Sensor system for multi-component fluids

Abstract

A small scale and low cost spectral sensing system designed primarily for multi-component fluids that provides a compact, low cost platform for analyzers or chemical sensors with limited number of optical and mechanical components featuring a light source, an optical interface with the sample, and a custom detector (multi-element). A single detector element has a specific wavelength, defined by a filter that can be used to select and measure specific chemical compounds. Multiple detector elements are combined to create a multi-channel detector capable of measuring a broad range of wavelengths from ultraviolet (UV) to near and mid-infrared wavelengths. The fabricated sensor can be configured for almost any class of material including gases, vapors, and liquids, with extension to solids. This is linked to the use of the custom detectors featuring filters tailored to specific substances in a broad spectral range from the UV to infrared.

1 . A system for determining in a sample a concentration of a component of said sample, comprising:
 an integrated light source;   a detector system, wherein said detector system comprises
 at least one detector element having an optical filter configured to detect at least one pre-determined wavelength intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by said light source 
   coupling apparatus configured to position the detector system and integrate light source; and   integrated electronics, wherein said integrated electronics comprise
 a processor in communication with the sensor, the processor configured to calculate a value of the concentration of the component in the sample based on the detected pre-determined wavelength intensity. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a chamber configured to permit the sample to pass through said chamber. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said detector system is configured to have multi-wavelength detection. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said integrated light source is a broad band wavelength emitter. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said integrated light source emits a wavelength between about 10 nm and about 26000 nm. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said coupling apparatus is configured to couple the light source and the detector system to said chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said chamber has an insertion probe having an adjustable measurement chamber and insertion tip, wherein said probe is configured to allow a sample to enter into said chamber from the insertion tip. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said detector system has a plurality of detector elements, each element having a unique optical filter configured to detect a unique wavelength intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by said light source. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a memory device in communication with the processor for storing data. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling apparatus is configured for coupling the light source and the detector system to a measurement chamber. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A system for determining in a sample a concentration of a component of said sample, comprising:
 an integrated light source;   a detector system, wherein said detector system comprises
 at least one detector element having an optical filter configured to detect a pre-determined wavelength intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by said light source 
   a chamber wherein said light source is positioned across from said detector system and said sample passes through said chamber between said light source and said detector system;   a coupling apparatus configured to couple said light source and said detector system to the chamber; and   integrated electronics, wherein said integrated electronics comprise
 a processor in communication with the at least one sensor, the processor configured to calculate, based on the detected pre-determined wavelength a value of the concentration of the component in the sample. 
   
     
     
         13 . A remote sampling sensor for determining the characteristics of a sample, comprising:
 a sample interface;   a light emitter;   a light guide;   a detector system; and   integrated electronics.   
     
     
         14 . The remote sampling sensor of  claim 13 , wherein said sample interface is remotely located from said light emitter and detector system. 
     
     
         15 . The remote sampling sensor of  claim 14 , wherein said light guide is solid. 
     
     
         16 . The remote sampling sensor of  claim 14 , wherein said light guide comprises a hollow conduit. 
     
     
         17 . The remote sampling sensor of  claim 14 , wherein said sample interface has a retro-reflective optic configured to return the light from said light emitter to said detector system. 
     
     
         18 . The remote sampling sensor of  claim 17 , further comprising a fiber optic cable configured to return said light to the detector system. 
     
     
         19 . The remote sampling sensor of  claim 14 , wherein said detector system comprises at least one detector element having an optical filter configured to detect a pre-determined wavelength intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by said light source. 
     
     
         20 . The remote sampling sensor of  claim 19 , wherein said light emitter is a broadband light source.