Patent ID: 7573565
Filing Date: 2009-08-11
Classification: G01K,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: illuminating an interface of an optical waveguide assembly and a fluid with optical energy; determining a property of a reflection of the optical energy; and determining a density and/or temperature of the fluid based on the property of the reflection, wherein determining a density and/or temperature of the fluid based on the property of the reflection comprises relating the density and/or temperature of the fluid to the property of the reflection based on a predetermined relationship between the density and/or temperature of the fluid and the property of the reflection, and wherein the optical waveguide assembly comprises a splitter/combiner and a pair of fiber optical probes in optical communication with the splitter/combiner, with said probes comprising a fiber optic cable and a supporting ferrule and each fiber optic cable comprises at least one interior optical fiber surrounded by an additional component of said fiber optic cable, and said optical waveguide assembly further comprising a mount that includes a tubular conduit, and said optical probes being fixedly mounted in fluid sealed fashion at an end region of said mount such that each fiber optic cable is exposed to define the interface with the fluid, and wherein the method further includes immersing an end of the optical probes in the fluid such that an exposed end of each optical fiber is fixed in position at a location where said ends are placed in contact with the fluid.