Infrared leak detector
US6791088B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/0221
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A leak detector using an infrared emitter and pyroelectric sensor to form an instrument for identifying the presence and concentration of a selected material type gas compound, such as a refrigerant gas compound within a given sample, such as a sample of ambient air. For the detection, a radiation flux coming from an infrared emitter penetrates the sample, which is analyzed spectrally, and results in a wave length-specific signal being generated at the output of the detector. By controlling the type of optical filter, the radiation energy is controlled at a selected wavelength, to ensure coverage of all selected compounds. For refrigerants, the selected wavelength can be between approximately 8 to approximately 10 microns in the wavelength range. This selected wavelength obscures other signals, thus minimizing false alarms. By not chopping or pulsing the emitter, the leak detector has a faster response time with no adverse impacts on the accuracy of the compound material being detected. To further minimize false alarms and to ensure that the emitter does not come in contact with the sample gas, an additional filter can be positioned in the optical path. For refrigerant compounds, t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.