Fiber optic hydrogen sensor
An apparatus and method are described for detecting a chemical substance by exposing an optic fiber having a core and a cladding to the chemical substance so that the chemical substance can be adsorbed onto the surface of the cladding. The optic fiber is coiled inside a container having a pair of valves for controlling the entrance and exit of the substance. Light from a light source is received by one end of the optic fiber, preferably external to the container, and carried by the core of the fiber. Adsorbed substance changes the transmissivity of the fiber as measured by a spectrophotometer at the other end, also preferably external to the container. Hydrogen is detected by the absorption of infrared light carried by an optic fiber with a silica cladding. Since the adsorption is reversible, a sensor according to the present invention can be used repeatedly. Multiple positions in a process system can be monitored using a single container that can be connected to each location to be monitored so that a sample can be obtained for measurement, or, alternatively, containers can be placed near each position and the optic fibers carrying the partially-absorbed light can be multiplexed for rapid sequential reading by a single spectrophotometer. 4 figs.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-89SR18035
- Assignee:
- PTO; EDB-94-086996
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5153931; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-678520
- OSTI ID:
- 7049921
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 1 Apr 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
HYDROGEN METERS
DESIGN
CHEMICAL COATING
CHEMISORPTION
INFRARED RADIATION
OPERATION
OPTICAL FIBERS
SPECTROPHOTOMETRY
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DEPOSITION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FIBERS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
METERS
RADIATIONS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SORPTION
SURFACE COATING
080800* - Hydrogen- Properties & Composition