4Measurement precision
If pressure compensation is implemented using a pressure sensor, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pressure compensation using the existing optical measurement components for their intended purpose. The same optical path and detectors used for concentration measurement also provide pressure information through dual-wavelength absorption measurements. This multi-functional approach adds no additional hardware complexity while achieving pressure compensation.
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 allows for accurate estimation of ambient pressure, enabling improved concentration determination of measuring gases and reducing the reliance on and costs associated with pressure sensors, while also enhancing the reliability of pressure compensation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the effect of pressure broadening on the line spectrum of gases like methane and carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
optical gas measuring system for determining the concentration of measuring gas by radiation absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A process for operating an optical gas measurement system determines a concentration of measuring gas, which has a line spectrum, and includes steps for determining an indication of ambient pressure. A corresponding optical gas measurement system determines a concentration of measuring gas, which has a line spectrum, and determines an indication of ambient pressure. A computer program product includes instructions that cause the optical gas measurement system to perform the process steps.