Bacteria sensor and method
First Claim
1. An apparatus for the detection of biofouling in a fluid line comprising;
- a bacterial target comprising;
a substrate placed in the fluid line on which bacteria can colonize;
a first at least one optical fiber having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end being spaced a working distance from the probe to transmit bacteria autofluorescent excitation energy to the probe and said proximal end being in communication with an energy source that provides bacteria autofluorescent excitation energy to bacteria on the probe;
a second at least one optical fiber having a distal end and a proximal end said distal end being spaced a working distance from the probe to receive and transmit autofluorescence from the bacteria on the probe.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Bacteria accumulations on the interior walls of a fluid conduit are detected by placing a bacterial target substrate the conduit. The substrate structured to allow bacteria to colonize it at at least the rate of accumulation expected on the conduit walls or at an accelerated rate in order to preempt normal bacteria accumulation on the walls. A bacteria getter may be used to accelerate bacterial colonization of the substrate. An excitation signal interrogating the substrate causes autofluorescence in the presence of bacteria, specifically from NADH and/or NADPH present. The autofluorescent emission is transmitted to a detector and processor. In one system when the presence of bacteria at a preset level is detected there is initiated a diversion of the fluid into an auxiliary subsystem during which the primary subsystem is remediated.
11 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An apparatus for the detection of biofouling in a fluid line comprising;
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a bacterial target comprising;
a substrate placed in the fluid line on which bacteria can colonize;
a first at least one optical fiber having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end being spaced a working distance from the probe to transmit bacteria autofluorescent excitation energy to the probe and said proximal end being in communication with an energy source that provides bacteria autofluorescent excitation energy to bacteria on the probe;
a second at least one optical fiber having a distal end and a proximal end said distal end being spaced a working distance from the probe to receive and transmit autofluorescence from the bacteria on the probe. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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- 8. Apparatus for the detection of bacteria in a fluid line having an interior wall, said apparatus including a bacteria probe in the fluid line, said probe being of a material and geometry to attract bacteria, said apparatus including an optical fiber having a distal and a proximal end, said distal end being located in energy coupled relationship to said probe at a characteristic working distance therewith.
- 17. Apparatus for detecting the presence of bacteria in a fluid path, said apparatus comprising the placement of a bacteria probe in said fluid path, said probe including surface features of a geometry to attract bacteria.
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23. An apparatus for the detection of biofouling in a fluid line comprising;
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a probe comprising a substrate placed in the fluid line on which bacteria can colonize;
a means for causing autofluorescence of bacteria on the probe;
a means for detecting the autofluorescence.
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24. A method for detecting biofouling of a fluid line comprising;
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placing a substrate in the fluid line for allowing colonization of bacteria on the substrate;
exposing the substrate to bacteria autofluorescence excitation energy;
detecting any autofluorescence. providing an alternative subsystem and a diverter and operating the diverter to take the primary subsystem off line and replace it with the alternative subsystem when a level of bacteria is detected based on the intensity of the autofluorescence.
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Specification