Optical steam quality measurement system and method
US7034302B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/3577
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical measurement system is presented that offers precision on-line monitoring of the quality of steam. Multiple wavelengths of radiant energy are passed through the steam from an emitter to a detector. By comparing the amount of radiant energy absorbed by the flow of steam for each wavelength, a highly accurate measurement of the steam quality can be determined on a continuous basis in real-time. In an embodiment of the present invention, the emitter, comprises three separate radiant energy sources for transmitting specific wavelengths of radiant energy through the steam. In a further embodiment, the wavelengths of radiant energy are combined into a single beam of radiant energy for transmission through the steam using time or wavelength division multiplexing. In yet a further embodiment, the single beam of radiant energy is transmitted using specialized optical elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.