Continuous Wastewater Sampling With Temperature-Controlled Specimen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wastewater sampling methods fail to provide accurate measurements of certain characteristics, such as RNA load, due to periodic sampling that does not account for the variability in specimen occurrence over time, leading to inaccuracies in monitoring and evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A continuous time sampling system with a programmable variable speed pump, temperature control mechanisms, and a controller for precise sample collection and storage, allowing for continuous sampling and maintaining desired temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic sampling is used, then sampling frequency is reduced and equipment complexity is lowered, but measurement precision and reliability of specimen detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sampling of wastewater through a pump system that operates continuously or at high frequency, ensuring that specimens such as RNA are captured without missing transient occurrences. This continuous action replaces periodic sampling, directly improving measurement precision while the automated system manages the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic temperature control mechanisms that self-regulate sample temperature within desired ranges without continuous human intervention. The controller automatically adjusts cooling or heating based on temperature sensors, allowing the system to maintain specimen integrity autonomously, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If continuous sampling is implemented, then specimen collection completeness is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is designed to perform multiple functions: continuous liquid flow regulation, automated temperature control, and specimen collection in a single integrated platform. The controller manages pump operation, temperature regulation, and sampling duration, consolidating what could be separate complex systems into one multi-functional unit, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where temperature sensors continuously monitor sample temperature and provide signals to the controller, which adjusts the temperature control mechanism accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures specimens are maintained at optimal temperatures throughout continuous sampling, improving collection completeness while automating the process to manage complexity.
3Reliability
If continuous sampling is implemented, then specimen collection completeness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed with variable speed capability, allowing it to operate at different flow rates based on sampling requirements. The controller can adjust pump speed dynamically, enabling continuous sampling at lower energy consumption levels when high flow rates are not necessary, thus improving specimen collection completeness while managing energy use through adaptive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
While the system enables continuous sampling capability, the controller can implement periodic sampling cycles with adjustable intervals. This allows the system to maintain reliability by capturing specimens over extended periods while reducing instantaneous energy consumption by allowing brief intervals between active sampling phases, balancing completeness with energy efficiency.
4Stability of the object's composition
If temperature control mechanisms are added, then specimen integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control mechanism is integrated into the sampling system housing, with cooling or heating elements positioned to directly regulate sample temperature within the collection container. The controller is merged with the pump control, creating a unified control system that manages both fluid flow and temperature, thereby improving specimen integrity while minimizing the increase in device complexity through consolidation.
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 accurate and complete collection of wastewater specimens, particularly RNA, by ensuring continuous sampling and temperature control, thereby improving the reliability of monitoring and evaluation results.
Implementation Method 1
a pump comprising an inlet connector and an outlet connector, the inlet connector in fluid connection with the intake liquid conduit to suction intake liquid flow from the liquid source. The pump is a programmable variable speed pump that can provided different amounts of suction force on liquid within the intake liquid conduit to control a rate of flow of the intake liquid.
Implementation Method 2
The temperature control mechanism includes one or more of: an insulated exterior wall, a padding of insulated foam or other insulated material within the interior space and surrounding the container
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical cooling source inside of the interior space, a mechanical cooling source outside the enclosure and in fluid connection with the interior space
Data Source
AI summary
A wastewater solid and/or liquid specimen/sample collection system provides continuous time sampling of a liquid source. The system includes an enclosure whose temperature is maintained within a temperature range for sample collection and storage. A sample collection container within the enclosure has an inlet for receiving intake liquid flow containing the sample being collected. An intake liquid conduit in fluid connection with the enclosure/container has a second end submerged into the liquid source. A pump provides an inlet connector in fluid connection with the intake liquid conduit. A controller communicatively coupled to an electrical motor of the pump transmits a pump activation signal with pump speed and length of time for sample collection, which activates the pump to initiate suction at the inlet connector. The pump suctions intake liquid at a flow rate that allows continuous sampling of the liquid source over an entirety of the length of sampling time.