Method and system for characterizing an aggregate sample by using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
US11092553B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/129
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for characterizing an aggregate sample involves using a first laser pulse to create a crater on the surface of a sample, using a second laser pulse to produce a plasma emission spectrum on the prepared crater surface, and detecting the emission spectrum to collect spectral data. Laser application, and detecting spectral emission are repeated on different points on the sample, then non-representative spectral data is discarded based on a ratio of ions to atoms in the data. Finally a calibration loading is used to determine a property characteristic of the aggregate sample. The sample may be an oil sands sample, and the properties detected may be percentages of bitumen, water, and solids. A laser-based system is provided for carrying out the characterization method.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.