Apparatus and method for analyzing fluids in vessels and pipelines
US8614739B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V20/695
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for analyzing fluid or surfaces within a pipeline or vessel includes a probe positioned to capture or record images through a viewing port of the pipeline/vessel and an illumination assembly arranged to illuminate the fluid/surfaces within the pipeline/vessel adjacent the port with visible, infrared or ultraviolet light of a predetermined wavelength or within a predetermined range of wavelengths. Depending upon the type of fluid, light or radiation of a particular wavelength may be required to capture an image of high contrast and clarity. Accordingly, an electronic controller communicates with the probe and the illumination assembly for automatically controlling operation thereof so that images are captured and recorded of the fluid illuminated with light of different predetermined wavelength or predetermined range of wavelengths. An analyzing unit analyzes the images and identifies an image of greatest level of contrast or clarity and the wavelength or predetermined range of wavelengths of the light used to illuminate the fluid for the image of greatest level of contrast or clarity. A method is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.