Ultraviolet toxic gas point detector
US5936250A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2021/3166
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for the optical detection of selected toxic gases, using the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and the known absorption properties of the toxic gases in the ultraviolet region. An ultraviolet flashlamp source illuminates a straight, highly polished metal tube with numerous perforations to permit access for the gas to be detected. The ultraviolet light then enters an optical compartment comprising an optical beamsplitter and two ultraviolet detectors with wavelength selective narrowband filters attached. The filters are selected so that one overlaps the region of absorption by the gas while the second is in a region where there is no absorption by the gas. The electronic circuit following the ultraviolet detectors and the drivers for the flashlamp, are timed by a microprocessor that provides the means for the electronics and data processing to be synchronized with the flashlamp pulse. The concentration of the absorbing gas is calculated from the output of the two detectors including the dark outputs measured while the flashlamp is turned off. By this method a parts per million sensitive toxic gas sensor useful to measure gases such as hydrogen sulfide, su…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.