Honeywell International Inc.

Thomas R Guiffre

Thomas M Moyer

Kevin J Engler

Gregory J Ottens

A turbidity sensor for measuring a full range of particulate content in a turbid environment, including a method thereof. The turbidity sensor includes a laser light source for emitting laser light through the particulate content. The turbidity sensor additionally includes at least one light-sensitive detector located proximate to the laser light source for the detection of light scattered from particles of the particulate content that come into contact with laser light emitted from the laser light source, thereby permitting the accurate measurement of the turbidity of the turbid environment. A plurality of light-sensitive detectors may be employed, including a back scatter detector, a side scatter detector, a forward scatter detector, and a direct transmission detector. The light-sensitive detectors may be arranged in a geometric configuration of light-sensitive detectors with respect to the laser light source.

Focused laser light turbidity sensor

A turbidity sensor apparatus and method for measuring very low concentrations of particles in a fluid. The turbidity sensor comprises a laser light source for emitting laser light through a fluid. Such a fluid may be hydraulic fluid, oil, water utilized in water purification systems, or other translucent fluids. The turbidity sensor includes a first light-sensitive detector located 90 degrees to incident laser light emitted from the laser light source, and a second light-sensitive detector located at an angle obtuse to the incident laser light emitted from the laser light source, wherein the first and second light-sensitive detectors respectively measure side scattered light and forward scattered light reflected from particles contained within the fluid that come into contact with laser light emitted from the laser light source, thereby providing an accurate and reliable measurement of very low concentrations of particles within the fluid. The turbidity sensor also includes a component for capturing incident laser light entirely emitted from the laser light source, thereby preventing reflection of the laser light back into the fluid. The laser light source may be a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) or other light emitting light source.

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Freeport, IL, United States of America

Thomas R Guiffre