Folded-Path Process Photometer Layout for Compact In-Line Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process photometers are cumbersome to produce, assemble, and service, require significant installation space, and pose risks due to short cables and potential ignition, especially in hazardous areas.
Innovation Solution
A compact photometer design with a measurement unit and reflector unit on the same side, eliminating the need for cables and allowing for adjustable optical path length, reducing installation space and simplifying service by keeping electronic components in the measurement unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If process photometers are installed directly into the process line for continuous monitoring, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photometer is divided into separate functional modules: a measurement module with optical components and a detection module with electronic components. This segmentation allows the measurement module to be compact and directly installed in the process line for reliable continuous monitoring, while the detection module can be positioned separately, reducing the complexity of the in-line portion of the device.
2Reliability
If process photometers are installed directly into the process line for continuous monitoring, then measurement reliability is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is arranged in a compact folded configuration within the measurement module, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. The light path folds back on itself within the compact housing, allowing the optical components to be arranged in a minimal footprint while maintaining the necessary optical path length for accurate measurements.
3Temperature
If common process photometers are made relatively large to accommodate cooling systems for high temperatures, then temperature stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is extracted from the measurement module and integrated into the separately positioned detection module or external cooling infrastructure. This allows the measurement module to remain compact and simple to manufacture, while temperature stability is maintained through the dedicated cooling system positioned where it does not add to the in-line device complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If short cables are used in process photometers for safety in hazardous areas, then safety is improved, but ease of service and assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The photometer is segmented into an in-line measurement module and a separate detection module connected by a cable. This allows the cable length to be optimized for safety in hazardous areas (kept short) while the separate detection module can be positioned for easy access and service. The measurement module remains compact and safe for hazardous area installation, while servicing can be performed on the externally positioned detection module without entering hazardous areas.
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 design minimizes installation space, reduces cable-related risks, and simplifies assembly and maintenance, while maintaining measurement accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit configured to provide a light beam along a first light path from the measurement unit through the measurement cell into the reflector unit and on the reflector
Implementation Method 2
the reflector is configured such that the light beam being provided along the first light path is reflected along a second light path from the reflector through the measurement cell into the measurement unit and on the detector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a photometer device (1) comprising a measurement unit (2), a reflector unit (3) and a measurement cell (4) being arranged between the measurement unit (2) and the reflector unit (3), wherein: the reflector unit (3) comprises a reflector; the measurement cell (4) comprises a cell housing (6) which defines a measurement compartment, and a pipe inlet (8) and a pipe outlet which open into the measurement compartment and which are configured to be connected to a process pipe; the measurement unit 2 comprises a detector and a light source unit being configured to provide a light beam along a first light path from the measurement unit (2) through the measurement cell (4) and the measurement compartment into the reflector unit (3) and on the reflector; the reflector is configured such that the light beam being provided along the first light path is reflected along a second light path from the reflector through the measurement cell (4) into the measurement unit (2) and on the detector.