Infrared gas analyzer and method for operating said analyzer

Abstract

The invention relates to an infrared gas analyser (1), especially for use as a gas detector for leak detection using a sampling probe. Said gas analyser comprises a vessel (test vessel 2), through which a test gas flows, and an infrared light source (4, 5, 42) which produces an infrared light that shines through the test vessel (2). The analyser further encompasses a detector (35) that facilitates measurement of the infrared light absorption in the test gas. The aim of the invention is to provide at low costs an analyser that is apt for every day use. To this end, a reference vessel (3) through which a reference gas flows is provided in addition to the test vessel (2) through which the test gas flows. A reference gas is sucked from the environment of the test gas suction area. The same or an additional light source (4, 5, 42) and the same detector (35) are allocated to said reference vessel. The analyser is provided with means (38, 41) that effect a modulation of the infrared light shining through the vessel (2, 3). Means (36) are provided which produce the measured values and which allow that the background signals obtained by the infrared absorption in the gas of the reference vessel (3) are taken into consideration for the signals obtained by measuring the infrared absorption in the test vessel.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.