Biodegradable Measuring Device Components for Industrial Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-line measuring devices for industrial processes are difficult to dispose of and recycle due to their composition of synthetic materials, which are often inert and non-degradable, leading to hazardous waste and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
The use of biologically degradable synthetic materials (BDM) for at least partially constructing the measuring device components, including the measuring tube and transducer, which can be composted or decomposed by microorganisms, meeting standards such as EN 13432:2000 and ASTM D6400, allowing for easier disposal and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional synthetic materials are used to construct measuring device components, then mechanical strength and chemical inertness are improved, but disposal difficulty and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional non-degradable synthetic materials to biologically degradable synthetic materials (BDM). This material substitution changes the chemical composition parameters while maintaining mechanical integrity during use, enabling the device to meet both strength requirements and improved disposability. The BDM components can be composted or decomposed by microorganisms according to standards EN 13432:2000 and ASTM D6400.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining BDM with other materials in the measuring device construction. This allows different components to have optimized properties - some parts use BDM for biodegradability while other parts may use conventional materials for specific functional requirements, achieving a balance between mechanical strength and environmental friendliness.
2Ease of manufacture
If biologically degradable synthetic materials are used to construct measuring device components, then disposal ease and recyclability are improved, but material stability and durability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes in material selection - choosing BDM with specific degradation rates and stability characteristics. The materials are engineered to remain stable under operational conditions (temperature, pressure, chemical exposure) while being capable of biological degradation under composting conditions, thus achieving both durability during use and ease of disposal afterward.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If measuring device components are made from biologically degradable synthetic materials, then environmental impact is reduced, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses manufacturing complexity through parameter changes in material processing. While BDM require specific handling to maintain their biodegradable properties, the patent demonstrates that these materials can be manufactured using conventional processes with adjusted parameters (temperature, humidity control during processing and storage). This allows environmental benefits to be achieved without prohibitively increasing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device, embodied, for example, as an in-line measuring device and/or flow measuring device, serves for registering at least one measured variable of a medium, for example a medium flowing in a pipeline, and is made, at least in part, of a solid, biologically degradable, synthetic material (BDM).