Bromate Ion Measurement via Fluorescence Quenching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring bromate ions in water, such as ion chromatography, face challenges with sensitivity and interference from coexisting components, making it difficult to accurately determine bromate ions at concentrations below 0.01 mg/L, and require complex apparatus and lengthy derivatization processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a fluorescent substance quenched by bromate ions under acidic conditions, which measures fluorescence intensity differences to calculate bromate ion concentration, potentially aided by a chelating agent like ethylene diamine tetraacetate to mask metallic ions, allowing for quick and sensitive measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ion chromatography post-column absorption intensity method is used to measure bromate ions, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates for concentrations below 0.01 mg/L due to interference by coexisting components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebromate ion concentration measurement precisionVSAvoidinterference by coexisting components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a fluorescent substance as an intermediary that selectively interacts with bromate ions through quenching. This mediator allows for specific detection of bromate ions without interference from other components in the water sample, thereby improving measurement precision while eliminating harmful interferences present in conventional ion chromatography methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex ion chromatography system with a simpler fluorescence-based measurement system. By substituting the mechanical/chromatographic separation process with a optical fluorescence quenching method, the patent achieves better measurement precision for trace bromate ions while avoiding the interference issues inherent in conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional bromate ion measurement methods are used, then measurement is possible, but device complexity increases and measurement time increases due to lengthy derivatization processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidapparatus configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential detection function from the complex ion chromatography system by isolating the key interaction between bromate ions and fluorescent substances. This extraction eliminates the need for complex derivatization processes and extensive apparatus configuration, enabling rapid measurement while reducing device complexity significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from absorption intensity (as in ion chromatography) to fluorescence intensity. This parameter change simplifies the measurement process, reduces apparatus complexity, and accelerates measurement speed by eliminating the need for lengthy derivatization steps required in conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables high-sensitivity bromate ion concentration measurements, capable of detecting concentrations as low as 0.001 mg/L with simplified processes and apparatus, effectively overcoming the limitations of previous methods by providing rapid and accurate results.

Implementation Method 1

mixing a fluorescent substance that is quenched by coexistence with bromate ions under acidic conditions with a sample; measuring the florescence intensity after the quenching of the fluorescent substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence quenching: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

adding a chelating agent to the sample before the step of mixing the fluorescent substance and the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChelation:

Data Source

PatentUS8778691B2Bromate ion measurement method

Publication Date: 2014.07.15 METAWATER CO LTD

AI summary

A method for measuring bromate ion is provided that provides high-sensitivity measurement results more simply and more quickly than conventional bromate ion measurement methods. A fluorescent substance that is quenched by coexistence with bromate ions is added to a sample 130 and the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent substance after quenching is measured, the measured fluorescence intensity being subtracted from the fluorescence intensity of a standard sample containing no bromate ions to calculated the fluorescence intensity difference. The bromate ion concentration is calculated from the calculated fluorescence intensity difference, using a pre-determined calibration line between the fluorescence intensity difference and the bromate ion concentration.