UV fluorometric sensor and method for using the same
Inventors
Tokhtuev, Eugene • Owen, Christopher J. • Slobodyan, Viktor • Skirda, Anatoly • Schilling, Paul • Pilipchenko, Anna • Kraus, Paul R. • Sanville, Katherine M. • Erickson, Joseph Phillip
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8084756-B2
Publication Date
2011-12-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
An ultraviolet (UV) fluorometric sensor measures a chemical concentration in a sample based on the measured fluorescence of the sample. The sensor includes a controller, at least one UV light source, and at least one UV detector. The sensor emits UV light in a wavelength range of 245-265 nm from the light source through the sample in an analytical area. The UV detector measures the fluorescence emission from the sample. The controller transforms output signals from the UV detector into fluorescence values or optical densities for one or more wavelengths in the wavelength range of 265-340 nm. The controller calculates the chemical concentration of the chemical in the sample based on the measured fluorescence emissions.
Core Innovation
A UV fluorometric sensor system illuminates an analytical area containing a sample having an unknown concentration of a chemical that exhibits fluorescent characteristics. The sensor includes a light source chamber or light source channel with an ultraviolet (UV) light source that emits a first UV wavelength, and a light source window positioned in a sensor head second tilted surface. The transmitted first UV wavelength excites fluorescence in the sample within the analytical area, and fluorescence emissions are detected at a second UV wavelength transmitted through a detector window.
The sensor head distal end is defined by a first planar surface and a second surface tilted substantially 45 degrees away from the first planar surface and toward the proximal end of the sensor head. The detector chamber or detector channel includes a UV detector that detects fluorescence emissions of the sample at the second UV wavelength. A controller calculates the concentration of the chemical in the sample based on the detected fluorescence emission, including concentration calculations based on fluorescence emission from the sample and a zero solution having zero concentration of the chemical, and calculations using a calibration constant derived from known concentrations.
The system is described with reference excitation and emission spectral ranges using first UV wavelength range of 245–265 nm and a second UV wavelength range of 265–340 nm, with support for filter strategies to handle interferents in sanitizing solutions. Documented examples include monitoring multi-quat sanitizer (OASIS 146) and detection of unwanted compounds in sanitizing or cleaning contexts, where detector outputs are converted into fluorescence values or optical density, then used to calculate chemical concentration.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims that share a UV/fluorescence concentration-measuring architecture and a 45-degree sensor head geometry, with additional independent-claim coverage for display indicators and temperature sensing. Across the independent claims, the concentration is calculated by using detected fluorescence emissions corresponding to a first UV wavelength excitation and a second UV wavelength fluorescence detection, with optional concentration computation refinements (e.g., zero-solution difference and calibration constant).
45-degree tilted sensor head geometry with UV fluorescence excitation and detection
A sensor head distal end defined by a first planar surface and a second surface tilted substantially 45 degrees away from the first planar surface and toward the proximal end, including a UV light source window and a UV detector window positioned in the second tilted surface to transmit a first UV wavelength into an analytical area and detect fluorescence emissions at a second UV wavelength.
Controller calculates chemical concentration from detected fluorescence emission
A controller calculates the concentration of the chemical in the sample based on the detected fluorescence emission after excitation by the first UV wavelength and detection at the second UV wavelength.
Display unit indicates solution concentration/contamination/operation states
A display unit comprising at least one of a low concentration indicator, an overdosed solution indicator, a contaminated solution indicator, a normal operation indicator, and a low solution indicator.
Temperature sensor positioned in the sensor head planar surface
A temperature sensor positioned in the first planar surface of the sensor head that detects the temperature of the sample.
Independent claim coverage focuses on (i) a UV fluorometric sensor using a first UV wavelength to excite a fluorescent chemical in a sample and detecting fluorescence emissions at a second UV wavelength, (ii) a sensor head geometry with a second tilted surface substantially 45 degrees relative to a first planar surface with windows in that tilted surface, and (iii) a controller that calculates chemical concentration from detected fluorescence emission. A second independent claim adds a display unit with multiple indicator states and a temperature sensor within the first planar surface, enabling concentration indication and temperature detection alongside fluorescence-based concentration calculation.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Monitoring cleaning or antimicrobial products and detecting unwanted compounds in sanitizing solutions including a multi-quat sanitizer (OASIS 146).
Deploying the UV fluorometric sensor in sample deployment contexts described in the document, including monitoring chemical concentration based on fluorescence values or optical density computed from detector outputs.
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