GAS ANALYSER SYSTEM

Abstract

An extractive gas analyser system includes a supply channel, a measuring channel connected thereto between first and second ends, an analysing unit comprising an optical arrangement for analysing gaseous material in the measuring channel, which optical arrangement comprises first and second optical units arranged respectively at first and second ends of the measuring channel, a barrier arrangement near each end of the measuring channel and comprising a barrier gas inlet and outlet arranged in opposing manner across said measuring channel, each in connection with a gas source and provided with a nozzle opening directed toward the opposing outlet, said barrier arrangement arranged to provide pressurized gas creating a barrier gas curtain between the barrier gas inlet and outlet to force least a part of the gaseous material from the supply channel into the measuring channel and out through the outlet and thereby separate the gaseous material from said optical units.

Claims

1. A gas analyser system (1) for extractive measurement of a gaseous material, wherein the gas analyser system (1) comprises a supply channel (2) having an inlet supply opening at a first end and one or more outlet supply opening(s) at a second end of the channel (2), and a measuring channel (3) connected to said supply channel (2) between said first and second end, an analysing unit (5), comprising an optical arrangement (6) for analysing said gaseous material contained in said measuring channel (3), wherein the optical arrangement (6) comprises a first optical unit (7) arranged at a first end of the measuring channel (3) and a second optical unit (8) arranged at a second end of said measuring channel (3), a barrier arrangement (9) arranged near each end of the measuring channel (3) comprising a barrier gas inlet (10) and a barrier gas outlet (12) arranged in opposing manner across said measuring channel (3), each barrier gas inlet (10) is in connection with an gas source, such as an air source, and provided with a nozzle (11) having a nozzle opening (11a) being directed towards said opposing barrier gas outlet (12) having a barrier gas outlet opening (12a), said barrier arrangement (9) is arranged to provide pressurized gas creating a barrier gas curtain (14) between said barrier gas inlet (10) and said barrier gas outlet (12) so as to force least a part of said gaseous material from said supply channel (2) into said measuring channel (3) and out through said barrier gas outlet (12) and so as to separate the gaseous material from said optical units (7, 8).

2. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said gas analyser system (1) further comprises a pressure system (15), wherein the pressure system (15) is arranged to provide a pressure difference (dP_s), defined as the difference between a first pressure (P1) near said first end of the supply channel (2) and a second pressure (P2) near the second end of the supply channel (2), wherein the first pressure (P1) is larger than the second pressure (P2).

3. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said gas analyser system (1) comprises a first pressure sensor arranged near the first end of said supply channel (2) so as to measure said first pressure (P1) and provide a data output accordingly to said pressure system (15).

4. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said gas analyser system (1) comprises a second pressure sensor arranged near the second end of said supply channel (2) so as to measure said second pressure (P2) and provide a data output accordingly to said pressure system (15).

5. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gas analyser system (1) comprises a control unit having a first pressure controller (17) for controlling said second pressure (P2) based on said first and second data outputs, preferably so as to maintain said pressure difference (dP_s) substantially constant or within a predetermined range.

6. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure system (15) comprises a pressure tank (16) in connection to said outlet supply opening(s), and wherein the pressure tank (16) is arranged to provide said second pressure (P2) to said outlet supply opening(s) by means of one or more pump(s).

7. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier arrangement (9) comprises curtain control means for controlling the flow rate of a barrier gas curtain (14), and thereby control the amount of gaseous material forced towards said barrier curtain (14).

8. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein for every amount of gaseous material reaching said measuring channel (3), a fraction A between 0.01-0.6, such as between 0.1-0.4, preferably between 0.1-0.3 is forced sideways towards said barrier gas curtain (14).

9. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein for every amount of gaseous material reaching the measuring channel (3), a fraction B continuous across said measuring channel (3) to said pressure tank (16), wherein the fraction B is between 0.40-0.99, such as between 0.6-0.9, preferably between 0.7-0.9.

10. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle (11) is arranged so that the barrier gas curtain (14) is introduced in to the measuring channel (3) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extend of the measuring channel (3).

11. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier gas outlet opening (12a) is of a width (Wo) measured along the longitudinal extend of the barrier gas outlet opening (12a) which is at least equal or larger than the width of the nozzle opening (Wn), measured perpendicular to the longitudinal extend of the measuring channel (3).

12. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier gas outlet opening (12a) is of a length (Lo), measured perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the barrier gas outlet opening (12a), which is at least equal or larger than the length (Ln) of the nozzle opening (11a), wherein the length is measured parallel to the longitudinal extent of the measuring channel (3).

13. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the centre-point of the nozzle opening (11a) and the centre-point of the barrier gas outlet opening (12a) is displaced at a distance (d_tilt) relative to each other along the longitudinal extent of the measuring channel (3).

14. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical units (7, 8) are arranged to provide a beam of electromagnetic radiation through said measuring channel (3), and wherein the barrier gas curtain is of a thickness (T_bg), being between 0.5-8 mm, such as between 1-6 mm, preferably between 2-4 mm, measured along a centreline of said electromagnetic beam.

15. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical units (7, 8) are arranged to provide a beam of electromagnetic radiation through said measuring channel (3), and wherein the barrier gas curtain (14) is of a thickness (T_bg) extending over a isolation distance (d_isolation) making up between 0.1-2.0%, such as 0.2-1.0% of the total distance (d_total) that the beam travels through in the measuring channel (3).

16. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gas analyser system (1) further comprises a probe arrangement (18) for collecting said gaseous material from a gaseous environment, wherein the probe arrangement (18) is in connection with said supply channel (2), and wherein the probe arrangement (18) is equipped with one or more filter arrangement(s) (19) arranged to filter said gaseous material prior to entering the supply channel (2).

17. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the claim 16, wherein the gas analyser system (1) comprises a cleaning device (24) for cleaning said filter arrangement (19) from particulates and dust, wherein the cleaning device (24) is in connection with an air source and configured to provide a portion of cleaning air, preferably a pulse of cleaning air out through at least the filter arrangement (19) to the gaseous environment.

18. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gas analyser system (1) comprises a calibration arrangement (22) for filling said measuring channel (3) with calibration gas, wherein the calibration arrangement (22) has one or more calibration gas inlet arranged in connection with said supply channel (2) between said first end of the supply channel and said measuring channel (3).

19. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the claims 16-18, wherein the probe arrangement (18) comprises probe heating means for heating at least parts of said probe arrangement (18), such as the filter arrangement (19).

20. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gas analyser system (1) comprises channel heating means for heating said gaseous material in said supply channel (2) and/or said measuring channel (3) or both, and wherein the channel heating means comprises a channel heat controller for controlling said temperature in said channel(s) (2, 3).

21. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claim, wherein the gas analyser system (1) comprises barrier gas heating means for heating said barrier gas curtain (14), wherein the barrier gas heating means comprises a barrier gas heat controller for controlling said temperature of said barrier gas curtain (14).

22. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gas analyser system (1) comprises one or more temperature sensor(s) for detecting a temperature within said gas analyser system (1) and provide an output accordingly.

23. A gas analyser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gas analyser system (1) comprises one or more temperature sensor(s) in connection to said barrier arrangement (9), preferably near said barrier gas inlet (10), so as to measure the temperature near said barrier arrangement (9) and so as to provide an output accordingly to said barrier gas heat controller.

24. A method for measuring a gaseous medium in a gas analyser system (1), wherein the gas analyser system (1) comprises a supply channel (2) having an inlet supply opening at a first end near a gaseous environment containing said gaseous medium, and one or more outlet supply opening(s) at a second end of the channel (2), and a measuring channel (3) connected to said supply channel (2) between said first and second end, an analysing unit (5), comprising an optical arrangement (6) for analysing said gaseous material contained in said measuring channel (3), wherein the optical arrangement (6) comprises a first optical unit (7) arranged at a first end of the measuring channel (3) and a second optical unit (8) arranged at a second end of said measuring channel (3), a barrier arrangement (9) arranged near each end of the measuring channel (3) comprising a barrier gas inlet (10) and a barrier gas outlet (12) arranged in opposing manner across said measuring channel (3), each barrier gas inlet (10) is in connection with an gas source, such as an air source, and provided with a nozzle (11) having a nozzle opening (11a) being directed towards said opposing barrier gas outlet (12) having a barrier gas outlet opening (12a), wherein the method comprises the steps of providing a pressure difference (dP_s) between the pressure of the gaseous material at said inlet supply opening and said outlet supply opening, so as to force gaseous medium from said supply inlet opening toward said supply outlet opening, providing a flow of barrier gas through said nozzle opening (11a) toward said barrier gas outlet opening (12a), so as to provide a barrier gas curtain (14) and so as to force at least a part of said gaseous material from said supply channel (2) into said measuring channel (3) towards said barrier gas curtain (14), and measuring said gaseous material in said measuring channel (3) using said optical arrangement (6).

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the gas analyser system (1) further comprises a pressure system (15) and one or more pressor sensors for measuring and controlling pressures within said gas analyser system (1), wherein the method further comprises the step of measuring said pressure difference (dP_s) and provide a data output accordingly using said pressure system (15).

26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the method further comprises the step of controlling said pressure difference (dP_s) based on said data output using said pressure system (15).

27. A method according to any of the claims 25-26, wherein the pressure system (15) comprises a first pressure sensor arranged to measure a first pressure (P1) of the gaseous material near the inlet supply opening and a second pressure sensor arranged to measure a second pressure (P2) of the gaseous material near the outlet supply opening, and provide a first data output and second data output accordingly and wherein said method comprises the step of calculating said pressure difference (dP_s) by subtracting the measured second pressure (P2) from the measured first pressure (P1).

28. A method according to any of the claims 25-27, wherein the pressure system (15) comprises one or more pressure controller(s) (17) arranged to control said second pressure (P2), and wherein the method comprises the step of controlling said pressure difference (dP_s) based on said data output by controlling said second pressure (P2) using the one or more pressure controller(s) (17).

29. A method according to any of the claims 24-28, wherein the method comprises the step of providing a barrier gas curtain (14) from said barrier gas inlet (10) to said barrier gas outlet (12), wherein the barrier gas curtain (14) is of a width (W_bg) larger or equal to the width (W_mc) of the measuring channel (3).

30. A method according to any of the claims 24-29, wherein the method comprises the step of providing a barrier gas curtain (14) from said barrier gas inlet (10) to said barrier gas outlet (12) which is of a barrier gas curtain thickness (T_bg) being between 1-10 mm.

31. A method according to any of the claims 24-30, wherein the gas analyser system (1) is a gas analyser system (1) according to any of the claims 1-23.

32. Use of a gas analyser system (1) according to any of the claims 1-23 for analysing characteristics of a gaseous material, such as a flue gas.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0120] Aspects of the present disclosure will be described in the following with reference to the figures in which:

[0121] FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of a gas analyser according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0122] FIG. 2 shows a schematic drawing of a section near the analysing unit of a gas analyser according to an embodiment of the invention, shown with indications of direction of flow of the barrier gas and gaseous material.

[0123] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a measuring channel according to an embodiment of the invention with barrier gas curtain provided across the measuring channel.

[0124] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional front view of the measuring channel with a barrier gas curtain as shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0125] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic drawing of an exemplary extractive gas analyser system 1 according to embodiments of the invention. The gas analyser system 1 can generally be considered as comprising three interconnected sections; a probe section, an analysis section, comprising an analysing unit 5, and a pressure section. The probe section is the part of the gas analyser system which allows gas material to be extracted from a gaseous environment, such as the gaseous environment present inside a chimney. The gas analyser may comprise one or more probe arrangement connected to the supply channel. In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the probe section comprises a probe element extending into the gaseous environment and mounted with a filter arrangement for filtering the gaseous material from larger species such as dust and possible also other particulates. Extending from the probe element is a probe channel 18a, which is shown in connection with the supply channel 2, connecting the probe section with the analysis section and the pressure section.

[0126] In one or more embodiments and in the present exemplary gas analyser 1 between the filter arrangement 19 and the supply channel 2 a calibration arrangement 22 is shown connected to the probe channel 18a. The calibration arrangement 22 is for introducing a calibration gas of known content into the gas analyser system for calibration of the analysing unit 5. The calibration arrangement 22 comprises a calibration inlet to said probe channel 18a, a calibration gas source 23 and preferably also a control device for selectively activating, deactivating and adjusting the flow of calibration gas from the calibration arrangement 22. A flow meter may be utilized to monitor and adjust the calibration gas flow.

[0127] In one or more embodiments, and in the present example, a cleaning device is arranged in connection to said probe channel 18a, e.g. in extension to said probe channel 18a from said filter arrangement 19. The cleaning device is arranged to provide a flow of cleaning gas towards said probe arrangement 18, so as to clean one or more filters of said filter arrangement 19 by a blow-back process, where the cleaning gas is directed through the filter into the gaseous environment. The flow of cleaning gas may be one or more pulse of cleaning gas.

[0128] FIG. 1 further illustrates the supply channel 2, being connected to the aforementioned probe section at a first end of the supply channel 2 and from there extending to a measuring channel 3 being a part of the analysing unit 5. In the present example the measuring channel is connected to across in the supply channel 2 in a four-way intersection 4, providing three pathways for the gas material transported through the supply channel 2 from probe channel 18a. In the present example, an optical unit 7, 8 is arranged in each end of the elongated measuring channel 3. The measuring channel 3 can comprise two channel parts present on each side of the intersection 4, the first part nearest the end of the measuring channel is the isolation part, providing a gas wall between the optical unit 7, 8. The first optical unit 7 may comprise a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic radiation and the second optical unit 8 may comprise a receiver for receiving said electromagnetic radiation after travelling through and interacting with the gas material. Alternatively, one of the optical units 7, 8 may comprise both the receiver and transmitter while the opposing optical unit 7, 8 comprises a mirror arrangement, reflecting the electromagnetic radiation. For the gas analysis the absorbance or the transmission spectrum may be obtained or both. The initial electromagnetic radiation transmitted may be originated from a laser arrangement producing electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength between 200-3000 nm, such as between 400-2500 nm, such as electromagnetic near-IR radiation or far-IR-radiation. Preferably, the isolation part has a controlled length, which is not considered in concentration calculations for the gas analysis. The remaining part of the measuring channel 3 nearest the intersection 4 is preferably the testing part of the channel where the gaseous material is analysed, each testing part being connected across the intersection 4. The length of the testing part, defines the length the electromagnetic radiation has travelled through gaseous material and is used in the calculation of gas analysis.

[0129] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, at each end of the measuring channel 3, a through-going pathway is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal extend of the measuring channel 3. The measuring channel 3 is arranged so that the longitudinal extent of the measuring channel 3 is perpendicular to a first axis (a1), and third axis (a3) and parallel to a second axis (a3), with a transverse cross-section of the measuring channel 3 defined by a second axis (a1) and a third axis (a3). In one or more examples the first axis (a1) is orientated substantially vertical while the third axis (a3) and the second axis (a2) may be orientated substantially horizontal. In the present example barrier gas arrangements are arranged in the isolation part of the measuring channel 3 and the barrier gas arrangement are preferably identical at each end of the measuring channel 3. The physical setup of the analysing unit 5 may be mirrored in the intersection between the supply channel 2 and the measuring channel 3. The through-going pathway is a part of a barrier arrangement 9, and provided by a barrier gas inlet comprising a nozzle having a nozzle opening 11a providing the barrier inlet opening 10a to the interior of the measuring channel 3 and an opposing barrier gas outlet 12, having a barrier gas outlet opening 12a to the interior of the measuring channel 3. In one or more examples, the extent of the barrier gas outlet opening 12a is orientated perpendicular to the first axis (a1). The barrier arrangement further comprises a barrier gas source connected to said barrier gas inlet, which can provide a flow of barrier gas from the barrier gas inlet 10 to the barrier gas outlet 12, so as to create a barrier gas curtain 14 covering the distance between at least from the nozzle opening 11a to the barrier gas outlet opening 12a. In one or more examples, the gas of the barrier gas curtain 14 is directed along the first axis (a1). An example of the barrier gas curtain 14, preferably such as an air knife, is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. The barrier gas curtain 14 may contain air or an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon. The opposing nozzle opening and outlet openings 11a, 12a are arranged in the isolation part of the measuring channel 3 between the supply channel 2 and the optical units 7, 8, so that the barrier gas curtain 14 provides a spatial separation of the optical units 7, 8 and the gas material introduced through the supply channel 2.

[0130] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, and as illustrated in FIG. 3-4, the barrier gas inlet 10 comprises an elongated nozzle, having a nozzle opening 11a of a width (Wn) and a length (Ln), designed to direct the barrier gas into a high-speed jet. Additionally, the nozzle may preferably be designed such that the width of the nozzle (Wn) is larger than the width (Wmc) of the measuring channel 3, measured along the third axis (a3) perpendicular to the first (a1) and second axis (a2) as illustrated in FIG. 4. This allows for a uniform barrier gas curtain 14 extending across the entire measuring channel 3. In one or more embodiments, the width of the nozzle (Wn) is approximately 1-2 times larger than the largest width (Wmc) of the measuring channel 3. In one or more embodiments the length (Ln) of the nozzle opening is between 0.5 and 1.0 mm. The length (Lmc) of the measuring channel 3 may be between 0.3 and 1.5 m, such as between 0.5 and 1 m long, measured along the second axis (a2). The width (Wmc) of the measuring channel 3 may be between 2 and 6 cm such as around 4 cm. In one or more examples, the measuring channel 3 may preferably be a cylinder of a diameter corresponding to said measuring channel width (Wmc).

[0131] In one or more embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the barrier gas outlet 12 has an barrier gas outlet opening 12a which is of a length (Lo) being larger than the length (Ln) of the barrier gas inlet, measured along the second axis (a2). The barrier gas outlet length (Lo) is preferably of a length (Lo) of a size to allow for sufficient discharge of the mixed volume of gaseous material sucked towards the barrier gas curtain 14 and the barrier gas 14 itself, without causing unwanted turbulence near the edges of the barrier gas outlet opening 12a. In one or more examples, the barrier gas outlet opening length (Lo) is between 5 to 10 times larger than the largest length of the nozzle opening (Ln). In one or more examples, the length of the outlet opening (Lo) is between 4-5 mm, such as approximately 4.5 mm.

[0132] The barrier arrangement 9 is preferably configured to provide a flow of barrier gas across the measuring channel 3 due to the presence of a pressure gradient. The barrier gas is compressed to a pressure of e.g. 1-5 bar, such as 2-4 bar or such as 3 bar and creating a jet flow of barrier gas when exiting through the nozzle e.g. at a flow rate of about 1-3 litres/minute, thereby providing the barrier gas curtain 14. The design of the nozzle 11 provides a thin well-defined barrier gas curtain 14. The barrier gas curtain 14 is preferably a pressurized air plenum exiting through the elongated nozzle opening or slot in a laminar (uniform) flow pattern. As illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, as soon as the barrier gas leaves the nozzle, it expands as the surrounding gas in the measuring channel 3 is kept at a lower pressure. The expansion creates an advantageous low pressure near the curtain 14 relative to pressure in the stream of gaseous material from the supply stream through the supply channel 2, whereby the gaseous medium is forced sideways into the measuring channel 3, through the testing part and subsequently entrained by the air curtain stream 14, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 2. The barrier gas curtain preferably provides at least an additional draft in the measuring channel.

[0133] The barrier gas curtain is of a thickness (T_bg) measured along the along centreline of the electromagnetic radiation 6a, e.g. which preferably propagates parallel to the second axis (a2), and further be of a width (W_bg) measured along the third axis (a3) as illustrated in FIG. 4. In one or more examples, the thickness (T_bg) of the barrier gas curtain 14, may be adjusted by the adjusting the flow rate of barrier gas from the nozzle 11 towards the barrier gas outlet 12. In one or more embodiments, the flow rate through the nozzle 11 may be controlled based on measurements by a flowmeter arranged near the barrier gas inlet 10. As the barrier gas exits the nozzle opening 11a and enters the measuring channel 3, the barrier gas curtain 14 expands. The thickness (T_bg) of the curtain is preferably adjusted to be approximately between 2-4 mm, measured approximately along the intersection between the centre-line of the electromagnetic radiation 6a from the optical arrangement and the barrier gas curtain 14, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The centre line of the electromagnetic radiation 6a may approximately be located at a distance (d_x) from the nozzle opening 11a, along a line from the nozzle 11 to the outlet opening 12 e.g. corresponding to half of the measuring channel width (Wmc).

[0134] In one or more embodiments, the optical units 7, 8 each comprise an optical window 6b, of an optical transparent material, facing the interior of the measuring channel and preferably separating the interior components of the optical units 7, 8 from the gases in the measuring channel 3. As illustrated in FIG. 4 is it possible for the barrier gas curtain 14 to undergo a change in width (W_bg) across the measuring channel 3 due to the expansion of the barrier gas curtain 14, creating an increase in width (W_bg) of the barrier gas curtain 14 from the nozzle opening 11a to the outlet opening 12a as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of the barrier arrangement 9 shown in FIG. 3.

[0135] The centre of the barrier gas outlet opening 12a and the centre of the nozzle opening 11a may be aligned on a same line extending through the centre's and parallel to the first axis (a1). In one or more examples and as shown in FIG. 3 the barrier arrangement 9 the barrier gas outlet 12 and barrier gas inlet 10 alignment is such that, the centre of the nozzle opening 11a is not arranged on a line extending perpendicular from the centre of the barrier gas outlet opening 12a and parallel to the first axis (a1), but the centre of the nozzle opening 11a is instead positioned at a displacement distance measured along the second axis (a2). Furthermore, in the present example the optical window 6b is arranged directly adjacent said barrier gas curtain 14, preferably with the surface of the optical window 6b, facing the curtain 14. The optical window 6b may additionally be connected to edges of the nozzle opening 11a and barrier gas outlet opening 12a so as to minimize any flow obstacles which may cause turbulence when the barrier gas curtain 14 is generates and flows. At least a part of the edges of the nozzle opening 11a and the barrier outlet opening 12a directly adjacent to the optical window 6b, may be directly aligned on the same line across the channel 3, perpendicular to the first axis (a1), but the barrier gas outlet opening 12a is in the present example larger and therefore extending further along the second axis (a2) away from the optical window 6b. The larger outlet opening 12a allows for efficient collection of both the barrier gas but also the entrained gaseous material. Due to an efficient control of the pressure within the gas analyser system 1, the barrier gas curtain 14 thickness (T_bg) and amount of entrained gas can be efficiently controlled, significantly reducing the risk of damaging or contaminating the optical windows 6b.

[0136] In one or more embodiments, approximately 20-30% of the gaseous material entering the measuring channel 3 is directed sideways by the barrier gas curtain, while the remaining 70-80% of the gas material continuous to flow through the supply channel 2, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The transverse draft, forcing a portion of the gaseous material to distribute in said measuring channel, can be increased or decreased by changing the flow rate of barrier gas through the nozzle opening 11a.

[0137] In one or more embodiments, and as an example shown in FIG. 1, the second end of the supply channel 2 is connected to a pressure tank 16, furthermore the barrier gas outlets 12 are also connected to the same pressure tank 16. This pressure tank 16 is kept at a second pressure (P2) being lower than a first pressure (P1) measured at the first end of the supply channel 2. This difference in pressures, generates a pressure difference (dP_s) and thereby a pressure gradient in the gas analyser system 1, which continuously forces the gaseous material from the gaseous environment through the system 1, such as from a the probe arrangement 18 through the probe channel 18a, through the supply channel 2 and to the pressure tank 16. The pressure in the pressure tank is controlled by a pressure control valve 17, such that the pressure difference (dP_s) is kept substantially constant, e.g. such that the second pressure (P2) is lower than the first pressure (P1) by approximately 30 mbar. In one or more embodiments, the pressure difference (dP_s) is controlled so as to generate a flow of gaseous material through the supply channel 2 of approximately 15 litres/minutes prior to the gaseous medium reaches the measuring channel 3, at which point parts of the gaseous material volume is forced sideways towards the barrier gas curtain 14 due to a high flow of barrier gas through the nozzle opening 11a.

[0138] The pressure tank 16, and the pressure control valve 17, is a part of a pressure system 15 which comprises further comprises one or more pressure sensors distributed in the system and displaying said measured pressure values and/or communicating the measured pressure values to a control unit of the pressure system 15. In one or more examples, a first pressure sensor may preferably be arranged in the supply channel 2 prior to the measuring channel 3 and arranged to measure a first pressure P1 and provide a data output accordingly. A second pressure sensor may be arranged in connection with the pressure tank 16 and measure the pressure within the tank 16, defined as the second pressure P2 and provide an output accordingly. When a difference exist between the first and second pressure, a pressure gradient is created forcing gaseous material from the first end of the supply channel 2, to the intersection between the supply channel 2 and the measuring channel 3 and towards the pressure tank 16. The pressure system 15 may preferably be arranged to control the pressure difference (dp_s) in response to the measured first pressure (P1) measured at first end of supply channel, by adjusting the second pressure (P2) by using the pressure control valve 17. The pressure system 15 may also be arranged to monitor and control the pressure of the barrier gas, defined as the third pressure (P3), in response to a pressure measurement device or sensor arranged to measure the barrier gas pressure (P3) prior to being discharged through the nozzle opening 11a. In one or more examples, as the second pressure (P2) is kept below the first pressure (P1) and as the pressure of the gaseous material is generally much less than the third pressure (P3) of the barrier gas, the second pressure (P2) will also be less than the barrier gas pressure (P3) thereby providing suction to the barrier gas outlet opening 12a.

[0139] The gas analyser system 1 according to embodiments of the invention is preferably arranged to utilize the high amount of barrier gas reaching the pressure tank 16 to dilute the gaseous material entering the pressure tank 16 from the second end of the supply channel 2. Du to this dilution of the gaseous material the pressure system components can be protected and no additional filtering or processing of the gas is needed. Preferably the mixture of gas in the pressure tank 16 contains a ratio between 1:30 to 1:70 of gaseous material to barrier gas, or of at least 1:50 of gaseous material to barrier gas.

[0140] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, in events that the filter(s) of the filter arrangement are extensively covered by dust or other blocking particulates, a drop in pressure near the first end of the supply channel 2, e.g. in the supply channel 2 nearest the probe arrangement 18 or in the probe channel 18a, will occur, which is detected by the pressure system 15. As a response to such pressure reduction, the aforementioned cleaning device 24 will be activated, and the filter arrangement 19 is cleaned.

[0141] In one or more embodiments, the supply channel 2 and the measuring channel 3 is preferably heated by a heating arrangement 20 comprising heating means 21a, 21b, such as electrical heating means. Furthermore, the barrier gas curtain 14 and/or the probe arrangement 18 and probe channel 18a may also be heated. Preferably the entire flow path for the gaseous material in the gas analyser system 1 is heated. The collected gaseous medium by the probe arrangement 18 may be of a high temperature, and furthermore contain species which may be harmful to the gas analyser system 1 if they are allowed to adhere to inner surfaces of the system 1. If the inner surfaces are colder than the gaseous material, condensation occurs due to the temperature difference and species are deposited to the surfaces. Therefore the heating means are preferably arranged to maintain the temperature of the inner surfaces and the barrier gas substantially equal to the temperature of the gaseous material throughout the probe section and analysing unit 5. In one or more examples, a number of temperature sensors are distributed in said gas analyser system 1 so as to monitor and detect any temperature difference between the gaseous material and the inner surfaces throughout the system 1. E.g. a temperature sensor may be arranged to measure the temperature at different positions scattered long the inner surface of the supply channel 2. A temperature sensor may also be arranged in said probe arrangement 18 and also near said barrier gas outlet 12 e.g. such as in a channel connection between said outlet opening 12a and the pressure tank 16. In one or more examples, a temperature control system may be comprised in said gas analyser system 1 for controlling the temperatures provided by the heating means based on outputs from the temperature sensors.

[0142] The gas analyser system 1 of the present invention may allow for several units 5 to be arranged in succession along the supply channel 2. In FIG. 1 a further measuring channel 3_x is schematically illustrated by dashed lines. The center-flow of gaseous material maintained in the supply channel 2 and continuing straight towards the second end of the supply channel 2 can be utilized for further gas analysis by connecting further measuring channels 3_x to said supply channel 2, e.g. by providing a further four-way intersection 4_x. These further measuring channels 3_x can furthermore be arranged with further optical arrangements 6_x (not shown) and further barrier arrangements. Essentially the further analysis section 5 may operate and be controlled in essentially the same way as the analysis section described in relation to the previous examples.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0143] 1 Gas analyser system [0144] 2 Supply channel [0145] 3 Measuring channel [0146] 3_x Further measuring channel [0147] 4 Four-channel intersection [0148] 4_x Further four-channel intersection [0149] 5 Analysing unit [0150] 6 Optical arrangement [0151] 6a Centre line of the electromagnetic radiation [0152] 6b Optical window [0153] 6_x Further optical arrangement [0154] 7 First optical unit [0155] 8 Second optical unit [0156] 9 Barrier arrangement [0157] 10 Barrier gas inlet [0158] 11 Nozzle [0159] 11a Nozzle opening [0160] 12 Barrier gas outlet [0161] 12a Barrier gas outlet opening [0162] 14 Barrier gas curtain e.g. air knife [0163] 15 Pressure system [0164] 16 Pressure tank [0165] 17 Pressure controller e.g. valve [0166] 18 Probe arrangement [0167] 18a Probe channel [0168] 19 Filter arrangement [0169] 19a Filter [0170] 22 Calibration arrangement [0171] 23 Calibration gas source [0172] 24 Cleaning device [0173] a1 First axis [0174] a2 Second axis [0175] a3 Third axis [0176] Lo Length of the barrier gas outlet opening [0177] Ln Length of the nozzle opening [0178] Lmc Length of the measuring channel [0179] Wo Width of the barrier gas outlet opening [0180] Wn Width of the nozzle opening [0181] Wmc Width of the measuring channel [0182] T_bg Thickness of the barrier gas curtain [0183] P1 First pressure [0184] P2 Second pressure [0185] P3 Third pressure [0186] dP_mc Pressure difference along the measuring channel [0187] dP_s Pressure difference, dP_s=P2P1 [0188] d_x distance between nozzle opening and the centre-line of the electromagnetic radiation.