Photoionization detector sensor utilizing time division modes to perform separation and detection in the same physical region
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Publication Number
US-12650414-B2
Publication Date
2026-06-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a gas is provided. An example VOC detector may include a processing device and a detecting region. The detecting region may further include a first interdigital pole electrically connected to a separation voltage source, a second interdigital pole electrically connected to a switch, and an ionization device configured to interact with the gas within the detecting region to create a plurality of ionized gas molecules. To facilitate detection of VOCs, the switch may alternate the connection of the second interdigital pole between a compensation voltage source and the processing device. The processing device may determine a number of volatile organic compounds in the gas based at least in part on a number of ionized gas molecules that contact the second interdigital pole while the second interdigital pole is electrically connected to the processing device.
Core Innovation
The document describes an apparatus and method for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a gas using a VOC sensor that includes a detecting region with a first interdigital pole and a second interdigital pole. An ionization device interacts with the gas within the detecting region to create a plurality of ionized gas molecules, and the first interdigital pole is electrically connected to a separation voltage source while the second interdigital pole is electrically connected to a switch.
During detection, the switch alternates a connection of the second interdigital pole between a compensation voltage source and the processing device. The processing device determines a VOC value representative of a number of volatile organic compounds in the gas based at least in part on a number of ionized gas molecules that contact the second interdigital pole while the second interdigital pole is electrically connected to the processing device.
The document further describes phase-based operation in which an ionization phase creates ionized gas molecules, a separation phase supplies a separation voltage to the first interdigital pole and a compensation voltage to the second interdigital pole through the switch, and an ionization device is disabled upon completion of the ionization phase. A detection phase then switches the second interdigital pole to the processing device and supplies direct current voltages to the interdigital poles while determining the VOC value.
Claims Coverage
The document includes three independent claims covering an apparatus, a method, and a computer program product. Across these claims, the core inventive elements are the detecting region with first and second interdigital poles, ionization to create ionized gas molecules, separation and compensation voltage application controlled by a switch, and VOC value determination based on ionized gas molecules contacting the second interdigital pole when connected to the processing device.
Switch alternation between compensation voltage and processing device
A switch alternates a connection of the second interdigital pole between a compensation voltage source and the processing device, with VOC value determined by ionized gas molecules contacting the second interdigital pole while it is electrically connected to the processing device.
VOC value determination from ionized molecules contacting second interdigital pole
The processing device determines a VOC value representative of a number of volatile organic compounds in the gas based at least in part on a number of ionized gas molecules that contact the second interdigital pole while the second interdigital pole is electrically connected to the processing device.
Ionization, separation, and detection phases with disabling ionization device
An ionization phase exposes the gas to an ionization device creating ionized gas molecules, a separation phase supplies a separation voltage to the first interdigital pole and supplies a compensation voltage to the second interdigital pole through a switch, the ionization device is disabled upon completion of the ionization phase, and a detection phase switches the second interdigital pole to a processing device and supplies direct current voltages to the interdigital poles before determining the VOC value.
Computer program product executing phase-based VOC detection
A computer program product with executable program code configured to execute an ionization phase enabling an ionization device and creating ionized gas molecules, execute a separation phase causing separation voltage to be supplied to the first interdigital pole and causing compensation voltage to be supplied to the second interdigital pole through a switch, disable the ionization device upon completion of the ionization phase, execute a detection phase toggling the switch to connect the second interdigital pole to a processing device and causing direct current voltages to be supplied to the interdigital poles, and determine a VOC value representative of a number of volatile organic compounds based at least in part on ionized gas molecules contacting the second interdigital pole while connected to the processing device.
Overall, the independent claims converge on a detecting region with first and second interdigital poles and an ionization device that creates ionized gas molecules. They rely on switch-controlled alternation so the second interdigital pole is connected either to a compensation voltage source or to a processing device, and they determine a VOC value based on ionized gas molecules contacting the second interdigital pole during the detection connection.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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