Patent attributes
A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the concentration of individual components within a fluid mixture by determining the permittivity of the individual components. The method and apparatus use a reference sensor and at least one measurement sensor positioned inside the same sensor device that is immersed in the fluid mixture to be measured. Signals, such as radio frequency or microwave, are sequentially transmitted at multiple, known, constant frequencies to and reflected from both the reference and measurement sensor(s). Permittivities of the individual components are determined from these transmitted and reflected signals and information about the concentration of the individual fluids and other compounds within the fluid mixture and the density of the fluid mixture are produced. Repetitive sampling and processing of these signals allow determination and real-time monitoring of the concentration of individual components within a mixture of fluids. The present invention provides self-calibration, accurate frequency maintenance and self-selection of an operating frequency range.
