WO1999040412A1 - Method and apparatus to detect the presence of water on a surface - Google Patents
Method and apparatus to detect the presence of water on a surface Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999040412A1 WO1999040412A1 PCT/GB1999/000165 GB9900165W WO9940412A1 WO 1999040412 A1 WO1999040412 A1 WO 1999040412A1 GB 9900165 W GB9900165 W GB 9900165W WO 9940412 A1 WO9940412 A1 WO 9940412A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- wavelength
- signal
- optical
- water
- infra
- Prior art date
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 55
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 12
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 65
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims abstract 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002737 fuel gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 for example Substances 0.000 description 1
- XCAUINMIESBTBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N lead(ii) sulfide Chemical compound [Pb]=S XCAUINMIESBTBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
- G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
- G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
- G01N21/3554—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for determining moisture content
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/28—Investigating the spectrum
- G01J3/42—Absorption spectrometry; Double beam spectrometry; Flicker spectrometry; Reflection spectrometry
- G01J3/427—Dual wavelengths spectrometry
Definitions
- This invention relates to a method and apparatus to detect the presence of water on a surface .
- the method and apparatus may be used to detect the presence of water on an inside surface of a fuel gas main or pipe to indicate ingress of water into the main or pipe.
- a method of detecting the presence of water on a surface comprises emitting an optical signal comprising at least a first wavelength and a second wavelength, both said wavelengths being absorbed by water but said first wavelength being absorbed to a greater extent than said second wavelength so that said second wavelength provides a reference, directing said optical signal onto a said surface from which the signal is reflected, alternately passing the reflected signal through a first optical filter which passes substantially only an optical signal of said first wavelength and through a second optical filter which passes substantially only an optical signal of said second wavelength, and observing when the strength of a signal emergent from the first optical filter differs in a pre-determined way from the strength of the reference passed by the second optical filter to indicate the presence of water on the surface.
- apparatus to detect the presence of water on a surface comprises an optical source to emit an optical signal comprising at least a first wavelength and a second wavelength, both said wavelengths being absorbed by water but said first wavelength being absorbed to a greater extent than said second wavelength so that said second wavelength provides a reference, means to direct said optical signal onto a said surface for reflection thereby, a first optical filter which passes only an optical signal of said first wavelength, a second optical filter which passes only an optical signal of said second wavelength, means to interpose alternately the first optical filter and the second optical filter in the path of the reflected optical signal, and means to observe when the strength of a signal emergent from the first optical filter differs in a predetermined way from the strength of the reference passed by the second optical filter to indicate the presence of water on the surface.
- Fig.l is a diagrammatic representation, partly in section, of an apparatus formed according to the second aspect of the invention for carrying out the method according to the first aspect of the invention;
- 3 Fig.2 is a fragmentary view of the apparatus in Fig.l along the arrow II;
- Fig.3 is a diagrammatic representation of strengths of optical signals transmitted through the first optical filter and the second optical filter of the apparatus in Fig. 1, and
- Fig.4 is a diagrammatic representation of how the apparatus in Fig. 1 may be arranged for inspecting an interior of a pipe for the presence of water.
- an apparatus 2 to detect the presence of water on a surface for example an internal surface of, for example, a pipe or main which may convey gas, for example, fuel gas, has a detection unit 4 and an indicator 6.
- the detection unit 4 mounted within a common casing 8, shown in dotted lines, comprises an optical source 10 to emit an optical signal in the infra-red wave band.
- the source 10 may be a filament lamp bulb.
- the optical signal includes infra-red wavelengths which are absorbed by water, but some of those infra-red wave lengths are absorbed by water to a greater extent than others of those infra-red wavelengths.
- the arrangement is such that the emitted infrared signal is reflected (diffusely reflected) by a surface 12, for example an inner surface of a pipe wall 14 onto a mirror or other reflector 16 so disposed that it can only receive a reflected signal and not one direct from the source 10.
- a surface 12 for example an inner surface of a pipe wall 14 onto a mirror or other reflector 16 so disposed that it can only receive a reflected signal and not one direct from the source 10.
- the reflected signal follows a path 18 through a 4 focusing lens arrangement 20 and imaged onto an infra-red detector 22, which may be a lead-sulphide type, which generates an electrical signal on line 24 representative of the strength or intensity of the infra-red signal incident on the detector 22.
- the signal on line 24 is input to an electronic control 26.
- a chopper 28 Interposed in the reflected signal path 18 is a chopper 28 which is rotated by an electric motor 30, for example a stepper motor, and comprises, as shown in Fig. 2, a disc formed with two diametrically opposed openings or windows 32 one occupied by an optical filter 34 and the other occupied by an optical filter 36.
- Filter 34 only passes certain infra-red wavelengths and filter 36 only passes certain other infra-red wavelengths. All those infra-red wavelengths are absorbed by water but those passed by the filter 34 are absorbed by water to a greater extent than those passed by the filter 36.
- the infra-red wavelengths passed by the filter 34 have a wavelength of substantially 1900nm, (nanometres) .
- the signal passed by the filter 34 is hereinafter called "the water observation signal".
- the infra-red wavelengths passed by the filter 36 (and absorbed by water to a lesser extent than the water observation signal) serve as a reference signal.
- the infra-red wavelength passed by the filter 36 may be substantially 2200 nm.
- An infra-red signal having a wavelength of substantially 2200 nm is not absorbed by water nor by ethylene glycol (which is added to natural gas in the United Kingdom to maintain the effectiveness of gas tight 5 seals used on fitting connected to gas mains) to the same extent as a signal of 1900 nm wavelength.
- the optical filter 34 is interposed in signal path 18 for a short time and then after a somewhat longer period the optical filter 36 is interposed in the path 18 for a time similar to that for the filter 34.
- the strength or intensity of the water observation signal when not absorbed by water may be substantially the same as that of the reference signal. Accordingly, when water is not present, the detector 22 responds to the water observation and reference signals substantially similarly and gives substantially the same output signal on line 24. So that control 26 can identify which signal, reference or water observation signal, is being observed by the detector 22 a marker 38 corresponding to the optical filter 34 is provided to which sensor 40 is arranged to respond.
- the control 26 When the marker 38 passes the sensor 40 the control 26 receives a signal from that sensor indicating that the signal the control is receiving from the detector 22 corresponds to the water observing signal whereby the control 26 understands that the next signal it receives from the detector 22 corresponds to the reference signal. Thus the control 26 can distinguish between the water observation signal and the reference signal .
- the control 26 observes the strength or intensity of the water observation signal and the reference signal in turn and 6 repeatedly.
- the observed value of the reference signal is divided in the control 26 by the observed value of the water observation signal, and the quotient is substantially unity when water is not present. But the quotient is greater than unity when water is present to reduce the value of the detected water observation siganl by absorption of at least some of that signal by the water.
- the control 26 sends a signal to the indicator 6 to provide an indication that the presence of water is detected.
- Fig. 3 shows variation in the strength W of water observation signals with respect to time t received by the detector 22 and over the same time-frame variation in the strength R of signals with respect to the time t received by the detector.
- the chopper 28 may be driven at any speed, but the faster it rotates the greater the resolution. 7
- a reference signal as a comparison means that the response of the apparatus water is not affected by variation in the reflecting properties of the surface 12 or if there is displacement of apparatus parts relative to one another, since both the reference signal and the water observation signal are each affected equally.
- the apparatus 2 can be moved relative to the surface 12 to observe for the presence of water at different places on the surface .
- Fig. 4 the detection unit 4 is shown being moved along the interior of the pipe 14 on an extensible or telescopic support or arm 46 carrying the indicator 6 at the other end.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
- Analysing Materials By The Use Of Radiation (AREA)
- Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)
- Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AT99901741T ATE263966T1 (en) | 1998-02-06 | 1999-01-19 | METHOD FOR DETECTING WATER ON A SURFACE |
US09/601,325 US6680479B1 (en) | 1998-02-06 | 1999-01-19 | Method and apparatus to detect the presence of water on a surface |
EP99901741A EP1055113B1 (en) | 1998-02-06 | 1999-01-19 | Method of detecting the presence of water on a surface |
AU21746/99A AU744111B2 (en) | 1998-02-06 | 1999-01-19 | Method and apparatus to detect the presence of water on a surface |
JP2000530775A JP2002502965A (en) | 1998-02-06 | 1999-01-19 | Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of water on a surface |
DE69916249T DE69916249T2 (en) | 1998-02-06 | 1999-01-19 | METHOD FOR WATER DETECTION ON A SURFACE |
CA002318793A CA2318793A1 (en) | 1998-02-06 | 1999-01-19 | Method and apparatus to detect the presence of water on a surface |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9802473.0 | 1998-02-06 | ||
GBGB9802473.0A GB9802473D0 (en) | 1998-02-06 | 1998-02-06 | Method and apparatus to detect the presence of water on a surface |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999040412A1 true WO1999040412A1 (en) | 1999-08-12 |
Family
ID=10826521
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB1999/000165 WO1999040412A1 (en) | 1998-02-06 | 1999-01-19 | Method and apparatus to detect the presence of water on a surface |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6680479B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1055113B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002502965A (en) |
AT (1) | ATE263966T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU744111B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2318793A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69916249T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK1055113T3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9802473D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999040412A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NZ568833A (en) * | 2003-03-14 | 2009-05-31 | Liwas Aps Life Warning System | A device for detection of road surface condition |
CN1898550A (en) * | 2003-12-22 | 2007-01-17 | 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 | Optical analysis system, blood analysis system and method of determining an amplitude of a principal component |
US20060267758A1 (en) * | 2005-02-18 | 2006-11-30 | Barth R T | System and method for detection of a variety of alarm conditions |
US10620032B2 (en) | 2013-09-10 | 2020-04-14 | Eaton Intelligent Power Limited | Electro-optic liquid sensor with the use of reflected residual light to enable a test of the sensor |
EP3044551B1 (en) * | 2013-09-10 | 2020-03-18 | Eaton Corporation | Electro-optic liquid sensor enabling in-liquid testing |
US20170294099A1 (en) * | 2016-04-07 | 2017-10-12 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Method for detecting floods and spills using lifi |
US11703458B2 (en) * | 2020-12-06 | 2023-07-18 | Pixart Imaging Inc. | Detecting device and automatic cleaner |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3885091A (en) * | 1973-10-24 | 1975-05-20 | Halliburton Co | Method and apparatus for pipeline inspection |
GB2008745A (en) * | 1977-11-03 | 1979-06-06 | Anacon Instr Ltd | Spectrophotometer |
JPH03115838A (en) * | 1989-09-29 | 1991-05-16 | Kawasaki Steel Corp | Moisture measuring method by use of infrared ray |
WO1998022806A1 (en) * | 1996-11-19 | 1998-05-28 | Infrared Engineering Limited | Infrared measuring gauges |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4274091A (en) * | 1978-03-09 | 1981-06-16 | Decker Peter W | Road surface ice detector and method for vehicles |
GB2122768A (en) * | 1982-06-18 | 1984-01-18 | Infrared Eng | Calibration standard for infrared absorption gauge |
SE8406065D0 (en) * | 1984-11-30 | 1984-11-30 | Lennart Wettervik | METHOD OF SUGGESTING AND MAPPING OF CLEANING WATER IN WASTE WATER PIPES |
JPH09311029A (en) * | 1996-05-24 | 1997-12-02 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Detector for peeling of wall face in tunnel |
US6102617A (en) * | 1998-01-13 | 2000-08-15 | Vivian A. Hampton | Impoundment leak detection, location, and containment system and method with mobile sensor |
-
1998
- 1998-02-06 GB GBGB9802473.0A patent/GB9802473D0/en not_active Ceased
-
1999
- 1999-01-19 AU AU21746/99A patent/AU744111B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1999-01-19 WO PCT/GB1999/000165 patent/WO1999040412A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1999-01-19 CA CA002318793A patent/CA2318793A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-01-19 AT AT99901741T patent/ATE263966T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-01-19 EP EP99901741A patent/EP1055113B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-01-19 DE DE69916249T patent/DE69916249T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-01-19 DK DK99901741T patent/DK1055113T3/en active
- 1999-01-19 JP JP2000530775A patent/JP2002502965A/en active Pending
- 1999-01-19 US US09/601,325 patent/US6680479B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3885091A (en) * | 1973-10-24 | 1975-05-20 | Halliburton Co | Method and apparatus for pipeline inspection |
GB2008745A (en) * | 1977-11-03 | 1979-06-06 | Anacon Instr Ltd | Spectrophotometer |
JPH03115838A (en) * | 1989-09-29 | 1991-05-16 | Kawasaki Steel Corp | Moisture measuring method by use of infrared ray |
WO1998022806A1 (en) * | 1996-11-19 | 1998-05-28 | Infrared Engineering Limited | Infrared measuring gauges |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 015, no. 320 (P - 1238) 15 August 1991 (1991-08-15) * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2318793A1 (en) | 1999-08-12 |
DE69916249D1 (en) | 2004-05-13 |
EP1055113B1 (en) | 2004-04-07 |
AU2174699A (en) | 1999-08-23 |
ATE263966T1 (en) | 2004-04-15 |
US6680479B1 (en) | 2004-01-20 |
GB9802473D0 (en) | 1998-04-01 |
EP1055113A1 (en) | 2000-11-29 |
DK1055113T3 (en) | 2004-07-26 |
JP2002502965A (en) | 2002-01-29 |
DE69916249T2 (en) | 2005-04-14 |
AU744111B2 (en) | 2002-02-14 |
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