Hydrocarbon sensing methods and apparatus
US10175168B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A20/20
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor for hydrocarbons uses a waveguide with a first cladding layer, a second cladding layer with a measurement region with hydrophobic measurement material, and a core between the first and second cladding layers. Light is coupled into the waveguide. The measurement material is exposed to the hydrocarbon allowing the hydrocarbon to diffuse into it and change refractive index of the material, which changes intensity of light evanescently coupled through the first cladding layer. Light coupled through the first cladding layer is measured to determine exposure of the sensor to the hydrocarbons.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.