Cone Penetrometer Combining TDR and LIF for Multi-Pollutant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-situ detection technologies are inadequate for simultaneously detecting multiple pollutants in landfills, particularly ionic and organic pollutants, due to limitations in probe size and functionality, leading to soil disturbance and variability in detection results.
Innovation Solution
A cone penetrometer equipped with laser induced fluorescence and time-domain reflectometry modules, featuring gold-coated stainless steel probes and multiple UV lights, allows for simultaneous detection of soil dielectric constant, electrical conductivity, and fluorescence intensity, enabling quantitative analysis of pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and humic acid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional TDR probes with large electrodes are used for detection, then detection capability is achieved, but soil disturbance occurs resulting in variability of detection results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the TDR electrodes by reducing their size and modifying their configuration. The conventional large electrodes are replaced with smaller, optimized electrodes that minimize soil disturbance while maintaining detection capability through adjusted electrical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the electrode design specifically for minimal intrusion. The electrodes are designed with specific dimensions and arrangements that are tailored to reduce soil disturbance in the local detection zone while maintaining effective electrical field distribution for accurate measurements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection functions are integrated into a single probe, then comprehensive pollutant detection is achieved, but probe complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions (TDR for ionic pollutants, LIF for organic pollutants, and physical/chemical parameter sensors) into a single integrated probe assembly. This consolidation allows simultaneous multi-pollutant detection while managing complexity through unified structural design and coordinated sensor integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed as a universal multi-functional device capable of detecting various types of pollutants (ionic and organic) and environmental parameters (physical and chemical) through a single penetration operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate detection devices.
3Productivity
If rapid in-situ detection is performed, then detection efficiency is improved, but detection accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous rapid scanning and real-time data acquisition through the integrated probe system. The simultaneous operation of multiple sensors (TDR, LIF, physical/chemical sensors) allows continuous monitoring of multiple parameters during a single penetration, maintaining high detection efficiency while ensuring accuracy through continuous measurement rather than discrete sampling.
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 cone penetrometer provides comprehensive, rapid, and accurate detection of multiple pollutants, minimizing soil disturbance and data distortion, suitable for deep soil analysis in landfills and other pollution sites.
Implementation Method 1
laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection technology is mainly used in in-situ testing of organic pollutants. When organic pollutants containing characteristic functional groups are excited by excitation light of a certain wavelength (such as ultraviolet light, visible light, etc.), the pollutants will emit fluorescence of various colors and different light intensities
Implementation Method 2
Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is a remote sensing test technology. The working principle thereof is that an electric pulse excited by a signal generator propagates along a coaxial cable in the form of electromagnetic waves. If the pulse encounters change of characteristic impedance inside the propagation medium, wave reflection will be generated.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a cone penetrometer for detecting multi-pollutants and the corresponding method based on laser induced fluorescence (LIF) and time domain reflectometry (TDR). The cone penetrometer includes two main modules: the TDR module mainly composes of a PEEK insulating rod, two gold-coated stainless steel probes and a coaxial cable; the LIF module mainly composes of endoscope image sensor, alumina glass lens, an ultraviolet LED with a 280 nm-wavelength, and an ultraviolet LED with a 325 nm-wavelength. Detection is performed to obtain the soil dielectric constant for characterizing the volumetric water content, electrical conductivity for the content of ionic pollutants, fluorescence intensity at 325 nm-wavelength for the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fluorescence intensity at 280 nm-wavelength for the content of humic acid, and soil images for soil types. The disclosure is easy to carry, able to quickly identify multi-pollutants, and is suitable for in-situ deep detection in solid waste landfill sites.