In-situ sensor for automated measurements of gas content in liquid and related system and method

A system comprising:

• a signal source configured to provide a first signal for measuring a gas content of a liquid sample;
• an analyzer configured to determine the gas content of the liquid sample using a measurement of a second signal, the second signal based on the first signal;
• and
• an apparatus comprising:
• a walled structure having a cavity;
• a piston configured to (i) pull the liquid sample into the cavity and (ii) push the liquid sample out of the cavity;
• first and second measurement windows each having an inner surface exposed within the cavity;
• and
• multiple valves configured to create a head space containing air between the liquid sample and the piston;
• wherein the first measurement window is configured to pass the first signal from the signal source into the head space;
• wherein the second measurement window is configured to receive the second signal from the head space;
• and
• wherein the multiple valves comprise:
• a first valve configured to trap the air in a space between a piston head of the piston and a flange;
• and
• a second valve configured to allow the trapped air to move through the piston head.

An apparatus comprising:

• a walled structure having a cavity;
• a piston configured to (i) pull a liquid sample into the cavity and (ii) push the liquid sample out of the cavity, wherein the piston comprises a piston head having a reference material;
• and
• at least one measurement window having at least one inner surface exposed within the cavity, the at least one measurement window configured to (i) receive a first signal for measuring a gas content of the liquid sample and (ii) provide a second signal, the second signal comprising the first signal after the first signal has interacted with material in the cavity and varying based on the gas content of the liquid sample;
• wherein the at least one measurement window is further configured to (iii) receive a third signal when the reference material is aligned with the at least one measurement window and (iv) provide a fourth signal, the fourth signal comprising the third signal after the third signal has interacted with the reference material.

An apparatus comprising:

• a walled structure having a cavity;
• a piston configured to (i) pull the liquid sample into the cavity and (ii) push the liquid sample out of the cavity;
• first and second measurement windows each having an inner surface exposed within the cavity;
• and
• multiple valves configured to create a head space containing air between the liquid sample and the piston;
• wherein the first measurement window is configured to pass the first signal into the head space;
• wherein the second measurement window is configured to receive the second signal from the head space;
• and
• wherein the multiple valves comprise:
• a first valve configured to trap the air in a space between a piston head of the piston and a flange;
• and
• a second valve configured to allow the trapped air to move through the piston head.

A method comprising:

• pulling a liquid sample into a cavity of a sensor using a piston, the piston comprising a piston head having a reference material;
• providing a first signal from a signal source into the cavity using at least one measurement window, the at least one measurement window having at least one inner surface exposed within the cavity;
• providing a second signal to an analyzer using the at least one measurement window, the second signal comprising the first signal after the first signal has interacted with material in the cavity and varying based on a gas content of the liquid sample;
• pushing the liquid sample out of the cavity using the piston;
• providing a third signal from the signal source to the at least one measurement window when the reference material is aligned with the at least one measurement window;
• and
• providing a fourth signal to the analyzer, the fourth signal comprising the third signal after the third signal has interacted with the reference material.