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    • 专利摘要:
    method for determining in a sample a concentration of a first fluid in a second fluid and a system for determining in a sample a concentration of a first fluid in a second fluid. an optical spectral detection device to determine at least one property of a fluid. the device has an elongated porous body, a first end and a second end, a solid state optical emitter at the first end of the body oriented to emit radiation towards the second end of the body, and a solid state optical detector at the second end of the body oriented to detect radiation emitted by the optical emitter. a package to detect properties of a fluid includes a body defining a cavity, with a movable and forced carrier for a detector or optical emitter mounted in the cavity for increased reliability. a system for determining relative concentrations of fluids in a sample includes emitter / detector pairs operating at reference wavelengths and wavelengths corresponding to absorption peaks of at least two fluids, and a processor for determining concentration based on measured data and calibration data.
    公开号:BR112013031666A2
    申请号:R112013031666-7
    申请日:2012-06-07
    公开日:2021-03-09
    发明作者:John Coates；Robert Qualls
    申请人:Measurement Specialties, Inc.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] [0001] This disclosure relates to optical sensors and associated systems. More particularly, it relates to optical sensors and fluid monitoring systems used in, for example, the heavy equipment, automotive and transportation industries. Background
    [0002] [0002] The role of optical spectral measurements for the monitoring of static and dynamic fluid systems is well established in the field of spectroscopy. Traditional systems may include the use of a spectrometric measurement system, such as a spectrometer or photometer, optically interfaced with a fluid stream, such as a liquid or gas. In the case of spectrometer systems, commercial dispersive instruments near infrared (NIR) or Fourier transform infrared (FTIR, near- or intermediate to IR) often use various optical sensors used in transmission, transflectence (a combination of operating modes) transmittance and reflectance) and internal reflectance. U.S. Patent No.
    [0003] [0003] More generally, optical spectroscopy, for example, in the form of infrared spectroscopy is a recognized technique for the analysis and characterization of various types of fluids used in industrial, automotive and transportation applications, including lubricants, functional fluids and fluids. diesel emission (DEF), which are branded under the ADBLUE® trademark of Verband der Automobilindustrie EV (VDA). Such spectroscopic measurements can provide significant data on the condition of the fluid and the fluid system during service. The term infrared spectroscopy is used in the broadest sense, and includes both near infrared and intermediate to infrared, and covers the region from 700 nanometers (nm) to
    [0004] [0004] Infrared spectroscopy, as defined above, can provide measurement of fluid quality, such as DEF quality, and fluid properties, for the purposes of example only, oxidation, refrigerant contamination, fuel dilution, and content. In most cases, this information is derived directly as a measurement of chemical functionality, as defined by the characteristic vibrational group frequencies observed in the near infrared and infrared spectrum. In addition, the UV and visible spectra can provide information derived from color and / or information derived from electronic transitions and can be applied to provide information on oxidation, moisture and additive content, for example.
    [0005] [0005] Although the infrared spectral region is definitive in terms of measuring materials such as chemical entities, measurements can be difficult to implement in terms of the materials used. More specifically, the optics and associated materials used in these measuring devices are relatively expensive and do not always lend themselves to easy replication for mass production. In addition, when multiple devices are implemented in a larger monitoring system used in, for example, automotive monitoring applications, these systems often become prohibitively large, complex and expensive. Another factor to consider is the operating environment. If a monitoring system is to be used in a relatively benign environment, such as in a laboratory under standard ambient conditions or in an indoor climate-conditioned installation, then a prior art device construction can be used. However, if there is a requirement to measure a fluid system in a less favorable environment, such as on a process line (internal or external), on a vehicle, or a moving or fixed piece of equipment, then it is necessary to consider a system better able to operate under such conditions. This may include considering the temperature sensitivity of the components, as well as their robustness in terms of long-term exposure to continuous vibrations. Additional factors for consideration include size, thermal stability, immunity to vibration and cost.
    [0006] [0006] Alternative fluid measurement systems and techniques for fluid detection and monitoring that address one or more of these considerations are desired. summary
    [0007] [0007] In accordance with a configuration of the present disclosure, an optical spectral detection device for determining properties of a sample is provided. The device includes an elongated porous body having a first end and a second end. A solid state emitting source is arranged at the first end of the body and a solid state detector is arranged at the second end of the body. An electronics package is operatively connected to the device to supply power to the solid-state emitter, and to receive a signal generated by the detector. The body is configured to be at least partially submerged in the sample, and the electronics package is configured to determine a value for the depth of the fluid or the depth of submersion of the body, and to emit at least a value indicative of the depth of submersion of the body or fluid depth.
    [0008] [0008] A sensor package safe at low temperature is also provided. The package includes a housing defining an internal cavity in it for communication with a fluid to be sampled. A sensor holder is movably arranged within the internal cavity and is pressed into an operating position within the cavity by a spring element arranged between the sensor holder and a portion of the housing.
    [0009] [0009] A method for determining in a sample a concentration of a first fluid in a second fluid is also provided. The method comprises the steps of detecting a first intensity of radiation transmitted by the sample by a first beam having a first path length at a reference frequency (fref); detecting a second intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a second beam having the first path length at a frequency corresponding to an absorption peak of the first fluid; detecting a third intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a third beam having a second path length at the reference frequency; and detecting a fourth intensity of radiation transmitted by the sample through a fourth beam having the second path length at a frequency corresponding to an absorption peak of the second fluid. The sample temperature is then determined. A value equal to (the second intensity / the first intensity) - (the fourth intensity / the third intensity) is then calculated. Finally, a concentration value of the first fluid and the second fluid are calculated based on the value of (the second intensity / the first intensity) - (the fourth intensity / the third intensity), the detected temperature, and stored calibration data. Brief description of the drawings
    [0010] [0010] Figures 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary fluid monitoring system as implemented in a vehicle or heavy equipment application;
    [0011] [0011] Figures 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary methods for integrating monitoring systems according to the configurations of the present disclosure in a vehicle or heavy equipment application;
    [0012] [0012] Figures 3A-3C are seen from cross sections of various optical packages that can be used by sensors according to the configurations of the present disclosure;
    [0013] [0013] Figures 4A and 4B are seen from cross sections of insertion style sensors according to the configurations of the present disclosure;
    [0014] [0014] Figures 5A-5C illustrate inline (figures 5A and 5B) and submersible (figure 5C) sensor configurations according to the configurations of the present disclosure;
    [0015] [0015] Figures 6A-6C illustrate an exemplary tank sensor for measuring both the fluid level and composition according to a configuration of the present disclosure;
    [0016] [0016] Figures 7A-7C are seen in perspective, partial, exploded, and mounted, respectively, of an exemplary sensor and housing configured to protect against severe freezing conditions;
    [0017] [0017] Figures 8A-8D are graphical representations of the water absorption and DEF spectra, analytical wavelengths for water and urea, exemplary light-emitting diode (LED) wavelengths, and a resulting calibration function derived from them ;
    [0018] [0018] Figure 9 is a graphical representation of an exemplary LED emission spectrum and a DEF absorption spectrum at 20ºC (Celsius);
    [0019] [0019] Figure 10 shows a graphical representation of both compensated and non-compensated measurements for temperature with various DEF concentrations;
    [0020] [0020] Figure 11 is a graphical representation of an exemplary sensor emission used to measure DEF concentrations;
    [0021] [0021] Figure 12 is a graphical representation of the spectral response of ethanol-gasoline mixtures;
    [0022] [0022] Figure 13 is a graphical representation of the spectral response of biodiesel-diesel mixtures;
    [0023] [0023] Figure 14 is a process diagram illustrating a method for determining the depth of a fluid according to the configuration of figures 6A-6C; and
    [0024] [0024] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for performing temperature compensated fluid measurements according to a configuration of the present invention. Detailed Description
    [0025] [0025] It should be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant to a clearer understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for the sake of clarity, many other elements found in fluid measurement systems, including those using spectroscopy. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided here. The disclosure here is directed to all such variations and modifications known to those skilled in the art.
    [0026] [0026] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the attached drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific configurations in which the invention can be practiced. It should be understood that the various configurations of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. In addition, a particular aspect, structure, or feature described here in connection with one configuration can be implemented within other configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it should be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed configuration can be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description should therefore not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention should be defined only by the appended claims, interpreted appropriately, together with the full range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. In the drawings, equal numerals refer to the same or similar functionality through the various views.
    [0027] [0027] The term “processor” when used here generally refers to a circuit arrangement that can be contained in one or more silicon chips, and / or integrated circuit (IC) boards, and that contains at least one Unit of Central Processing (CPU), and can contain multiple CPUs. The CPU can usually include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic and logical operations, and a control unit, which extracts instructions from memory and decodes and executes them, calling ALU when needed.
    [0028] [0028] Processors can take the form of a microprocessor, and can be a low-power CMOS processor with a built-in analog to digital converter, by way of a non-limiting example only. The present invention is operable with computer storage products or computer-readable media that contain program code to perform the various operations implemented by computer. Non-transitory computer read media is any data storage device that can store data that can then be read or accessed by a computer system component such as a microprocessor. The media and program code may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be of the type well known to those of ordinary experience in computer software techniques. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic media such as hard drives, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROM discs; magneto-optical media; and specially configured hardware devices such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), and ROM and RAM devices. Examples of computer code include both machine code, as produced, for example, by a compiler, or files containing higher-level code that can be executed using an interpreter.
    [0029] [0029] The term “electronics package” as used here must be understood widely and includes any configuration of electronic components for use in supplying power to components, such as LEDs and detectors, control signals for such components, to receive data from such components, perform calculations and signal processing on data received from such components, store received and processed data, and provide output of such data to monitoring and display systems. Such packages may include discrete analog and digital components, batteries, integrated circuits configured to include multiple analog and / or digital logic components, general purpose and special purpose processors, data storage devices of all descriptions including magnetic storage media, capacitive, random access, read-only and other non-transitory, wireless and wired transmitters, receivers, and transceivers, and other devices, in a discreet and integrated manner.
    [0030] [0030] The detectors and emitters of all configurations disclosed here can be integrated into and formed integrally with electronic packages, such as on printed circuit boards such as control boards of such packages. Alternatively, detectors and emitters can be configured to be mounted separately from control boards and other electronic devices.
    [0031] [0031] The fluid measurement / monitoring systems according to the configurations of the present disclosure take into account factors of size, thermal stability, immunity against vibration and cost, and are configured to facilitate mass production. The sensors and monitoring systems according to configurations of the present disclosure can simplify the complex arrangements of the prior art by providing a specific light or source (or sources) of energy for the wavelength, a device for interfacing with the sample, and one or more detectors. These simplified spectrometric / photometric systems can be produced relatively small and compact compared to the large and expensive monitoring systems of the prior art, while retaining their functionality and reliability in harsh environments.
    [0032] [0032] These systems may include the use of solid-state light emitters (eg LEDs), low-cost solid-state detectors, integrated with optical-electronics that reduce the effects of temperature dependence, low-level optics cost that can be mass produced such as by molding techniques (if required), and low cost packaging. Residual effects of temperature can be treated by thermal modeling and the application of compensation algorithms.
    [0033] [0033] The sensor devices described in this disclosure can be implemented as monitoring devices for water-based fluids, such as DEF and refrigerants, in addition to fuels, lubricants and other functional fluids used in automotive vehicles, heavy equipment, and various forms of transport involving fluid lubricant and dynamic energy conversion systems. They can include sensor devices to monitor engine oils, transmission oils, hydraulic oils and fluids, turbine oils, coolants and any fluid system that protects mechanical moving parts or transmits energy to moving parts. Throughout the disclosure, the term fluid is considered in the broadest sense, and can include gases and vapors, which include fuel degassing vapors, sliding and diversion gases from combustion zones, and exhaust gases. In one or more configurations, the sensor can be operated immersed in fluid, and measurements can be made in a static environment such as a storage tank or vessel, or in a mobile environment, such as a fuel line or exhaust pipe. It should be understood that the measurement period can vary from less than a second, to a few seconds, to periods of days or longer, such as for systems where the change in the composition of the fluid (chemistry) changes slowly, if it changes. When used for fluid quality assessment the sensor is intended to monitor changes in composition, including contamination from the use of an incorrect fluid.
    [0034] [0034] Referring generally to figures 1A-1C an exemplary fluid monitoring system is shown as implemented in an automotive or heavy equipment application. As noted above, sensors according to the configurations in this disclosure may be suitable for fluid monitoring in all aspects of equipment operation. With reference to figures 1A and 1C, for applications such as DEF quality monitoring, a sensor 10 can be located within a given fluid stream, such as in the supply lines or in a fluid dosing system 2. Additionally, a sensor can be configured as a submersible component located inside a supply tank 1 (eg, a DEF or fuel tank).
    [0035] [0035] Referring generally to figures 1B and 1C, sensors according to disclosure settings can also be used for monitoring oil condition (eg, oxidation and nitration) in gasoline and natural gas burning engines . For this application, the detection devices can be located on the output side of a primary (or secondary) filtration system 3 of an engine, where a filter 8 is inserted into the chain on the return side of the filter-housing block. The advantages of mounting the sensor on the filter block include convenient access, external mounting, and reduced operating temperature. Alternative positions for the sensors described here can include transmission 4, cooling system 5 and rear axle 7. Another sensor position is within a relatively cooler location of exhaust system 6, where an isolated probe and sensor they can thermally monitor exhaust gas for species such as NOx (see also figure 4B). Although many of the configurations of the present disclosure are described in the context of sensor devices installed in a vehicle, or a system powered by a combustion engine,
    [0036] [0036] With reference to figures 2A and 2B, with one or more sensors on board a vehicle or piece of equipment, the measured data can be provided for a display or data handling system on board. Configurations of the present disclosure can communicate the sensory output back to the operator / driver via one or more alarms, alerts, displays or status lights. Referring to figure 2A, in an implementation, an independent system 20 includes a functional display and associated interface hardware 14 directly responsive to the output of a sensor 10 to communicate data to an operator. This type of interface can be advantageously implemented as an overhaul of an existing vehicle or piece of equipment. With reference to figure 2B, in other configurations, however, the measurement systems can be more fully incorporated into the vehicle's original equipment (OE) control / computer systems. For example, the output of one or more sensors 10 can be provided for the vehicle management system, including an on-board computer or data management processor 9. From this management system, sensory output data can be provided for , for example, an operator display 11, an external communication device 12 (eg, a transmitter for communication with a remote monitoring system), or stored in memory via a data bus 13 for further processing or retrieval. It should be appreciated that the sensors 10 can receive energy supplied by the data bus 13 or through the vehicle's normal energy distribution system.
    [0037] [0037] The sensors according to the configurations of the present invention generally comprise low energy devices operating internally at 3.5 to 5 volts, and configured to receive and process input voltages normally found in vehicles and ranging from 12 to 40 volts CC. The sensors can be configured with various electronics packages, such as a simple digital output device or an intelligent sensor that provides processed numeric data. The output from the sensor can be provided directly to any suitable type of display, such as a simple status light, for example, a three-state LED: green (OK), yellow (alert) and red (alert or problem) , or for an alphanumeric or graphic display, for example, an LCD display. Alternatively, the sensor can provide a standardized format output (eg, SAE J1939) for the vehicle or equipment data bus 13, such as the CAN bus (eg, a 5V-Highspeed-CAN, 250 kbit, ISO11898) of a vehicle, provide diagnostic data (OBDI / II) to an on-board computer, which in turn supports and display an intelligent sensor output 11.
    [0038] [0038] The sensors described here can use any suitable optical package, operate in a variety of modes (eg, reflectance formats or internal transflectance), as registered in U.S. Patent No. 7,339,657. For example, with reference to figure 3A, sensors according to configurations of the present invention can comprise a light source 32, a reflector 33 and a detector 34 configured for an internal reflectance mode of operation. Likewise, the transmittance mode (figure 3B) and light scattering modes 24 (figure 3C) can be implemented. These configurations may include the formation of an open path or channel 31 in the reflector 33 to allow fluid to flow between a pair of opposing optical surfaces, thus providing a transmission path for the optical beam. In the transmittance mode, the absorption measurement is proportional to the thickness of the channel 31. Consequently, this channel can be formed as, for example, a narrow slit for opaque or highly absorbent fluids, or as a wider cavity or channel for samples of lower absorption.
    [0039] [0039] It should be noted that in the transmission mode (figure 3B), multiple LED source components can be configured in close proximity or packaged with an almost common light path. The system can use a comparable set of detectors (or a reduced set of detectors) depending on the final beam path and divergence through the optical structure (not shown). This is an important facet and is used in fluid quality monitors to allow multicomponent monitoring. For example, a DEF quality monitoring system can be provided which uses LEDs (and corresponding detectors) at a reference wavelength, and wavelengths corresponding to absorption peaks of two or more fluids in a sample of two or more fluids, such as three LEDs at wavelengths of 810 nm (reference), 970 nm (which corresponds to absorption peaks in water and hydroxyl), and 1050 nm (which corresponds to an absorption peak in urea).
    [0040] [0040] Referring generally to figures 4A and 4B, configurations of the present disclosure include insertion style sensors used to measure one or more properties of liquids (sensor 40, figure 4A) and gases / vapors (sensor 41, figure 4B) . Sensors 40, 41 are shown using an internal reflectance setting. Each sensor 40, 41 comprises an electronics package 49 to control the sensor's optics including LED (s) 42 and detector (s) 44 in combination with a reflector 43 (eg, a slotted reflector. Note that the number of detectors used is a function of the lighting area (from the source), the desired sensitivity (as defined by the signal-to-noise ratio, SNR) and the space available. liquid insertion environment configured for longer path lengths In this layout the reflector 43 is located at a distance that provides the desired net path length, taking into account the total path traversed by the retroreflected radiation. extended trajectory 45 and is intended for gas and steam measurements Other configurations may include an optional protective thermal barrier 46 intended for exhaust gas or other applications high temperature (eg through an exhaust pipe 48). The introduction of gases into the sensor 41 is passive and depends on the permeation of the gases / vapors through a medium such as gauze or a stainless steel membrane 47.
    [0041] [0041] Referring generally to figures 5A-5C, the sensors according to the configurations of the present disclosure also include inline and submersible packages.
    [0042] [0042] In an alternative configuration illustrated in figure 5C, sensor 51 operates in a “confrontation” mode, where the electronics package 51 includes a light source 52, (eg, an LED) and a detector 54 generally located opposite each other, between which a detection area 59 is arranged. Although sensor 51 can be intended to be used as a submersible sensor that can be located within, for example, a fluid metering tank, this configuration it is not restricted to use in a tank, and can be integrated into a through-flow system.
    [0043] [0043] The geometries shown for the sensors illustrated in figures 4A and 5A-5C above are based on the absorption profiles for common fluids in the NIR to intermediate IR spectral regions providing path lengths of a few millimeters up to about 50 mm. The length of the gas measurement path for the gas implementation shown in figure 4B can be longer, and with the folded geometry a path length of up to 500 mm can be considered. However, an alternative tank configuration of the present disclosure to measure both fluid level and fluid quality / composition in a tank application is illustrated in figures 6A-6C. In this confrontation mode configuration, the path length is defined by the volume of fluid in a tank 68 and the anticipated depth of the fluid. In this configuration, the depth to be measured can be a liquid, not a gas, the volume above the liquid level being of gases. More specifically, the sensor 60 is housed in an elongated porous body or housing 61, which can be in the form of a hollow tube, which can be cylindrical. The active components (eg, a light source / LED (s)) 62 of the sensor can be mounted on the lower end of housing 61 (figure 6C). The receiver or detector 64 can be arranged at an opposite end (figure 6B), for example, at the top of the tank 68 with control electronics and associated data processing 65. The light source 62 and detector 64 can be arranged and oriented in such a way that the light source 62 transmits radiation along the body from one end to the other, and can additionally in one configuration transmit radiation through the hollow interior of the body 61 to the detector 64. The assembly of the light source 62 inside of the hollow body may tend to protect the light source 62 from physical shock.
    [0044] [0044] Each of the sensor configurations described above that form the basis of a solid state measurement system uses a spectrally selective source (eg, an LED) and a detector. The configurations described here may use optical interfacing based on, for example, direct coupling line of sight of the source (s) and detector (s) (ie, confrontation mode), or by a transflectance configuration, such as registered in more detail in US patent No. 7,339,657.
    [0045] [0045] In one configuration, the detectors comprise one or more detectors based on silicon. Silicon photodiode detectors have the advantages of high sensitivity across a wide spectral region (nominally 350 nm at
    [0046] [0046] Regarding light sources, LEDs offer the advantages of color specificity or wavelength, constant emission, low energy consumption, no significant thermal emission, emission frequency modulation capacity, compactness and robustness, availability large number of packaging options, and extremely low cost. A relatively wide range of spectral wavelengths are commercially available off the shelf for LED sources from 240 nm (remote UV) to 3000 nm (IV-intermediate). Longer wavelengths are also available. Likewise, solid-state detectors can be combined with optical filters to provide wavelength selection. This integration can be a physical combination of a filter element with the detector device, or the filter can be processed in the detector device at the veneer level.
    [0047] [0047] In addition, certain LEDs are commercially available with matching detectors, examples being the short wave NIR LEDs, which are commonly used for remote "infrared" monitoring and control. Certain LEDs can operate in two or more states producing more than one wavelength (such as red, yellow and green) from a single device. This allows for a very compact design using a single source and a single detector, and where the emission for individual wavelengths is differentiated by different modulation frequencies. In certain measurement systems up to four or five or more unique wavelengths (for example, blue, green, yellow, red and NIR wavelengths) will be monitored, each as individual wavelengths, each detected by a single ( or multiple) detector, and differentiated based on the modulation frequency. The multiple channels will be modeled to provide color profiling and multiple component determinations. LED packages including multiple LEDs can be used to implement this configuration of optics.
    [0048] [0048] Configurations of the present disclosure may also implement one or more integrated circuits to perform optical data processing, optical compensation, temperature compensation, analog and digital signal processing, and external communications.
    [0049] [0049] The placement of the optical-electronic elements (that is, the LEDs and detectors) is important to ensure optimal image formation through the optical interfacing structure. In a standard environment, with moderate operating temperatures, optical-electronics are coupled close to the optical interfacing structure. Typical distances are expected to be about 1 mm to 1 meter (1 m) or greater. At shorter distances, no optical elements of image formation are contemplated. However, at greater distances, supplementary lenses made of glass or plastic can be placed in front of the LED source (s) and detector (s) to improve image quality. The alternatives will include the use of light conduits, from the optical interfacing structure to the optical-electronic ones. The light conduits can be in the form of glass or plastic rods (combined indexed or otherwise) or optical fibers.
    [0050] [0050] The packaging of the configurations of the present disclosure may include manufacturing housing from low-cost materials. Examples may include aluminum moldings or extrusions, machined plastics, plastic moldings and extrusions, and porous metal mesh, as in the case of submersible sensors (figures 5A-6C). Fluids such as DEF can be aggressive to materials such as aluminum, and metals such as stainless steel. The sensor package components can be made of plastics such as polyolefins, polysulfones and polyethers (such as acetal resin from the DELRIN® brand of EI DuPont de Nemours and Company), by way of example, to prevent corrosion or damage from fluid. Material selection will be based on application and cost requirements. In cases where high temperature applications are involved (80ºC or higher), a provision to provide external cooling ribs and the use of thermally insulating materials between the optical structure and the optical-electronics are provided as options in the design.
    [0051] [0051] As noted above, sensor packages must be able to function reliably in harsh environmental conditions. For example, fluid sensors in an automotive application find temperatures from -40ºC to 80ºC for outdoor installations, and -40ºC to 130ºC for under-hood applications (for engines) for fluid flow, and up to 200ºC for instant storage temperatures. The sensors have operating temperature ranges recommended for specific applications. A primary specification is that the sensor can survive the temperature range without sustaining physical, mechanical or electronic damage. An additional temperature specification is a range for actual operation. This is typically linked to the fluid's working temperature range. A practical example is DEF, where the fluid freezes below -11ºC, and can degrade at temperatures above 60ºC.
    [0052] [0052] The freezing of aqueous systems is especially problematic where there is a captive area where fluid exits or drains (eg, in a closed system). For example, water can expand up to 10% by volume as it freezes.
    [0053] [0053] Referring generally to figures 7A-7C, the configurations of the present disclosure incorporate a configuration of an optical sensor package, such as an in-line fluid property sensor, which provides protection against severe freezing and prevents or alleviates damage physicists with the freezing of a fluid contained in it. These configurations include a mechanism that behaves like a piston working against the back pressure of a high voltage spring. More specifically, a configuration of a sensor 74 having holes 75 (e.g., in an inlet and an outlet) arranged therein, and an upper part 72 (figure 7C). The lower portion 74 of the housing defines an internal cavity 71 in communication with the orifices 75 to provide a fluid to be sampled therein. A piston-like sensor carrier 76 is arranged movably within the inner cavity 71. The carrier 76 can be elastically mounted in the cavity 71, such as by flexible pressure tabs connecting the carrier 76 to an inner wall of the cavity 71, thus both pressing while retaining the carrier 76. A spring element 80, which can be a Belleville washer, is arranged between a portion of the housing and the sensor holder 76. An optical package 73 is arranged in and loaded by the sensor holder 76. The sensor holder 76 is sealed to an inner wall of the lower portion 74 by the sealing element 79, which can be a double o-ring, making cavity 71 a closed cavity for fluid transmission via holes 75. As a fluid within cavity 71 expands with freezing, if the frozen material contacts and applies force exceeding the retaining force of the spring element 80 to the optical package 73 and / or carrier 76, carrier 76 is generally moved upwards a against the pressing force of the spring element 80. This displacement relieves the stresses that could otherwise cause breakage or damage to either the housing or the optical package. As the frozen fluid melts with increased temperature, the optical package 73 is forced back into its operational position against a fixed mechanical stop 81 defined in the housing via the pressure exerted by the spring element. This spring pressure and fixed stop arrangement 81 ensures that the path length integrity and optical alignment are maintained, or re-realized, when carrier 76 is returned to the operational position despite the movement of the optical package during freezing conditions. . The spring element 80 can be selected such that carrier 76 is not displaced under normal operating fluid pressures. A circuit board 83 may be provided, including control circuits, to operate the sensor's optical package.
    [0054] [0054] When used in a flow mode application, below the freezing point, solid material is usually trapped inside the sensor packages. Even as these systems thaw with increased temperature, the short-term retention of solid material can, however, restrict the flow of fluid through the sensor. In order for the sensor not to restrict the system, there may be a requirement to defrost the sensor, or to prevent the fluid contained in it from freezing, to allow the system to operate. This can be provided via a built-in heating element 78 arranged within the sensor housing 72, 74. The heating element 78 can comprise a physical element (e.g., an electrically conductive polymer or other material having electrically resistive properties) provided, for example, example, around an outer portion of cavity 71, or it can be integrated into sensor housing 72, 74. In such a configuration, circuit board 83 can additionally be configured with a temperature detector, and provide electrical energy for the element heater 78 in response to detecting a temperature at or below the freezing point of the fluid. The circuit board 83 can be further configured to detect frozen material via optical signal processing. In another configuration, the heating component is arranged externally to an external wall of the sensor package in the form of a heating sheet.
    [0055] [0055] Referring generally to figure 8A, using configurations of the sensors described here in a simple binary fluid system, such as in a DEF system, the absorption spectrum of the two main components (ie water 81 and DEF 82) can be spectrally separated. Concentration measurements are obtained by using two or more LEDs that represent the analytical wavelengths for the analysis. The wavelengths of these LEDs are indicated in figures 8B and 8C, where analytical wavelengths for water, urea and a reference wavelength are defined. The measurement can be reinforced by performing the measurement as a differential, where the water response is referenced against the DEF response. Using normal spectral absorption calculations based on the absorption of the analytical wavelengths for water and urea referenced against a reference wavelength, a DEF calibration function 85 can be derived (figure 8D).
    [0056] [0056] Experiments performed across various operating temperature ranges indicate that both electronics and many fluids exhibit temperature sensitivity that results in inaccuracies in measured parameters. According to a configuration here, this hysteresis can be modeled by observing the sensor responses with different temperature settings for the sensor immersed in various types of fluid. From these observations a series of response curves can be derived. The mathematical adjustment showed that these functions are reproducible and are easily adjusted to a simple polynomial function. More specifically, the temperature response functions of both the fluid and the sensor can be represented by a simple second order polynomial. An exemplary calculation to perform this thermal modeling is outlined below.
    [0057] [0057] In figure 15, an optical sensor based on LED 100 is schematically illustrated and configured to measure the DEF composition of a fluid. Exemplary sensor 100 may comprise two optical packages A, B, each comprising two LEDs. Package A contains 810 nm and 970 nm 101, 102 wavelength LEDs, while package B contains 810 nm and 1050 nm 101, 103 wavelength LEDs. In the exemplary configuration, there is an 810 nm 101 LED in each package because the 810 nm light is unaffected by water or DEF and, as such, they can be used as a reference and can be used to compensate for variations resulting from path length differences. Thus, a “1050/810” ratio represents the relative amount of light intensity of 1050 nm compared to the light intensity of 810 nm. The same is true for a “970/810” ratio. Optical packages A, B additionally comprise respective reference detectors 105 responsive to the emission of reference emitters 101, as well as detectors 106, 107 responsive to emitters 102, 103, respectively. The sensor 100 further comprises a processor 109 responsive to a temperature sensor 110 to measure the temperature of a fluid 104 to be sampled, and to perform the steps described below to calculate the fluid composition. Memory device 108 is provided to store predetermined temperature for absorption / intensity ratios of DEF and water. More specifically, memory device 108 can store calibration data, include values of radiation intensity transmitted through water at the reference frequency; the frequency corresponding to a peak of water absorption; the frequency corresponding to a peak of DEF absorption; intensity values transmitted by DEF at the reference frequency; the frequency corresponding to a peak of DEF absorption; and the frequency corresponding to the peak of DEF absorption.
    [0058] [0058] In operation, sensor 100 turns on one LED at a time in sequence, the LED light is transmitted through a specific volume of the DEF fluid. As light passes through the fluid, certain chemical bonds in the fluid absorb energy at specific wavelengths of light. For example, figure 89 illustrates a spectrum of LED emission and the absorption spectrum of DEF (also interchangeably called DEF) at 20ºC. As shown, the OH bond in water absorbs at 970 nm, while the NH bond in urea absorbs at about 1,050 nm. By measuring the relative energy detected by the detector, the amount of light absorbed in these two wavelengths is measured, and having a reference for each LED to normalize the variations in optical paths, the concentration of urea in water can be calculated.
    [0059] [0059] In practice, the nominal urea concentration in DEF is 32.5% since it provides the lowest freezing point; this urea concentration is considered to be 100% DEF. Consequently, an algorithm according to a configuration of the present invention can use the absorption ratios of 1050/970 pure water to be 0% DEF and the absorption ratios of 1050/970 pure DEF to be 100% as extreme points in the calibration: DA (T) represents the difference between the LEDs 1050 nm and 970 nm at a given temperature in pure DEF: DA (T) = 1050 / 810B (DEF) –970 / 810A (DEF) = da2 * T2 + da1 * T = da0 DT (T) represents the difference between the scaled ratio of pure water, minus the scaled DEF ratio: DT (T) = (1050 / 810B - 970 / 810A) W - (1050 / 810B - 970 / 810A) DEF = dt2 * T2 + dt1 * T + dt0
    [0060] [0060] An O (T) scaling term can be provided to normalize the two 810 nm signals if necessary: O (T) = o2 * T2 + o1 (T) = 02
    [0061] [0061] The absorption ratio of 1050; / 970 of the "measured" fluid of unknown composition is then scaled linearly using the previously calibrated 0% and 100% ratios: DM = 100 * O (T) * 1050raw / 810Braw - 100 * 970raw / 810Araw
    [0062] [0062] Finally, the DEF composition of the fluid can be calculated according to the following relationship:% DEF = 100 * ((DT (T) + DA (T)) - DM / DT (T)
    [0063] [0063] As the absorption ratios are a strong function of temperature in various concentrations, the defined points 0% and 100% can be adjusted to the actual temperature during measurements.
    [0064] [0064] The calculated DEF composition comprises a linear extrapolation, including a normalizing function for the 810 nm (O (T)) LED differences, and is a function of the fluid temperature. Figure 10 provides both corrected and uncorrected temperature outputs from an exemplary sensor, illustrating the functional benefits of the temperature correction algorithm described above.
    [0065] [0065] When determining the concentration by an electronics package according to a configuration, calibration data including temperature-dependent linear interpolation data between pure first fluid and pure second fluid intensity data can be stored in a memory device and accessed by a processor.
    [0066] [0066] Referring generally to figure 11, exemplary emissions from a sensor for changes in fluid concentration are shown. According to a configuration of the present disclosure, using a control computer responsive to the emission of one or more sensors, error codes can be generated which show the concentration being below an acceptable level. In the case of DEF, this predetermined value 110 can be approximately 80%. Other error codes that can be considered based on the relative and / or absolute absorption responses of the LEDs include empty sensor, dirty sensor, dirty fluid and / or wrong fluid, since it is relevant to the presence of coolant or fuel, for example .
    [0067] [0067] Although the configurations described above of the present disclosure have been described primarily in the context of an aqueous system, it should be understood that the applications of the sensors described here are not limited to this fluid, and mixtures such as refrigerant mixtures can be considered. Also, non-aqueous systems can be considered, such as fuels. For example, determining the ethanol content of gasoline-ethanol mixtures can be especially useful given today's use of flex fuel applications. An exemplary spectral response function for gasoline-ethanol systems is illustrated in figure 12. Likewise, another fuel system that can be measured by the quality / composition sensor is the amount of biodiesel used in biodiesel blends. These mixtures involve mixtures with petroleum diesel, where the biodiesel content can vary from zero, B0, up to 5% B5, up to 100% B100. Using, for example, a system of 6 LEDs, the sensor can be adapted to monitor mixtures of biodiesel. A spectral response function for this system is illustrated in figure 13.
    [0068] [0068] Exemplary applications for the configurations described here include the following: a) Quality assessment and monitoring of the diesel emission fluid composition (here DEF and AdBlue®), b) Composition of mixed fuels, including biofuels, such as mixtures of biodiesel and gasoline-ethanol mixtures, c) Monitoring of gases and vapors, with an example of NOx components in exhaust and exhaust gases, d) monitoring of oxidation / acidity in transmission and other lubricating oils, e) measurement the condition of the oil in gasoline engines and natural gas flaring based on the formation of oxidation and nitro-oxidation products, f) the measurement of dispersed water (high levels) in hydraulic and lubrication oil systems, g) the measurement turbidity, which can result from water, entrainment of air and / or particulates or other materials insoluble in functional fluids, h) the measurement of the condition of the refrigerant, based on color, composition and turbidity, i) the measurement of mat marker materials for compatibility, use and / or fluid condition (colored markers added to indicate chemical changes), including fuel markers, j) monitoring of battery acid condition (acid power), based on a color indicator, etc. . k) fluid monitoring of the rear axle for level and decomposition l) measurement of fluid density based on refractive index
    [0069] [0069] The exemplary configurations of the present disclosure may include:
    [0070] [0070] A urea quality sensor (UQS): A sensor based on optical transmission measurements with a path length defined by the spectral measurement method. The fluid is considered to be a two-component system, involving water and urea as the designated and only ingredients, and where the spectral measurement is based on the unique absorptions of the urea's amino functionality, CO (NH2) 2, and the functionality of water hydroxyl, H2O or HO-H. Those experienced in the technique of optical and vibrational spectroscopy will recognize that these are well-defined and unique features and can be measured in at least five regions of the total spectral range from visible to intermediate infrared. For convenience and in line with the objective of defining a cost effective solution, the selected measurement region is the short-wave near infrared, where the wavelengths are selected from 970 nm to 1050 nm for the measurement of these two functionalities. These wavelengths can be monitored by LEDs with nominal emissions at 970 nm and 1050 nm. As noted above, the measurement can be maximized for the dynamic range by a differential measurement, referenced to an internal standard wavelength at 810 nm to provide a calibration function. This can be done considering that there are only two components that are supposed to be in the fluid.
    [0071] [0071] Mixture composition for biofuels: There are two common uses for biofuels for automotive and combustion engine applications and these are for biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters or FAME) and for ethanol. In both cases, the fuel is used as a mixture with standard hydrocarbon diesel for biodiesel and standard gasoline for ethanol. These are sometimes referred to as B-blends (B0 to B100) for biodiesel and E-blends (E0 to
    [0072] [0072] Monitoring of gases and vapors: Optical spectroscopy can be used for the detection and monitoring of the composition of gases and vapors, and these measurements can be performed across the entire spectral region from UV to intermediate infrared. At low concentration a longer path length is required and an example of the path length is provided in the sensor's retro-reflective configuration, as shown in figure 4B. There is a desire to have a low-cost NOx measurement. This can be done in the UV using UV LEDs, to monitor NO and NOx. This measurement mirrors the industrially used method for the gas phase measurement of these two NOx emission components.
    [0073] [0073] Density monitoring via refractive index:
    [0074] [0074] Monitoring of oxidation and nitration products in gasoline and gas-burning engines: It has been satisfactorily demonstrated that the optical spectrum can model and tend to both oxidation and nitro-oxidation if multiple wavelengths are monitored in the NIR regions visible and shortwave. As the oil oxidizes and degrades, extended double bonded structures are formed as part of the aldol condensations that occur on the degradation path. These materials eventually become insoluble organic sludge that separates from the oil after prolonged use. As the extended double bond structures are formed, the absorption wavelength of these materials moves to the red end of the spectrum, and eventually into shortwave NIR. They can be tracked by monitoring the visible wavelengths (green, yellow, red) and the NIR. Also, the formation of nitro components from NOx components can also be traced in the visible.
    [0075] [0075] Monitoring of oxidation and acidity number in automatic transmissions: The red dye used in automatic transmission fluids Dextron can be demonstrated to act as an acid-base indicator, reflecting the condition and acidity of the fluid during use. The acidity number of transmissions used on buses is a problem with warranty claims. An on-board sensor capable of modeling the acidity value based on visible dye monitoring can provide an early warning for unacceptable (warranty-related) acidity numbers. A sensor configured in a similar way to the described oxidation sensor may be suitable, but probably without the need for the NIR channel.
    [0076] [0076] Although the previous invention has been described with reference to the configuration described above, several modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and changes are considered to be within the scope of the appended claims. Consequently, the specification and drawings should be viewed in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The attached drawings that form part of this show, by way of illustration, and not limitation, specific configurations in which the matter in question can be practiced. The illustrated configurations are described in sufficient detail to allow those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed here. Other configurations can be used and derived from them, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be produced without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various configurations is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
    [0077] [0077] Such configurations of the inventive material in question may be referred to here, individually and / or collectively, by the term "invention" merely for convenience and without intending voluntarily to limit the scope of this patent application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is actually released. Therefore, although specific configurations have been illustrated and described here, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose can be a substitute for the specific configurations displayed. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations of variations of various configurations. Combinations of the above configurations, and other configurations not specifically described here, will be apparent to those skilled in the art when examining the description above.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [1]
    1. Method for determining in a sample a concentration of a first fluid in a second fluid, characterized by the fact that it comprises: - detecting a first intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a first beam of a reference wavelength; - detecting a first intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a second beam of a first wavelength; - detecting a third intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a third beam of the reference wavelength; - detecting a fourth intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a fourth beam of a second wavelength; and - determining a concentration value of the first fluid in the second fluid based in part on the first, second, third and fourth detected intensities.
    [2]
    2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises the steps of: - detecting a sample temperature; and - access stored calibration data; and the step of determining a concentration value of the first fluid in the second fluid is additionally based on the value of (the second intensity / the first intensity) - (the fourth intensity / the third intensity), the detected temperature, and the data calibration data.
    [3]
    3. Method, according to claim 2, characterized in that the calibration data comprise data indicative of: (a) values of intensity of radiation transmitted through the first fluid at (i) the reference wavelength; (ii) a wavelength corresponding to an absorption peak of the first fluid; and (iii) a wavelength corresponding to the absorption peak of the second fluid; and (b) values of radiation intensity transmitted through the second fluid at (i) the reference wavelength; (ii) the wavelength corresponding to an absorption peak of the first fluid; and (iii) the wavelength corresponding to the absorption peak of the second fluid.
    [4]
    4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the calibration data additionally comprises temperature-dependent linear interpolation data between intensity data of the first pure fluid and second pure fluid.
    [5]
    5. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second bundles comprise a first path length, and the third and fourth bundles comprise a second path length.
    [6]
    6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the first wavelength corresponds to an absorption peak of the first fluid, the second wavelength corresponding to an absorption peak of the second fluid, and the reference wavelength is selected so that the first and third beams are not absorbed by the fluid.
    [7]
    7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that:
    - detecting a first intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a first beam having a first path length at a reference frequency (fref); - detecting a second intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a second beam having the first path length at a frequency corresponding to an absorption peak of the first fluid; - detecting a third intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a third beam having a second path length at the reference frequency; - detecting a fourth intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a fourth beam having the second path length at a frequency corresponding to an absorption peak of the second fluid.
    [8]
    8. System for determining in a sample a concentration of a first fluid in a second fluid, characterized by the fact that it comprises: - at least one sensor to detect: - a first intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a first beam of a length reference wave; - a second intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a second beam of a first wavelength; - a third intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a third beam of the reference wavelength; - a fourth intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a fourth beam of a second wavelength; and - a processor in communication with at least one sensor, the processor configured to calculate, based on the first, second, third and fourth intensities detected, a concentration value of the first fluid in the second fluid.
    [9]
    9. System according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a memory device in communication with the processor to store calibration data.
    [10]
    10. System according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it additionally comprises a temperature sensor in communication with the processor for the detection of the sample temperature.
    [11]
    11. System according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the processor is configured to calculate the concentration value of the first fluid in the second fluid based on the value of (the second intensity / the first intensity) - (the fourth intensity / third intensity), the detected temperature, and the stored calibration data.
    [12]
    12. System according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that: - the first and second bundles comprise a first path length; - the third and fourth bundles comprise a second path length different from the first path length; - the first wavelength corresponding to an absorption peak of the first fluid; and - the second wavelength corresponding to an absorption peak of the second fluid.
    [13]
    13. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the reference wavelength is selected so that the first and third beams are not absorbed by the fluid.
    [14]
    14. System according to claim 13, characterized in that the reference wavelength is about 810 nm, the wavelength corresponding to an absorption peak of the first fluid is 970 nm, and the corresponding wavelength the peak of absorption of the second fluid is 1050 nm, and the system is configured to determine a concentration of urea in water.
    [15]
    15. System according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a sensor comprising: - a first pair of detector and emitter for detecting a first intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a first beam having a first path length at a reference frequency (fref); - a second pair of detector and emitter for detecting a second intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a second beam having the first path length at a frequency corresponding to an absorption peak of the first fluid; - a third pair of detector and emitter for detecting a third intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a third beam having a second path length at the reference frequency; - a fourth pair of detector and emitter to detect a fourth intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by a fourth beam having the second path length at a frequency corresponding to an absorption peak of the second fluid.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CN106645002A|2017-05-10|
    US20160076996A1|2016-03-17|
    US20140226149A1|2014-08-14|
    CN106706542B|2020-03-27|
    EP2718680A1|2014-04-16|
    JP2014516168A|2014-07-07|
    KR20140049540A|2014-04-25|
    US20160076995A1|2016-03-17|
    CN103748441A|2014-04-23|
    US9851295B2|2017-12-26|
    CN106645002B|2020-07-21|
    EP2718680A4|2014-11-05|
    CN103748441B|2016-12-28|
    WO2012170743A1|2012-12-13|
    CN106706542A|2017-05-24|
    JP6091500B2|2017-03-08|
    KR101951971B1|2019-02-25|
    US9964483B2|2018-05-08|
    US9322773B2|2016-04-26|
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    法律状态:
    2021-03-23| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2021-12-14| B350| Update of information on the portal [chapter 15.35 patent gazette]|
    2022-02-08| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201161520308P| true| 2011-06-07|2011-06-07|
    US61/520,308|2011-06-07|
    PCT/US2012/041431|WO2012170743A1|2011-06-07|2012-06-07|Optical sensing device for fluid sensing and methods therefor|
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