Patent ID: 12222244

FIG.1illustrates the gas cell according to the preferred embodiment of the invention constituted by a pipe1with a cell2through which the measured gas is to flow. The pipe has a gas inlet3and a gas outlet4and is also provided with a mounting section1a,1bin each end e.g. including screws and seals1c(FIG.8) to mount the cell in a measuring instrument12(FIG.5) including the optical components.

As discussed above and shown inFIG.2the volume of the cell is reduced to a minimum by calculating the shape of the trajectory of the optical beam2aused to measure the gas. In the preferred embodiment shown inFIG.2the optical system5aincluded in the measuring system includes a light source6emitting in a wavelength ranges chosen depending on the characteristics of the gas to be measured, as will be well known to a person skilled in the art. The source6may include a lens to shape or collimate the beam propagating from the first part5atoward the second part5bin the other end1bof the pipe1. At the second end1bof the pipe the corresponding part5bof the measuring instrument includes a mirror8breflecting the beam back though the cell toward a mirror8ain the first end part5aof the optical system. The mirror8ain the first end part5areflects again through the cell toward a receiver7at the second part5bof the optical system, where the receiver7and transmitter6are connected to a per se known measuring system analyzing the absorption specter of the gas. The envelope including the propagating and crossing optical beams2ais calculated and the shape of the cell2is determined according to this shape2a.

This way the optical beam in the preferred embodiment propagates through the gas three times, thus having the same effect as a measuring cell being three times as long, and as illustrated inFIG.2the optical beam may be configures to cross the same volume at least twice increasing the sensitivity of the system.

Other configurations may also be contemplated, such as adding one extra mirror on each end5a,5bon the opposite sides of the transmitter and receiver making the optical signal pass five times though the cell. Also, the beam may be shaped choosing different mirror shapes and lenses. It is, however, important that the cell2shape, or the inner shape of the pipe volume, corresponds to the beam shape in order to reduce the volume of the cell, as discussed above.

FIG.3illustrates how the gas flow9propagates along the cell2defined by the pipe1. Providing a spiraling flow it is ensured that even if the composition of the gas is unevenly distributed the spiraling gas flow will pass the beams several time providing a realistic measure of the gas content, and at the same time force the old gas out of the cell without leaving any pockets of all gas behind.

The means for achieving the mixing is illustrated inFIG.4ashowing the input end of the measuring cell. In the drawing the gas enters the cell at the side of the optical components at an asymmetric feature10aleading the gas toward one side of the cell, in the illustrated example this will lead the introduced gas into the upper wall of the cell and thus the pressure will force the gas around the shape of the cell as well as into the gas conductor achieving the vortex flow.

FIG.4billustrates a similar feature10bon the output end of the gas conductor or cell making sure the vortex flow remains until it leaves the cell. Minor features along the cell pipe maintaining the vortex may also be contemplated as long as they do not interfere with the optical path or the gas movement through the cell.

Other solutions for mixing the gas may be contemplated but requires that the light beams are not obscured by any feature in the pipe. The illustrated example relates to a preferred embodiment including an asymmetric feature, but other features may also be used, such inserts or similar, e.g. positioned before the gas enters the light beam path.

FIG.5illustrates the assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the invention where the exchangeable measuring cell is mounted inside a measuring unit12. As discussed above the measuring unit comprises the optical components7,8transmitting, reflecting and receiving the measuring light beam passing thought the cell. When the cell is removed the optical components are easily available for cleaning and the cell itself may be exchanged in a simple manner.

The measuring instrument12also includes inlet13and outlet14for the gas, As mentioned above this are leads to inputs close to the optical components so that the flow preferably enter the same opening in the measuring cell as the measuring light beam. This way the measurement is obtained along or against the gas flow vortex.

The cell is fastened and sealed to the measuring instrument with suitable means11available to a person skilled in the art.

FIG.6illustrates the measuring instrument12as seen from above, with sections A-A and B-B showing the connection area for the cell ends1a,1b. As can be seen the cell end covers and area enclosing the optical components7,8as well as the gas input13aor output14aconnected to their respective inlet13and outlet14. As is illustrated the shape of the cell at the input side1aleads the gas into a swirling flow path9at the input and output ends.

This way the present invention provides a measuring cell of the multiple reflection type in which incident light is reflected a plurality of times. For analyzing a sample in the sample cell, comprising:An external frame12where all optical parts like light source6, detector7, mirrors8, as well as any windows or lenses are mounted and aligned and fixtured in correct positions in the measuring instrument, in such a way that the instrument is fully functional.A gas guiding device1that can easily be included or exchanged, the gas guiding device functions as the walls in a gas cell as well as a fluid conductor from the input to the output side, and reduces the gas volume needed for the analysis.

The present invention is primarily aimed at gas measurements such as exhaust gases, as is reflected by the drawings but may be modified to provide measurements of liquids as well within the scope of the invention.

The gas guiding volume preferably occupies a space immediately beyond the envelope region within which the incident light passes in the sample cell and has means to generate a forced turbulence or mixing as discussed above, that leaves no pockets of old gas left when new gas is entering the cell under continuous flow. Preferably this flow pattern forms a spiral through the gas cell. In order to provide an efficient exchange of the gas, the length of the cell is at least 4 times longer than diameter of the device. This to avoid that pockets of old gas is left behind, and that the old and new gas are mixed.

FIGS.7and8illustrates an alternative instrument15housing where excentre bolts16are used to fasten the cell inside the instrument. As will be well known to a person skilled in the art, by entering the bolts into suitable openings1ein the instrument and cell, and turning the bolts, in the illustrated example 180 degrees, the cell is locked in place.

As can be seen inFIG.8the preferred embodiment of the cell is shown with sealing means at both ends, in this case represented by a sealing ring1cand a pressure plate1d. Thus, when mounted in the instrument cavity the cell is sealed against the cavity ends, making sure the gas in the system does not escape.

The fluid measuring cell will preferably be made from a stiff material, and the device has means at each ends, enabling the user to force a gasket to seal the fluid between the fluid guiding device and the frame, making it tight for the present fluid. The cell material will preferably be a polymer such as POM (Polyoxymethylene), Teflon, PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene).

To summarize the present invention relates to a retrievable measuring cell for optical measurements in gas. The cell being defined by a gas conducting pipe having an input end adapted to be connected to a gas flow input intruding gas into the cell and an output end adapted to be connected to a gas flow output.

The pipe ends of the gas cell are also being adapted to be coupled to optical components including an optical transmitter transmitting light into said cell and an optical receiver adapted to receive light having passed through said cell. The optical components included a light source, at least two mirrors and a light receiver being mounted in known positions on an external frame covered by the pipe ends, and thus defines a known beam shape.

The first of said pipe ends is adapted to be connected to a transmitter and at least one mirror and the second of said pipe ends is adapted to be connected to a receiver and the same number of mirrors as the first end. The light beam will then travel at least 3 times through said cell, depending on the number of mirrors, and wherein the cell has an elongated shape corresponding to the optical beam shape. The beam shape may be defined using beam shaping mirrors, lenses etc.

Preferably the cell at the pipe input end has an asymmetric shape being adapted to force a rotating gas flow or turbulence through said pipe, making sure the gas passing though the cell is mixed. Features in the flow path may also be used as long as it does not interfere with the gas throughput.

The pipe may include sealing means for connecting to a measuring instrument connected to the optical components comprising said flow input and output as well as said optical transmitter, receiver and mirrors.

The invention also relates to a measuring instrument for receiving the retrievable measuring cell in a defined space. The instrument comprises a flow input section adapted to provide a sealed connection to the flow input pipe end in a frame at a first end of said space and a flow output adapted to provide a sealed flow output connection to the output end of said pipe at the flow output, the measuring instrument also comprises said optical components at said sealed connections transmitting and receiving the light in said cell.

All optical components are mounted in known positions covered by the pipe ends and aligned and fixtured on an external frame constituted by the measuring instrument and in predetermined positions, in such a way that the optics are fully functional with or without the cell.