Paradigm Sensors technologists have extensive background in the application of IS sensing and analysis technologies (see References for a list of IS fluid condition monitoring patents in which the Paradigm Sensor team is named as inventors). Fluid condition monitoring applications pursued by the team to-date include:
FTIR Spectroscopy
While it is possible to use FTIR spectroscopy in field
instruments and in-situ sensors, for these applications
Paradigm Sensors uses a different form of spectroscopy
that supports very simple and rugged sensors capable
of providing a high degree of information about fluid
composition and functionality. |
FTIR Spectra |
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Impedance Spectroscopy
Impedance spectroscopy (IS) is an analysis
technology generally analogous to infra-red spectroscopy. For
IS, an electrical current is passed through a sample
and the voltage developed is measured (or, conversely,
voltage is applied and current flow is measured). As
with other forms of spectroscopy, this is done over a
range of frequencies, with the frequency response of
the material providing information on sample composition
and functionality.
Paradigm Sensors' products will incorporate
proprietary IS sensing technology. Impedance Spectroscopy
has two major advantages for biodiesel FCM field instrument
and in-situ applications. Since IS relies on voltage
and current measurements vs. optical measurements, very
simple, rugged, and inexpensive sensing electrodes are
used. While it is true that electrode shape and materials
are critical to effective IS measurements, materials
can be quite inexpensive and forms easily manufactured
in high volumes.
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IR Analyzer |
Paradigm Sensors is capable of providing information
on changes in fluid composition and functionality. Depending
on the frequency of measurement, IS can provide information
about the bulk of the material, which tends to depend
mostly on fluid composition, or about chemical reactions
occurring at the sensor electrode surfaces, which is
indicative of fluid functionality.
This second point is a key aspect to proprietary Paradigm
Sensors technology. One means of analyzing fluid
functionality is through observation of types and rates
of chemical reactions occurring at the interface between
fluids and solids. Electrode forms and materials
for Paradigm Sensor products will be designed to selectively
enhance reactions indicative of changes in key fluid
functions as well as fluid composition.
The final element of Paradigm Sensors technology lies
in analysis of IS data. Analogous to FTIR, Paradigm
Sensors products will utilize proprietary data mining
algorithms to establish correlation curves between key
IS parameters and biodiesel composition and functions.
For a summary of these correlations, please follow the
link below.
Biodiesel Analysis Utilizing AC Small-Signal Impedance Spectroscopy |
