Method and apparatus for in-process liquid analysis by laser induced plasma spectroscopy
US6741345B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2021 |
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 metals, 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 laminar flow of the liquid flow, thereby permitting the laser to repeatedly sample a fresh un-perturbed surface, while also ensuring that bubbles formed in the liquid are removed from the focal volume Preferably, a blower prevents aerosols and matter ejected from the sample responsive to the incident energy from interacting with subsequent laser pulses, and from accumulating on the optic.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.