Apparatus and techniques for substance detection and analysis

Abstract

An onsite real-time substance monitoring device comprising a measurement setup configured to measure electrical responses of an examined substance within a defined region inside a vessel to probing electric fields thereby applied in at least two different temperatures of the examined substance with the defined region of the vessel, and a processor configured to acquire measurement data from the measurement setup indicative of the electrical response at the at least two different temperatures, determine based on the acquired measurement data at least one electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient of the examined substance, generate data indicative of the determined electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient and / or of at least one property and / or condition of the examined substance.

Description

APPARATUS AND TECHNIQUES FOR SUBSTANCE DETECTION AND ANALYSIS

[0001] The present disclosure relates to inspection of substances, and more specifically to onsite and real-time determination of temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity.BACKGROUND

[0002] This section intends to provide background information concerning the present application, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity (also known as electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient or temperature coefficient of variation - TCV) of a substance is used to indicate changes in electrical conductivity of the substance with respect to its temperature z.e., a measure of material's sensitivity to temperature variations in terms of electrical conductivity / resistance. For most materials, electrical conductivity changes non-linearly with temperature. Over specific ranges the coefficient of electrical conductivity of a material can often be approximated as a linear relationship, or described by a more complex function (e.g., exponential for semiconductors). A positive coefficient of electrical conductivity indicates that the electrical conductivity of the material increases with temperature, while a negative coefficient of the electrical conductivity means that the electrical conductivity of the material decreases with temperature.

[0004] Knowledge of the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity is crucial in many applications where precise electrical conductivity measurements are needed, or where the electrical properties of a material are critical over a range of temperatures. Many chemical reactions and industrial processes depend on the precise concentration of ionic solutions, which is often monitored via electrical conductivity, since knowledge of the temperature coefficient ensures accurate concentration control. In addition, assessing water bodies, soil, and wastewater requires accurate conductivity measurements to understand pollution, nutrient levels, and overall ecosystem health.

[0005] The temperature coefficients of electrical conductivity are primarily used in the industry for temperature compensation e.g., to adjust conductivity meters and sensors to a standard reference temperature (e.g., 25°C), and to ensure that measurements taken at different temperatures are comparable and accurate. In quality control (e.g., of food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor) applications maintaining consistent product quality often relies on precise conductivity measurements that are compensated for temperature variations. For example, in water quality monitoring applications measuring the conductivity of water isvital for assessing purity (e.g., ultrapure water systems, pharmaceuticals), salinity (e.g., seawater, brines), and pollutant levels. Since water conductivity is highly temperaturedependent, accurate measurements require compensation using the temperature coefficient. As another example, the performance of electrolytes in batteries is temperature-dependent, and their conductivity changes with temperature, impacting charge / discharge rates and overall efficiency.

[0006] The temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity is typically determined through empirical measurement and mathematical modeling. Typically, controlled temperature experimentation is conducted in labs, utilizing a sample of the substance (e.g., a solution of known concentration, a solid material) to accurately measure electrical conductivity at multiple discrete temperature using a conductivity meter or impedance analyzer. The collected conductivity-temperature data points are then plotted to provide linear approximation of the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity. Polynomial or exponential fitting can be used for more accurate representation of the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity over wider temperature ranges, or for materials with non-linear behavior.

[0007] In some cases, especially for complex solutions or over very wide temperature ranges, the conductivity-temperature relationship is stored as a look-up table within the instrument's software, allowing for interpolated compensation. The determined coefficient or compensation algorithm is then programmed into conductivity meters or control systems to automatically correct readings to a standard temperature, providing accurate and comparable results.

[0008] One particularly relevant application involves substances containing ethanol. Ethanol is commonly used in various fluidic systems, including industrial solvents and chemical processing environments. In these systems, variations in ethanol concentration can significantly affect the electrical properties of the fluid, making accurate real-time monitoring of the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity essential for process control and safety.

[0009] In data center environments, ethanol-containing fluids are sometimes used in advanced liquid cooling systems to improve heat transfer efficiency. These cooling systems operate under dynamic thermal conditions, and the performance of the cooling fluid can change with both temperature and ethanol concentration. Monitoring of the temperature coefficient in such fluids allows for improved thermal management, predictive maintenance, and increased system reliability.

[0010] In the automotive sector, ethanol is present in both fuel blends (such as E10 or E85) and engine coolant systems. The electrical conductivity of these fluids changes with both temperature and ethanol content, which can affect combustion efficiency, emissions, andcooling system performance. Accurate monitoring of the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity in these applications supports better diagnostics, safety monitoring, and optimization of vehicle systems.GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0011] There is a need in the art for techniques allowing onsite real-time determination of temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity. Devices and methods disclosed herein finds particular applications in fields of substance monitoring, analysis and / or detection (e.g., water quality, chemical industries, pharmaceutical industries, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostic, battery technology, food industries).

[0012] In a broad aspect, this application provides solutions for onsite and real-time monitoring, analysis and / or detection, of substances by onsite and real-time determining electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient thereof. The electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient is determined in some embodiments utilizing a measurement setup configured to measure electrical response of an examined substance (also referred to herein as inspected substance) contained in a cavity, or streamed through passage / tube, to an electric filed thereby applied in at least two different temperatures of the examined substance, and a processor configured to acquire measurement data from the measurement setup indicative of the electrical response at the at least two different temperatures, and determine based thereon the electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient of the examined substance in real-time.

[0013] The measurement setup can be configured to apply the electric field utilizing electrodes and a power source configured to pass a predefined electric current through the electrodes, or to controllably apply a predefined electric voltage through them. The measurement setup can be configured to controllably change temperature of the substance contained in the cavity, or streamed through passage / tube. For example, the measurement setup may utilize one or more (e.g., electrical resistance) heating and / or (e.g., Peltier) cooling elements, to induce a change in the temperature of the examined substance. Optionally, but in some embodiments preferably, the heating of the examined substance is limited to a defined region of the cavity or passage / tube e.g., to a vicinity of the electrodes.

[0014] In possible embodiments the measurement setup comprises electrodes configured to establish electrical contact with the substance located inside the cavity or fluid passage, heater and / or cooler element(s) configured to temporally change temperature of the substance in a defined region inside the cavity or fluid passage (e.g., in the vicinity of the electrodes), a powersource for selectively passing electrical current through the substance via the electrodes, electric voltage and / or current measurement unit for measuring electrical response to the electrical current passed through the substance, a temperature measurement unit configured to measure temperature of the substance in the defined region. A control unit can used to operate the measurement setup to measure the electrical responses to the electrical current passed through the substance at different temperatures thereof in the defined region, and determine based thereon the electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient of the substance.

[0015] In possible embodiments the measurement setup can utilize four electrodes configured to minimize electrode polarization effects and / or contact resistance effects. In such embodiments two electrodes can be used to apply the probing electrical current, and two separate electrodes can be used to measure the electrical voltage over the examined substance. The electrical conductivity of the substance can be measured by other methods that do not require electrode(s) in touch with the inspected substance. For example, the electrical conductivity of the inspected substance can be measured by magnetic induction i.e. , by utilizing internal and / or external induction / sensor coils configured to induce an alternating magnetic field in the inspected substance and measure the magnetic response to the induce alternating magnetic field. The measured magnetic response can be then analyzed to determine the electrical conductivity for the inspected substance.

[0016] Other forms of contactless electrodes can be used in the measurement setup e.g., implemented by embedding the conductive elements within or behind a non- conductive barrier, such as the plastic or polymer wall of the fluidic channel. For example, the electrodes can be encapsulated with a thin dielectric layer e.g., made of parylene, epoxy, or thermoplastic, configured to prevent direct contact with the fluid, while still allowing capacitive or field-based interaction for sensing conductivity or other electrical properties. Alternatively, or additionally, the measurement setup may be implemented utilizing other inductive and / or capacitive element(s) configured to induce and / or measure electrical currents in the examined substance. For example, utilizing an electromagnetic radiating (e.g., antenna) element(s). Accordingly, the use of inductive coils in embodiments hereof does not necessarily mean use of a standard coil structure, as such inductive elements can be implemented in other forms.

[0017] In possible embodiments, the heating setup comprises a resistive heating element embedded within the wall of a fluidic chamber or tube / pipe e.g., formed of a plastic or polymeric structure. The heating element can be configured to transfer heat indirectly to the fluidic medium without being in direct contact with it. The heating (or cooling elements) canbe co-molded, laminated, or inserted during fabrication, into the wall of the vessel (e.g., chamber, pipe, etc.). For example, the heating element may be a thin metallic wire, conductive ink trace, or printed resistive pattern that is integrated during the molding or extrusion / pultrusion process of the (e.g., plastic) vessel and / or component thereof.

[0018] In possible embodiments the heating (or cooling) element(s) is applied as a layer between bonded polymer sheets / layers / foils. The embedded heating (or cooling) element(s) may be positioned adjacent to the fluid channel but fully enclosed within the non-conductive material, allowing it to transfer heat through the wall material to the fluid inside.

[0019] This configuration allows for controlled and uniform heating while minimizing contamination risk and avoiding interaction between the heating component and the monitored substance. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous in applications requiring chemical isolation, improved durability, or simplified cleaning and maintenance procedures.

[0020] The inspected substance can be then identified based on known conductivity values of materials and / or their temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity. For example, in possible embodiments the system comprises a database, and / or Al module, configured to identify different fluids according to their electrical conductivity and / or temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity.

[0021] In one aspect there is disclosed an onsite real-time substance monitoring device comprising a measurement setup configured to measure electrical response of an examined substance within a defined region inside a vessel to a probing electric current thereby applied in at least two different temperatures of the examined substance within the defined region of the vessel, and a processor configured to acquire measurement data from the measurement setup indicative of the electrical responses at the at least two different temperatures, determine based on the acquired measurement data at least one electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient of the examined substance, generate data indicative of the determined electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient and / or of at least one property and / or condition of the examined substance.

[0022] The device comprises in some embodiments one or more electrodes configured to apply the probing electric currents to the examined substance within the defined region and / or for measurement of the electrical responses of the examined substance within the defined region to the probing electric currents. The measurement setup may comprise multiple temperature sensors positioned at different locations within the defined region. One or more induction / sensor coils can be used for contactless induction of the probing electric currents in the examined substance within the defined region and / or for contactless measurement of theelectrical responses of the examined substance within the defined region to the probing electric currents. Optionally, at least one induction / sensor coil is mounted inside the vessel for induction of the probing electric currents in the examined substance within the defined region and / or for measurement of the electrical responses of the examined substance within the defined region to the probing electric currents.

[0023] In possible applications the device comprises a power source configured to apply the probing electric currents to the examined substance within the defined region. Temperature setting element(s) can be used to change temperature of the examined substance within the defined region. A temperature sensor is used in some embodiments to measure temperature of the examined substance within the defined region. A current measurement unit can be used for measuring the electrical responses of the examined substance within the defined region. The device may comprise a data communication unit configured to transmit data to a remote device or system.

[0024] The processor can be configured to monitor rate of change of the electrical conductivity responsive to the at least two different temperatures measured within the defined region, and determine at least one property and / or condition of the examined substance based on the rate of change. The vessel can be a tank, a container, a tube, a reactor, a ductwork, an inlet port, or an outlet port. The examined substance can be a liquid material.

[0025] In another aspect there is disclosed a method for real-time substance monitoring. The method comprising measuring electrical response of an examined substance at a first temperature within a defined region inside a vessel, changing the temperature of the examined substance within the defined region, measuring electrical response of the examined substance within the defined region at a second temperature, determining an electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient based on the measurements, and generating data indicative of at least one property and / or condition of the examined substance based on the electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient.

[0026] The method may comprise continuously monitoring the electrical response during the temperature change within the defined region, determining a rate of change profile for the examined substance identification, and generating data indicative of at least one property and / or condition of the examined substance based on the rate of change profile. The method comprises in some embodiments comparing the determined electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient with data of known substance coefficients recorded in a database, and authenticating the examined substance based on the comparison.

[0027] In yet another aspect there is disclosed a system for process monitoring. The system comprising multiple devices according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein positioned at different locations in a process stream, and a central monitoring unit configured to receive and analyze data from the multiple devices. The central monitoring unit can be configured to: detect process deviations based on ECTCC variations; generate alerts when deviations exceed predetermined thresholds; and / or provide predictive maintenance recommendations based on trending analysis.

[0028] In yet another aspect there is disclosed a substance monitoring system comprising electric measurement elements configured to apply electrical probing currents to a monitored substance within a defined region inside a vessel and measure electrical responses of the monitored substance within the defined region to the electrical probing currents, one or more temperature setting elements configured to temporarily cause a change in temperature of the monitored substance within the defined region, one or more temperature sensing elements for measuring the temperatures of the monitored substance within the defined region, and a processor configured to process the measured temperatures and the electrical responses and determine based thereon at least one temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of the monitored substance.

[0029] The system comprises in some embodiments a database storing a plurality of temperature coefficients of electrical conductivity of a plurality of materials. The processor can be configured to look in the database for materials matching the at least one temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity determined for the monitored substance and based thereon identify one or more constituents thereof. The system can comprise an Al module configured for identification of one or more constituents of the monitored substance based on the at least one temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity determined for the monitored substance.

[0030] The system comprises in possible embodiments a power source configured to selectively operate the electric measurement elements to apply the electrical probing currents to the monitored substance within the defined region, and / or the one or more temperature setting elements to temporarily cause the change in temperature of the monitored substance within the defined region. The system may comprise a communication unit for exchanging data with a remote device or system. In possible embodiments the change of temperature of the examined substance required for the measurements is caused by an external source e.g., environmental daily / seasonal temperature changes, and / or caused by machinery, such pumps / motors, thermally coupled to vessel and / or the examined substance.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the embodiments hereof, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0032] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the claims. It should be appreciated that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to understand the following disclosure and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Features shown in the drawings are meant to be illustrative of only some embodiments of the disclosure, unless otherwise implicitly indicated. In the drawings same reference signs are used to indicate members (configural elements) having identical or corresponding functions and / or structures, and in which:

[0034] Figs. 1A to 1C schematically illustrate devises for determining electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient of a substance according to possible embodiments, wherein Fig. 1A exemplifies a device configured to apply electrical voltage over electrodes thereof, Fig. IB exemplifies a device configured to pass electrical current through electrodes thereof, and Fig. 1C exemplifies a device utilizing four electrodes;

[0035] Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient of a substance according to possible embodiments; and

[0036] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating components of a control unit configured according to possible embodiment to determine electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient of a substance.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0037] One or more specific and / or alternative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, which are to be considered in all aspects as illustrative only and not restrictive in any manner. It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art that these embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features or details of an actual implementation are described at length in the specification. Elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, or in correct proportional relationships, which are not critical. Emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention such that persons skilled in the art will be able to make and use the disclosed embodiments, once they understand the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. The subject matter disclosed herein may be provided in other specific forms and embodiments without departing from the essential characteristics described herein.

[0038] The following disclosure provides techniques and setups for onsite real-time determination of the Electrical Conductivity (EC) temperature compensation coefficient (ECTCC, also known as temperature coefficient of variation of electrical conductivity) of a substance e.g., a liquid / solution contained in, or streamed through, a vessel, tank / container, or tube. The ECTCC is the rate at which an EC of a substance increases or decreases with a change of its temperature, and it is expressed as the percentage of change of the EC of the substance for a temperature change of 1°C. The ECTCC is typically different for each substance e.g., solvent / solute mixture. The determined ECTCC can be used for determining one or more constituents of the inspected substance, and / or authenticating the inspected substance e.g., by determining the conductivity temperature compensation coefficient that can be typical for the substance.

[0039] The measurement setup of embodiment hereof comprises temperature setting (e.g., electric heater and / or cooler) element(s) configured to cause a temporal temperature change in a limited volume of the inspected substance, electrical measurement unit configured to pass a probing electrical current within the limited volume of the substance, temperature sensingelement(s) for measuring temperature within the limited volume of the examined substance, and electrical property measurement unit (e.g., ammeter and / or voltmeter) for measuring an electrical response of the examined substance to the probing electrical current passed therethrough.

[0040] In possible embodiments the electric measurement elements comprise one or more electrodes configured to establish electrical contact with the examined substance and pass a probing electrical current within the limited volume of the substance. Alternatively, or additionally, the electric measurement elements comprise one or more induction / sensor coils configured to pass the probing electrical current within the limited volume of the substance. The electrodes and / or coils of the electric measurement elements can be used to measure the electrical response to the applied electrical probing current e.g., using a voltmeter and / or ammeter.

[0041] A control unit can be used to operate the measurement setup to apply the probing electrical current(s) within the limited volume of the examined substance and change its temperature therein, acquire measurement data indicative of the electrical response of the examined substance to the applied probing current(s) and of the temperature within the limited volume of substance at the time instances at which the probing current(s) are applied, calculate based on the acquired measurement data the electrical conductivity of the examined substance at these time instances, and determine based thereon a temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of the examined substance.

[0042] The control unit can be accordingly configured to measure an initial temperature of the examined substance, pass electric current through the examined substance within a defined limited volume thereof, measure electrical response thereto at the initial temperature and determine an initial electrical conductivity value. The control unit can then induce one or more temperature changes to the examined substance within the defined limited volume, pass one or more further electric currents through the examined substance within the defined limited volume, and measure additional one or more electrical responses and temperatures of the examined substance at the new temperatures, to determine one or more additional electrical conductivity values.

[0043] The control unit can then determine a temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity values based on at least two of the determined electrical conductivity values and respective at least two of the measured temperatures of the examined substance. The control unit can be configured to perform multiple measurements at each temperature point and calculate an average to improve measurement accuracy.

[0044] Optionally, but in some embodiments preferably, the electrical currents are applied by a power source e.g., electrically connected to the electrode(s) and / or coil, upon receipt of control data / signals from the control unit. The temperature of the examined substance can be similarly controllably changed within the defined volume —by the control unit by means of one or more heating and / or cooling elements thermally coupled to the examined substance.

[0045] For an overview of several example features, process stages, and principles of the invention, the examples illustrated schematically and diagrammatically in the figures are intended for monitoring a steamed fluid. These embodiments are shown as one example implementation that demonstrates a number of features, processes, and principles used to determine a temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of an examined substance, but they are also useful for other applications and can be made in different variations. Therefore, this description will proceed with reference to the shown examples, but with the understanding that the invention recited in the claims below can also be implemented in myriad other ways, once the principles are understood from the descriptions, explanations, and drawings herein. All such variations, as well as any other modifications apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and useful in fluid monitoring applications may be suitably employed, and are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] Fig. 1A schematically illustrates a measurement setup 10 usable according to possible embodiments for determining the ECTCC of a solution. The measurement setup 10 utilized in some embodiments can be installed in fluid reactors, containers, tanks, tubes and ductworks, inlet or outlet ports, or any infrastructure / vessels requiring online monitoring of a substance e.g., liquid / solution, all of which generally referred to herein as (e.g., fluid) vessel 25. The measurement setup 10 includes two or more electrodes 21 e.g., extending some distance into the vessel 25 to contact the inspected substance (e.g., liquid / solution) 27, one or more heating (or cooling) elements 22 configured for temporally heating (or cooling) at least one of the electrodes 21 and / or one or more heating (or cooling) elements 23 configured for locally and temporally heating (or cooling) the inspected substance 27 e.g, at the vicinity / surroundings of at least one of the electrodes 21, a control unit 20 configured to controllably apply an electrical probing voltage Ve between at least two of the electrodes 21 and controllably activate the heating (or cooling) elements 22 and / or 23, at least one temperature sensor 15 configured to measure temperature of the liquid / solution 27 between, or close to, or around, the at least two electrodes 21, an amperemeter 17 configured to measure electrical current passing through the at least two electrodes 21. The heating (or cooling) elements 22 and / or 23 are also referred to herein as temperature setting elements.

[0047] Optionally, but in some embodiments preferably, a power source 12 is used to controllably apply electrical voltage Ve in response to control data / signal received from the control unit. As exemplified in Fig. IB, in possible embodiments the measurement setup 10' is used to apply a predetermined electrical probing current le through the electrodes 21, and measure the electrical voltage over the electrodes by voltmeter 17'. Alternatively, as exemplified in Fig. 1A, an electrical voltage is not applied directly by the power source 12 to the electrodes 21, but instead via a resistive element Ri having a defined electrical resistance. The resistive element Ri is electrically connected in series to the electrodes 21. The electrical voltage over the electrodes and / or the electrical current, can be measured to calculate the EC. In this non-limiting example, a voltmeter 17' can be used, in addition or instead of the amperemeter 17, to measure the electrical voltage over the resistive element Ri, and determine by the control unit 20 the electrical current passed through the electrode(s) 21 based on its known electrical resistance and on the electrical voltage measured thereon.

[0048] It is noted that though two electrodes 21 are exemplified in the Figs. 1A and IB, in possible embodiments a single electrode is used. But more than two electrodes 21 can be similarly used, if so needed. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more induction / sensor coils Cl, C2,...,Cn, can be used by the control unit 20' for contactless magnetic induction of the probing electrical currents in the examined substance, and for contactless measurement of the electrical response of the examined substance to the applied probing electrical currents. In addition, though Fig. IB exemplifies use of several induction / sensor coils Cn, in possible embodiments a single induction / sensor coil is used. The electrodes and / or induction / sensor coils are also referred to herein as electric measurement elements.

[0049] As exemplified in Fig. IB, one or more induction / sensor coils (Cl,Cn) can be mounted external to the vessel 25 to apply the probing electrical current and / or to measure the electrical response to the applied probing electrical current. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more induction / sensor coils (C2) can be mounted inside the vessel 25 to apply the probing electrical current and / or to measure the electrical response to the applied probing electrical current.

[0050] Fig 1C exemplifies a measurement setup 10' wherein 4 (four) electrodes are used. For example, two electrodes 21i can be used to apply the electric probing current through the examined substance, and two other electrodes 21j can be used to measure the electrical response to the applied electric probing current. Fig. 1C exemplifies use of an ammeter 17 to measure the electrical response, but a voltmeter (17') can be alternatively (or additionally) similarly used.

[0051] As shown in Figs. 1A, IB and 1C, in the exemplified embodiments the temperature setting elements 22 / 23 are configured to cause a temporal change in the temperature of the inspected substance 27 within a limited region lOr inside the vessel 25 z.e., to cause a temporal temperature change within a limited volume of the inspected substance 27. The electric measurement elements in embodiments hereof are similarly configured to pass the electrical probing current, and / or measure the electrical response within the same limited region lOr inside the vessel 25 z.e., to apply the electrical probing current and measure the electrical response within the same limited volume of the inspected substance 27.

[0052] In possible embodiments the electrodes are used to cause the temporal change in the temperature of (heat or cool) the inspected substance the examined substance e.g., by thermally coupling the temperature setting elements to one or more of the electrodes, inside or outside the vessel. Similarly, in possible embodiments the electrodes are used to measure the temperature of the examined substance e.g., by thermally coupling temperature sensor(s) to one or more of the electrodes, inside or outside the vessel.

[0053] With reference to the process 18 illustrated in Fig. 2, the control unit 20 can be configured to carry out one or more of the following:(si) - acquire an initial temperature (Ti) of the inspected substance (27) e.g., using the temperature sensor (20);(s2) - power the electrodes (21) e.g., by operating the power source 12, to apply a defined electrical voltage (Ve) thereover, or to pass (12') a define electrical current (le) therethrough;(s3) - measure first electrical response e.g., acquire an initial electrical current (li) measurement from the amperemeter (17) if electrical voltage (Ve) is applied to the electrodes (21), or an initial electrical voltage (Vi) measurement from the voltmeter (17') if a predefined electrical current (le) is passed through the electrodes (21);(s4) - calculate an initial electrical conductivity (ECi) of the fluid / solution based on the first measured electrical response e.g., by calculating (I / V)*K, where K is a cell or calibration factor determined from the geometry of the measurement region (z.e., conductivity cell factor, also known as the cell constant, characterizing the geometry of a conductivity sensor's electrodes by the ratio of the distance between the electrodes to their effective surface area);(s5) - power the heating (or cooling) element 22 and / or 23 e.g., by operating the power source (12), for a predetermined time interval, or until a predefined temperature of the liquid / solution 27 is reached within the limited region (lOr) inside the vessel (25);(s6) - stop operation the heating (or cooling) element 22 and / or 23 when a second temperature (Ts) of the liquid / solution (27) is measured e.g., by the temperature sensor (20);(s7) - power the electrodes (21) e.g., by the power source (12) to apply electrical voltage Ve thereto, or pass electric current le therethrough;(s8) - measure second electrical response e.g., acquire a second electrical current (Is) by amperemeter (17) if electrical voltage (Ve) is applied to the electrodes (21), or a second electrical voltage (Vi) by the voltmeter (17') if electrical current (le) is passed through the electrodes (21);(s9) - calculate a second electrical conductivity (ECs) of the fluid / solution based on the second measured electrical response;(slO) - determine based on the acquired initial and secondary temperatures (Ti,Ts) and the calculated initial and secondary electrical conductivities (ECi, ECs) one or more of the following:• Electrical conductivity (EC) temperature compensation coefficient of the liquid / solution;• one or more constituents (sll) of the liquid / solution by calculation the electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient based on the calculated measures (ECi, ECs), and the measured temperatures (Ti and Ts); and / or• authenticate the liquid / solution (s!2) by calculating the electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient based on the calculated conductivity measures (ECi, ECs), and the measured temperatures (Ti and Ts).

[0054] It is noted that if the vessel (25) has small geometrical dimensions, the temperature change caused by the temperature setting element(s) (22 and / or 23) can propagate over an entire region (e.g., a section of a conduit) of the vessel, or the entire (e.g., a fluid cavity or chamber) vessel. In possible embodiments the measurement of the electrical conductivity (EC) and / or of the temperature can be carried out continuously with a specific sampling period during normal operation, or during the heating, and / or the cooling (e.g., when the heater is just switched off). The rate of change of the temperature and / or of the EC can be an additional indicator to better identify the inspected substance e.g., fluid / solution.

[0055] If the sampling period is very long (e.g., few minutes to hours, or more) the heating elements can be disabled (or removed), and use temperature change for carrying out the measurements can be caused due to changes in the environmental / extemal condition (e.g.,temperature difference between day and night). Alternatively, or additionally, if the vessel is in a vicinity of a motor or pump that heats the examined substance (e.g., a streamed fluid), then the from the motor / pump can be used to affect the temperature change required for the measurements i.e., with or without the temperature setting element(s).

[0056] In possible embodiments the electrical conductivity measurement can be carried out using magnetic measurement techniques, instead of electrodes, or any other technique, as known in the art.

[0057] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a liquid monitoring system 10 according to possible embodiments. System 10 comprises a power source 12 / 12', a temperature setting element 22 / 23, a temperature sensor 15, electric measurement elements 21' (e.g., using the electrodes 21 and / or induction / sensor coils Cl, C2,. . Cn), and a control unit 20. As shown in Fig. 3, in possible embodiments the control unit 20 is configured to directly power the temperature setting element 22 / 13 and / or the electric measurement elements 21'. Alternatively, and in some embodiments preferably, the temperature setting element 22 / 23 and / or the electric measurement elements 21 are powered by the power source 12 / 12' responsive to control data / instructions from the control unit 20.

[0058] The control unit 20 comprises a processor (e.g., central processing unit - CPU, graphical processing unit - GPU, which may be configured for edge computing) 31 and one or more memories 32 for storing instructions and / or data for operating the system 10. In some embodiments the control unit 20 comprises one or more of the following: a temperature control module 3t configured to control the operation of the temperature setting element(s) 22 / 23 and / or acquire temperature measurement data indicative of the temperature of the examined substance from the temperature sensor; an electrical power module 3p configured to operate the power source 12 / 12'; electrical measurements module 3m configured to acquire the electrical response measurements e.g., from ammeter (17) and / or volt meter (17'); electrical conductivity module 3c configured to calculate the electrical conductivity of the examined substance based on the setup specifications (e.g., electric probing current (le) streamed through the electrode(s), electric probing voltage (Ve) applied to the electrode(s), and / or electrical features of the setup, such electrical input resistance Ri) and the measured electrical response of the examined substance; and a temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity module 3e configured to calculate temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of the examined substance based on the electrical conductivity values calculated by the electrical conductivity module 3c and the measure temperature measurement data acquired by the temperature control module 3t.

[0059] The temperature control module 3t can be configured to cause direct activation of temperature setting element(s) 22 / 23 by the control unit 20, and / or cause issue of control data / signals by the electrical power module 3p for the activation of the temperature setting element(s) 22 / 23, for heating or colling the examined substance until a desired temperature thereof is reached. The electrical conductivity module 3c can be configured to directly power the electrode(s) 21 (and / or induction / sensor coils Cl, C2,. . Cn) by the control unit 20, and / or cause issue of control data / signals by the electrical power module 3p for thereby powering the electrode(s) 21 (and / or induction / sensor coils Cl, C2,. . Cn).

[0060] Optionally, but in some embodiments preferably, system 10 comprises a communication unit 33 configured to communicate data with a (e.g., remote) control system 35. The communication with the control system 35 can be carried out over wire-based (e.g., any serial communication protocol, coax cables and / or regular telephony land lines and / or electric grid cable) communication channel, optical communication (e.g., fiber optic) channel, radiofrequency communication (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Cellular, Satellite) channel, or any combination thereof. The control unit 20 can be configured to transmit to the control system 35 data indicative of one or more of the following: electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient values thereby determined, at least one property and / or condition of the examined substance thereby determined, and / or measurement data acquired by the monitoring system.

[0061] In some embodiments the system 10 comprises a database (DB) 37 usable for storing a plurality of temperature coefficients of electrical conductivity of a plurality of materials. The temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity module 3e can be configured to access the database 37 to look for materials matching the ECTCC values determined by the system for examined substances, and based thereon identify one or more constituents thereof. Alternatively, or additionally, an artificial intelligence (Al) module 38 trained to identify materials and / or their constituents is used by the system 10 for the substance identification. Though the DB 37 and the Al module 38 are shown in Fig. 3 as separate units, they can be entirely or partially integrated into the controller 20, and / or in the control system 35, and / or in a remote device or system in data communication with the communication unit 33.

[0062] Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom", as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.), and similar adjectives in relation to orientation of the described elements / components refer to the manner in which the illustrations are positioned onthe paper, not as any limitation to the orientations in which these elements / components can be used in actual applications.

[0063] The application also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein. The application also provides a method substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, and apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

[0064] Apparatus features may be applied to the method features and vice versa. Features of one aspect of the application may be applied to other aspects of the application. The application further provides an apparatus for carrying out any method described herein and also provides a method of printing using any apparatus described herein. The application also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and / or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and / or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

[0065] It should also be understood that throughout this disclosure, where a process or method is shown or described, the steps / acts of the method may be performed in any order and / or simultaneously, and / or with other steps / acts not-illustrated / described herein, unless it is clear from the context that one step depends on another being performed first. In possible embodiments not all of the illustrated / described steps / acts are required to carry out the method.

[0066] While specific substances and applications have been mentioned herein (e.g., water quality monitoring, battery electrolytes, etc.), the invention is not limited to these examples and may be applied to any substance, fluid or semi-fluid substance, where temperature-dependent electrical conductivity measurement is applicable.

[0067] As described hereinabove and shown in the associated figures, the present application provides substance monitoring setups / system and related methods. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be understood, however, that the invention is not limited by the embodiments as shown in the drawings and / or as described in the specification, since these are given by way of example only and not by way of limitation, and since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of theforegoing teachings. Having thus described several embodiments for practicing the inventive method, device and system, its advantages and objectives may be understood. The invention can be however carried out in a great variety of ways, employing more than one technique from those described above, all without exceeding the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An onsite real-time substance monitoring device comprising: a measurement setup configured to measure electrical responses of an examined substance within a defined region inside a vessel to a probing electric currents thereby applied in at least two different temperatures of the examined substance within said defined region of the vessel; and a processor configured to: acquire measurement data from the measurement setup indicative of the electrical responses at the at least two different temperatures; determine based on the acquired measurement data at least one electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient of the examined substance; generate data indicative of the determined electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient and / or of at least one property and / or condition of the examined substance.

2. The device of claim 1 comprising one or more electrodes configured to apply the probing electric currents to the examined substance within the defined region and / or for measurement of the electrical responses of the examined substance within the defined region to the probing electric currents.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the measurement setup comprises multiple temperature sensors positioned at different locations within the defined region.

4. The device of any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more induction / sensor coils configured for contactless induction of the probing electric currents in the examined substance within the defined region and / or for contactless measurement of the electrical response of the examined substance within the defined region to the probing electric currents.

5. The device of any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one induction / sensor coil mounted inside the vessel for induction of the probing electric currents in the examined substance within the defined region and / or for measurement of the electrical responses of the examined substance within the defined region to the probing electric currents.

6. The device of any one of the preceding claims comprising a power source configured to apply the probing electric currents to the examined substance within the defined region.

7. The device of any one of the preceding claims comprising a temperature setting element configured to change temperature of the examined substance within the defined region.

8. The device of any one of the preceding claims comprising a temperature sensor configured to measure temperature of the examined substance within the defined region.

9. The device of any one of the preceding claims comprising a current measurement unit configured for measuring the electrical responses of the examined substance within the defined region.

10. The device of any one of the preceding claims comprising a data communication unit configured to transmit data to a remote device or system.

11. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor is configured to monitor rate of change of the electrical conductivity responsive to the at least two different temperatures measured within the defined region, and determine at least one property and / or condition of the examined substance based on said rate of change.

12. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the vessel is a tank, a container, a tube, a reactor, a ductwork, an inlet port, or an outlet port.

13. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the examined substance is a liquid material.

14. A method for real-time substance monitoring, the method comprising: measuring electrical response of an examined substance at a first temperature within a defined region inside a vessel; changing the temperature of the examined substance within said defined region; measuring electrical response of the examined substance within said defined region at a second temperature; determining an electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient based on the measurements; and generating data indicative of at least one property and / or condition of the examined substance based on said electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient.

15. The method of claim 14 comprising continuously monitoring the electrical response during the temperature change within the defined region, determining a rate of change profile for the examined substance identification, and generating data indicative of at least one property and / or condition of the examined substance based on said rate of change profile.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15 comprising comparing the determined electrical conductivity temperature compensation coefficient with data of known substance coefficients recorded in a database, and authenticating the examined substance based on said comparison.

17. A system for process monitoring, the system comprising multiple devices according to any one of claims 1 to 13 positioned at different locations in a process stream, and a central monitoring unit configured to receive and analyze data from the multiple devices.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the central monitoring unit is configured to: detect process deviations based on ECTCC variations; generate alerts when deviations exceed predetermined thresholds; and / or provide predictive maintenance recommendations based on trending analysis.

19. A substance monitoring system comprising: electric measurement elements configured to apply electrical probing fields to a monitored substance within a defined region inside a vessel and measure electrical responses of said monitored substance within said defined region to said electrical probing fields; one or more temperature setting elements configured to temporarily cause a change in temperature of the monitored substance within the defined region; one or more temperature sensing elements for measuring the temperatures of the monitored substance within the defined region; and a processor configured to process the measured temperatures and the electrical responses and determine based thereon at least one temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity of the monitored substance.

20. The system of claim 19 comprising a database storing a plurality of temperature coefficients of electrical conductivity of a plurality of materials, and wherein the processor is configured to look in said database for materials matching the at least one temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity determined for the monitored substance and based thereon identify one or more constituents thereof.

21. The system of claim 19 or 20 comprising an Al module configured for identification of one or more constituents of the monitored substance based on the at least one temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity determined for the monitored substance.

22. The system of any one of claims 19 to 21 comprising a power source configured to selectively operate the electric measurement elements to apply the electrical probing fields to the monitored substance within the defined region, and / or the one or more temperature setting elements to temporarily cause the change in temperature of the monitored substance within the defined region.

23. The system of any one of claims 19 to 22 comprising a communication unit for exchanging data with a remote device or system.

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