US4381452A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for measuring trace moisture in a gaseous stream
Assignee: Precision Scientific Co
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Filing: 1981-02-04
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Granted: 1983-04-26
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Expires: 2001-02-04
Abstract
Abstract A sample fluid stream passes through a molecular sieve in which moisture is adsorbed in direct proportion to the moisture in the fluid stream. Fast neutrons beamed through the sieve interact with the hydrogen nuclei in the accumulated water. The resulting slow neutrons are detected to produce an output indicative of the percentage of moisture in the fluid stream.
Inventors
- 👤 Michel L. Jeunehomme
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 12:56
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N23/00; G01N23/02; G01N23/06; G01N23/09; G01N23/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A system for measuring trace moisture in a fluid stream, comprising moisture-adsorbent means for accumulating moisture to an equilibrium point proportional to moisture content of said fluid stream, means for continuously directing at least a representative portion of said fluid stream through said moisture-adsorbent means, means for irradiating said moisture-adsorbent means with fast neutrons, and means for detecting slow neutrons coming from said moisture-adsorbent means indicative of interaction with hydrogen nuclei.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
71 words
A system for measuring trace moisture in a fluid stream, comprising moisture-adsorbent means for accumulating moisture to an equilibrium point proportional to moisture content of said fluid stream, means for continuously directing at least a representative portion of said fluid stream through said moisture-adsorbent means, means for irradiating said moisture-adsorbent means with fast neutrons, and means for detecting slow neutrons coming from said moisture-adsorbent means indicative of interaction with hydrogen nuclei.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising means responsive to said detecting means for indicating the number of detected slow neutrons from said moisture-adsorbent means to produce a reading indicative of the trace moisture level in said fluid stream.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 2, wherein said irradiating means includes a source of fast neutrons located outside said stream to one side of said moisture-adsorbent means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
85 words
The system of claim 3, further comprising means for normalizing the output of said indicating means with respect to the activity of said neutron source including another neutron-detecting means arranged to receive neutrons from said neutron source prior to striking said moisture-adsorbent means for producing a reference output, and analyzer means for providing a reading indicative of trace moisture in said fluid stream as a function of the output of said slow neutron indicating means relative to the reference output of said other neutron-detecting means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said moisture-adsorbent means includes a molecular sieve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 5, wherein said molecular sieve is made of activated sintered alumina.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said moisture-adsorbing means is a desiccant.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said means for directing a portion of the fluid stream includes a pipe and said moisture-adsorbent means includes a fluid-tight container filled with a moisture-adsorbent material connected in line with and in gaseous communication with said pipe.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said fluid stream comprises heated hydrogen gas with a trace of moisture.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said fluid stream comprises a hydrocarbonaceous fluid with a trace of moisture.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-04-25 | 1986-10-25 | 1987-04-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-04-25 | 1990-10-25 | 1991-04-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-04-25 | 1994-10-25 | 1995-04-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |