OPTICAL SENSOR AND METHOD

专利摘要:
self-cleaning optical sensor. an optical sensor may include a sensor header that has an optical window to direct light into a fluid stream and/or receive optical energy from the fluid. the optical sensor may also include a flow chamber that includes a housing defining a cavity into which the sensor head can be inserted. in some examples, the flow chamber includes an inlet port defining a flow nozzle that is configured to direct fluid entering the flow chamber against the optical window of the sensor head. in operation, the force of the entering fluid impacting the optical window can prevent dirty materials from accumulating in the optical window.
公开号:BR112014026374B1
申请号:R112014026374-4
申请日:2013-04-30
公开日:2022-01-11
发明作者:William M. Christensen；Eugene Tokhtuev；Christopher J. Owen；Anatoly Skirda
申请人:Ecolab Usa Inc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This description pertains to optical sensors and more particularly to optical sensor fluid control. FUNDAMENTALS
[002] Aqueous chemical solutions are used in a variety of situations. For example, in different applications, aqueous cleaning solutions are used to clean, sanitize, and/or disinfect kitchens, bathrooms, schools, hospitals, factories, and other similar facilities. Aqueous cleaning solutions typically include one or more chemical species dissolved in the water. Chemical species impart various functional properties to water such as cleaning properties, antimicrobial activity, and the like. Measuring the concentration of chemical species in the aqueous solution prior to use can be beneficial in understanding the properties of the solution and in determining whether adjustment is necessary. For example, chemical solution monitoring can be especially useful in many industrial applications. In some cases, substantially real-time monitoring is used to determine a concentration of a chemical in a cleaning solution and then to adjust the chemical concentration over a period of cleaning time. In other cases, measurements may be carried out periodically to maintain a nominal chemical concentration in the solution over a comparatively long period of operation.
[003] An optical sensor is a type of device that can be used to analyze a chemical solution. The optical sensor can direct light through an optical window into a fluid solution and receive light from the fluid through an optical window. The optical sensor can direct and receive light through the same optical window or different optical windows. In either case, the optical sensor can determine a fluid solution characteristic based on the light received from the fluid solution. For example, the optical sensor may determine a concentration of a chemical species in the fluid based on the wavelength and/or magnitude of light received from the fluid.
[004] In some applications, an optical sensor can be used to determine a characteristic of a fluid that contains a dirt material. In such a situation, an optical window of the optical sensor can become dirty, restricting the amount of light directed and/or received through the optical window. When light is restricted, the optical sensor may not determine a characteristic of the fluid solution as accurately as when the optical window is comparatively cleaner. For example, the optical sensor may attribute a reduced magnitude of light received from the fluid solution as being indicative of the fluid solution having a lower concentration of a chemical species rather than the attribute of reduced amount of light to dirt interference. SUMMARY
[005] In general, this description is directed towards optical sensors and optical-based techniques to determine a characteristic of a fluid such as, for example, an aqueous chemical solution. In some examples, the optical sensor includes a flow chamber and a sensor head that is configured to be inserted into the flow chamber. The sensor head can determine a characteristic of a fluid as the fluid flows through the flow chamber. For example, the sensor head can optically analyze a fluid to determine a concentration of a chemical species in the fluid.
[006] When the optical sensor is used to analyze the fluid that contains dirty material, the dirty material can deposit inside the optical sensor. If dirty material accumulates inside the optical sensor, the dirty material can reduce or completely block the light preventing it from being transmitted to or received from the fluid by the optical sensor. When this occurs, the optical sensor may not be able to optically analyze the fluid with the accuracy required by some applications.
[007] In some examples in accordance with that description, an optical sensor is described including a flow chamber having an inlet port for receiving fluid for optical analysis by a sensor head. The inlet port may define a fluid nozzle that is configured to direct fluid entering the flow chamber against an optical window of the sensor head. In operation, fluid may travel through the inlet port and discharge from the fluid nozzle to impact the sensor's optical window. The force of the inlet fluid impacting against the optical window can prevent dirty material from accumulating in the optical window and/or help remove accumulated dirty material from the optical window.
[008] In one example, an optical sensor is described including a sensor head and a flow chamber. The sensor head includes a first optical window, a second optical window, at least one light source, and at least one detector. The at least one light source is configured to emit light through the first optical window into a fluid stream and the at least one detector is configured to detect fluorescent emitters through the second optical window from the fluid stream. Additionally, in that example, the flow chamber includes a housing defining a cavity into which the sensor head is inserted, an inlet port configured to communicate fluid flow from outside the cavity to an interior of the cavity, and a outlet port configured to communicate fluid flow from inside the cavity back out of the cavity. According to the example, the inlet port defines a first fluid nozzle configured to direct a portion of the fluid flow against the first optical window and a second fluid nozzle configured to direct a portion of the fluid flow against the second optical window. .
[009] In another example, a method is described including directing fluid through a first fluid nozzle of a flow chamber against a first optical window of a sensor head and directing fluid through a second fluid nozzle of the flow chamber against a second optical window of the sensor head. In the example, the sensor head includes at least one light source configured to emit light through the first optical window into a fluid stream and at least one detector configured to detect fluorescent emissions through the second optical window from the stream. of fluid.
[010] In another example, an optical sensor system is described and includes an optical sensor, a liquid source, a gas source, and a controller. The optical sensor includes a sensor head with an optical window, at least one light source configured to emit light through the optical window into a fluid stream, and at least one detector configured to detect fluorescent emitters through the optical window at from the fluid flow. The optical sensor also includes a flow chamber with a housing defining a cavity into which the sensor head is inserted, an inlet port is configured to communicate fluid flow from outside the cavity to an interior of the cavity, and an outlet port configured to communicate fluid flow from the interior of the cavity back out of the cavity. The inlet port defines a fluid nozzle configured to direct fluid flow against the optical window. According to the example, the liquid source is configured to supply fluid flow communicating through the inlet port and the gas source is also configured to supply fluid flow communicating through the inlet port. The example further specifies that the controller is configured to control the source of gas to bring the source of gas into fluid communication with the flow chamber so as to evacuate the flow chamber of liquid, and control the source of liquid so as to placing the source of liquid in fluid communication with the flow chamber so as to direct the liquid through the fluid nozzle, through a space of the liquid evacuated flow chamber, and against the optical window.
[011] In another example, a method is described including evacuating a flow chamber from an optical liquid sensor, where the optical sensor includes a sensor head having an optical window that is inserted into the flow chamber, and the chamber flowmeter includes an inlet port defining a fluid nozzle configured to direct fluid against the optical window. The method also includes flowing the liquid through the inlet port of the flow chamber so as to direct the liquid through the fluid nozzle, through a space of the liquid evacuated flow chamber, and against the optical window.
[012] Details of one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings and in the description below. Other features, objects and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an illustrative optical sensor system that includes an optical sensor according to the examples in the description.
[014] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an illustrative optical sensor that can be used in the illustrative system of figure 1.
[015] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic drawings of an illustrative physical configuration of an optical sensor that can be used by the optical sensors of Figures 1 and 2.
[016] Figures 5 and 6 are alternative views of an illustrative sensor head that can be used for the illustrative optical sensor of figures 3 and 4.
[017] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of a flow chamber that can be used for the optical sensor illustrative of figures 3 and 4.
[018] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional top view of the illustrative flow chamber of figure 7, illustrated with a sensor head inserted into the chamber, taken along the transverse line A-A indicated in figure 7.
[019] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the illustrative flow chamber of figure 7, illustrated with a sensor head inserted into the chamber, taken along the transverse line B-B indicated in figure 7.
[020] Figure 10 is another cross-sectional view of the illustrative flow chamber of figure 7, illustrated with a sensor head inserted into the chamber, taken along the transverse line A-A indicated in figure 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[021] The following detailed description is illustrative in nature and should not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing the examples of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ what is known to those skilled in the art in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples noted have a variety of suitable alternatives.
[022] Fluids with active chemical agents are used in a variety of industries for a variety of applications. For example, in the cleaning industry, fluid solutions that include chlorine or other active chemical agents are often used to clean and disinfect various surfaces and equipment. In these solutions, the concentration of active chemical agent or other parameters can affect the cleaning and disinfection properties of the fluid. Accordingly, ensuring that a fluid is properly formulated and prepared for an intended application can help ensure that the fluid provides adequate cleaning and disinfection properties in subsequent use.
[023] This description describes an optical sensor for determining a characteristic of a fluid medium. In particular, that description describes methods, systems and apparatus related to an optical sensor that can be used to determine a characteristic of a fluid medium such as, for example, a concentration of chemical species in the fluid medium, a temperature of the fluid medium, or similar. Depending on the application, the optical sensor can be implemented as an online sensor that receives a flow of fluid from a fluid source on a continuous or periodic basis and analyzes the fluid to determine the characteristic in substantially real time. For example, the optical sensor can be connected to a fluid flow through a pipe, tube, or other conductor. The optical sensor can then receive a sample of the fluid from the source through the conduit and analyze the fluid to determine the characteristics of the fluid.
[024] Depending on the application, the optical sensor can receive a fluid containing the dirty materials (eg solid particles) for optical analysis. As fluid passes through the optical sensor, dirty materials can deposit on the sensor, generating fouling or a film of accumulated dirty material. Over time, the amount of dirty material deposited on the sensor can increase until the sensor can no longer accurately optically analyze the fluid passing through the sensor. For example, when the optical sensor includes an optical window for transmitting light into and/or receiving light from a fluid under analysis, the optical window may be covered with a layer of dirty material that restricts the passage of light through the optical window. This can cause the optical sensor to give an inaccurate reading for the fluid characteristic intended to be determined by the sensor.
[025] According to the techniques described in this description, an optical sensor with an inlet port that defines a fluid nozzle is provided. The fluid nozzle may be arranged to direct fluid entering the optical sensor against an optical window of the sensor. For example, the fluid nozzle can direct the fluid entering the optical sensor directly against the optical window so that the incoming fluid makes contact with the optical window of the sensor before it comes into contact with any other structure within the sensor. sensor. The force of the inlet fluid in contact with the optical window can help to inhibit juicy material from accumulating in the optical window and/or flush out accumulated dirty material. Rather than having to regularly remove the optical sensor from operation for cleaning, fluid directed against the optical window can perform a self-cleaning function. As a result, the optical sensor can remain in service without requiring cleaning and/or the optical sensor can exhibit an extended lifespan between cleanings.
[026] In some examples according to that description, the optical sensor includes at least a first optical window through which a light source from the sensor emits light into a fluid and a second optical window through which a sensor detector receives light from the fluid. The sensor can emit light into the fluid to generate fluorescent emissions and the detector can detect the fluorescent emitters to determine a characteristic of the fluid. In that example, the optical sensor may include a first fluid nozzle configured to direct a portion of an inlet fluid flow against the first optical window and a second fluid nozzle configured to direct a different portion of inlet fluid flow against the first optical window. second optical window. By providing a separate nozzle associated with each optical window, each optical window can be impacted with fluid streams of higher pressure than if the optical sensor employed a single nozzle for multiple optical windows. This can improve the cleaning action of the incoming fluid stream.
[027] In some cases, when an optical sensor according to the description is used as part of a system, the optical sensor may be fluidly connected to both a source of liquid which supplies an inlet fluid flow to the sensor beyond from a gas source that can supply an incoming fluid stream. During operation, the liquid source can supply fluid to the optical sensor for analysis. Periodically, however, the liquid source may be closed and the gas source opened so that the optical sensor is evacuated of liquid and filled with gas. After that, the liquid source can be reopened to refill the optical sensor with liquid for analysis. When this occurs, liquid initially entering the optical sensor may travel through the gas space in the optical sensor faster than if the optical sensor were filled with liquid. Consequently, the initial inlet liquid can impact the sensor's optical window more forcefully than the liquid subsequently entering the sensor when the sensor is already filled with liquid. This can provide a comparatively high pressure cleaning action that helps to remove accumulated dirty material from the optical window.
[028] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an illustrative optical sensor system 100, which can be used to analyze a chemical solution having fluorescent properties. System 100 includes an optical sensor 102, a controller 104, a power supply 106, and a user interface 108. The optical sensor 102 includes a flow chamber 110 that defines a cavity for receiving and containing a flow of fluid and a sensor head 112 which is inserted into the flow chamber. Sensor head 112 is configured to determine one or more characteristics of a fluid as the fluid passes through flow chamber 110 such as, for example, a concentration of a chemical in the fluid, a temperature of the fluid, or the like. . Optical sensor 102 can communicate with controller 104 in operation, and controller 104 can control optical sensor system 100.
[029] The controller 104 is communicatively connected to the optical sensor 102 and includes a processor 114 and a memory 116. The signals generated by the optical sensor 102 are communicated to the controller 104 through a wired or wireless connection, which in the example of figure 1 is illustrated as wired connection. Memory 116 stores software for running controller 104 and may also store data generated or received by processor 114, for example from optical sensor 102. Processor 114 runs software stored in memory 116 to manage the operation of optical sensor 102.
[030] The flow chamber 110 of the optical sensor 102 includes an inlet port for communicating fluid from outside the flow chamber to an interior of the flow chamber in addition to an outlet port for discharging the fluid back out. of the flow chamber. Sensor head 112 is inserted (e.g., removable or permanently) into flow chamber 110 and includes at least one optical window for directing light into fluid passing through flow chamber 110 and/or receiving the optical energy from the fluid flow. In operation, the fluid enters the flow chamber 110 and is directed past the optical window of the sensor head 112. Once inside the flow chamber, the sensor head 112 can optically analyze the fluid as the fluid moves beyond the flow chamber. optical window. For example, when the optical sensor 102 is implemented as a fluorometer, the optical sensor can direct light into the fluid to generate the fluorescent emissions and then detect the fluorescent emissions to optically analyze the fluid.
[031] As described in greater detail below (Figures 7 through 10), the flow chamber 110 may include an inlet that defines a fluid nozzle configured to direct fluid entering the flow chamber directly against the optical window of the head. sensor. For example, the flow chamber 110 may include a fluid nozzle that is in the same plane as the optical window of the sensor head and oriented so that fluid entering the flow chamber makes direct contact with the optical window after discharge from the fluid nozzle. Rather than contacting a wall surface or other internal surface of the flow chamber 110 after discharging the fluid nozzle, the fluid nozzle may discharge the fluid so that the fluid contacts the optical window of the head. sensor pad 112 before contacting any other surface within the flow chamber. In some examples, the flow nozzle is oriented so that a center of the fluid flow emitted by the fluid nozzle is directed towards approximately the center of the optical window. Directing the fluid entering the flow chamber 110 against the optical window of the sensor head 112 can help reduce or eliminate dirt buildup in the optical window.
[032] The optical sensor 102 is connected to at least one fluid source which, in the example of figure 1, is illustrated as two fluid sources (a first fluid source 118 and a second fluid source 120). The first fluid source 118 is in communication with the flow chamber 110 through the first fluid conduit 122 which passes through and a first valve 124. The second fluid source 120 is in fluid communication with the flow chamber 110 through a second fluid conduit 126 which passes through a second valve 128. The first fluid conduit 122 and the second fluid conduit 126 are fluidly connected to a common inlet port (e.g. a single inlet port) of the flow chamber 110 in the example of optical sensor system 100. In other examples, such as the examples where the flow chamber 110 includes multiple inlet ports, the first fluid conduit 122 and the second fluid conduit 126 may be connected by fluid to the flow chamber through different inlet ports.
[033] Although not illustrated in Figure 1, controller 104 can be communicatively coupled to first valve 124 and second valve 128. In some examples, controller 104 selectively opens and closes first valve 124 and second valve 128 so placing fluid from first fluid source 118 and/or second fluid source 120 in fluid communication with flow chamber 110. For example, memory 116 may store instructions which, when executed by processor 114, cause the controller 104 selectively opens and/or closes first valve 124 and/or second valve 128 so as to selectively bring fluid from first fluid source 118 and/or second fluid source 120 into fluid communication with flow chamber 110. When the first fluid source 118 is in fluid communication with the flow chamber 110, fluid from the first fluid source can flow through the flow chamber. In contrast, when the second fluid source 120 is in fluid communication with the flow chamber 110, fluid from the second fluid source can flow through the flow chamber.
[034] In addition to or in lieu of controlling the first valve 124 and second valve 128, the controller 104 may be communicatively coupled to one or more dispensing devices, which control the dispensing of fluid from the first fluid source. 118 and second fluid source 120. Illustrative dispensing devices include pumps and other metering devices. Controller 104 may start and/or stop dispensing devices to bring fluid from first fluid source 118 and/or second fluid source 120 into fluid communication with flow chamber 110. Controller 104 may also increase and/or or decreasing the rate of delivery devices to adjust the rate at which fluid from the first fluid source 118 and/or second fluid source 120 enters the flow chamber 110.
[035] The first fluid source 118 and the second fluid source 120 can each supply gaseous fluids, liquid fluids, or one fluid source can supply a gaseous fluid while another fluid source provides a liquid fluid. In one example, the first fluid source 118 is a gaseous fluid source and the second fluid source 120 is a liquid fluid source. Second fluid source 120 may supply liquid to flow chamber 110 which is intended for optical analysis by sensor head 112. For example, second fluid source 120 may supply liquid to flow chamber 110 which includes a chemical compound that imparts functional properties to the liquid (eg cleaning properties, antimicrobial properties). Optical sensor 102 may receive the liquid and optically analyze the liquid to determine the concentration of the chemical, for example, to monitor and/or adjust the composition of the liquid source. The first fluid source 118 may supply a gas to the flow chamber 110 which, in some examples, is used to clean the flow chamber and/or purge the flow chamber of liquid.
[036] During the operation of the optical sensor 102, the second fluid source 120 can supply liquid to the flow chamber 110 for optical analysis that contains dirty materials (e.g., solid particles). As the liquid passes through the flow chamber, dirty materials can accumulate inside the flow chamber and deposit on sensor head 112. Over time, dirty materials can accumulate in sensor head 112 to a level at which the optical sensor 102 can no longer accurately determine a characteristic of a liquid passing through the flow chamber.
[037] To help reduce or eliminate dirt buildup within the optical sensor 102, the first fluid source 118 may periodically supply gas to the flow chamber 110 to purge the flow chamber of liquid. For example, controller 104 can control first valve 124 and second valve 128 during operation of optical sensor system 100 to stop the flow of liquid to the flow chamber and start the flow of gas to the flow chamber 110. The gas can displace the liquid in the flow chamber 110 so that the flow chamber is evacuated of liquid. Thereafter, controller 104 can resume fluid communication between the fluid fluid source and the flow chamber. Liquid entering the gas-filled flow chamber 110 may travel at a higher velocity within the chamber than when the chamber is filled with fluid. This high-velocity fluid entering the flow chamber 110 can help to remove accumulated dirty material from within the flow chamber 110 such as, for example, dirt in an optical window of the sensor head 112.
[038] For example, during operation of an optical sensor that includes a flow chamber 110 having a fluid nozzle configured to direct fluid against an optical window (e.g., Figures 7 to 10), liquid may discharge from the flow nozzle. against an optical window of sensor head 112. This may occur when flow chamber 110 is in fluid communication with a source of liquid fluid, such as second source of fluid 120. Periodically, controller 104 may close the second valve 128 for blocking fluid communication between the second liquid fluid source 120 and the flow chamber 110 and also opening the first valve 124 to locate the first gaseous fluid source 118 in fluid communication with the flow chamber. Gas from the first fluid source 118 may displace liquid fluid within the flow chamber 110 so that the flow chamber is filled with gaseous fluid rather than liquid fluid. Controller 104 may subsequently close first fluid valve 124 to block fluid communication between first source of gaseous fluid 118 and flow chamber 110 and also open second valve 128 to place second source of liquid fluid 120 in fluid communication with the flow chamber. As liquid initially enters the flow chamber 110 to replenish the flow chamber, the liquid may discharge from a flow chamber fluid nozzle 110 and travel through a gas-filled space before impacting an optical window in the head. sensor 112. This liquid traveling through the gas-filled space can travel faster than if the liquid were traveling through the same space and the space was filled with liquid. For example, liquid traveling through gas-filled space can travel at least twice as fast (e.g., at least three times as fast, between approximately 3 and approximately 5 times as fast) as if the liquid were traveling through it. of the same space and the space was filled with liquid. As a result, the liquid can carry more force to remove accumulated dirty material from an optical window of the sensor head 112 than if the flow chamber 110 were not evacuated of liquid.
[039] Regardless of the specific configuration of the flow chamber 110, the controller 104 of the optical sensor system 100 can control the first fluid source 118 and the second fluid source 120 to alternately place one of the fluid sources in communication with the flow chamber. stream 110 with any suitable frequency. In one example, controller 104 closes first valve 124 to block fluid communication between first source of gaseous fluid 118 and flow chamber 110 and also opens second valve 128 to open fluid communication between second liquid fluid source 120 and the flow chamber. The controller 104 may keep the first valve 124 closed and the second valve 128 open, allowing liquid fluid to flow into and through the flow chamber 110 for a period of greater than approximately 30 seconds, such as, for example, more 1 minute, more than 5 minutes, more than 1 hour, or a period ranging from approximately 1 minute to approximately 5 minutes. Controller 104 may subsequently close second valve 128 to block fluid communication between second source of liquid fluid 120 and flow chamber 110 and open first valve 124 to open fluid communication between first source of gaseous fluid 118 and the flow chamber. Controller 104 may then hold first valve 124 open and second valve 128 closed for a period of greater than 10 seconds such as, for example, greater than 1 minute, greater than 10 minutes, or a period ranging from approximately 1 minute to approximately 30 minutes. The above values are merely illustrative, and other time ranges are possible and contemplated.
[040] In some examples, the controller 104 controls the supply of gaseous fluid and liquid fluid to the flow chamber 110 so that a ratio of the amount of time to fill the flow chamber with gas divided by the amount of time to fill the flow chamber with liquid is greater than 1. For example, the controller 104 can control the supply of gaseous fluid and liquid fluid to the flow chamber 110 so that the ratio of the amount of time to supply the flow chamber with gas divided by the amount of time to fill the flow chamber with liquid is greater than 2, greater than 5, greater than 10, or between 2 and 10. In such examples, the flow chamber 110 may be filled with gas for a period of time longer than which the flow chamber is filled with liquid. In cases where the liquid received by the flow chamber 110 contains dirty material, reducing the amount of time that the liquid passes through the flow chamber can reduce the amount of dirty material deposited within the chamber. Rather than allowing the flow chamber 110 to remain pre-filled with liquid fluid which may contain fouled material, the flow chamber may instead be evacuated of liquid and filled with gas. The flow chamber 110 can be periodically filled with liquid for analysis and then refilled with gas, which can extend the length of time the optical sensor 102 can remain in service before needing to be removed for cleaning purposes.
[041] After passing through the flow chamber 110, the fluid can be returned to a fluid source or discarded. In the example of Figure 1, the flow chamber 110 is in fluid communication with an outlet conduit 130 through an outlet valve 132 and a drain conduit 134 through a drain valve 136. In operation, the controller 104 can be communicatively coupled to outlet valve 132 and drain valve 136 to selectively open and close the valves. For example, controller 104 can control outlet valve 132 to open the valve and drain valve 136 to close the valve when the first valve 124 is closed and the second valve 128 is open. This may allow fluid to flow from the second fluid source 120, through the flow chamber 110 and back to the fluid source via the outlet conduit 130. Conversely, the controller 104 can control the outlet valve 132 to close the valve. and the stop valve 136 for opening the valve when the first valve 124 is open and the second valve 128 is closed. This may allow fluid to flow out of flow chamber 110 (e.g., to evacuate liquid from the chamber) and/or provide a separate fluid path to discharge rinsed accumulated dirty material out of the flow chamber.
[042] The first fluid source 118 and the second fluid source 120 can each be any suitable type of fluid. In examples where the first fluid source 118 is a gaseous fluid, the gas can be atmospheric air, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or any other acceptable type of gas. In some examples, the gas is at atmospheric pressure. In other examples, the gas is at a positive pressure with respect to atmospheric pressure. Additionally, in examples where the second source of fluid 120 is a liquid fluid, the fluid may be a liquid that must be optically analyzed (e.g., to determine a concentration of a chemical in the liquid) or a liquid that is supplied to cleaning the optical sensor 102. For example, the second source of fluid 120 can be water or other cleaning fluid to clean dirty material from the optical sensor 102. In other examples, the liquid that is to be optically analyzed can be directed against a window. sensor head optics 112 in addition to or in lieu of providing a separate cleaning fluid. That is, rather than supplying a separate cleaning liquid to the optical sensor 102 to remove dirty material from the sensor, the liquid entering the optical sensor for analysis can be directed into the sensor in such a way as to help reduce or eliminate the accumulation of dirt inside the sensor. While the optical sensor system 100 in the example of Figure 1 includes a first source of fluid 118 and a second source of fluid 120, in other examples an optical sensor system may include fewer sources of fluid (e.g., a single source of fluid). fluid) or more fluid sources (eg, three, four, or more fluid sources) and the description is not limited thereto.
[043] For example, in an illustrative optical sensor system 100 includes a source of gaseous fluid, a source of fluid of liquid for cleaning the optical sensor 102, and a source of fluid of liquid to be analyzed by the optical sensor 102. controller 104 may control the system to place the source of gaseous fluid in fluid communication with the flow chamber 110 while fluid communication between the source of liquid fluid for cleaning and the source of liquid fluid to be analyzed is blocked. This may evacuate the flow chamber 110 of liquid. Thereafter, controller 104 can control the system to place the source of liquid fluid for cleaning flow chamber 110 in fluid communication with flow chamber 110 while the flow to the source of gaseous fluid and the source of liquid fluid is to be analyzed is blocked. Controller 104 may subsequently control the system to bring the fluid source of liquid to be analyzed into fluid communication with the flow chamber 110 while fluid communication between the source of liquid fluid for cleaning and the source of liquid fluid to be analyzed is blocked.
[044] Optical sensor 102 in optical sensor system 100 can be used to analyze a variety of different types of liquid fluids. Examples of fluids that can be analyzed by optical sensor 102 include, but are not limited to, cleaning agents, sanitizing agents, cooling water for industrial cooling towers, biocides such as pesticides, anti-corrosion agents, anti-fouling agents, cleaning agents, laundry detergents, spot cleaners, floor coverings, automotive care compositions, water care compositions, bottle wash compositions, and the like. In some examples, the fluid is an aqueous chemical solution that includes one or more chemical additives. These or other fluids can be used as the second fluid source 120.
[045] In some examples, the optical sensor 102 is configured as a fluorometer with a light source that emits optical energy into the fluid flowing through the flow chamber 110. The fluid may emit fluorescent irradiation in response to the energy. optics directed into the fluid. Optical sensor 102 can then detect the emitted fluorescent radiation and determine various characteristics of the solution, such as a concentration of one or more chemical compounds in the solution, based on the magnitude of the emitted fluorescent radiation. In order to allow the optical sensor 102 to detect fluorescent emissions, the liquid fluid supplied from a fluid source in these examples may include a molecule that exhibits fluorescent characteristics. In some examples, the fluid may include a polycyclic compound and/or a benzene molecule that has one or more substituent electron-donating groups such as, for example, -OH, -NH2, and -OCH3, which may exhibit fluorescent characteristics. . Depending on the application, these compounds may be naturally present in the fluid entering the optical sensor 102 due to the functional properties (e.g., cleaning and sanitizing properties) imparted to the fluids by the compounds.
[046] In addition to or in place of a naturally fluorescent compound, the liquid fluid may include a fluorescent trace (which may also be referred to as a fluorescent tracer). The fluorescent trace can be incorporated into the fluid specifically to impart fluorescent properties to the fluid. Illustrative fluorescent trace compounds include, but are not limited to, naphthalene disulfonate (NDS), 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, Acid Yellow 7,1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonic acid sodium salt, and fluorescein.
[047] Regardless of the specific composition of the fluid received by the flow chamber 110, the optical sensor 102 can determine one or more characteristics of the fluid flowing through the flow chamber. Illustrative characteristics include, but are not limited to, the concentration of one or more chemical compounds within the fluid, the temperature of the fluid, and/or other characteristics of the fluid that can help ensure that the fluid is properly formulated for an intended application. Optical sensor 102 may communicate detected feature information to controller 104.
[048] While the optical sensor 102 within the system 100 is generally described as receiving a stream of moving fluid that passes through the optical sensor, in other examples the optical sensor may be used to determine one or more characteristics of a stationary volume. of fluid that does not flow through an optical sensor flow chamber. When the optical sensor 102 includes a flow chamber with inlet and outlet ports (Figures 7 through 10), the inlet and outlet ports can be connected to create a bounded cavity to retain a stationary (e.g., non-flowing) volume. of fluid. A limited flow chamber may be useful for calibrating the optical sensor 102. During calibration, the flow chamber may be filled with a fluid having known characteristics, (e.g., a known concentration of one or more chemical compounds, a known temperature ), and the optical sensor 102 can determine the estimated characteristics of the calibration solution. The estimated characteristics determined by the optical sensor can be compared with known characteristics (e.g., by the controller 104) and used to calibrate the optical sensor 102.
[049] The optical sensor system 100 in the example of Figure 1 also includes power supply 106, user interface 108, and conduits 122, 126, 130, 134. Power supply 106 distributes operating power to various components of the system. sensor 100 and, in different examples, may include power from a supply line, such as an alternating current or direct current supply line or a battery. User interface 108 may be used to provide input to optical sensor system 100 (e.g., to change system operating parameters, run a calibration routine) or to receive system output. User interface 108 may generally include a display screen or other output means, and user registration means. In some examples, the optical sensor system 100 may communicate over a wired or wireless connection with one or more remote computing devices. Fluid conduits 122, 126, 130, 134 in system 100 can be any type of tubing, plumbing, or other flexible or non-flexible fluid path.
[050] In the example of Figure 1, the optical sensor 102 determines a characteristic of the fluid flowing through the flow chamber 110 (for example, a concentration of a chemical compound, a temperature, or the like). Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an optical sensor 200 that determines a characteristic of a fluid medium. Sensor 200 may be used with optical sensor 102 in optical sensor system 100, or sensor 200 may be used in applications other than optical sensor system 100.
[051] Referring to Figure 2, sensor 200 includes a controller 220, one or more optical emitters 222 (referred to herein as "optical emitter 222"), one or more optical detectors 224 (referred to herein as "optical detector 224") , and a temperature sensor 221. The controller 220 includes a processor 226 and a memory 228. In operation, the optical emitter 222 directs light into the fluid flowing through the fluid channel 230 and the optical detector 224 detects the fluorescent emissions generated. by the fluid. Light directed into the fluid by optical emitter 222 can generate fluorescent emissions by exciting electrons from fluorescent molecules within the fluid, causing the molecules to emit energy (i.e., fluorescence) that can be detected by optical detector 224. For example , optical emitter 222 can direct light at one frequency (e.g., ultraviolet frequency) into fluid flowing through fluid channel 230 and cause fluorescence molecules to emit light energy at a different frequency (e.g., frequency of visible light). Temperature sensor 221 within sensor 200 may measure a temperature of fluid flow adjacent to (e.g., in contact with) the sensor. In some examples, sensor 200 communicates with external devices.
[052] Memory 228 stores software and data used or generated by controller 220. For example, memory 228 may store data used by controller 220 to determine a concentration of one or more chemical components within the fluid being monitored by sensor 200. In In some examples, memory 228 stores data in the form of an equation relating fluorescent emissions detected by optical detector 224 to a concentration of one or more chemical components.
[053] Processor 226 runs software stored in memory 228 to perform functions assigned to sensor 200 and controller 220 in that description. The components described as processors within the controller 220, controller 104, or any other device described in that description may each include one or more processors, such as one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate assemblies (FPGAs), programmable logic circuitry, or the like, alone or in any suitable combination.
[054] Optical emitter 222 includes at least one optical emitter that emits optical energy into a fluid present with fluid channel 230. In some examples, optical emitter 222 emits optical energy over a range of wavelengths. wave. In other examples, optical emitter 222 emits optical energy at one or more discrete wavelengths. For example, optical emitter 222 may emit at two, three, four or more discrete wavelengths.
[055] In one example, the optical emitter 222 emits light within the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. Light within the UV spectrum can include wavelengths in the range of approximately 200 nm to approximately 400 nanometers. Light emitted by optical emitter 222 is directed into the fluid within the fluid channel 230. In response to the receipt of optical energy, fluorescent molecules within the fluid may excite, causing the molecules to produce fluorescent emissions. Fluorescent emissions, which may or may not be at a frequency different from the energy emitted by the optical emitter 222, can be generated as excited electrons within fluorescent molecules in changing energy states. The energy emitted by the fluorescent molecules can be detected by the optical detector 224. For example, the optical emitter 222 can emit light in the frequency range from approximately 280 nm to approximately 310 nm, and, depending on the fluid composition, cause fluorescent emissions in the range from approximately 310 nm to approximately 400 nm.
[056] Optical emitter 222 may be implemented in a variety of different ways within sensor 200. Optical emitter 222 may include one or more light sources to excite molecules within the fluid. Illustrative light sources include light-emitting diodes (LEDS), lasers, and lamps. In some examples, the optical emitter 222 includes an optical filter to filter out light emitted by the light source. The optical filter can be positioned between the light source and the fluid and selected to pass light within a specified wavelength range. In some further examples, the optical emitter includes a collimator, for example a collimating lens, shield or reflector, positioned adjacent to the light source to collimate the light emitted from the light source. The collimator can reduce the divergence of light emitted from the light source, reducing optical noise.
[057] Sensor 200 also includes an optical detector 224. Optical detector 224 includes at least one optical detector that detects fluorescent emissions emitted by molecules excited within fluid channel 230. In some examples, optical detector 224 is positioned in a different side of fluid channel 230 than optical emitter 222. For example, optical detector 224 may be positioned on one side of fluid channel 230 that is offset by approximately 90 degrees with reaction to optical emitter 222. Such an arrangement can reduce the amount of light that is emitted by optical emitter 222, transmitted through the fluid within fluid channel 230, and detected by optical detector 224. Such transmitted light can potentially cause interference with fluorescent emissions detected by optical detector.
[058] In operation, the amount of optical energy detected by optical detector 224 may depend on the fluid content within the fluid channel 230. If the fluid channel contains a fluid solution that has certain properties (for example, a certain compound chemical and/or a certain concentration of a chemical species), the optical detector 224 can detect a certain level of fluorescent energy emitted by the fluid. However, if the fluid solution has different properties (e.g., a different chemical compound and/or a different concentration of chemical species), the optical detector 224 may detect a different level of fluorescent energy emitted by the fluid. For example, if a fluid within fluid channel 230 has a first concentration of a fluorescent chemical compound, optical detector 224 can detect a first magnitude of fluorescent emissions. However, if the fluid within fluid channel 230 has a second concentration of fluorescent chemicals that is greater than the first concentration, optical detector 224 can detect a second magnitude of fluorescent emissions that is greater than the first magnitude.
[059] Optical detector 224 may also be implemented in a variety of different ways within sensor 200. Optical detector 224 may include one or more photodetectors such as, for example, photodiodes or photomultipliers, to convert optical signals into electrical signals. In some examples, optical detector 224 includes a lens positioned between the fluid and the photodetector to focus and/or shape optical energy received from the fluid.
[060] The sensor 200 in the example of Figure 2 also includes the temperature sensor 221. The temperature sensor 221 is configured to sense a temperature of a fluid passing through a flow chamber of the sensor. In various examples, the temperature sensor 316 can be a bimetallic mechanical temperature sensor, an electrical resistance temperature sensor, an optical temperature sensor, or any other suitable type of temperature sensor. Temperature sensor 221 can generate a signal representing the magnitude of the perceived temperature. In other examples, sensor 200 does not include temperature sensor 221.
[061] The controller 220 controls the operation of the optical emitter 222 and receives signals regarding the amount of light detected by the optical detector 224. The controller 220 also receives signals from the temperature sensor 221 regarding the temperature of the fluid in contact with the sensor. In some examples, controller 220 additionally processes signals, for example, to determine a concentration of one or more chemical species within the fluid passing through fluid channel 230.
[062] In one example, controller 220 controls optical emitter 222 to direct radiation into a fluid and additionally controls optical detector 224 to detect fluorescent emissions emitted by the fluid. Controller 220 then processes the light detection information to determine a concentration of a chemical species in the fluid. For example, in cases where a fluid includes a fluorescent trace, a concentration of a chemical species of interest can be determined based on a determined concentration of fluorescent trace. Controller 220 can determine a fluorescent trace concentration by comparing the magnitude of fluorescent emissions detected by optical detector 224 from a fluid having an unknown trace concentration to the magnitude of fluorescent emissions detected by optical detector 224 from a fluid having a known trace concentration. Controller 220 can determine the concentration of a chemical species of interest using equations (1) and (2) below:


[063] In equations (1) and (2) above, Cc is a current concentration of the chemical species of interest, Cm is a current concentration of the fluorescent trace, Co is a nominal concentration of the chemical species of interest, Cf is a nominal concentration of the fluorescent trace, Km is a slope correction coefficient, Sx is a current fluorescent measurement signal, and Zo is a zero shift. Controller 220 may further adjust the determined concentration of chemical species of interest based on the temperature measured by temperature sensor 221.
[064] Sensor 102 (figure 1) and sensor 200 (figure 2) can have a number of different physical configurations. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic drawings of an illustrative configuration of a sensor 300 that may be used by sensor 102 and sensor 200. Sensor 300 includes a flow chamber 302, a sensor head 304, a sensor cap 306, and a locking member 308. The sensor head 304 is illustrated outside of and insertable into a flow chamber 302 in Figure 3, while the sensor head is illustrated as being inserted into the flow chamber 302 and secured to the flow chamber through the locking element 308 in Figure 4. When sensor head 304 is inserted into and secured to flow chamber 302, the flow chamber may define a limited cavity that receives fluid from a fluid source and controls the flow of fluid beyond the sensor head 304. For example, as described in greater detail below, flow chamber 302 may include a fluid nozzle that directs fluid entering flow chamber 302 against an optical window of sensor head 304. fluid can the help prevent dirt build-up on the 304 sensor head and/or remove accumulated dirty material from the sensor head, for example when the sensor is implemented as an online sensor continuously receiving moving fluid from a fluid source.
[065] Flow chamber 302 of sensor 300 is configured to receive and contain sensor head 304. In general, sensor head 304 can be any sensor component 300 that is insertable into flow chamber 302 and configured to sense a characteristic of a fluid within the fluid chamber. In various examples, the sensor head 304 may be configured to sense the characteristics of determining a concentration of one or more chemical compounds within the fluid in the flow chamber 302, a temperature of the fluid in the fluid chamber, the pH of the fluid in the fluid chamber, and/or other characteristics of the fluid can help ensure that the fluid is properly formulated for an intended application, as described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2.
[066] Figures 5 and 6 are alternate views of the illustrative sensor head 304 illustrated in Figure 3. As illustrated, the sensor head 304 includes a sensor head housing 310, a first optical window 312, a second optical window 314 , and at least one temperature sensor which, in the illustrated example, is illustrated as two temperature sensors 316A and 316B (collectively, "temperature sensor 316"). Sensor head housing 310 defines a fluid impermeable structure that can house various sensor components 300 such as, for example, an optical emitter (Figure 2) and an optical detector (Figure 2). The sensor head housing 310 can be at least partially, and in some cases fully, immersed in a fluid. First optical window 312 defines an optically transparent section of sensor head housing 310 through which an optical emitter of sensor 300 can direct light into the fluid within the flow chamber 302, for example, to cause fluorescent emissions. Second optical window 314 defines an optically transparent section different from sensor head housing 310 through which an optical sensor of sensor 300 can receive fluorescent emissions emitted by the fluid within flow chamber 302. Temperature sensor 316 is configured to contact the fluid within the flow chamber 302 to determine a temperature of the fluid.
[067] Sensor Head Housing 310 can define any suitable size and shape, and the size and shape of the sensor head housing can vary, for example, depending on the number and arrangement of sensors carried by the housing. In the example of Figures 5 and 6, the sensor head housing 310 defines an elongate body that extends from a proximal end 318 to a distal end 320 (i.e., in the Z direction indicated in Figures 5 and 6) and includes a surface flat bottom 321. In some examples, sensor head housing 310 defines an elongate body that has a length in the Z direction indicated in Figures 5 and 6 that is greater than a major width (e.g., in either the X direction or direction Y indicated in figures 5 and 6). In other examples, sensor head housing 310 defines a length that is less than a main width of the housing.
[068] While the sensor head housing 310 is illustrated as defining a substantially circular transverse shape (ie, in the X-Y plane indicated in Figures 5 and 6), in other examples the housing may define other shapes. Sensor head housing 310 can define any polygonal (eg, square, hexagonal) or arcuate (eg, circular, elliptical) shape, or even combinations of polygonal and arcuate shapes. For example, in some examples, the sensor head housing 310 defines an angled cutout projected toward an interior of the housing. The angled cutout may provide a location for positioning the first optical window 312 and the second optical window 314, for example, to direct light from a light emitter through a window into a fluid sample and to receive fluorescent emissions. generated by the fluid sample through another window. The angled cutout may also define a fluid channel to direct fluid between the first optical window and the second optical window, for example when sensor head housing 310 is inserted into flow chamber 302 (Figure 3) and the fluid is flowing through the flow chamber.
[069] In the example of the sensor head housing 310, the housing includes an angled cutout 322 defined by a first flat surface 324 and a second flat surface 326. The first flat surface 324 and the second flat surface 326 each extend , radially inward toward a center of sensor head housing 310. First flat surface 324 intersects second flat surface 326 to define an angle of intersection between the two flat surfaces. In some examples, the angle of intersection between the first flat surface 324 and the second flat surface 326 is approximately 90 degrees, although the angle of intersection may be greater than 90 degrees or less than 90 degrees and should be appreciated. that a sensor according to the description is not limited in this respect.
[070] When the sensor head housing 310 includes an angled cutout 322, the first optical window 312 can be positioned on one side of the angled cutout while the second optical window 314 can be positioned on a different side of the angled cutout. Such an arrangement can reduce the amount of light that is emitted by an optical emitter, transmitted through the fluid within the flow chamber 302, and detected by an optical detector, for example, compared to if the first optical window 312 were positioned at 180°. degrees of the second optical window 314. Light generated by an optical emitter that is transmitted through a fluid and detected by an optical detector can potentially interfere with the optical detector's ability to detect fluorescent emissions.
[071] The first optical window 312 and the second optical window 314 are optically transparent parts of the sensor head housing 310. The first optical window 312 may be optically transparent to a frequency of light emitted by an optical emitter of the sensor 300. A second optical window 314 may be optically transparent at a frequency of fluorescent emissions emitted by a fluid within the fluid chamber. In operation, the first optical window 312 and the second optical window 314 may provide optical paths to transmit light generated by an optical emitter housed within the sensor head housing 310 into a fluid in the flow chamber 302 and to receive fluorescent emitters. emitted by the fluid from an optical detector housed within the sensor head housing.
[072] In some examples, the first optical window 312 and the second optical window 314 are manufactured from the same material while in other examples, the first optical window 312 is manufactured from a material that is different from the material used to manufacture the second optical window 314. The first optical window 312 and/or the second optical window 314 may or may not include a lens, prism, or other optical device that transmits and refracts light. For example, the first optical window 312 and/or the second optical window 314 may be defined by a spherical lens positioned within an optical channel extending through the sensor head housing 310. The spherical lens may be fabricated from glass , sapphire, or other suitable optically transparent materials.
[073] In the examples of Figures 5 and 6, the sensor head housing 310 includes a first optical window 312 for transmitting light into a fluid and a second optical window 314 for receiving fluorescent emissions from the fluid. The first optical window 312 is positioned in substantially the same position along the length of the sensor head housing 310 as the second optical window 314 (i.e., in the Z direction indicated in Figures 5 and 6). During use, the fluid within the flow chamber 302 (Figure 3) may move between an optical axis extending through a center of the first optical window 312 and an optical axis extending through a center of the second optical window 314, for example, by flow in the positive Z direction indicated in Figures 6 and 6. As the fluid moves past the optical windows, a light emitter can transmit light through the first optical window 312 and into the fluid, causing molecules to in the fluid excite and become fluorescent. Before the fluorescent fluid flows past the second optical window 314, the optical energy emitted by the fluorescent molecules can be received through the second optical window 314 by an optical detector.
[074] Although the first optical window 312 is positioned in substantially the same position along the length of the sensor head housing 312 as the second optical window 314 in the example the sensor head 304, in other examples the first optical window 312 may be offset along the length of the sensor head housing from the second optical window 314. For example, the second optical window 314 may be positioned closer to the proximal end 318 of the sensor head housing 310 than the first window. 312. Additionally, although the sensor head 304 is illustrated as including a single optical window for emitting optical energy and a single optical window for receiving optical energy, in other examples, the sensor head 304 may include fewer windows. optical windows (eg a single optical window) or more optical windows (eg three, four or more), and the description is not limited to that aspect.
[075] During operation, the sensor 300 can detect fluorescent emissions from a fluid flowing through the flow chamber 302. The fluorescence emission data can be used to determine a concentration of chemical species flowing through the flow chamber or to determine other properties of the fluid in the flow chamber. Depending on the application, additional data on the characteristics of the fluid flowing through the flow chamber 302 beyond what can be obtained by fluorometric detection may be useful for monitoring and/or adjusting the properties of the fluid. For that reason, sensor 300 may include a different sensor (e.g., in addition to an optical fluorometric sensor) to sense different properties of the fluid in flow chamber 302.
[076] In Figures 5 and 6, the sensor head 304 includes a temperature sensor 316 for measuring a temperature of the fluid in the flow chamber 302. The temperature sensor 316 can sense a temperature of the fluid and generate a signal corresponding to the temperature of the fluid. perceived temperature. When configured with a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor can be implemented as a contact sensor that determines the temperature of a fluid by physical contact with the fluid, or as a non-contact sensor that determines the temperature of the fluid without having to physically contact the sensor. with the fluid. In other examples, sensor head 304 does not include temperature sensor 316.
[077] In the sensor head 304 example, the temperature sensor 316 is positioned on a different surface of the sensor head housing 310 than the optical windows 312, 314. Specifically, the temperature sensor 316 is positioned on a surface bottom 321 of sensor head housing 310 while first optical window 312 and second optical window 314 are positioned on a side wall of the housing. In the different examples, the temperature sensor 316 may be flush with a surface (e.g., bottom surface 321) of the sensor head housing 310, protrude outward from the surface of the sensor head housing, or have recesses with relative to the surface of the sensor head housing.
[078] Regardless of the specific arrangement of the temperature sensor 316 with respect to the sensor head housing 310, fluid within the flow chamber 320 may flow adjacent to the temperature sensor during operation of the sensor 300. Fluid may flow adjacent to the temperature sensor 300. temperature sensor 316 flowing beyond and optionally in contact with the temperature sensor so that the temperature sensor can sense a temperature of the fluid.
[079] As briefly described above, the sensor 300 (Figure 3) includes the flow chamber 302. The flow chamber 302 is configured to receive and contain the sensor head 304. In particular, in the example of Figure 3, the chamber flow head 302 is configured to receive sensor head 304 by moving the sensor head in the negative Z direction illustrated in Figure 3 until a surface of the sensor head rests on a surface of the fluid chamber. The bearing surface may be the bottom surface 321 of the sensor head housing 310 (Figures 5 and 6) or a different surface of the sensor head. Once properly positioned within the flow chamber 302, the locking element 308 can be secured over the flow chamber 302 and sensor head 304 to mechanically secure the sensor head to the flow chamber.
[080] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate different views of an illustrative configuration of flow chamber 302. Figure 7 is a perspective top view of flow chamber 302 illustrated with sensor head 304 removed from the chamber. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional top view of the flow chamber 302 (with the sensor head 304 inserted into the chamber) taken along the cross-sectional line AA indicated in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the flow chamber 302 (with sensor head 304 inserted into the chamber) taken along the transverse line BB shown in Figure 7.
[081] In the illustrated example, the flow chamber 302 includes a flow chamber housing 350, an inlet port 352, and an outlet port 354. The flow chamber housing 350 defines a cavity 356 that is configured (eg. (e.g. sized and shaped) to receive sensor head 304. Inlet port 352 extends through flow chamber housing 350 (e.g., a side wall of the housing) and is configured to transport fluid from outside the housing. into the accommodation. The outlet port 354 extends through the flow chamber housing 350 (e.g., a side wall of the housing) and is configured to transport fluid from an interior of the housing back out of the housing. In operation, fluid may enter flow chamber 302 through inlet port 352, pass adjacent to first optical window 312, second optical window 314, and temperature sensor 316 of sensor head 304, and discharge from the flow chamber. through outlet port 354. When flow chamber 302 is used in online applications, fluid may flow through the chamber continuously for a period of time. For example, depending on the size and configuration of the flow chamber 302, fluid may flow through the chamber at a rate ranging from 0.1 gallons per minute to 10 gallons per minute, although other flow rates are both possible and contemplated.
[082] During the operation of the optical sensor 300, the flow chamber 302 may receive fluid, for example, from a downstream industrial process, which contains dirty materials (e.g., solid particles) and/or gas bubbles. These dirty materials and/or gas bubbles can accumulate within the flow chamber, inhibiting the 304 sensor head from properly detecting fluid characteristics. In some examples, in accordance with the description, the inlet port 352 of the flow chamber 302 defines at least one fluid nozzle that is configured to direct the fluid entering the flow chamber 302 against an optical window of the sensor head 304. For example, in Figure 8, inlet port 352 is illustrated as defining a first fluid nozzle 355A and a second fluid nozzle 355B (collectively "fluid nozzle 355"). When sensor head 304 (Figures 4 and 5) is inserted into flow chamber 302, first fluid nozzle 355A can direct fluid entering flow chamber 302 against first optical window 312 while second fluid nozzle 355B can direct fluid entering the flow chamber against the second optical window 314. The fluid nozzle 355 of the inlet port 352 can help reduce or eliminate the build-up of dirty materials in the sensor head 304, for example, causing fluid from input impacts an optical window of the sensor head. The impacting fluid can prevent dirty materials from accumulating in the optical window of the sensor head 304 and/or dislodge accumulated dirty material from the optical window.
[083] Additionally, directing incoming fluid against an optical window of the sensor head 304 can eliminate or reduce the formation of gas bubbles in the fluid, for example, at least before they are optically analyzed by the sensor head. In some applications, gas bubbles can form within a fluid moving through the flow chamber 302 as the fluid contacts various surfaces of the flow chamber, for example, causing dissolved gas to come out of solution and accumulate inside the flow chamber. These gas bubbles can reduce the accuracy with which the sensor head 304 of the optical sensor 300 can determine a fluid characteristic. Directing fluid entering flow chamber 302 against an optical window of sensor head 304 can prevent gas bubbles from forming in the fluid and/or allow the fluid to be optically analyzed before gas bubbles form in the fluid. fluid.
[084] Fluid nozzle 355 may be any structure that directs fluid entering flow chamber 302 against an optical window of sensor head 304. Fluid nozzle 355 may taper (e.g., in the indicated negative Y direction). in Figure 8) to increase the velocity of fluid flowing through the nozzle, expand to reduce the velocity of fluid flowing through the nozzle, or maintain an equal cross-sectional area along the length of the nozzle. In the example of Figures 7 to 9, fluid nozzle 355 projects from an inner wall of flow chamber 302 into angled cutout 322 of sensor head 304. Fluid nozzle 355 defines a single fluid conduit that divides at an inwardly distal end of the first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle 355B. In other examples, the first fluid nozzle 355A and the second fluid nozzle 355B may each define a separate fluid path that projects from a wall of the flow chamber 302. Additionally, in other examples, the nozzle The fluid nozzle 355 may not protrude from a wall of the flow chamber 302. Instead, in these examples, the fluid nozzle 355 may be flush with or recessed into a wall of the flow chamber 302.
[085] The fluid nozzle 355 defines at least one opening (e.g., two openings in the example of Figures 7 to 9) that projects the fluid entering the flow chamber 302 against an optical window of the sensor head 304. The The size of the fluid nozzle opening may vary, for example, depending on the size of the flow chamber 302 and the amount of fluid intended to be transported through the flow chamber. Additionally, the size of the fluid nozzle opening can vary depending on the size of the sensor head optical window 304. In some examples, the fluid nozzle 355 defines an opening that has a cross-sectional area less than or equal to a cross-sectional area of an optical window of the sensor head 304. For example, in the example of Figures 7 to 9, the first fluid nozzle 355A may define a cross-sectional area less than a cross-sectional area of the first optical window 312 and/or the second fluid nozzle 355B may define a cross-sectional area less than a cross-sectional area of the second optical window 314. The cross-sectional area of the first fluid nozzle 355A may be equal to or different from the cross-sectional area of the second fluid nozzle 355B. Sizing the first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle 355B so that the fluid nozzles have cross-sectional areas less than or equal to the cross-sectional areas of the first optical window 312 and second optical window 314 can focus fluid entering the chamber. of flow 302 in the optical windows. Rather than directing a comparatively larger fluid stream against the first optical window 312 and/or second optical window 314, focusing the fluid stream into a comparatively smaller stream can increase the pressure and/or velocity of the fluid stream. This can increase the force with which the fluid stream impacts an optical window of the 304 sensor head to remove dirty materials.
[086] The fluid nozzle 355 can be positioned in a variety of different locations along the flow chamber 302 and the position can vary, for example based on the location of the optical window of the sensor head 304. In some For example, sensor head 304 includes a first optical window and a second optical window that are positioned within a common plane along the sensor head housing 310. The common plane may be a common vertical plane (e.g., a common plane). YZ indicated in figures 5 and 6) or a common horizontal plane (eg the XY plane indicated in figures 5 and 6). For example, in the example of the sensor head 304 (Figures 5 and 6), the first optical window 312 and the second optical window 314 are positioned with a common horizontal plane passing through a center of each optical window. In some examples, the fluid nozzle 355 may be positioned within the same plane as the optical window of the sensor head 304 (e.g., the same plane as both the first optical window 312 and the second optical window 314). Such a location can minimize the distance the fluid must travel from one end of the fluid nozzle to the optical window of the sensor head.
[087] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the flow chamber 302 illustrated with the sensor head 304 inserted into the chamber. In this configuration, the second fluid nozzle 355B is positioned within a common plane or even plane 400 with the second optical window 314. Although not illustrated in the cross-sectional view, the first fluid nozzle 355A may also be positioned within the plane 400 with first optical window 312. When fluid nozzle 355 is positioned within a common plane 400 with an optical window of sensor head 304, fluid may travel within the plane (e.g., linearly) between the end of the fluid nozzle and the optical window during operation. Depending on the location of the fluid nozzle with respect to the optical window, positioning the fluid nozzle 355 within a common plane of an optical window of the sensor head 304 can minimize the distance that fluid travels between the fluid nozzle and the window. optics during operation. In turn, this can increase the force with which the fluid impacts the optical window. That being said, in other examples, the fluid nozzle 355 is not positioned within a common plane 400 with the first optical window 312 and/or the second optical window 314, and the description is not limited in that regard.
[088] The fluid nozzle 355 and, in particular, a fluid opening of the fluid nozzle 355 can have a variety of different orientations with respect to an optical window of the sensor head 304. In general, the orientation of a nozzle opening fluid nozzle 355 so that the opening is pointed towards the optical window of the sensor head 304 can be useful for directing fluid against the optical window. During operation when the fluid nozzle 355 has such a configuration, the fluid discharge from the fluid nozzle may travel from the fluid nozzle to the optical window of the sensor head 304 without contacting a wall surface or other internal surface of the chamber. 110. Instead, fluid exiting fluid nozzle 355 may come into direct contact with the optical window of sensor head 304 before contacting any other surface within the flow chamber 302.
[089] With further reference to Figure 8, first fluid nozzle 355A defines a first fluid axis 380A extending through a center of the first fluid nozzle and second fluid nozzle 355B defines a second fluid axis 380B extending through a center of the second fluid nozzle. First fluid axis 380A extends through and intersects approximately at a center of first optical window 312 so that when fluid is flowing through first fluid nozzle 355A, a stream of fluid exiting the nozzle is substantially centered. in the optical window. The second fluid axis 380B extends through and intersects at approximately a center of the second optical window 314 so that when fluid is flowing through the second fluid nozzle 355B, a stream of fluid exiting the nozzle is substantially centered. in the optical window. In other examples, first fluid axis 380A and/or second fluid axis 380B may extend through a different portion of first optical window 312 and/or second optical window 314 beyond a center of optical windows or may not extend through the optical windows at all. For example, first fluid shaft 380A and second fluid shaft 380B may extend through the wall of sensor head housing 310 so that when fluid is flowing through first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle fluid 355B, the fluid streams exiting the nozzles impact the wall of the sensor head housing, for example, before flowing against the first optical window 312 and second optical window 314. Such a configuration can dissipate the force of a fluid stream of input before contacting an optical window of the 304 sensor head.
[090] During the operation of the flow chamber 302 in the example of Figures 7 to 9, the fluid enters the inlet port 352 of the flow chamber and travels through the inlet port and, in some examples, through a part of the nozzle of fluid 355, before dividing into first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle 355B. A portion of the fluid entering the inlet port is discharged through the first fluid nozzle 355A while a different part of the fluid entering the inlet port is discharged through the second fluid nozzle 355B. In some examples, all fluid entering inlet port 352 is discharged from the inlet port through first fluid nozzle 355A and second fluid nozzle 355B. For example, when fluid nozzle 355A defines an opening that is approximately the same size as an opening defined by second fluid nozzle 355B, approximately half of the fluid entering inlet port 352 can be discharged from the inlet port through the first fluid nozzle 355A while the other half is discharged from the second fluid nozzle 355B. After discharge from fluid nozzle 355, fluid may travel from the distal tip of the fluid nozzle through a space filled with gas or liquid before contacting first optical window 312 and second optical window 314.
[091] During operation of the sensor head 304, the sensor head may emit light through the first optical window 312 into a fluid flowing through the flow chamber 302 and receive optical energy (e.g., fluorescent emissions) from it. of fluid through second optical window 314 to detect a characteristic of the fluid. If fluid nozzle 355 projects from a wall of flow chamber 302 into optical paths extending through first optical window 312 and second optical window 314, the fluid nozzle can potentially cause optical interference with the sensor. Accordingly, in some examples when fluid nozzle 355 projects from a wall of flow chamber 302, the fluid nozzle is sized so as to help minimize or avoid optical interference by the nozzle.
[092] Figure 10 is another cross-sectional top view of flow chamber 302 (illustrated with sensor head 304 inserted into chamber and without fluid nozzle 355 for purposes of illustration) taken along the transverse line AA indicated in figure 7 Figure 10 illustrates illustrative optical regions that can be defined by optical sensor 300. In that example, first optical window 312 is configured to project light from a light source into a first optical region 402 of angled cutout 322, and second optical window 314 is configured to receive light from the second optical region 404 of the angled cutout. First optical region 402 overlaps second optical region 404 adjacent to first optical window 312 and second optical window 314. Depending on the orientation and design of sensor head 304, first optical region 402 may diverge from second optical region 404 as the optical regions extend away from the first optical window 312 and second optical window 314, defining a third optical region 406. A fluid nozzle (not shown in Figure 10) can be sized so that the nozzle projects into the third optical region 406 without projecting into the first optical region 402 and/or second optical region 404. Such sizing can help minimize the extent to which a projecting fluid nozzle causes optical interference with the sensor head 304.
[093] The optical sensor 300 in the example of Figures 7 to 10 includes two optical windows (optical window 312 and second optical window 314). For that reason, the flow chamber 302 in that example is generally described as having two fluid nozzles, the first fluid nozzle 355A and the second fluid nozzle 355B. In other examples, the flow chamber 302 may have fewer fluid nozzles (e.g., a single fluid nozzle) or more fluid nozzles (e.g., three, four, or more fluid nozzles), and the description is not limited. in this regard. For example, when the sensor head 304 of the optical sensor 300 has more than two optical windows, the flow chamber 302 can have more than two fluid nozzles. In some examples, the flow chamber 302 includes at least one fluid nozzle associated with each optical window of the sensor head 304. Additionally, while the first fluid nozzle 355A and the second fluid nozzle 355B are illustrated in Figures 7 through 10, as being in fluid communication with a common inlet port, in other examples, each fluid nozzle may be defined by a separate inlet port extending through a side wall of flow chamber housing 350. Instead of if dividing the inlet fluid within the inlet port 352 of the flow chamber 302, the fluid entering the flow chamber may be divided or supplied from different sources outside the chamber and introduced into the flow chamber through inlet ports many different.
[094] As discussed briefly above with respect to Figure 7, the flow chamber 302 includes an inlet port 352 and an outlet port 354. The inlet port 352 is configured to connect to a conduit for transporting fluid from a source. into flow chamber 302. Outlet port 354 is configured to connect to a conduit to transport fluid away from flow chamber 302. Inlet port 352 and outlet port 354 may be positioned in any suitable location around the perimeter of the flow chamber housing 350. In the example of Figures 7 through 10, the inlet port 352 is positioned in a side wall of the housing while the outlet port 354 is positioned in a lower surface of the housing. accommodation. Input port 352 may be arranged at other locations with respect to output port 354 and the description is not limited in this regard.
[095] With further reference to Figure 3, the sensor 300 also includes a sensor cover 306 and a locking element 308. The sensor cover 306 may define a cover that houses various electrical components of the sensor 300. For example, the cover sensor 306 may house at least a portion of an optical emitter (e.g., optical emitter 222) and/or an optical detector (e.g., optical detector 224) and/or a controller (e.g., controller 220) of sensor 300 Sensor cover 306 may be permanently affixed to (e.g. molded integrally with) sensor 300 or may be removable from sensor 300.
[096] In some examples, the sensor 300 does not include a controller and/or other electronics that are physically housed with the sensor (eg, in the sensor cover 306). Instead, various components of the sensor 300 may be located in one or more housings that are physically separate from the sensor and communicatively coupled to the sensor (eg, through a wired or wireless connection). In one example, the sensor cover 306 of the sensor 300 is removable and the sensor head 304 of the sensor is configured to connect a portable controller module. Illustrative handheld controller modules that can be used with the sensor 300 are described in US Patent Publication No. 2011/0240887, filed March 31, 2010, and US Patent Publication No. 2011/0242539, also filed 31 March 2010. All contents of these patent publications are hereby incorporated by reference.
[097] During operation, pressurized fluid may flow through flow chamber 302 of sensor 300. When sensor head 304 is designed to be removable from flow chamber 302, pressurized fluid flowing through flow chamber may attempt to forcing the sensor head out of the fluid chamber. For that reason, sensor 300 may include a locking element to lock sensor head 304 within flow chamber 302.
[098] In the example of Figure 3, the sensor 300 includes the locking element 308. The locking element 308 can help prevent the sensor head 304 from disengaging from the flow chamber 302 when pressurized fluid is flowing through the flow chamber. flow. In some examples, the locking element 308 is configured to secure the sensor head 304 to the flow chamber 302 by screwing the locking element over a portion of both the sensor head and the flow chamber. In different examples, the locking element 308 may be configured to secure the sensor head 304 to the flow chamber 302 using a different type of fastener such as, for example, fasteners, screws and the like. By mechanically attaching sensor head 304 to flow chamber 302, sensor 300 can define a fluid impermeable cavity (except for inlet port 352 and outlet port 354) to receive and analyze a fluid sample.
[099] The techniques described in this description can be implemented, at least in part, in hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. For example, various aspects of the techniques described may be implemented within one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate assemblies ( FPGAs), or any other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry, plus any combinations of such components. The term "processor" can generally refer to any one of the above logic circuitry, alone or in combination with another logic circuitry, or any other equivalent circuitry. A control unit comprising hardware may also perform one or more of the techniques of this description.
[0100] Such hardware, software and firmware may be implemented within the same device or within separate devices to support the various operations and functions described in this description. Additionally, any of the described units, modules or components can be implemented together or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. The representation of different features as modules or units should highlight different functional aspects and does not necessarily imply that such modules or units must be realized by separate hardware or software components. Instead, the functionality associated with one or more modules or units may be realized by separate hardware or software components, or integrated within common or separate hardware or software components.
[0101] The techniques described in this description may also be embodied or encoded on a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transient computer-readable storage medium, containing instructions. Instructions embedded or encoded on a computer-readable storage medium can cause a programmable processor, or other processor, to perform the method, for example, when the instructions are executed. The non-transient computer-readable storage medium may include forms of volatile and/or non-volatile memory including, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), programmable and erasable read-only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, CD-ROM, floppy disk, cassette tape, magnetic media, optical media, or other computer-readable media .
[0102] Several examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the claims that follow.

权利要求:
Claims (8)
[0001]
1. Optical sensor (300) CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a sensor head (304) that includes a first optical window (312), a second optical window (314), at least one light source, and at least one detector (224), wherein the at least one light source is configured to emit light through the first optical window (312) into a fluid flow and the at least one detector (224) is configured to detect fluorescent emissions through the second optical window (314) from the flow of fluid; a flow chamber (302) that includes a housing (350) defining a cavity (356) into which the sensor head (304) is inserted, an inlet port (352) configured to communicate fluid flow from outside the cavity (356) to an interior of the cavity (356), and an outlet port (354) configured to communicate fluid flow from the interior of the cavity (356) back out of the cavity (356), wherein the inlet port (352) defines a first fluid nozzle (355A) configured to direct a portion of the fluid flow against the first optical window (312) and a second fluid nozzle (355B) configured to direct a portion of the fluid flow against the second optical window (314), wherein the sensor head (304) includes a sensor housing (350) extending from a proximal end (318) to a distal end (320), the sensor housing (350) including an angled cutout (322) defined by a first planar surface (324) that intersects a second planar surface (326), wherein the first optical window (312) is positioned on the first planar surface (324) and the second optical window (314) is positioned on the second planar surface (324). ), wherein the first fluid nozzle (355A) and the second fluid nozzle (355B) project away from a flow chamber wall (302) into the angled cutout (322) and provide a cleaning function for the first and the second optical windows (312, 314), wherein the first optical window ica (312) is configured to project light from at least one light source into a first region (402) of the angled cutout (322), the second optical window (314) is configured to receive optical energy from a second region (404) of the angled cutout (322) and directing optical energy to the at least one photodetector, wherein the first region (402) overlaps with the second region (404) and the first fluid nozzle (355A) and the second fluid nozzle (355B) projects into a third region (406) of the angled cutout (322) between the first region (402) and the second region (404) without projecting into the first and second regions (402, 404) .
[0002]
2. Optical sensor according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the first fluid nozzle (355A) defines a first fluid axis (380A) extending through a center of the first nozzle (355A), the second nozzle fluid axis (355B) defines a second fluid axis (380B) extending through a center of the second fluid nozzle (355B), and the first fluid axis (380A) and the second fluid axis (380B) define a plane common (400), wherein the first optical window (312) and the second optical window (314) are positioned within the common plane (400).
[0003]
3. Optical sensor according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the first fluid nozzle (355A) defines a first fluid axis (380A) extending through a center of the first fluid nozzle (355A), the second fluid nozzle (355B) defines a second fluid axis (380B) extending through a center of the second fluid nozzle (355B), and the first fluid axis (380A) intersecting approximately a center of the first optical window (312). ) and the second fluid axis (380B) intersecting approximately a center of the second optical window (314).
[0004]
4. Optical sensor, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the first flat surface (324) intersects the second flat surface (326) to define an angle of approximately 90 degrees, the first optical window (312) and the second optical window (314) are positioned within the same plane between the proximal end (318) and the distal end (320) of the sensor housing (350), and the first fluid nozzle (355A) and the second fluid nozzle (355B) are positioned within the same plane as the first optical window (312) and the second optical window (314).
[0005]
5. Optical sensor, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the first optical window (312) and the second optical window (314) each comprise a spherical lens.
[0006]
6. Method CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: directing fluid through a first fluid nozzle (355A) of a fluid chamber (302) against a first optical window (312) of a sensor head (304); directing fluid through a second fluid nozzle (355B) of the flow chamber (302) against a second optical window (314) of the sensor head (304); wherein the sensor head (304) includes at least one source of light configured to emit light through the first optical window (312) into a fluid stream and at least one detector (224) configured to receive optical energy through the second optical window (314) from the fluid stream, wherein the sensor head (304) includes a sensor housing (350) extending from a proximal end (318) to a distal end (320), the sensor housing (350) including an angled cutout (322) defined by a first flat surface (324) that intersects a second flat surface (326), wherein the first optical window (312) is positioned on the first flat surface (324) and the second optical window (314) is positioned on the second flat surface ( 324), wherein the first fluid nozzle (355A) and the second The second fluid nozzle (355B) projects away from a flow chamber wall (302) to the angled cutout (322) and provides a cleaning function for the first and second optical windows (312, 314), wherein the first optical window (312) is configured to project light from at least one light source into a first region (402) of the angled cutout (322), the second optical window (314) is configured to receive optical energy at starting from a second region (404) of the angled cutout (322) and directing optical energy to the at least one photodetector, wherein the first region (402) overlaps with the second region (404) and the first fluid nozzle (355A). ) and the second fluid nozzle (355B) projects into a third region (406) of the angled cutout (322) between the first region (402) and the second region (404) without projecting into the first and second regions (402, 404).
[0007]
7. Method according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that fluid directed through the first fluid nozzle (355A) and fluid directed through the second fluid nozzle (355B) are directed within a common plane (400) , wherein the first optical window (312) and the second optical window (314) are positioned within the common plane (400).
[0008]
A method as claimed in claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the first fluid nozzle (355A) defines a first fluid axis (380A) extending through a center of the first fluid nozzle (355A), the second fluid nozzle (355B) defines a second fluid axis (380B) extending through a center of the second fluid nozzle (355B), and directing fluid through the first fluid nozzle (355A) comprises directing fluid so that the first fluid axis (380A) intersects approximately a center of the first optical window (312), and directing fluid through the second fluid nozzle (355B) comprises directing fluid so that the second fluid axis fluid (380B) intersects approximately a center of the second optical window (314).

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法律状态:
2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-11-26| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2021-06-29| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-11-03| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2022-01-11| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 30/04/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US13/464,508|US9001319B2|2012-05-04|2012-05-04|Self-cleaning optical sensor|

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US13/464,508|2012-05-04|

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PCT/US2013/038839|WO2013165999A1|2012-05-04|2013-04-30|Self-cleaning optical sensor|

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