GAS ANALYZER APPARATUS

A gas analyzer apparatus configured to detect the presence of one or more target gases, the gas analyzer apparatus comprising a first gas probe configured to measure one or more flue gases; a second gas probe configured to measure the presence of one or more refrigerant gas; a gas detection unit which selectively communicates with the first and second gas probes to detect the presence of a target gas; wherein the gas detection unit comprises a housing containing a power source and a user interface, wherein the user interface is configured to allow a user to selectively operate, enable and disable the first flue gas detection unit and the second refrigerant gas detection unit; and wherein in use the first and second gas probes are powered by the same power source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to GB Patent Application Serial No. 2301144.8, filed Jan. 26, 2023, entitled “Gas Analyzer Apparatus,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in gas detector technology, in particular detectors used by heating engineers and technicians.

BACKGROUND

It is known for heating engineers, to work on a variety of different environmental control systems. Each system e.g., heating and air conditioning, has different requirements and equipment that is used in order to service, repair, and maintain such systems.

This may require the engineer to carry multiple separate devices which can increase cost. Accordingly, there is a desire for a lower cost solution.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In order to mitigate at least some of the issues known with the prior art there is provided.

A gas analyzer apparatus configured to detect the presence of one or more target gases, the gas analyzer apparatus comprising a first gas probe configured to measure one or more flue gases; a second gas probe configured to measure the presence of one or more refrigerant gas; a gas detection unit which selectively communicates with the first and second gas probes to detect the presence of a target gas; wherein the gas detection unit comprises a housing containing a power source and a user interface, wherein the user interface is configured to allow a user to selectively operate, enable and disable the first flue gas detection unit and the second refrigerant gas detection unit; and wherein in use the first and second gas probes are powered by the same power source.

The present invention therefore provides an improved device in which costs are reduced as the single device is able to reuse the power supply and user interface for both flue gas analysis and refrigerant gas analysis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a device for detecting the presence of one more target gases. A gas analyzer apparatus configured to detect the presence of one or more target gases, the gas analyzer apparatus comprising: a first gas probe configured to measure one or more flue gases; a second gas probe configured to measure the presence of one or more refrigerant gas; a gas detection unit which selectively communicates with the first and second gas probes to detect the presence of a target gas; wherein the gas detection unit comprises a housing containing a power source and a user interface, wherein the user interface is configured to allow a user to selectively operate, enable and disable the first flue gas detection unit and the second refrigerant gas detection unit; and wherein in use the first and second gas probes are powered by the same power source.

The target gas is one or more gases which are to be identified and detected. Examples of target flue gases includes oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen monoxide, carbon monoxide. Examples of refrigerant gases includes fluorocarbons such as Chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins, etc. The apparatus comprises a gas detection unit which comprises, or can be connected to, a number of gas probes. The probes are inserted into the environment to be tested, such a flue, or refrigerant system, and detect the presence of the target gas within the system or leaks around it. The gas detector utilises the readings from the first and/or second probe to determine the presence, or absence, of the target gas in the environment. Beneficially, the device enables for the selective enablement and disablement of each probe. As the apparatus shares the same housing and interface the device is cheaper to manufacture and more practical for the end user to utilise as the increased functionality of the device reduces the amount of measuring equipment required.

In a development, the housing a ruggedised housing.

Gas detectors are often used in harsh environments. The ruggedised housing provides protection to the apparatus and further allows the apparatus to be used in multiple different environmental conditions.

In a development, the user interface is situated on or in the housing. In a development, the user interface is configured to output a reading indicative of the detection of one or more target gases. In a development, the user interface comprises a display and a user interface input means. In a development, the user interface input means comprises one of a touchscreen interface and/or buttons.

As the apparatus utilises a common interface to control the probe having the interface in the housing with the above-mentioned functionality ensures that the device remains compact and easy to use.

In a development, the first gas probe is a flue gas probe. In a development, the flue gas probe is configured to measure the presence of one or more of: oxygen, carbon monoxide.

For heating engineers, the detection of flue gases is often important in the repair and maintenance of systems they typically encounter.

In a development, the second gas probe is a refrigerant leak probe. In a development, the refrigerant leak probe is a metal Oxide Semiconductor sensor—MOS sensor—or an Infrared sensor—IR sensors.

A heating engineer may also work on air conditioning systems as well as flue systems. The ability to detect such gases is important during their normal course of business. The MOS and IR sensors are particular advantageous given their sensitivity to the concentrations of the target gases.

In a development, the refrigerant leak probe is configured to measure the presence of one or more fluorocarbon gases.

In a development, the gas detection unit comprises a first port configured to interface with the first and/or second gas probes. In a development, the port is a female port configured to interface with a male connector on the first and/or second gas probes.

The functionality of the unit increases with the ability of the end user to connect and disconnect probes as required. This provides for a more versatile device that may be used in multiple different use case scenarios.

In a development, the gas detection unit comprises wireless communication means configured to enable the gas detection unit to communicate with the first and/or second gas probes. In a development, the gas detection unit comprises communication means configured to enable the gas detection unit to communicate with an external computing device and/or the internet.

Often it is beneficial to have the gas detector to connect to external computing devices. For example, where the device is used across a work force being able to monitor and detect exposure to gases is advantageous.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the attached figures. It is to be noted that the following description is merely used for enabling the skilled person to understand the present invention, without any intention to limit the applicability of the present invention to other embodiments which could be readily understood and/or envisaged by the reader. In particular, the present invention is described in relation to gas burners and refrigerant systems, such as domestic systems. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention could be applied in other areas such as in the industrial and commercial context. Furthermore, whilst the device is taught with specific reference to a handheld device the techniques described herein may be utilised for other forms of device, such as mounted devices.

FIG.1is an elevation view of a gas analyzer apparatus in accordance with the invention.

There is shown the apparatus10, comprising a gas detection unit12, a housing14, a user interface16, a port18, a display20, first gas probe22and a second gas probe24. The gas detection unit12further comprises a power source (not shown inFIG.1).

The apparatus10comprises a gas detection unit12which is enclosed in a housing14. Preferably, the housing14is rugged, or ruggedised housing. The gas detection unit12is a known gas sensor and configured to the presence and preferably the concentration of one or more target gasses.

Preferably, the gas detection unit12further comprises computing elements such as a processor, a memory, and a transmitter. The gas detection unit12preferably further comprises a form of memory, preferably non-volatile memory which is capable of storing data when the gas detector is deactivated.

The gas detection unit12comprises a display20allowing a user to interact with the device in a known manner. For example, the display20may show exposure data to the gas detected and concentrations detected by the probes20or22in such examples the processor produces the exposure data from the probes in a known manner. Alternatively, as in known gas detection units12the display20may show options to configure and control a gas detection unit12in a known manner. The display20may be a known touchscreen interface. In such embodiments the touchscreen interface also functions as the user interface16.

In an embodiment the first gas probe22and second gas probe24can be selectively attached and detached to the gas detection unit12via port18. In an embodiment the port18is a female port, such as a known jack connector port and the first gas probe22and second gas probe24have a male connector such as a jack. In further embodiments the gas probes connect and communicate to the gas detection unit12via known wireless transmission means, such as Bluetooth.

In a further embodiment the first gas probe and second gas probe are integrated into the gas detection unit12. In a further embodiment the gas probes are permanently connected to the gas detection unit12through wired connections.

The gas detection unit12further comprises a user interface16configured to allow a user to interact with the device. The user interface16may comprise buttons, or an alphanumeric keypad, or a touchscreen interface. Any suitable means for enabling a user to input a command to the gas detection unit12can be used as the user interface. The user interface16is common to the either gas probe and the interface is used to selectively enable and disable each of the probes via the user interface16in a known manner. The user interface16is common to both probes therefore provides a lower cost and easier to use device.

The gas detection unit12further comprises a power source (not shown). The power source is preferably a rechargeable battery which is contained within the housing14. In an embodiment the power source is a removable and replaceable lithium ion battery. The power source powers all aspects of the gas detection unit12including the probe. As the power source is common to the probes the cost of the device is reduced.

The first gas probe22is preferably a flue gas probe. The flue gas probe is a known flue gas probe configured to detect one or more flue gases such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrogen monoxide and hydrogen. The first gas probe comprises an element which is insertable into a heating system, such as a boiler.

The second gas probe24is preferably a refrigerant gas probe. The refrigerant gas probe is a known gas probe configured to detect one or more refrigerant gases such as fluorocarbons such as Chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins, etc. Preferably given the levels and sensitivity of the refrigerant gases the probe is a metal Oxide Semiconductor sensor—MOS sensor—or an Infrared sensor—IR sensors.

The apparatus10therefore provides an easy to use and cheaper to produce gas detection apparatus. The common interface to enable and disable the probes and the common power source and display ensure that the user is able to service a variety of heating and cooling systems with the same device. This increased functionality results in reduced costs and improved usability.

FIG.2is an example of gas probe used in an embodiment of the invention.

There is shown the probe30, having an insertable end32, a graspable portion34, cable36and a male connector38.

The gas probe may be any suitable commercially available probe. The probe30is insertable by the insertable end32into the environment to be tested. The probe30is handled and manipulated via the graspable portion34and the cable36allows for the insertable end32to be introduced into an environment to be tested. The probe30is connectable to the gas detection unit12via the male connector38and the port18.

The apparatus10in an embodiment is further configured to communicate with an external computing device, such as a laptop or desktop computer. The apparatus10transfers information regarding the user's exposure and usage to the external device to allow for monitoring of the user and the device. In a further embodiment the apparatus10is further configured to connect to the internet through known means to affect the communication.