Method and apparatus for real time gas analysis

Abstract

A modular apparatus for analyzing a fluid includes a disposable fluidic sensor module, a replaceable transducer module, and an expendable electronics package. The disposable fluidic sensor includes a fluidic flowmeter and a capillary structure formed in a plate-like member which receives a sample fluid flow. The fluidic flowmeter is responsive to the fluid flow to generate an output indicative of the flow rate of the fluid, and the capillary structure restricts the fluid flow such that a pressure drop across the capillary structure is related to the viscosity of the fluid. The fluidic flowmeter can be a fluidic oscillator whose oscillation frequency is related to the fluid flow rate. The oscillator flowmeter also serves as an orifice, with the pressure drop across the oscillator being related to the density of the fluid. The replaceable transducer module is connectable to the fluidic sensor module via a separable interface, and includes transducers for measuring physical conditions of the fluid flowing through the fluidic sensor module. The expendable electronics package includes a processor responsive to transducer signals generated by the transducers for determining properties and conditions of the fluid, such as flow rate, density and viscosity, and for determining individual concentrations of fluid constituents of the fluid from these parameters.