초록 ▼

A system and method for optical interrogation and measurement of a hydrocarbon fuel gas includes a light source generating light at near-visible wavelengths. A cell containing the gas is optically coupled to the light source which is in turn partially transmitted by the sample. A spectrometer disper

A system and method for optical interrogation and measurement of a hydrocarbon fuel gas includes a light source generating light at near-visible wavelengths. A cell containing the gas is optically coupled to the light source which is in turn partially transmitted by the sample. A spectrometer disperses the transmitted light and captures an image thereof. The image is captured by a low-cost silicon-based two-dimensional CCD array. The captured spectral image is processed by electronics for determining energy or BTU content and composition of the gas. The innovative optical approach provides a relatively inexpensive, durable, maintenance-free sensor and method which is reliable in the field and relatively simple to calibrate. In view of the above, accurate monitoring is possible at a plurality of locations along the distribution chain leading to more efficient distribution.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A system for measuring properties of a hydrocarbon fuel gas comprising:a light source generating light over a wavelength range;a pipe having a hydrocarbon fuel gas flow;a cell in fluid communication with the gas in the pipe such that gas located in the cell is optically coupled to

[ We claim:] [1.] A system for measuring properties of a hydrocarbon fuel gas comprising:a light source generating light over a wavelength range;a pipe having a hydrocarbon fuel gas flow;a cell in fluid communication with the gas in the pipe such that gas located in the cell is optically coupled to the light source, the light being partially transmitted by the gas;a spectrograph that is optically coupled to the cell and that disperses the transmitted light;calibrating means for calibrating the spectrograph, the spectrograph having a resolution such that the calibration means calibrates a wavelength scale of the spectrograph;a silicon sensor array that detects at least some portion of the dispersed light in the range between 700-1000 nm and generates spectral data; anda processing circuit that processes the spectral data to determine a property of the gas.