Device, monitoring device, system and method for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils

Abstract

A device (1) for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils (6) is proposed, wherein a chamber (2) is provided in the device (1) and has at least one detector chip (3.1) for detecting at least one chemical substance and has an inlet (4), wherein the device has a pump (7), wherein the pump (7) is connected to an outlet (5) of the chamber (2) and is provided to suck a solution (26) out of the soil (6) and into the chamber (2) through the inlet (4), or wherein the pump (7) is provided to suck a solution (26) out of the soil (6) and pump it through the inlet (4) into the chamber (2). Furthermore, a monitoring device (20), a system (100) and a method for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils (6) are proposed.

Description

[0001] Nerite GmbH Jülicher Straße 209c 52070 Aachen

[0002] Device, monitoring device, system and method for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils

[0003] The present invention relates to a device, a monitoring device, a system and a method for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils.

[0004] In agriculture and forestry, resource conservation has always been a central aspect of economic activity. In addition to the positive effects on the affected ecosystems, there are also economic aspects that naturally promote the appropriate use of resources.

[0005] In addition to the use of labor, machinery, and seed, the application of fertilizers is a key resource in arable farming. To optimize the use of fertilizers, it is advisable to examine the soils to be fertilized, which makes it possible to estimate where and in what quantities which substances need to be applied to achieve a good yield. This is typically done by taking samples from the soils to be analyzed and sending them to a laboratory. After testing in the laboratory, the farmer receives the results, which they can use to plan the use of fertilizers. This process is currently quite complex and cannot be carried out in real time. This leads to inappropriate amounts of fertilizer being applied to the soil, thus consuming more resources than necessary.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device, a monitoring device, a system and a method for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils, which are significantly simpler to use than is the case with the prior art and offer the possibility of significantly increasing the temporal accuracy of the monitoring.

[0007] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1 and by the features of the independent claims.

[0008] The device according to the invention for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils has a chamber in which at least one detector chip for detecting at least one chemical substance is arranged. An inlet and an outlet are arranged on the chamber. A pump of the device is provided to suck a solution through the inlet into the chamber. For this purpose, the pump is connected to the outlet of the chamber. Alternatively, it is provided that the pump is connected to the inlet of the chamber and the solution is sucked out of the soil, then passed through the pump and pumped through the inlet into the chamber. By transporting the solution from the soil into the chamber, the solution reaches the detector chip. The detector chip is then able to analyze the solution and test it for the content of certain chemical substances.To monitor chemical substances in soils, the solution is extracted from the soil. For example, it can be provided that the solution is sucked from the soil by the pump into the inlet of the chamber. The device according to the invention advantageously makes it possible for the laboratory, in which a chemical analysis is carried out in accordance with the state of the art, to be relocated to the field. This significantly simplifies the monitoring process. In addition to the elimination of transport routes, the farmer benefits in particular from the fact that there are no time delays between the measurement and the result due to sending the samples to laboratories. It is conceivable that the outlet has an eighth valve with which the outlet can be opened or closed. It is also conceivable that the inlet of the device has a seventh valve with which the inlet can be opened or closed.This advantageously makes it possible to close the outlet or inlet for specific operating modes of the device. Preferably, the pump is a vacuum pump, meaning that the pump is capable of sucking in a fluid, in particular the solution.

[0009] To supply electrical energy, the device may be provided with a rechargeable battery. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the device to have solar cells, which can provide electrical energy to operate the device or also charge the rechargeable battery. Preferably, the device includes a charging port with which the rechargeable battery can be charged.

[0010] It is conceivable that the device is equipped with a GPS module. This allows, for example, measurement data obtained by the at least one detector chip to be linked to location coordinates.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the chamber is provided with additional detector chips for detecting different chemical substances. Preferably, the chamber has at least one additional detector chip. This advantageously makes it possible to test the aspirated solution for the content of different chemicals. In particular, it is provided that the detector chip(s) are arranged interchangeably in the chamber. This advantageously makes it possible to replace defective detector chips or, as needed, to add detector chips for detecting the content of different chemical substances to the device.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a communications unit for transmitting and receiving data. The communications unit is preferably designed to transmit and receive the data wirelessly. This advantageously enables data on the content of chemical substances in the soil to be transmitted directly from the field to an evaluation center. For example, it is conceivable for the communications unit to transmit data on the content of chemical substances in the soil, preferably with an identifier of the device and / or with location coordinates, to the evaluation center, and for the evaluation center to process the transmitted data and make it available to the farmer.It is also conceivable that a measurement for monitoring the content of chemical substances in the soil is initiated by the device through a start signal which is transmitted, for example, from the evaluation point to the communication unit.

[0013] According to a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises an energy-saving device that de-energizes the device's electrical loads. The prior art suggests only energy-saving devices that place electrical loads, such as processors, into sleep mode. While energy consumption is reduced in this sleep mode, the electrical loads still consume energy. De-energizing consumes significantly less energy than in the classic sleep mode. This is particularly beneficial to the device according to the invention, as it allows for even more reliable, autonomous operation.

[0014] To achieve high measurement quality, it is preferably provided that the chamber has a flushing opening for fluidically connecting the chamber to an area outside the device. The flushing opening can be opened and closed using a first valve in the chamber. This advantageously makes it possible to remove the solution from the chamber after a measurement has been completed. For example, it is conceivable that to remove the solution from the chamber after the measurement has been completed, the sixth valve is closed so that no further solution can be sucked into the chamber through the inlet. The first valve is then opened, allowing air from the outside area around the device to enter the chamber. To expel the solution from the chamber and flush the chamber, air can now be sucked into the chamber from the outside area using the pump. The chamber is thus actively flushed.It is also conceivable, however, that the flushing opening is located at the bottom of the chamber, allowing the solution to flow out of the chamber by gravity after the measurement when the first valve is open. Particularly preferred is for the solution to flow from the flushing opening through a tube into a collecting container.

[0015] Preferably, the chamber is provided with a vent, wherein the vent is positioned higher in the chamber than the inlet. Air bubbles introduced into the chamber when the solution is introduced can escape through the vent. This advantageously ensures reliable measurement.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device has at least one reservoir for holding a calibration substance. A calibration opening preferably has a second valve with which the calibration opening can be opened and closed. When the calibration opening is open, the reservoir is fluidically connected to the chamber. If the device does not have a second valve, the reservoir is always fluidically connected to the chamber. This advantageously makes it possible to calibrate the detector chip(s) and thus avoid measurement deviations. To calibrate the detector chips, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened. Preferably, the sixth valve is closed. It is conceivable that the calibration substance enters the chamber through the calibration opening. However, it is also conceivable that the pump sucks the calibration substance into the chamber through the calibration opening.The calibration substance is applied to at least one detector chip. Based on the known properties of the calibration substance, the measured values ​​output by the detector chip can then be checked and adjusted accordingly. It is conceivable that the reservoir for the calibration substance could be a syringe that can be manually inserted into the calibration opening and activated.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is a monitoring device for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils. The monitoring device comprises a device according to the invention. A tip of the monitoring device is intended to be inserted into the soil. The tip has openings which are fluidically permeable. A pipe is arranged between the tip and the device, which fluidically connects the soil to the inlet of the device through the openings. Alternatively, it is provided that the inlet is connected to the soil via a fluidically connecting suction line through the openings. This advantageously makes it possible to arrange the device directly in the field such that a solution can be extracted from the soil using the pump and fed to the chamber for monitoring the content of chemical substances in the soil.The tube arranged between the tip and the device makes it possible to position the device in an exposed manner so that, for example, growing plants do not protrude over the device. The connection between the tip and the chamber by means of a suction line has the advantage of achieving greater flexibility when positioning the monitoring device. Preferably, the suction line is attached to the device with a pneumatic quick connector. This makes it very easy to detach and reattach the suction line. It is conceivable that the tip is made of metal or ceramic. It is conceivable that the device is screwed or plugged onto the tube. This makes it possible, for example, to insert a tube and a tip at different locations and to screw or unscrew a device according to the invention onto the tube in order to measure the content of chemical substances in the soil at the respective location.This reduces the farmer's investment costs. If a suction line is provided, the device can be attached to the pipe, for example, with pipe clamps, which in this case are intended solely to hold the device.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tip is arranged on a suction cup of the monitoring device, with the suction line flexibly connecting the inlet to the suction cup. This advantageously makes it possible to determine the device and the sampling location essentially independently of one another. For example, the device can be placed at one location and the suction cup can be filled with slurry at a specific distance from the device. It is conceivable that suction cups of different lengths are used. For example, it is possible to take samples at different depths using suction cups of different lengths. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the suction line is connected to a channel inside the suction cup, with the channel extending from an upper end of the suction cup towards the tip.A vent line is connected to the upper end of the suction cup. The vent line is preferably designed to vent the interior of the suction cup via a vent valve. This enables a particularly clever way of taking samples. First, a vacuum is created in the suction cup via the pump. The vacuum causes solution from the bottom to collect in the lower area of ​​the suction cup. The pump creates a vacuum at least until the channel is immersed in the solution. Once there is enough solution in the suction cup, the vent valve is opened. This connects the upper part of the suction cup to the atmosphere via the vent line, and the pump can suck the solution out through the channel and the suction line. The vent line is preferably attached to the device with a pneumatic quick connector.This makes it very easy to remove and reattach the ventilation line.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the openings are microchannels. Microchannels, in the sense of the present invention, are channels whose respective diameters are a few micrometers, i.e., less than 1 mm. This ensures that the solution can be effectively extracted from the soil and transported through the pipe or suction line into the chamber. The microchannels serve as a protective barrier, preventing the device from being penetrated by coarse soil components.

[0020] The features, details and advantages mentioned above in connection with the device according to the invention also relate to the monitoring device according to the invention.

[0021] A further object for achieving the initially formulated problem and a further object of the present invention is a system comprising a plurality of monitoring devices according to the invention. A further object of the present invention is a method for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils, in which a monitoring device according to the invention is used. The pump transports the solution from the soil through the openings in the tip along the pipe or suction line into the chamber. The at least one detector chip in the chamber determines the content of at least one chemical substance in the solution.

[0022] The features, details and advantages mentioned above in connection with the monitoring device according to the invention also relate to the system according to the invention and to the method according to the invention.

[0023] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0024] They show:

[0025] Fig. 1 : a schematic view of a monitoring device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for carrying out a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

[0026] Fig. 2: a schematic view of a system according to an exemplary

[0027] Embodiment of the present invention with a plurality of monitoring devices according to further exemplary embodiments of the present invention and

[0028] Fig. 3 . a schematic view of a monitoring device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention for carrying out a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a monitoring device 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a plurality of monitoring devices.

[0029] 20 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention and an evaluation point 101. The monitoring device 20 shown and the system 100 shown are intended to carry out a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The device 1 shown in Figure 1 is a device 1 for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils 6. The device 1 is intended to be plugged or screwed onto a tube 23, at the end of which, opposite the device 1, a tip 21 is arranged. The tip

[0031] 21 has openings 22 in the form of microchannels and is intended to be inserted into the base 6. Together with the tube 23 and the tip 21, the device 1 forms the monitoring device 20.

[0032] In order to monitor the content of chemical substances in soils 6, the device 1 has a pump 7. The pump 7 is a suction pump, for example a vacuum pump, and is intended to suck a solution 26 from the soil 6 through the openings 22 of the tip 21, along the tube 23 through the inlet 4 into the chamber 2. The solution 26 contains components of the soil 6, for example nutrients, which can be used to determine the composition and, in particular, the content of certain chemical substances in the soil 6. For this purpose, at least one detector chip 3.1 is arranged in the chamber 2. In the embodiment of the device 1 shown here, one detector chip 3.1 and three further detector chips 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 are arranged in the chamber 2. The detector chips 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 are each intended to be able to detect different chemical substances.Thus, in the embodiment shown here, four different chemical substances can be detected in the soil 6 and their respective concentrations determined. The detector chips 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 are arranged interchangeably in the chamber 2. Interchangeable means that the detector chips 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 can be exchanged by the user. This allows, for example, defective detector chips to be replaced, or detector chips for detecting one chemical substance to be exchanged for detector chips for detecting another chemical substance.

[0033] It is conceivable that the determination of the chemical content in soil 6 includes the determination of moisture content, pH, phosphate content, nitrate content, potassium content, and magnesium content. This list is not exhaustive and merely exemplary.

[0034] A flushing opening 9 of chamber 2 connects chamber 2 to an area outside the device 1. The flushing opening 9 can be opened and closed with a first valve 9.1. Once a measurement has been taken with the device 1, the chamber 2 is flushed to remove residues of the solution 26 from the chamber 2 and in particular from the detector chips 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4. For this purpose, the inlet 4 of the chamber 2 is closed with a sixth valve 14 and the flushing opening 9 is opened by opening the first valve 9.1. An eighth valve 18 at the outlet 5 of the chamber 2 is opened, as is a seventh valve 15, which is arranged between the pump 7 and the outside area around the device 1. The pump 7 now sucks air through the flushing opening 9 into the chamber 2 and out again through the outlet 5 of the chamber 2. The chamber 2 is thereby flushed and cleaned of residues of the solution 26.

[0035] To calibrate the detector chips 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, at least one reservoir 10 is provided, which contains a calibration substance. In the embodiment of the present invention shown here, the device 1 has four reservoirs 10, 11, 12, 13. The reservoir 10 is connected to the interior of the chamber 2 via a calibration opening. A second valve 10.1 is provided to open or close the calibration opening. The second reservoir 11 is also connected to the interior of the chamber 2 such that a fluidic connection can be established between the second reservoir 11 and the chamber 2 via a third valve 11.1. The third reservoir 12 is connected to the chamber 2 via a fourth valve 12.1. The fourth reservoir 13 is connected to the chamber 2 via a fifth valve 13.1. The reservoirs 10, 11, 12, 13 each contain different calibration substances, so that the detector chips 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 can be calibrated specifically. To calibrate one of the detector chips 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4, one of the reservoirs 10, 11, 12, 13 is connected to chamber 2 by opening the associated valve 10.1, 11.1, 12.1, 13.1 and the calibration substance is introduced into chamber 2. The introduction can be assisted by the pump 7. Due to the predetermined properties of the calibration substance, target values ​​are known which are to be displayed by the detector chips 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, which are intended for calibration. Based on these target values, the detector chips 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 can be calibrated, for example, corrected by an offset.

[0036] To supply power to the device 1, the device 1 comprises a rechargeable battery 17 and solar cells 16. The solar cells 16 ensure a self-sufficient power supply. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a communication unit 8. The communication unit 8 is designed to wirelessly transmit and receive data. For example, measured values ​​from the device can be sent to an evaluation point 101, or commands, for example, for measuring or calibration, can be received.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises several monitoring devices 20. Depending on the plant being cultivated on the soil 6, the monitoring devices 20 are arranged at varying distances from one another. For example, it is conceivable that, when cultivating grain, one monitoring device 20 per hectare is embedded in the soil 6. However, it is also conceivable that, when cultivating vegetables or fruit, significantly smaller distances between the monitoring devices 20 are provided.

[0038] The top row of Figure 2 shows how the chemical substance content of the soil 6 is monitored using a plurality of tubes 23 and a device 1. To optimize the use of capital, a plurality of tubes 23 are inserted into the soil 6. For monitoring purposes, a device 1 is then plugged or screwed onto a tube 23 and joined together with the tube 23 and the tip (not shown here) to form a monitoring device 20. After the analysis of the soil 6 has been carried out on this tube 23, the device 1 can be removed from the tube 23 and moved to the next tube 23. Alternatively or additionally, a device 1 can be arranged on a plurality of tubes 23, for example on all tubes 23. This is shown in the bottom row of Figure 2.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a monitoring device 20 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, comprising a device 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention for carrying out a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The basic principles of the embodiment shown here are the same as those already discussed in connection with Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, only the differences will be discussed in more detail here.

[0040] The chamber 2 is connected to the pump 7 via its inlet 4. The pump 7 is in turn connected to a channel 25 of a suction cup 29 via a flexible suction line 24. The flexible connection of the suction cup 29 to the device 1 allows a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of the monitoring device 20. During operation, the pump 7 creates a vacuum in the suction cup 29. This sucks the solution 26 from the base 6 through the openings 22 of the tip 21 into the suction cup 29. A conductivity sensor 31 determines the fill level of the solution 26 in the suction cup 29. If there is a sufficient amount of solution 26 in the suction cup 29, in particular if the channel 25 is immersed in the solution 26, a vent valve 28 of the device 1 is opened. The vent valve 28 connects the upper part of the suction cup 29 to the atmosphere via a vent line 27.If the vent valve 28 is opened, the pump 7 pumps solution 26 through the channel 25 and through the suction line 24 through the pump 7 and the inlet 4 into the chamber 2.

[0041] In order to prevent air bubbles from interfering with the measurement in the chamber 2, the device 1 has a degassing opening 30 through which the air bubbles can escape from the chamber 2.

[0042] At the bottom of chamber 2 is the rinsing opening 9, which can be opened via the first valve 9.1. Once a measurement is complete, the first valve 9.1 is simply opened, and the solution 26 is discharged from chamber 2 by gravity. In addition to the detector chips 3.1 (only one of four detector chips shown is designated here), the device 1 has a humidity sensor 32 and a temperature sensor 33. These sensors 32, 33 determine the humidity and the temperature of the soil 6, respectively. The temperature sensor 32 is arranged on the outside of the suction cup 29 and thus determines the temperature 32 of the soil 6 in the area in which the solution 26 is sucked out of the soil 6.

[0043] In the embodiment shown here, the reservoir 10 for holding a calibration substance is a simple syringe. A line can be connected to the syringe and the chamber 2 for introducing the calibration substance.

[0044] Reference list:

[0045] 1 device

[0046] 2 chambers

[0047] 3.1 Detector chip

[0048] 3.2 additional detector chip

[0049] 3.3 additional detector chip

[0050] 3.4 additional detector chip

[0051] 4 Entrance

[0052] 5 Exit

[0053] 6 Floor

[0054] 7 Pump

[0055] 8 Communication unit

[0056] 9 Flush opening

[0057] 9.1 first valve

[0058] 10 Reservoir

[0059] 10.1 second valve

[0060] 11 second reservoir

[0061] 11.1 third valve

[0062] 12 third reservoir

[0063] 12.1 fourth valve

[0064] 13 fourth reservoir

[0065] 13.1 fifth valve

[0066] 14 sixth valve

[0067] 15 seventh valve

[0068] 16 solar cells

[0069] 17 Accumulator

[0070] 18 eighth valve

[0071] 20 Monitoring device

[0072] 21 top

[0073] 22 Opening

[0074] 23 pipe

[0075] 24 intake line

[0076] 25 Channel 26 Solution

[0077] 27 Ventilation line

[0078] 28 Ventilation valve

[0079] 29 Suction cup 30 Degassing opening

[0080] 31 Conductivity sensor

[0081] 32 Humidity sensor

[0082] 33 Temperature sensor 100 system

[0083] 101 Evaluation Center

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Device (1) for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils (6), wherein a chamber (2) is provided in the device (1), which chamber has at least one detector chip (3.1) for detecting at least one chemical substance and an inlet (4), wherein the device has a pump (7), wherein the pump (7) is connected to an outlet (5) of the chamber (2) and is provided to suck a solution (26) from the soil (6) through the inlet (4) into the chamber (2), or wherein the pump (7) is provided to suck a solution (26) from the soil (6) and pump it through the inlet (4) into the chamber (2).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the chamber (2) is provided to have further detector chips (3.2, 3.3, 3.4) for detecting different chemical substances, wherein the chamber (2) preferably has at least one further detector chip (3.2, 3.3, 3.4).

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a communication unit (8) for transmitting and receiving data, preferably for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber (2) has a flushing opening (9) for fluidically connecting the chamber (2) to an area outside the device (1), wherein the flushing opening (9) can be opened and closed with a first valve (9.1) of the chamber (2).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has at least one reservoir (10) for receiving a calibration substance, wherein the chamber has a calibration opening for fluidically connecting the chamber (2) to the at least one reservoir (10), wherein the Calibration opening can preferably be opened and closed with a second valve (10.1) of the chamber (2).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detector chip (3.1) and preferably the further detector chips (3.2, 3.3, 3.4) are arranged interchangeably in the chamber (2).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber (2) has a degassing opening (30), wherein the degassing opening (30) is arranged higher in the chamber (2) than the inlet (4).

8. Monitoring device (20) for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils (6) with a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring device (20) has a tip (21) for insertion into the ground (6), wherein the tip (21) has openings (22), wherein between the tip (21) and the device (1), the entrance (4) through the openings (22) with the base (6) fluidically connecting, pipe (23) or a suction line (24) fluidically connecting the inlet (4) through the openings (22) with the base (6) is arranged.

9. Monitoring device (20) according to claim 8, characterized in that the tip (21) is arranged on a suction cup (29) of the monitoring device (20), wherein the suction line (24) flexibly connects the inlet (4) to the suction cup (29).

10. Monitoring device (20) according to claim 9, characterized in that the suction line (24) is connected to a channel (25) in the interior of the suction cup (29), wherein the channel (25) extends from an upper end of the suction cup (29) in the direction of the tip (22), wherein at the upper end a ventilation line (27) is connected to the suction cup (29), wherein the ventilation line (27) is preferably provided to To ventilate the interior of the suction cup (29).

11. Monitoring device (20) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the openings (22) are microchannels.

12. Monitoring device (20) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the monitoring device (20) has a conductivity sensor (31) for detecting a quantity of the solution (26) sucked through the openings (22), wherein the conductivity sensor (31) is preferably arranged in the suction candle (29).

13. System (100) comprising a plurality of monitoring devices (20) according to one of claims 8 to 12.

14. A method for monitoring the content of chemical substances in soils using a monitoring device (20) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the pump (7) transports a solution (26) through the openings (22) of the tip (21), along the tube (23) into the chamber (2), wherein the at least one detector chip (3.1) determines the content of at least one chemical substance in the solution (26).

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