Method and apparatus for in-process liquid analysis by laser induced plasma spectroscopy
US6700660B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/85
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for spectrochemical analysis of liquids, including molten materials, using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy. The apparatus preferably comprises a high power pulsed laser focused on the surface of a liquid stream flowing in a measurement cell, and an optical spectrometer-detector assembly, which receives, detects and analyzes the radiation emitted by the high temperature plasma thereby excited. The measurement cell, and optional pump, establish a steady flow of liquid, thereby permitting the laser to repeatedly sample a fresh unperturbed surface, representative of the liquid volume, while also ensuring that bubbles and waves formed in the liquid are removed from the focal volume. Gas (usually air) blown above the liquid prevents aerosols and matter ejected from the sample responsive to the incident energy from interacting with subsequent laser pulses, and from accumulating on the optics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.