Real-time in-situ refractometer for concentration measurements in absorption machines

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:6016173

Bostick, D A; Klatt, L N; Strain, J E; Perez-Blanco, H

As in-situ, real-time refractometer has been developed for the measurement of absorbent concentration in absorption machines. the refractive index of the absorber fluid is determined by measuring light loss from optical fiber cables which are immersed in the solution. The optical fibers have been modified by removing a portion of the cladding from the center of hard clad fiber optics to expose a segment of the core. The exposed portions of the fiber cores are placed at points within an absorption machine for which the measurement of absorbent concentration is desired. The entrance face of all modified fibers is illuminated with a light source. The amount of light lost from the core of each fiber to the absorber solution surrounding the fibers is measured and is directly related to the refractive index of the solution. Because the refractive index of a solution is a function of temperature, a thermocouple junction is placed adjacent to each of the exposed fibers to measure and compensate for local solution temperature.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6016173
• Report Number(s): CONF-8506246-1; ON: DE86006074
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440300* -- Miscellaneous Instruments-- (-1989)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION CYCLE
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
BROMIDES
BROMINE COMPOUNDS
FIBERS
FLUIDS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
LITHIUM BROMIDES
LITHIUM COMPOUNDS
LITHIUM HALIDES
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
OPTICAL FIBERS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
REFRACTIVITY
REFRIGERANTS
WORKING FLUIDS