Brine Container Monitoring via Weighing Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment systems face challenges in remote diagnosis and monitoring of chlorine and hardness levels in mechanical filters, particularly in reverse osmosis systems, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to manual documentation and unreliable sensor readings.
Innovation Solution
An actuator-sensor control system with online monitoring capabilities, including electronic pressure sensors and ion-sensitive sensors, along with a weighing device for brine container monitoring, and an online chlorine sensor that uses electrolytically generated chlorine for reliable measurements, reduces the need for manual documentation and ensures continuous system evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual documentation of chlorine and hardness levels is performed, then safety requirements are met, but operational efficiency decreases and human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring through automated sensors that continuously measure chlorine and hardness levels, eliminating the need for manual documentation by operating personnel while maintaining safety compliance through reliable electronic recording
Solution Approach 2:
Manual documentation processes are replaced with electronic sensor-based monitoring systems that automatically detect, record, and transmit water quality parameters, substituting human labor with automated technological systems
2Device complexity
If existing chlorine sensors are used without regular chlorination, then operational complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic automated chlorination cycles that supply electrolytically generated chlorine to the sensor at regular intervals, maintaining sensor reliability without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex operational procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The chlorine sensor system performs self-calibration and self-maintenance through automated periodic chlorination, eliminating the need for manual sensor maintenance while ensuring continuous measurement reliability
3Device complexity
If brine container fill level is monitored manually, then system complexity is minimized, but operational interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing device provides continuous feedback on brine container fill levels to the control system, enabling automated monitoring that alerts operators before salt depletion occurs, preventing operational interruptions without requiring complex real-time intervention systems
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual inspection of brine container levels is replaced with automated electronic weighing and monitoring systems that continuously track salt inventory and provide automated alerts, eliminating operational interruptions caused by manual checking delays
4Device complexity
If filter stages are not monitored online, then system complexity is reduced, but diagnostic capabilities and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors provide continuous feedback on filter stage contamination levels to the control system, enabling remote diagnosis of filter status and predictive maintenance scheduling without requiring complex manual inspection procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system serves multiple functions including filter contamination detection, backwash timing control, and predictive maintenance scheduling through a single integrated electronic platform, providing comprehensive diagnostic capabilities without proportionally increasing system complexity
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 solution enables remote, automated monitoring and control of filter stages, reducing the risk of microbial growth, calcification, and filter blockages, while providing evidence of chlorine removal and optimizing personnel deployment, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the brine container is placed on a construction element with a weighing cell
Implementation Method 2
The chlorine can be made from an existing brine solution
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The water treatment plant, in particular a reverse osmosis plant, with a brine tank (16), is characterized in that the brine tank is arranged on a weighing device (17) which measures the weight of the brine tank.