Flow monitored particle sensor
US8800383B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 2010 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2001/245
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Provided are devices and methods for monitoring flow rate in aerosol particle counters. The particle sensor has a particle counter, a flow measurement orifice comprising a differential pressure sensor for measuring differential pressure (DP) across the flow measurement orifice during particle sensor operation and a critical flow orifice. A vacuum source pulls ambient gas through each of the particle counter, flow measurement orifice and critical flow orifice. An atmospheric pressure sensor measures atmospheric pressure (AP) and a bench pressure sensor measures pressure in the particle sensor (BP). The output from the sensors is used to identify a flow condition, such as by a monitor operably connected to each of the differential pressure sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor and bench pressure sensor. In this manner, deviation in flow rate from a target flow rate is readily monitored without the need for expensive sensors or other flow-controlling components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.