Pressure Differential Spectroscopy for Compressible Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectroscopic systems face challenges in identifying chemical composition of compressible fluids due to the need for a reference or 'zero' sample, which can be impractically pure or difficult to maintain, especially in remote or industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes pressure variation to alter the absorption spectrum of compressible fluids, eliminating the need for a reference sample by obtaining spectra at different pressures, allowing for differential absorption analysis and normalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference or zero sample is used for normalization in absorption spectroscopy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to the need to maintain and manage reference samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the reference sample component from the spectroscopic measurement system. Instead of requiring a separate reference sample for normalization, the system uses the sample itself at different pressure states to create differential absorption spectra, thereby eliminating the need for reference sample management while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-normalization by using the sample's own absorption characteristics at different pressures. The sample serves its own reference function through pressure variation, eliminating the need for external reference samples and simplifying system operation
2Measurement precision
If a reference sample of high purity is used for trace monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and ease of operation worsen due to the difficulty of obtaining and maintaining such pure samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for high-purity reference samples from the system. By using pressure differential measurement on the sample itself, the system eliminates the manufacturing and maintenance burden of obtaining and preserving high-purity reference materials while maintaining the ability to detect trace impurities
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter (pressure) of the sample to create measurable differential absorption spectra. This parameter change approach allows trace monitoring without requiring high-purity reference samples, as the measurement relies on pressure-induced density changes rather than reference sample comparison
3Reliability
If a reference sample is maintained for continuous monitoring, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to the maintenance burden in remote or industrial settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference sample requirement from the continuous monitoring system. By using the sample's own pressure-dependent absorption characteristics, the system eliminates the maintenance burden of reference samples while maintaining reliable continuous monitoring capability in remote or industrial settings
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs self-calibration and self-normalization through pressure variation of the sample itself. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external reference sample maintenance, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement reliability
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 method enables accurate measurement and monitoring of chemical composition and impurities in compressible fluids without a reference sample, suitable for industrial applications and various spectroscopic instruments, providing reliable and continuous monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic radiation source for generating electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
optics for directing the generated electromagnetic radiation through a sample cell
Implementation Method 3
an optical detector array for receiving electromagnetic radiation from the sample cell and for generating an electrical signal indicative of spectral information
Implementation Method 4
a pressure modulating system for varying the pressure of the fluid sample in the sample cell, thereby varying sample density
Implementation Method 5
obtain a spectrum/signal from a sample-containing cell at both a first pressure and a second (different) pressure. Where the sample is a compressible fluid (e.g., gas), the molecular density of the sample in the cell is varied by changing the pressure, thus creating a differential absorption spectrum/signal
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a spectroscopic system and method for measuring and monitoring the chemical composition and/or impurity content of a sample or sample stream using absorption light spectroscopy. Specifically, in certain embodiments, this invention relates to the use of sample pressure variation to alter the magnitude of the absorption spectrum (e.g., wavelength-dependent signal) received for the sample, thereby obviating the need for a reference or ‘zero’ sample. Rather than use a reference or ‘zero’ sample, embodiments described herein obtain a spectrum/signal from a sample-containing cell at both a first pressure and a second (different) pressure.