We set out to develop a new commercial
temperature and chemical sensor primarily for high temperature gas
combustion measurement and process control applications. The goals
of our project were to maintain accuracy, large dynamic range, affordability,
ruggedness, and high temporal resolution. We have met these goals
by combining low-cost telecom components with our proprietary software
and spectroscopic measurement strategy. MetroLaser successfully tested
and demonstrated several prototype sensors in the hot gases and flames
of industrial combustors where the results proved to be in excellent
agreement with complimentary observations using chemiluminescence
In general, our LTS 100 sensor is
very well suited to any process requiring real-time, non-intrusive
temperature sensing. That would include most industries that rely
on combustion such as aluminum, steel, glass, petroleum, chemicals,
forest products, cement, power generation, and others. At an industrial
site, we have successfully demonstrated the sensor on a combustion
chemical vapor deposition torch that is used in producing coatings
on substrates for optical and electronic devices. In addition, the
LTS 100 is a valuable research tool for in situ investigations of
combustion and flames.
The LTS 100 is non-intrusive thus
there are none of the time lag, maintenance, lifetime, and calibration
problems associated with intrusive or extractive sampling probes.
The LTS 100 is a real-time sensor and generates measurements on millisecond
time scales. Using a single laser diode through a fiber optic network,
our sensor is capable of making measurements at multiple locations
simultaneously. By using proven telecom hardware and photonic technology,
the LTS 100 is inherently compact, reliable, and affordable.
We are now assembling our first
generation system, the LTS 100, for the simultaneous measurement of
temperature and water vapor concentrations in high temperature gas
streams. We are currently accepting North American orders and are
negotiating worldwide distribution agreements. Within the next quarter,
we have lined up several demonstrations at potential customer sites.
By adding additional spectral channels, future models will include
capabilities to simultaneously monitor multiple chemicals including
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, oxygen, hydrocarbons, nitric
oxide, and others.
We have built a demonstration system
that is available for short-term trials. To schedule a demonstration
or for sales information please contact us at one of the locations