US3787122A

US3787122A - Light scattering particle analyzer

Info

Publication number: US3787122A
Application number: US00321310A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Lepper
Original assignee: Wehr Corp
Current assignee: Venturedyne Ltd
Priority date: 1973-01-05
Filing date: 1973-01-05
Publication date: 1974-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 1991-01-22

Abstract

A light scattering device for analyzing colloidal particles in a fluid which includes an intake conduit through which a relatively high volume flow of the fluid to be analyzed is drawn by a pump. The intake stream is divided into a sample stream, which comprises a minor fraction of the intake stream and is drawn through an optical sensing chamber via a sample inlet nozzle for analysis, and a by-pass stream, which comprises the remaining portion of the intake stream and is drawn through a conduit bypassing the optical sensing chamber. A trickle flow of purging air is introduced into the sensing chamber through a small filter during normal operation. When flow through the intake conduit is shut off, the pump draws a high volume flow of purging air through the filter to rapidly purge residual particles and other similar contaminants from both the sensing chamber and the sample inlet nozzle.

Description

Marie tes 1- 1191 1111 um Lepper, .Hr. v Earn. 22, 1974 v LKGHT SCATTERING PARTICLE [57] ABSTRACT ANALYZER A light scattering device for analyzing colloidal parti- [75] Inventor: James M- Lepp rnlh, i on, cles in a fluid which includes an intake conduit Wis. through which a relatively high volume flow of the [73] Assignee: Wehr Corporation, Milwaukee, Wis. fluid l q is drawn by a pump h intake stream is divided into a sample stream, which com- [22] Filed: Jan. 5, 1973 prises a minor fraction of the intake stream and is drawn through an optical sensing chamber via a sam- [21] Appl' 32151 ple inlet nozzle for analysis, and a by-pass stream, which comprises the remaining portion of the intake Cl 356/ 103, stream and is drawn through a conduit by-passing the 250/218 optical sensing chamber. A trickle flow of purging air [51] Int. Cl. G01n 21/00, G01 j 3/46 is introduced into the sensing chamber through a small [58] Field of Search 356/39-42, 102, filter during normal operation. When flow through the 5 250/2l8 X intake conduit is shut off, the pump draws a high volume flow of purging air through the filter to rapidly [56] References Cited purge residual particles and other similar contami- UNITED STATES PATENTS j nants from both the sensing chamber and the sample 2,909,960 10/1959 Orr, Jr. et al 356/103 Inlet 1 3,361,030 1/1968 Goldberg 356/103 11 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure Primary ExaminerRonald L. Wibert Ass tant Exam ne Co ad Cl rk.

LIGHT SCATTERING PARTICLE ANALYZER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to devices for measuring colloidal particles in fluids and, more particularly, to airborne particle analyzers utilizing light scattering particle detection.

Various devices have been employed to measure the size and/or concentration of small colloidal particles, such as smoke, dust, smog, pollen and the like, in air or other fluids. One type of device employs a light scattering technique whereby a sample stream of the fluid is illuminated by a beam of light and light scattered by the particles suspended in'the sample stream is detected. These devices are commonly used to monitor the presence of pollution or contamination in the atmosphere of areas where a high degree of cleanliness is required, such as laboratories, hospitals, rooms where dirtsensitive equipment is operating or being assembled, and the like.

In order to provide precise monitoring, it is essential that the sample stream of fluid be representative of the environment being monitored. Generally, a sample stream flow in the range of about 0.1 to about 1 cubic foot per minute is adequate for most purposes. However, prior art devices 'capable of analyzing sample streams flows of this magnitude are quite large and expensive. The more practical prior art devices use sampling flows as low as 0.01 cubic foot per minute which is usually far too low to provide a sample which is representative of room-"size volumes. Also, larger particles tend to fall out of the sample stream as it flows through the relatively long, small diameter sample inlet tubes or hoses typically used in these low sampling devices, making the sample stream being measured still less representative.

Furthermore, prior devicesusing low sampling rates have a correspondingly low response time to excursions in size and/or concentration of particles in the atmosphere being monitored. A reasonably rapid response is desirable for many operations. For example, if the device is being used to evaluate the effectiveness of an air filter, location of a particle leak canbecome a very tedious operation with prior devices having a slow response. In clean room operations where a relatively large volume of filtered air is pumped through the room to maintain a substantially particle-free atmosphere, a monitoring device having a rapid response is desired in order to prevent a long lapse of time between the occurrence of a contamination problem and the time the deviceindicates the problem has occurred.

Another problem with particle analyzing devices of this type is that some of the particles separate from the sample stream in the sensing chamber. These separated particles tend to drift around inthe chamber and cause erroneous indications. The error caused by the presence of separated particles in the sensing chamber and- /or sample inlet line can be particularly significant when the device is transferred from a heavily contaminated region to a comparatively clean region. Various approaches have been proposed to minimize this problem, such as providing an air sheath to confine the sample flow stream as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,361,030 and 2,732,753. A separate pumping and flow measuring means as well as other additional equipment are usually required for the sheathing air flow.

The additional equipment required substantially increases cost and complexity and, therefore, cannot be practically included in less expensive devices.

It also has been proposed to flow a clean air purge through the sampling system for cleaning. Because of the low flow capacity of the sampling system of prior low cost devices, several minutes are often required for cleaning, particularly when making the transition from ambient air to clean-bench or clean-room air.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of this invention is to providea simple, inexpensive light scattering device for measuring colloidal particles in a fluid which is capable of providing a highly representative sample for measurement.

Another object of this invention is to provide a light scattering type device for measuring colloidal particles in a fluid which has a relatively rapid response time.

A further object of this invention is to provide such a device wherein the accumulation of separated particles in the sensing chamber is minimized.

A still further object of this invention is to provide such a device which can be cleaned in a minimum time.

Further objects, aspects and advantages of the inven tion will become apparent from the following detailed description, the drawing, and the appended claims.

In accordance with the invention, a light scattering device for measuring colloidal particles in a fluid is arranged to provide a high transport rate for the sample being drawn into the device from which a low volume sample stream is taken and passed through an optical sensing chamber analysis. The high transport rate of the incoming sample minimizes particle fall out, provides a more representative sample of the atmosphere being analyzed, and facilitates a more rapid response.

More specifically, the device includes an intake conduit means for introducing a stream of the fluid to be analyzed into the device, a sample inlet nozzle communicating with the intake conduit means and extending into an optical sensing chamber for passing a sample stream through the sensing chamber for analysis, bypass conduit means communicating with the intake conduit means, a sample outlet conduit means communicatingwith the sensing chamber and through which the sample stream is discharged from the chamber and an exhaust conduit means communicating with the bypass conduit means and the sample outlet conduit means. A pumping means located in the exhaust con duit means draws a relatively high volume intake stream of the fluid through the intake conduit means, draws a representative sample stream comprising a minor portion of the intake stream through the sample inlet nozzle into the sensing chamber and outwardly from .the sensing chamber through the sample outlet conduit means, and draws a by-pass stream comprising the remaining major portion of intake stream through the by-pass conduit means. The outlet of the intake conduit and the inlets of the sample inlet nozzle and the by-pass conduit means are preferably connected to a flow chamber means which is arranged to provide a substantially free jet impingement of the center portion of the inlet stream through the sample inlet nozzle to thereby insure that a representative sample of the intake stream is flowed through the sensing chamber for analysis.

In accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention, the sensing chamber is provided with a purge inlet port through which a trickle flow of air is drawn via a filtering means during normal operation to assist in preventing the accumulation of separated particles in the sensing chamber. The sampling portion of the system can be rapidly purged by closing a flow shut off means provided in the intake conduit means so that the pumping means draws a relatively high volume flow of filtered air through the purge air inlet port into the sensing chamber and then through both the sample out let conduit means and back through the sample inlet nozzle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The drawing is a diagrammatic representation of a light scattering device for measuring colloidal particles in a fluid embodied by the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The scattering light device of the invention will be 1 described for use as an airborne particle analyzer for measuring the size and concentration of solid particulates suspended in air. It should be understood that the device is adaptable for many other similar uses for detecting the presence of colloidal particles in other gases and fluids.

Referring to the drawing, the airborne particle analyzer includes an optical sensing chamber 12 into which a sample stream of air being analyzed for the presence of airborne particles is passed through a sample inlet nozzle 14. Optical sensing chamber 12 is of conventional construction and includes a conventional light generator and transmitter (not shown) for transmitting a focused beam of light along an axial path through the chamber, a conventional reflector means (not shown) for forwardly reflecting light scattered by particles in the sample stream passing through the light beam, and a conventional scattered light detector and measuring means (not shown) for determining the size and/or concentration of air-borne particles in the sample air stream. The optical sensing chamber, the light generator and transmitter means, the reflector means, and the scattered light detection measuring means are all arranged in a conventional manner. Therefore, a detailed description of these components is not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention and is purposely omitted for the sake of brevity. For example, US. patent (Climets patent) describes an acceptable arrangement for these components which can be used in the invention, which patent is incorporated herein by reference.

In accordance with the invention, an arrangement is provided whereby a relatively high volume stream of the air to be analyzed is drawn into the device with only a minor representative portion of this stream being passed through the optical sensing chamber 12 as a sample stream for analysis and the remaining major portion of the stream by-passing optical sensing chamber 12. While various arrangements can be used, in the construction illustrated, such means includes an intake conduit 16 which is open at one end 18 to the atmosphere being analyzed and communicates with sample inlet nozzle 14, a by-pass conduit 20 communicating with intake conduit 16, a sample outlet conduit 22 through which the sample air stream (represented by arrow 24) is discharged from optical sensing chamber l2, and an exhaust conduit 26 communicating with bypass conduit 20 and sample outlet conduit 22.

As in conventional devices, a focused light beam (not shown) having a minimum focus area is provided in op tical chamber 12 by the light generating and transmitter means (not shown). The inner end portion 28 of sample inlet nozzle 14 extends through one side of optical sensing chamber 12 along an axis generally perpendicular to the axis of this light beam and in alignment with the central point of the focus area. Inner end portion 28 of sample nozzle tube 14 is located adjacent to one side of the light beam. Sample outlet conduit 22 extends through the opposite side of optical sensing chamber 12 and in coaxial alignment with sample inlet nozzle 14 with the inner end portion 30 located on the opposite side of the focus area.

A pump 32 located in exhaust conduit 26 operates to draw a stream of air from the atmosphere being analyzed (designated by arrow 34) at a predetermined rate of flow through intake conduit 16. Sample stream 24, comprising a minor portion of incoming stream 34, is drawn through optical sensing chamber 12, via sample inlet nozzle 14 and sample outlet conduit 22, by pump 32. Simultaneously, a bypass stream (designated by arrow 36), comprising the remaining major portion of incoming stream 34, is drawn through by-pass conduit 26 by pump 32. Sample stream 24 and by-pass stream 36 are combined in exhaust conduit 26 and are discharged therethrough to the atmosphere.

As shown, the discharge of pump 32 can be filtered with a conventional filter 38 to prevent any contamination or recontamination of the area being analyzed and to collect particles for later examination if desired.

Pump 32 can be any conventional motor driven impeller or rotor type pump which is capable of drawing air through intake conduit 16 at the high volume transport rate desired. Generally, an intake flow rate of about 12-18 cubic feet per hour is acceptable for many applications. The velocity of incoming stream 34 in intake conduit 16 is maintained at a level just below where full turbulence occurs. Thus, the maximum flow to keep the particle moving is available without causing significant particle impaction and a consequential disturbance of particle distribution. Sample inlet nozzle 14 and sample outlet conduit 22 are arranged to provide a flow rate for sample stream 24 which is only a fraction flow rate sample stream of intake stream 34, preferably a flow rate generally corresponding to that used in conventional low cost, low sampling rate devices so that inexpensive sensing equipment can be used. Typically, the flow rate of sample stream 24 is about 1 cubic foot per hour. The flow rate of by-pass stream 36 corresponds to the remaining flow capacity of pump 32, e.g. 11-17 cubic feet per hour. Thus, pump 32 has a flow capacity substantially greater than that required to draw the sample stream through the sensing chamber.

Preferably, a flow control means, such as valve 40, is provided in sample outlet conduit 22 so that the flow of sample stream 24 can be adjusted to the level desired. A flow balancing orifice 42 or the like can be provided in by-pass conduit 22 to facilitate balancing of the flows for the various streams. The flow rate of sample stream 24 is measured by a conventional flow meter 44 located in sample outlet conduit 22. Preferably, a conventional flow meter having an integral flow control valve is used so that both measurement and control of the sample stream is provided by. a single component.

With the above described arrangement, it can be appreciated that advantages associated with using both a high sampling rate and a low sampling rate are obtained. The high transport rate of the intake stream upstream of the sample inlet nozzle minimizes larger particles from falling out, provides a more representative sample of the atmosphere being analyzed, and permits a more rapid response. On the other hand, the low flow rate of the sampling stream permits the use of smaller, less expensive sensing equipment. Hence, the device can be constructed as a compact, portable unit and at a relatively low cost.

Also in accordance with the invention, means are provided for assuring that a representative sample is taken from the intake stream and passed through sensing chamber 12 for analysis. While various arrangements can be used, in the preferred construction illustrated, this means comprises a flow dividing chamber 46 located at the junction where intake stream 34 is divided into by-pass stream 36 and sample stream 24. The outlet end 48 of intake conduit 16 is connected'to one side of chamber 46 and the inlet end portion or mouth 50 of sample inlet nozzle 14 extends through the opposite side of chamber 46 in coaxial alignment and concentric relationship with intake conduit outlet 48. The inlet end 52 of by-pass conduit is connected to one side of chamber 46 along an axis generally perpendicular to the axis of intake conduit outlet 48 and sample inlet nozzle mouth 50. As shown, sample nozzle mouth 50 extends a substantial distance into chamber 46 and is located upstream of by-pass conduit inlet 52. The spacing between intake conduit outlet 48 and sample nozzle mouth 50 can be varied, but should be such that substantially all of the vortexing or turbulence occurs below sample nozzle mouth.

Also, chamber 46 is sized that there is a substantially free jet impingement of the center portion incoming stream 34 into sample inlet nozzle 14. in other words, chamber 46 is large enough so that incoming stream 34 from intake conduit outlet 48 can flow towards sample nozzle mouth 50 without being substantially disturbed by the vortexing effect of the air being diverted into bypass conduit inlet 52. Expressed another way, the size of chamber 46 and the size and location of sample nozzle mouth 50 are correlated-with the size and location of intake conduit outlet 48 and by-pass conduit intake 52 to obtain the effect of isokinetic sampling, i.e., the velocity of the sample stream entering sample nozzle mouth 50 is the same or substantially the same as that of incoming stream 34. This arrangement insures that a stable flow of a representative central portion of incoming stream 34 is passed through the sample inlet nozzle and into sensing chamber 12 for analysis.

A trickle flow of filtered air is continuously admitted into sensing chamber l2 through a purge port 54 via filter 56 while pump 32 is operating during normal operation of the device. This flow rate of this filtered air is at a small fraction of the flow of sample stream 24,

e.g., less than 1 percent, so as not to produce a discernible error in the sample stream flow rate being measured by flow meter 44. Filter 56 and purge port 54 are air into the chamber. The inlet of filter 56 is preferably open to the atmosphere.

To clean the device, a shutoff valve 58 located in intake conduit 16 is closed. Pump 32 then pulls air through filter 56 into sensing chamber 12 and from the chamber through both sample inlet nozzle 14 and sample outlet conduit 22. Since the filtered air is being drawn through the system at the full capacity of pump 32, e.g., 12-18 cubic feet per hour, any residual particles or other contamination in the sensing chamber 12 are quickly purged therefrom. Normally, this cleaning operation can be completed in a few seconds. The high reverse flow through the sample inlet nozzle provides the additional benefit of purging any lint or any other similar contamination from this portion of the system.

Since only a short purging period at high flow is required for cleaning and only a small flow normally passes through filter 56 during normal operation, a small filter element can be used for filtering the purging air. Thus, a compact, low cost integral purging means is provided which permits rapid cleaning of the entire sampling portion of the system.

6 sized to provide a pressure differential between the mternal pressure of sensing chamber 12 and the inlet of filter 16 which produces the desired low flow of filtered While the preferred embodiments of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various alterations and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. ln a device for measuring colloidal particles in a fluid which includes an optical sensing chamber, means for producing a focused beam of light along an axial path in said sensing chamber and through which a stream of said fluid is passed, and means for detecting and measuring the amount of light scattered by the particles suspended in said fluid stream passing said light beam, the improvement comprising,

an intake conduit means for introducing a stream of said fluid into said device;

a sample inlet nozzle communicating with said inlet conduit means and extending into said sensing chamber for passing a sample stream generally perpendicularly through said light beam;

a by-pass conduit means communicating with said intake conduit means and by passing said sensing chamber;

a sample outlet conduit means communicating with said sensing chamber through which said sample stream is discharged from said sensing chamber;

an exhaust conduit means communicating with said by-pass conduit means and said sample outlet conduit means; and

pump means in said exhaust conduit means for drawing aninlet stream of said fluid through said intake conduit means at a predetermined, relatively high volume flow rate, drawing a by-pass stream comprising a major portion of said inlet stream through said by-pass conduit means, and drawing said sample stream comprising a minor portion of said inlet stream through said sample inlet nozzle into said sensing chamber and outwardly from said sensing chamber through sample outlet conduit means.

2. A device according to claim 1 including a flow measuring means for measuring the flow rate of said sample stream through said sample outlet conduit means.

3. A device according to claim 1 including flow control means for adjusting the flow rate of said sample stream through said sample outlet conduit means.

4. A device according to claim 1 including a flow dividing means located in the area where said flow inlet nozzle communicates with said intake conduit means and said by-pass conduit means communicates with said intake conduits means for directing a center portion of said inlet stream comprising said sample stream in substantially free jet impingement into said sample inlet nozzle and for directing the remaining portion of said inlet stream into said by-pass conduit means without substantially disturbing the flow of said center portion of said inlet stream.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein said flow dividing means comprises a flow chamber and wherein said intake conduit means includes an outlet connected to one side of said flOw chamber, said sample inlet nozzle includes an inlet end portion extending through the opposite side of said chamber and disposed in axial alignment and concentrically with said intake conduit means outet, and said by-pass conduit means includes an inlet communicating with one side of said chamber and disposed below the inlet end of said sample inlet nozzle.

6. A device according to claim 1 including an inlet port in said sensing chamber for introducing a purging fluid into said sensing chamber and a filtering means located upstream of said inlet port and through which said purging fluid passes before entering said sensing chamber via said inlet port, the flow of said purging fluid being at a small fraction of the flow of said sample stream during normal operation of said device.

7. A device according to claim 6 including means for shutting off flow through said intake conduit so that, when said pump means is operating thereafter, the flow of said purging fluid into said sensing chamber through said filtering means is increased substantially and separate streams of said purging 'fluid is drawn from said sensing chamber through said sample outlet conduit and said sample inlet nozzle.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein said filtering means includes an inlet which is open to the atmosphere.

9. In a device for measuring colloidal particles in a fluid which includes an optical sensing chamber, means for producing a focused beam of light along an axial path in said sensing chamber and through which a stream of said fluid is passed, and means for detecting and measuring the amount of light scattered by the particles suspended in said fluid stream passing said light beam, the improvement comprising,

an exhaust conduit means communicating with said by-pass conduit means and said sample outlet conduit means;

pump means in said exhaust conduit means for drawing an inlet stream of said fluid through said intake conduit means at a predetermined, relatively high volume flow rate, drawing a by-pass stream comprising a major portion of said inlet stream through said by-pass conduit means, and drawing said sample stream comprising a minor portion of said inlet stream;

a flow measuring means for measuring the flow rate of said sample stream through said sample outlet conduit means; and

a flow dividing means located in the area where said flow inlet nozzle communicates with said intake conduit means and said by-pass conduit means communicates with said intake conduits means for directing a center portion of said inlet stream comprising said sample stream in substantially free jet impingement into said sample inlet nozzle and for directing the remaining portion of said inlet stream into said by-pass conduit means without substantially disturbing the flow of said center portion of said inlet stream.

10. A device according to claim 9 including an inlet port in said sensing chamber for introducing a purging fluid into said sensing chamber and filtering means located upstream of said inlet port and through which said purging fluid passes before entering said sensing chamber via said inlet port, the flow of said purging fluid being at a small fraction of the flow of said sample stream during normal operation of said device.

11. A device according to claim 10 including means for shutting off flow through said intake conduit so that, when said pump means is operating thereafter, the flow of said purging fluid into said sensing chamber through said filtering means is increased substantially and separate streams of said purging fluid is drawn from said sensing chamber through said sample outlet conduit and said sample inlet nozzle.

Claims

1. In a device for measuring colloidal particles in a fluid which includes an optical sensing chamber, means for producing a focused beam of light along an aXial path in said sensing chamber and through which a stream of said fluid is passed, and means for detecting and measuring the amount of light scattered by the particles suspended in said fluid stream passing said light beam, the improvement comprising, an intake conduit means for introducing a stream of said fluid into said device; a sample inlet nozzle communicating with said inlet conduit means and extending into said sensing chamber for passing a sample stream generally perpendicularly through said light beam; a by-pass conduit means communicating with said intake conduit means and by passing said sensing chamber; a sample outlet conduit means communicating with said sensing chamber through which said sample stream is discharged from said sensing chamber; an exhaust conduit means communicating with said by-pass conduit means and said sample outlet conduit means; and pump means in said exhaust conduit means for drawing an inlet stream of said fluid through said intake conduit means at a predetermined, relatively high volume flow rate, drawing a bypass stream comprising a major portion of said inlet stream through said by-pass conduit means, and drawing said sample stream comprising a minor portion of said inlet stream through said sample inlet nozzle into said sensing chamber and outwardly from said sensing chamber through sample outlet conduit means.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein said flow dividing means comprises a flow chamber and wherein said intake conduit means includes an outlet connected to one side of said flOw chamber, said sample inlet nozzle includes an inlet end portion extending through the opposite side of said chamber and disposed in axial alignment and concentrically with said intake conduit means out et, and said by-pass conduit means includes an inlet communicating with one side of said chamber and disposed below the inlet end of said sample inlet nozzle.

7. A device according to claim 6 including means for shutting off flow through said intake conduit so that, when said pump means is operating thereafter, the flow of said purging fluid into said sensing chamber through said filtering means is increased substantially and separate streams of said purging fluid is drawn from said sensing chamber through said sample outlet conduit and said sample inlet nozzle.

9. In a device for measuring colloidal particles in a fluid which includes an optical sensing chamber, means for producing a focused beam of light along an axial path in said sensing chamber and through which a stream of said fluid is passed, and means for detecting and measuring the amount of light scattered by the particles suspended in said fluid stream passing said light beam, the improvement comprising, an intake conduit means for introducing a stream of said fluid into said device; a sample inlet nozzle communicating with said inlet conduit means and extending into said sensing chamber for passing a sample stream generally perpendicularly through said light beam; a by-pass conduit means communicating with said intake conduit means and by passing said sensing chamber; a sample outlet conduit means communicating with said sensing chamber through which said sample stream is discharged from said sensing chamber; an exhaust conduit means communicating with said by-pass conduit means and said sample outlet conduit means; pump means in said exhaust conduit means for drawing an inlet stream of said fluid through said intake conduit means at a predetermined, relatively high volume flow rate, drawing a by-pass stream comprising a major portion of said inlet stream through said by-pass conduit means, and drawing said sample stream comprising a minor portion of said inlet stream; a flow measuring means for measuring the flow rate of said sample stream through said sample outlet conduit means; and a flow dividing means located in the area where said flow inlet nozzle communicates with said intake conduit means and said by-pass conduit means communicates with said intake conduits means for directing a center portion of said inlet stream comprising said sample stream in substantially free jet impingement into said sample inlet nozzle and for directing the remaining portion of said inlet stream into said by-pass conduit means without substantially disturbing the flow of said center portion of said inlet stream.