Sensor and method for measuring alcohol concentration in an alco

Details Sensor and method for measuring alcohol concentration in an alco Sensor and method for measuring alcohol concentration in an alco

Filed on

1988-09-27

Date issued

1992-06-30

Examiner

Fields, Carolyn E.

Patent Class

Radiant energy

SubClass

Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling

SubSubClass

Infrared responsive

Other Related Categories

250339, 250345, 250346, 123 1A, G01N 2135

Type

Patent

Status

active

Patent number

051265702

Description

ABSTRACT:
A sensor and method for measuring the concentration of alcohol in an alcohol-hydrocarbon mixture for use with flexible fuel vehicles. The sensor and method are characterized by a pair of detectors or sensing elements which detect absorbance of two different wavelength bands of energy transmitted through the fuel. The first wavelength band is absorbed by the alcohol and substantially unabsorbed by the hydrocarbons and other non-alcohols in the fuel mixture. The second or reference wavelength band is selected where the absorbance of alcohols and hydrocarbons is essentially the same and preferably essentially zero. The output of the two detectors or sensing elements is ratioed to provide a signal representative of the alcohol content of the fuel mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the sensing elements are included in a differential thermopile.

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