Diluted Sample Stream Measurement for Stable Analyte Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentration measurements of highly concentrated analytes, such as sodium chloride in brines, are corrupted by deposition on sensor surfaces, leading to inaccurate density measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dilution of the sample stream with a solvent stream to create a measured stream with analyte concentration below saturation, using Coriolis mass flow measuring devices and vibronic sensors to determine concentration values, maintaining a controlled dilution ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If density measurement with vibronic sensors is used for determining concentration of highly concentrated brines, then concentration measurement is suitable, but analyte deposits on sensor surfaces corrupting the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by diluting the highly concentrated sample stream with a solvent stream before measurement. This pre-dilution step reduces the analyte concentration below saturation levels, preventing deposition on sensor surfaces before the measurement process occurs. The dilution is performed using Coriolis mass flow measuring devices to ensure accurate control of the dilution ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solvent stream as an intermediary substance that mixes with the sample stream to reduce analyte concentration. This intermediary medium allows the measurement to proceed without direct contact between high-concentration analyte and sensor surfaces, eliminating the deposition problem while preserving measurement accuracy through controlled dilution.
2Measurement precision
If the sample stream is diluted to prevent deposition, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but additional equipment and process complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vibronic sensor serve multiple functions: it measures both the density of the diluted measured stream and, through calculation using the known dilution ratio, determines the concentration of the original undiluted sample stream. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement systems for diluted and undiluted streams, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by using Coriolis mass flow measuring devices to precisely control and monitor the dilution ratio. The system continuously adjusts the solvent stream flow rate to maintain a constant, predetermined dilution ratio, ensuring measurement accuracy while automating the dilution process to reduce operational complexity.
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
Prevents analyte deposition, ensuring accurate and stable concentration measurements by keeping the analyte in solution, enhancing measurement accuracy and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a density measured value for density of the measured stream is ascertained by means of a vibronic sensor based on at least one oscillation frequency of the vibronic sensor
Implementation Method 2
the dilution ratio is ascertained based on a mass flow rate measured value of the solvent stream and a mass flow rate measured value of the measured stream
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a concentration of an analyte in a sample stream containing the analyte and a solvent includes: preparing a measured stream by diluting the sample stream with a solvent stream; ascertaining a concentration of the analyte in the measured stream; and ascertaining the concentration of the analyte in the sample stream as a function of the measured stream concentration and a dilution ratio of sample stream and measured stream. An apparatus of the invention includes: a first Coriolis mass flow measuring device for measuring a solvent stream as a function of the sample stream for diluting the sample stream; a second Coriolis device for ascertaining a mass flow of the measured stream; a density measuring device for ascertaining a density of the measured stream; and a computing and operating unit for computing the concentration of the analyte in the sample stream.