Wet Chemistry Analyzer Calibration Solution with Cleaning Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-line wet chemistry analyzers face performance issues due to the buildup of silica or other deposits within process piping and reaction chambers, leading to inaccurate measurements and compromised function, requiring separate cleaning cycles that cause additional wear and unavailability for sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A calibration solution containing a cleaning agent is used to simultaneously clean and calibrate the analyzer, eliminating the need for a separate cleaning cycle by incorporating a strong acid or base based on the reagents used, such as sodium hydroxide to remove silicomolybdic acid deposits, which allows for simultaneous cleaning and calibration, reducing the need for additional tanks and components and extending the analyzer's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cleaning cycles are implemented to remove deposits, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but analyzer availability and productivity deteriorate due to additional wear and unavailability for sample analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning function and calibration function into a single integrated process by adding a cleaning agent to the calibration solution. This allows the analyzer to be cleaned and calibrated simultaneously during the same cycle, eliminating the need for separate cleaning operations and maximizing analyzer availability for sample analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration solution is transformed into a multi-functional fluid that simultaneously performs calibration (by providing known concentration standards) and cleaning (by containing cleaning agents that remove deposits). This universal solution addresses multiple maintenance needs in a single operation, improving both reliability and productivity.
2Reliability
If separate cleaning cycles are implemented, then deposit removal is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional tanks and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cleaning agent storage with the existing calibration solution tank, eliminating the need for a separate cleaning agent tank and delivery system. The cleaning agent is mixed with the calibration solution in the existing calibration tank, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective deposit removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing calibration tank and delivery system are made multi-functional by enabling them to handle both calibration solution and cleaning agent (mixed together). This universal utilization of existing components avoids the need for additional dedicated cleaning tanks and piping, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Reliability
If frequent cleaning cycles are performed, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but loss of time increases due to analyzer unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
By combining cleaning and calibration into one simultaneous process, the patent eliminates the sequential time loss associated with performing cleaning cycles separately from calibration. The analyzer undergoes both maintenance functions during a single cycle duration, thereby maintaining cleaning effectiveness while minimizing time loss and maximizing analyzer availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of cleaning and calibration allows the analyzer to remain in a useful state (either analyzing samples or undergoing combined maintenance) without idle transitions between separate cleaning and calibration operations. This continuous utilization reduces the total time the analyzer is unavailable for productive work while maintaining necessary cleaning effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively removes deposits during regular calibration cycles, reducing wear and increasing availability for sample analysis, while minimizing the number of tanks and components required, thus extending the analyzer's life and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
A calibration solution containing a cleaning agent is used to simultaneously clean and calibrate the analyzer, eliminating the need for a separate cleaning cycle by incorporating a strong acid or base based on the reagents used, such as sodium hydroxide to remove silicomolybdic acid deposits
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration solution for a wet chemistry analyzer is provided. The solution comprises a calibration agent. The solution also comprises a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent is selected such that the wet chemistry analyzer is simultaneously cleaned and calibrated.