Early warning sulfur detection based on change in fluorescence intensity of polymer-bound phosphine compound
US8323980B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25875
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An early warning sulfur detection system for detecting the presence of corrosive gases, especially elemental sulfur (S8), in air employs a substrate that includes a polymer-bound phosphine compound having sulfur-getting functionality. The phosphine compound in the polymer reacts with any airborne elemental sulfur. This reaction is accompanied by a decrease in the fluorescence intensity (If) of the substrate. The If of the substrate is monitored in real time by a spectrofluorometer to detect a change in fluorescence intensity (ΔIf). In an embodiment sited in a data center, an alarm is triggered if the ΔIf is above a predetermined threshold, thereby providing a real-time, early warning to IT professionals that corrective action is required to protect metal conductors from corrosion. Preferably, the phosphine compound in the polymer does not react with other components in the air (e.g., carbon dioxide).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.