Flow cell for direct absorption spectroscopy

A fluid analyzer for analyzing a sample, the fluid analyzer comprising:

• a flow cell assembly having (i) a base that includes a base window;
• (ii) a cap that is secured to the base, the cap includes a cap window that is spaced apart from the base window;
• (iii) a gasket that is secured to and positioned between the base and the cap, the gasket including a gasket body that includes a gasket opening;
• wherein the gasket body, the base and the cap cooperate to define a flow cell chamber;
• and wherein the base window and the cap window define a portion the flow cell chamber;
• and (iv) an inlet passageway into the flow cell chamber that allows the sample to be directed into the flow cell chamber;
• wherein the gasket has a gasket thickness that defines a path length of the flow cell chamber between the windows;
• a light source that directs an input light beam through one of the windows into the sample in the flow cell chamber;
• and
• an optical detector assembly that receives the beam that passes through the sample.

A method for analyzing a sample, the method comprising:

• providing a base that includes a base window;
• providing a cap that includes a cap window that is spaced apart from the base window;
• providing a gasket that includes a gasket body having a gasket opening;
• securing the base to the cap with the gasket therebetween;
• wherein the gasket body, the base and the cap cooperate to define a flow cell chamber;
• and wherein the base window and the cap window define a portion of the flow cell chamber;
• and
• directing the sample into the flow cell chamber.