Abstract: A fiber optic fluid probe is employed in determining characteristics of a fluid or solid dispersed in the fluid into which the probe is immersed. The probe transmits electromagnetic radiation from a source by way of one or more fiber optic fibers and into the fluid, and then senses how the electromagnetic radiation interacts with the fluid. The optical signal returned from the probe, by way of fiber optic cables, is interrogated by an electronic instrument, which correlates the optical response to fluid properties and/or characteristics.

Abstract: An optical interface coupler for coupling a flow cell to an optical absorption analyzer. The flow cell and analyzer are operable to transmit light through a fluid flowing through a chamber within the cell and analyze the transmitted light for determining certain optical properties of the fluid. The cell includes a first port through which light from a first fiber optic cable is transmitted to the chamber and a second port through which transmitted light is received and transmitted to a second fiber optic cable connected to the optical absorption analyzer. The optical interface coupler comprises a housing and a lens. The housing is releasably attachable to the cell at one of the first and second ports and defines an optical pathway therein. A cable port is in the housing for receiving one of the first and second fiber optic cables, and is in optical communication with the optical pathway.

Abstract: An optical probe apparatus (10) is for testing physical properties of a fluid (F) such as turbidity. The apparatus comprises a probe assembly (16) removably insertable into the fluid. A photometric light source (12) generates light and fiber optic cables (14) transmits light to and from the probe assembly. Light entering the assembly is directed into the fluid, the light being absorbed or scattered by particles in the fluid as it passes therethrough. The amount of remaining light is sensed and a light output from the probe is produced whose intensity is a function of the amount of remaining light. A light detector measures the light output of the probe assembly and produces an indication of the absorbance or turbidity of the fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical absorptiometer which is characterized by a light source unit of a broad wavelength having a source of constant energy which is collimated into two light beams, one of which is transmitted through the liquid to be measured, and another beam which is transmitted through a conductor and acts as a reference beam, and a detector unit which contains two photocells, one photocell for measuring the beam transmitted through the liquid to be measured, and another photocell which measures the reference beam, a position in the absorptiometer for optically placing the liquid to be measured between the source unit and the detector unit, and means for measuring the energy difference between the light beams of the measured liquid and the reference beams in terms of absorbance, and means for converting this result to an electrical signal.