Filter with memory, communication and concentration sensor

Abstract

The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing. A concentration sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the concentration of a particular substance within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the concentration sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of concentration values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read concentration values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment.

1 . An apparatus for monitoring the concentration of a substance within a filter housing comprising:
 said filter housing;   a filter element, located within said filter housing, defining an upstream side in which unfiltered material exists and a downstream side into which filtered material is passed, said filter element comprising:   a concentration sensor, located in said downstream side, and   a transmitter, in communication with said sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a storage element adapted to store measurements from said sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said sensor is selected from the group consisting of a solid state gas sensor, an optical fiber and an affinity based sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said transmitter utilizes wireless communication. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said wireless transmitter comprises an RFID tag. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said concentration sensor and said transmitter are provided in a single enclosure. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising a wireless receiver, adapted to receive signals transmitted from said wireless transmitter. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said sensor is embedded in said filter element.