Handheld Conductivity Analyzer with Peltier Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conductivity of hydrocarbons, such as jet fuel and gasoline, varies with temperature, leading to noncompliant readings during fuel distribution and quality control, especially with the introduction of ultra-low sulfur diesel, which requires precise temperature-controlled conductivity measurements to ensure compliance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A handheld conductivity analyzer with a Peltier block and peristaltic pump that allows for precise temperature control of hydrocarbon samples, ensuring conductivity measurements are taken at a fixed temperature, compliant with ASTM D-2624 standards, using a lithium-ion battery for power and a conductivity probe for accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If portable conductivity meters are used to measure hydrocarbon conductivity, then conductivity measurement is possible, but temperature variations cause inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively controlling the temperature parameter of the hydrocarbon sample. The device includes a temperature control system that maintains the sample at a constant temperature, thereby eliminating temperature variations that would otherwise cause inaccurate conductivity readings. This directly resolves the contradiction by stabilizing the temperature parameter while enabling accurate measurement.
2Measurement precision
If temperature control is added to the conductivity analyzer, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature control function with the conductivity measurement system into a single integrated device. The temperature control components (heating element, temperature sensor, control circuitry) are combined with the conductivity measurement components (electrodes, measurement circuitry) in one unit, allowing simultaneous temperature stabilization and conductivity measurement without requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both temperature control and conductivity measurement capabilities in a single portable analyzer. This universal design allows the device to perform multiple functions (temperature regulation, conductivity measurement, and data processing) without requiring separate specialized equipment, thereby managing complexity while improving measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If conductivity enhancers are added to ultra-low sulfur diesel, then conductivity compliance is achieved, but temperature control becomes critical for maintaining compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature of the hydrocarbon sample and adjusting the heating element accordingly. The temperature sensor provides real-time feedback to the control system, which modulates the heating power to maintain the sample at the desired temperature. This feedback mechanism ensures that conductivity measurements remain accurate even as temperature conditions change, which is critical for maintaining fuel compliance.
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 solution provides stable and accurate conductivity readings across different temperatures, ensuring fuel compliance throughout the supply chain and reducing the need for conductivity enhancers, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia with ultra-low sulfur diesel applications.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature controller includes a Peltier block
Implementation Method 2
a peristaltic pump to flow the hydrocarbons over a temperature controller and a conductivity probe
Implementation Method 3
measuring electrical conductivity at a fixed temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and a machine readable medium for measuring conductivity in a hydrocarbon sample are provided. An example conductivity analyzer includes a peristaltic pump to flow the hydrocarbons over a temperature controller and a conductivity probe. The temperature controller includes a Peltier block. The conductivity analyzer also includes the conductivity probe.