De-icing Fluid Sampling Valve Diverts Flow Upstream
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods of sampling de-icing fluids for airplanes are wasteful and environmentally detrimental, as they require large quantities of fluid to be sprayed to obtain a representative sample, disrupting normal de-icing operations and leading to potential shortages due to limited production and high transport costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that divert a portion of the de-icing fluid towards a sample container upstream of the spraying nozzle during the de-icing process, allowing for a representative sample to be collected without interrupting the de-icing operation and reducing waste, using a valve and sample container that can be actuated manually or automatically for efficient sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sampling methods are used to obtain a representative sample of de-icing fluid, then the sample accuracy is improved, but the fluid waste increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The de-icing fluid flow is segmented into two paths: the main flow continues to the spraying nozzle for de-icing operations, while a diverted portion is directed to the sample container for sampling. This segmentation allows simultaneous sampling and operational use without requiring large quantities of fluid to be sprayed solely for sampling purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve system acts as an intermediary device that selectively diverts a controlled portion of the de-icing fluid from the main supply line to the sample container. This intermediary mechanism enables precise sampling with minimal fluid waste while maintaining the integrity of the primary de-icing operation.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sampling methods are used to collect representative samples, then the sample quality is improved, but the time disruption to de-icing operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The de-icing operation continues uninterrupted while sampling occurs simultaneously through the diverted flow path. The valve system allows the sampling process to occur in parallel with the spraying operation, eliminating sequential interruptions and maintaining continuous productive action.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system is pre-configured with the valve and sample container in place, allowing sampling to be initiated at any point during operations without requiring setup or interruption. The system is ready to divert and collect samples immediately when needed.
3Measurement precision
If de-icing fluid is sprayed in large quantities to obtain a sample, then the sample representativeness is improved, but the environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow is segmented to separate the sampling function from the spraying function, allowing minimal fluid to be diverted for sampling while the majority continues to the nozzle. This reduces the total volume of de-icing fluid released into the environment during sampling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system serves as an intermediary that captures a small portion of the fluid flow for sampling purposes, preventing the need to spray large quantities into the environment. This intermediary mechanism enables sampling with minimal environmental discharge.
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
This approach minimizes waste and time disruption during sampling, ensures representative samples are collected with reduced fluid usage, and allows for efficient analysis of de-icing fluid composition, improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a valve (62) fluidly connected to the pipe (20) and actuable by a valve actuation device (64, 66) for diverting a part of the de-icing fluid flowing towards the spraying nozzle (16) into the sample container (68)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method of sampling de-icing fluid from an airplane de-icer having a spraying nozzle for spraying the de-icing fluid onto a surface of an airplane, the de-icing fluid preferably being produced by the airplane de-icer by mixing a number of ingredients. The method comprises the steps of: i) obtaining a limited sample of the de-icing fluid by diverting at least a part of the de-icing fluid flowing towards the spraying nozzle for a period of time during the spraying of the de-icing fluid onto the surface of the airplane, and ii) collecting sample of the de-icing fluid in a sample container. A system for sampling de-icing fluid is also provided as well as an airplane de-icer comprising the system.