SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTICALLY MEASURING PROPERTIES OF HYDROCARBON FUEL GASES

摘要

A system and method for optical interrogation and measurement of hydrocarbon fuel gas includes a light source (24) generating light at near-visible wavelengths. A cell (30) containing the gas is optically coupled to the light source which is in turn partially transmitted by the sample. A spectrometer (26) disperses the transmitted light and captures an image thereof. The image is captured by a low-cost silicon-based two-dimensional CCD array (46). The captured spectral image is processed by electronics for determining energy or BTU content and composition of the gas. The innovative optical approach provides a relatively inexpensive, durable, maintenance-free sensor and method which is reliable in the field and relatively simple to calibrate. In view of the above, accurate monitoring is possible at a plurality of locations along the distribution chain leading to more efficient distribution.