Systems and methods for optically measuring properties of hydrocarbon fuel gases
US5822058A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/22
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for optical interrogation and measurement of a hydrocarbon fuel gas includes a light source generating light at near-visible wavelengths. A cell containing the gas is optically coupled to the light source which is in turn partially transmitted by the sample. A spectrometer disperses the transmitted light and captures an image thereof. The image is captured by a low-cost silicon-based two-dimensional CCD array. The captured spectral image is processed by electronics for determining energy or BTU content and composition of the gas. The innovative optical approach provides a relatively inexpensive, durable, maintenance-free sensor and method which is reliable in the field and relatively simple to calibrate. In view of the above, accurate monitoring is possible at a plurality of locations along the distribution chain leading to more efficient distribution.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.