Spectroscopic Gas Sensor Using Homogeneous Reference for Drift Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectroscopic devices face challenges in accurately measuring the concentration of gas species in gas samples over time due to system drift and noise, particularly when using a reference gas species different from the gas species of interest, and they are not well-suited for detecting multiple gas species in high-purity hydrogen samples.
Innovation Solution
A spectroscopic device with a sensing unit comprising a light source module, a detector module, and a sample cell, where the reference gas is the same as the gas species of interest, allowing for accurate calibration and detection of multiple gas species in a single measurement, particularly in high-purity hydrogen samples, using a coherent light source and wavelength modulated spectroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference gas species different from the gas species of interest is used, then calibration can be performed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to system drift and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same gas species (e.g., CO) as both the reference gas and the gas species of interest. This homogeneity ensures that the reference measurement and sample measurement are subject to the same optical and environmental conditions, eliminating drift caused by using different gas species. The identical absorption characteristics allow direct comparison without introducing additional variability.
2Measurement precision
If separate reference cell or interrupting measurement for calibration is used, then calibration can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reference gas measurement and sample gas measurement into a single integrated optical path. The reference gas is introduced directly into the sample cell, allowing calibration to be performed in-line without requiring a separate reference cell or interrupting the measurement process. This merging eliminates the complexity of multiple cells and switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by introducing a known concentration of the same gas species into the sample cell. The calibration process is automated and does not require external reference standards or manual intervention, as the system uses its own optical path and detection system for both calibration and measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional spectroscopic devices are used, then single gas species detection is possible, but adaptability to detect multiple gas species deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a broadband light source that covers a wide spectral range, allowing the system to detect multiple gas species simultaneously. The optical path and detector are configured to handle multiple wavelengths, enabling the measurement of different gas species (e.g., CO, H2O, CH4) in the same sample without requiring separate measurement systems for each species.
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 solution provides accurate and reliable concentration measurements of gas species, reducing complexities and inaccuracies associated with system drift and noise, and enables effective monitoring of high-purity hydrogen samples, ensuring compliance with standards like ISO 14687-2:2012.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that is configured to transmit an interrogation light beam along an optical path... a detector positioned in the optical path and configured to detect the intensity of the light beam after it passes through the sample cell
Implementation Method 2
The processor is configured to generate concentration information of the one or more gas species of interest in the sample cell based on the absorption signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a spectroscopic device, system, and method for measuring the concentration of one or more molecular species of interest in a gas, liquid or solid sample, where the device may be portable, may be commercially manufactured, and/or may be adapted to existing systems and/or integrated with new systems to provide optical gas sensing for such systems. The disclosed devices, systems, and methods can be particularly useful in monitoring the purity of, e.g., a certain gas species, including determining whether a gas mixture contains certain gas species above a set concentration limit.