Refrigerant Analyzer Dual Sensor Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Counterfeit refrigerants like methyl chloride (R40) pose a risk due to their toxicity, flammability, and reactivity with aluminum, necessitating a device for effective detection in refrigeration systems.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerant analyzer comprising a first non-dispersive infrared sensor and a second electrochemical sensor, in flow communication, to detect specific characteristics such as absorbed wavelengths and concentration levels, with an optional scrubber for impurity removal and identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single sensing device is used to detect refrigerant characteristics, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of impurity detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing device structureVSAvoidimpurity detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensing devices, each dedicated to detecting specific refrigerant characteristics. The first sensing device detects the first characteristic (e.g., infrared absorption for R40), while the second sensing device detects the second characteristic (e.g., electrochemical response for impurities). This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific detection task, thereby improving overall measurement precision without requiring an overly complex single-device solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigerant analyzer is designed with multi-functional sensing capabilities to detect multiple characteristics of the same refrigerant sample. The first sensing device and second sensing device work together to provide comprehensive analysis of refrigerant composition and impurity levels. This multi-functionality approach enables a single analytical system to perform multiple detection functions, improving measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple sensing devices are used to detect different characteristics of refrigerant, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsensing device configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensing devices are merged into a single integrated refrigerant analyzer system with a unified housing and common refrigerant flow path. The first sensing device and second sensing device are positioned in flow communication, allowing sequential detection of different refrigerant characteristics through the same sample stream. This merging approach improves detection reliability through multi-parameter analysis while controlling device complexity through integrated mechanical and electrical design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A refrigerant flow path acts as an intermediary medium that transports the refrigerant sample sequentially through the first sensing device and second sensing device. This intermediary flow path enables multiple sensors to analyze the same sample without requiring direct physical connection between sensors, thereby improving detection reliability through consistent sample analysis while simplifying the overall device configuration by using fluid flow as the connecting medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables accurate detection and quantification of impurities, including low concentrations of R40, providing a binary indication of contamination, thereby ensuring system safety and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a first non-dispersive infrared sensor and a second electrochemical sensor, in flow communication, to detect specific characteristics such as absorbed wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a first non-dispersive infrared sensor and a second electrochemical sensor, in flow communication, to detect specific characteristics such as absorbed wavelengths and concentration levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10663396B2Refrigerant analyzer and a method of using the same

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 CARRIER CORP

AI summary

A method and an analyzer for detecting impurities in refrigerant (e.g. methyl chloride (R40) or Chlorodifiuoromethane (R22)), wherein the refrigerant analyzer (12) includes a first sensing device (16), preferably a non-dispersive infrared sensor (NDIR), in flow communication with a second sensing device (18), preferably an electrochemical sensor. The first sensing device is configured to determine a first characteristic of a refrigerant (e.g. absorbance in the IR range), and the second sensing device is configured to detect a second characteristic of the refrigerant (e.g. concentration in ppmv). Preferably, the refrigerant analyzer is a part of a system for detecting impurities (10) and further preferably it comprises flow regulators (20), a scrubber (24) and a processor (22). The scrubber is preferably in flow communication with the first sensing device and it preferably comprises a packing material comprising alumina (Al2O3, aluminum oxide).