Bioplastic Bio-Content Measurement via Isotope Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the renewable bio-content in renewable bioplastic resins are inefficient and costly, particularly during transitions from non-renewable petroleum-derived to bio-derived materials, as they require precise and time-consuming techniques like Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) for accurate carbon-14 analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the measurement of delta carbon-13 (δ13C) values in bioplastic resin samples, correlating these values with actual bio-source carbon content, and using this correlation to indirectly determine the bio-content of remaining samples, reducing the need for extensive AMS analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) is used to measure renewable bio-content, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to long processing times and high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into two parts: (1) rapid δ13C measurement that can be performed on all samples, and (2) selective AMS measurement only on samples with intermediate δ13C values that fall within an ambiguous range. This segmentation allows most samples to be processed quickly while maintaining precision for critical cases.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing full AMS analysis on all samples (excessive action), the method applies partial action by using δ13C measurement as a screening tool and performing AMS only on a subset of samples that require definitive classification. This reduces overall processing time and cost while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If δ13C measurement is used as a screening method, then productivity is improved by reducing AMS analysis scope, but measurement precision may deteriorate for ambiguous samples
Solution Approach 1:
The δ13C measurement serves as an intermediary screening tool that identifies samples requiring further AMS analysis. By establishing clear threshold ranges for δ13C values, the method uses this intermediary measurement to efficiently route samples, maintaining both productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The method incorporates feedback by using δ13C measurement results to determine whether samples require subsequent AMS analysis. Samples with δ13C values in the ambiguous range trigger feedback loops that initiate additional AMS measurement, ensuring precision is maintained for critical cases while productivity is improved for clear cases.
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 allows for quick and cost-effective measurement of renewable bio-content in bioplastic resins, optimizing the manufacturing process by minimizing the need for expensive and time-consuming AMS analysis on all samples, while maintaining high precision.
Implementation Method 1
measuring delta carbon-13 (δ13C) values of the renewable bioplastic resin samples throughout a production run
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to improved methods for measuring the renewable bio-source carbon content and renewable bio-content in renewable bioplastic resins produced in manufacturing plants. In particular, the present invention relates to measuring the renewable bio-source carbon content in renewable bioplastic resins produced during a production run by correlating measured δ13C values are measured by iTOC-CRDS and CM-CRDS with actual renewable bio-source carbon content measurements (AMS or LSC 14C) via a linear regression.