Calibration Vial with Oxygen Getter for Fiber Optic Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing calibration methods for photoluminescent sensors are time-consuming and expensive, requiring multiple steps with certified gases to set zero and span calibration values.
Innovation Solution
A calibration tool and method using a vial with an oxygen impermeable septa and a sachet containing a particulate oxygen getter, allowing for quick and accurate calibration of fiber optic needle oxygen sensors by correlating oxygen concentration readings with known zero and non-zero partial pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If certified tank gases are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration vial is pre-prepared with oxygen absorber beads and sealed with an oxygen-impermeable septum before use. This preliminary preparation creates a ready-to-use zero-oxygen calibration environment, eliminating the time-consuming process of preparing calibration gases during the calibration procedure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration vial is designed as a disposable, low-cost alternative to expensive certified tank gases. After use, the vial is discarded, eliminating the need for costly gas cylinders and complex gas handling systems while maintaining calibration accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If certified tank gases are used for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration vial replaces expensive certified tank gases with a inexpensive, disposable vial containing oxygen absorber beads. The vial can be manufactured at low cost using standard materials (plastic or glass vial, oxygen absorber beads, septum) and does not require the infrastructure of gas cylinder storage and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential calibration function from expensive certified gases and concentrates it into a simple, self-contained vial system. The oxygen absorber beads and sealed environment provide the necessary zero-oxygen condition without requiring costly gas supplies.
3Measurement precision
If multiple calibration steps are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration vial combines multiple calibration functions into a single device: it provides both the zero-oxygen reference point (through oxygen absorber beads) and a sealed, controlled environment. The oxygen-impermeable septum integrates the sealing function with the sample access function, simplifying the overall calibration procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen-impermeable septum acts as an intermediary that allows the fiber optic needle to access the calibration environment while maintaining the oxygen-barrier function. This single component solves both the access and sealing requirements, reducing procedural 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
Enables rapid and cost-effective calibration of photoluminescent sensors by maintaining a near-zero oxygen environment within the calibration tool, reducing the need for expensive certified gases and simplifying the calibration process.
Implementation Method 1
containing a supply of particulate oxygen getter within the chamber of the vial
Implementation Method 2
measuring the extent to which radiant energy emitted by the excited probe is quenched by the presence of the target analyte
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration tool and method of using the tool to calibrate a fiber optic needle oxygen sensor. The tool includes at least a vial sealingly covered by a septa and containing a supply of particulate oxygen getter within the chamber of the vial. The vial has an open top and is constructed from an oxygen impermeable material. The septa is resealing, needle-penetrable and oxygen impermeable. The supply of particulate oxygen getter is retained within an oxygen permeable sachet.