Boron Doped Diamond Conductivity Sensor for High Temperature Steam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring conductivity in steam generating systems require cooling the water, which is inefficient and disrupts system operation, and there is a need for real-time monitoring to detect issues like mineral scale and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A boron doped diamond based electrochemical band sensor is used to measure conductivity in-situ at high temperatures, allowing for real-time monitoring without cooling the system, using a diamond body with boron doped diamond band electrodes that can operate from 250° F to 1200° F.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional conductivity probes are used to measure water quality, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the system must be cooled down to 100° F. or below, which interrupts operation and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the electrode from conventional materials to boron-doped diamond, which fundamentally alters the temperature resistance parameter. This allows the measurement system to operate at high temperatures (250-1200° F.) without cooling, maintaining measurement precision while enabling continuous operation and eliminating productivity loss from system shutdowns.
2Reliability
If the steam generating system is cooled down for measurement, then probe protection is achieved, but real-time monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The boron-doped diamond material changes the thermal resistance parameter of the electrode, enabling it to withstand high temperatures without cooling. This allows the probe to remain protected and functional simultaneously, providing real-time monitoring capability while operating in the high-temperature steam environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement action by eliminating the cooling step. The boron-doped diamond electrode maintains its functionality continuously at high temperatures, allowing uninterrupted real-time monitoring of conductivity parameters in the steam generating system.
3Productivity
If conventional electrodes are used at high temperature, then system operation can continue, but the electrode material degrades and measurement reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses boron-doped diamond, which is a composite material combining the structural stability of diamond with the electrical conductivity properties introduced by boron doping. This composite material maintains both mechanical integrity and electrical functionality at high temperatures, ensuring measurement reliability while enabling continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The boron doping parameter fundamentally changes the material properties of the electrode, transforming it from a temperature-sensitive conventional material to a high-temperature-resistant material. This parameter change allows the electrode to maintain measurement reliability continuously at elevated temperatures without degradation.
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
Enables continuous, real-time conductivity monitoring without interrupting steam generating system operations, reducing maintenance costs and improving safety by allowing for immediate detection of conductivity deviations and control of unwanted solids, and can be applied to various high-temperature steam systems including hydrothermal liquefaction units.
Implementation Method 1
The conductivity is measured by applying voltage to the boron doped diamond based electrochemical band sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Monitoring of conductivity within a steam generating system may proceed in real time and without interruption of the steam generating system by use of a boron doped diamond based electrochemical band sensor placed within the steam generating system. The boron doped diamond based electrochemical band sensor has a diamond body and a plurality of boron doped diamond band electrodes disposed within the diamond body. At least a portion of each of the plurality of boron doped diamond band electrodes is doped with boron to provide metallic conduction.