Patent ID: 6426794
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for automatically cleaning an optical flow cell containing optical elements through whose surfaces light must pass comprised ofa) attaching an ultrasonic wave generator means in firm mechanical contact to said optical flow cell; b) selecting a range of ultrasonic frequencies best coupled to the internal regions of said optical flow cell through which light passes and where precipitates and affixed particulates may occur; c) driving said ultrasonic wave generator means over said selected range of ultrasonic frequencies; d) monitoring the power dissipated by said ultrasonic wave generator; e) providing power monitoring means able to sense automatically the frequency within said range of frequencies at which said power dissipated is a maximum; f) selecting said maximum power dissipation frequency within said range of ultrasonic frequencies and fixing said driving frequency at this value; and g) flowing a particulate free fluid through said optical flow cell while said attached ultrasonic wave generator has been fixed automatically at said maximum power dissipation frequency.