Chlorophyll Sensor Probe with Side-Scattered Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chlorophyll and turbidity monitoring systems face challenges in providing real-time, in-situ measurements that accurately account for changing environmental conditions, such as ambient scattered light, temperature, and the presence of disturbing substances, which affect the reliability and accuracy of chlorophyll concentration and turbidity readings in aquatic ecosystems and bioprocessing systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor probe system with a housing that includes a light source and three light sensors positioned around a flow-through cell, capable of collecting side-scattered and unabsorbed light, along with a control system for data processing, which utilizes fluorescence and absorption measurements to compensate for temperature effects and calculate actual chlorophyll concentration, while estimating particle size and photochemical quenching efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple probes are employed to cover a large area, then the coverage area is improved, but the cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (chlorophyll fluorescence detection, turbidity measurement, temperature sensing) into a single integrated probe housing. This merging of functions allows one probe to perform the work of multiple separate probes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability across different water quality parameters.
2Measurement precision
If filters are provided to prevent scattered light from reaching the detector, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the detector at a 90-degree angle relative to the light source, creating a side-scattered light detection geometry. This dimensional arrangement naturally excludes direct and forward-scattered light from reaching the detector, eliminating the need for complex filters while maintaining measurement accuracy through geometric light path separation.
3Loss of time
If real-time measurements are performed to monitor ecosystem status, then the response time is improved, but the reliability of readings deteriorates due to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and feed this information back to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to compensate for temperature-induced variations in fluorescence signals, maintaining reading reliability despite real-time environmental changes. This feedback mechanism allows accurate measurements without sacrificing response time.
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
The system provides reliable, low-cost, real-time measurements of chlorophyll concentration and turbidity, effectively accounting for environmental factors and improving the accuracy of biomass productivity assessments in aquatic ecosystems and bioreactors.
Implementation Method 1
The article of YSI environmental: 'In Vivo Measurement of Chlorophyll and the YSI 6025. Wiped Chlorophyll Sensor' discloses a sensor, which is capable of measuring the chlorophyll content of a sample by means of fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
The more suspended and dissolved substances in the water, the more sun light is absorbed by them
Implementation Method 3
at least some light side-scattered by material in the flow through area is collected by at least two of the light sensors
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A low cost sensing system that can measure both chlorophyll concentration and turbidity is provided. The system is an optical system that utilizes at least three light sensors for measuring side-scattered and forward scattered light, as well as fluorescence. The system is able to take optical density measurements, steady state fluorescence measurements and maximum fluorescence measurements, and can be configured for wireless control and data transmission. The system may also be housed in one or more fluidtight housings so as to make it submersible.