System, method and apparatus for continuous evaluation, detection and storage of colorimetric wavelength changes on a chemically impregnated media useful in the detection of gases

A method of gas detection and evaluation, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an optic block having a plurality of channels;
• flowing a gas sample into an inlet and through at least one of the plurality of channels and across a chemically treated media;
• reacting the chemically treated media with the gas sample to produce a single stain;
• transmitting a broad spectrum LED light source through at least one of the plurality of channels toward the chemically treated media;
• reflecting color changes to the single stain through at least one of the plurality of channels to a digital imaging sensor;
• measuring the reflected color changes to the single stain using the digital imaging sensor:
• recording continuous video images of the single stain with the digital imaging sensor as the stain develops on the media;
• evaluating the images of the single stain using a microprocessor configured to evaluate if a color change has occurred indicating a target gas in the gas sample;
• and,
• automatically replacing the chemically treated media providing continuous detection of the gas sample.

A system of gas detection and recordation of a gas detection event in real-time, the system comprising:

• a gas detection device configured for automatic and continuous detection, the device comprising;
• an optic block having an inlet for entry of a gas flow specimen into a housing, and an outlet for exiting the gas flow specimen from the housing, wherein the inlet and outlet are connected by at least one gas flow channel;
• a chemically treated media positioned proximate to the gas flow channel and between the inlet and the outlet for receiving a gas flow specimen requiring detection of a target gas component or gas components;
• a broad spectrum LED light source for illuminating the media as it is exposed to the gas flow specimen;
• a digital imaging sensor for detecting the target gas components or gas components in the gas flow specimen through a color change in a stain as it develops in real time;
• and,
• a microprocessor configured for operating the LED light source and digital imaging sensor and for storing the recording of the color change in the stain of the gas flow specimen for later analysis and verification of at least one target gas component of the gas detection event and for verification of an interfering, non-target gas and no further detection.