Fluid monitoring system based on near-infrared spectroscopy
A system for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid contained in a container includes a measuring device based on near-infrared spectroscopy designed to be submerged in the cited fluid to be monitored and to take measurements of the fluid. The measuring device includes a measuring area. The monitoring system includes a flotation system joined to the measuring device. The flotation system is arranged, during the use of the monitoring system, floating on the fluid to be monitored such that the measuring area of the measuring device is submerged in the fluid at a constant depth with respect to the level of fluid in the container, such that all the measurements taken by the measuring device are taken at the same depth with respect to the level of the fluid.
1. A system for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid contained in a container, the system comprises:
a measuring device based on near-infrared spectroscopy configured to be submerged in the cited fluid to be monitored and to take measurements of said fluid, and
a flotation system connected to the measuring device,
wherein said measuring device comprises a first part and a second part, wherein an exterior surface of said first part and an exterior surface of said second part delimit a conduit exterior to the measuring device, said conduit being a measuring area, such that when the measuring device has been submerged in a fluid under supervision, said fluid flows through said conduit,
said first part comprising a light source working in the visible light and near-infrared spectrum and said second part comprising a detection system based on near-infrared spectroscopy, said light source being configured for illuminating the fluid flowing through said measuring area, and said detection system being configured for taking at least one measurement of the light spectrum which passes through said fluid within the measuring area,
said flotation system being configured to float on the fluid to be monitored, such that the measuring area of the measuring device is submerged in the fluid at a constant depth with respect to the level of fluid in the container, such that all of the measurements taken by the measuring device are taken at the same depth with respect to the level of the fluid.
2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said monitoring device is connected to said flotation system by means of a bar with a specific length.
3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said flotation system comprises connection means configured for connecting said flotation system to the exterior of the container.
4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said measuring device is configured for taking measurements of the fluid periodically or randomly.
5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said measurement device comprises means for recording the temperature of the fluid to be monitored, means for recording the temperature of the detection system, and means for recording the temperature of the light source.
6. The system according to claim 5 , wherein said measuring device comprises processing means configured for processing the measurements taken by the detection system and by said means for recording the temperature of the fluid, means for recording the temperature of the detection system, and said means for recording the temperature of the light source.
7. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a positioning system configured for rotating the measuring device in the interior of the fluid, such that the measuring area is arranged in the interior of the fluid with its opening facing upwards.
8. The system according to claim 7 , wherein said positioning system comprises an opening and closing mechanism formed by a first piece and a second piece articulated to each other by means of a common axis, and a cable, wherein said first piece is fixed to the measuring device and said second piece is fixed to the bar, said positioning system being configured for, once the assembly formed by the bar and the measuring device joined by said opening and closing mechanism arranged forming an angle of 90°, is introduced in the container filled with fluid, pulling the cable from the exterior of the container until the opening and closing mechanism is folded forming an angle of 0° between said first and second pieces, the cavity being arranged in a vertical position, facilitating the release of air bubbles.
9. The system according to claim 8 , wherein said positioning system further includes a clamping system of the cable configured for fixing the position of the cable following the rotation of the measuring device and for maintaining the groove in a vertical position during the sampling time.
10. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said fluid, at least one parameter of which one wishes to monitor, is a wine and said at least one parameter to be monitored is one of the following: the degree of alcohol, the degree of acidity, or the degree of sugars present in the wine.
11. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a container containing a fluid, the measuring device being configured to be submerged in said container.