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Title: Method for improving instrument response

Patent ·
OSTI ID:872993
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [4]
  1. 7528 Oxford Cir., Dublin, Alameda County, CA 94568
  2. 2665 Calle Alegre, Pleasanton, Alameda County, CA 94566
  3. 5443 Celeste Ave., Livermore, Alameda County, CA 94550
  4. 5447 Theresa Way, Livermore, Alameda County, CA 94550

This invention pertains generally to a method for improving the accuracy of particle analysis under conditions of discrete particle loading and particularly to a method for improving signal-to-noise ratio and instrument response in laser spark spectroscopic analysis of particulate emissions. Under conditions of low particle density loading (particles/m.sup.3) resulting from low overall metal concentrations and/or large particle size uniform sampling can not be guaranteed. The present invention discloses a technique for separating laser sparks that arise from sample particles from those that do not; that is, a process for systematically "gating" the instrument response arising from "sampled" particles from those responses which do not, is dislosed as a solution to his problem. The disclosed approach is based on random sampling combined with a conditional analysis of each pulse. A threshold value is determined for the ratio of the intensity of a spectral line for a given element to a baseline region. If the threshold value is exceeded, the pulse is classified as a "hit" and that data is collected and an average spectrum is generated from an arithmetic average of "hits". The true metal concentration is determined from the averaged spectrum.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
Hahn, David W. (7528 Oxford Cir., Dublin, Alameda County, CA 94568);Hencken, Kenneth R. (2665 Calle Alegre, Pleasanton, Alameda County, CA 94566);Johnsen, Howard A. (5443 Celeste Ave., Livermore, Alameda County, CA 94550);Flower, William L. (5447 Theresa Way, Livermore, Alameda County, CA 94550)
Patent Number(s):
US 6061641
OSTI ID:
872993
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (1)

Real-time optical measurement of alkali species in air for jet engine corrosion testing conference February 2013